Am I being realistic?
Posted: 06 Mar 2018, 22:22
Hi. I'm after some feedback please from those who're already working in TEFL. I'm in my mid 40s, I've spent 20+ years working as a journalist / writer mostly at a national level, I've gained a Level 4 PTTLS qualification (basic teacher training for further education), and I've amassed 1200+ hours' classroom experience (working with adult learners). I'm passionate about the English language and helping others, however on the downside I don't have a degree (I never bothered) and I'm not in a position where I can take four weeks off work to study a Celta or Tesol course (which I understand are the two main starter qualifications).
In two years' time, my plan is to go travelling for 12 / 18 months in both Europe and South America, and to gain a TEFL qualification in advance in the UK that is recognised in both regions (or at least one or the other) with a view to picking up bits of work along the way (I'm thinking more for the experience than for the money at this stage). Am I being realistic? Is there a genuine qualification that is perhaps halfway between a Celta / Tesol gold standard and the bargain basement online study courses that are two a penny? Will my existing career / PTLLS qualification / teaching experience count for anything overseas? Will my lack of degree work against me (I'm guessing more so in Europe), even though I've enjoyed a long career in a professional field?
Many thanks in advance, Mike.
In two years' time, my plan is to go travelling for 12 / 18 months in both Europe and South America, and to gain a TEFL qualification in advance in the UK that is recognised in both regions (or at least one or the other) with a view to picking up bits of work along the way (I'm thinking more for the experience than for the money at this stage). Am I being realistic? Is there a genuine qualification that is perhaps halfway between a Celta / Tesol gold standard and the bargain basement online study courses that are two a penny? Will my existing career / PTLLS qualification / teaching experience count for anything overseas? Will my lack of degree work against me (I'm guessing more so in Europe), even though I've enjoyed a long career in a professional field?
Many thanks in advance, Mike.