[Sherman]

I did the CELTA program in Thailand. It is also highly recognized in Colombia. When I took the course, there were many professional teachers there from other countries like China and Vietnam who were taking CELTA because it was now required by their employers. If you are going to spend money on a course take the CELTA (unless you are doing it through a University). I basically got the CELTA to position myself in a University environment. I don’t really give a damn about the money since I make that other ways.

[BadWolf]

why are all the english teachers banned?

[Merenguero]

(12-04-2012 09:47 PM)BadWolf Wrote:  

why are all the english teachers banned?

One or more have been banned merely for being Dash Global. I suspect that this tallc4 person, who hasn't been banned, is also Dash Global, but there hasn't been any confirmation one way or the other.

[SKYFALL]

(12-04-2012 09:53 PM)Merenguero Wrote:  

One or more have been banned merely for being Dash Global. I suspect that this tallc4 person, who hasn't been banned, is also Dash Global, but there hasn't been any confirmation one way or the other.

Now why would I, or what DashGlobal, who pretty much knows everything about teaching ESL in Colombia ask about the difficulty of getting a University job in Bogota?!? Your not too bright are you Merenguero?

@Tallc4

To answer your question, there is no definitive answer. Many factors go into getting a University job.

1) Who you know? (Connections)
2) Timing / Luck

For a minimum though, generally speaking for Uni work, one needs a bachelors degree and some experience(1-2 years) in a school setting (colegios, unis, not esl academies)

To increase your chances of getting a job get a masters (MA TESOL or MA Egnglish) would be most beneficial. If not that, a CELTA would look good as well, although not as good.

So my advice to you is to go out and meet / network with people that work in Universities / Education field and apply to as many Universities as you can. Also if your serious about University ESL work than get an MA TESOL or MA English.

Oh one last thing I forgot to add. Will be easier to land a Uni job outside of Bogota than actually in Bogota.

Good luck

[Merenguero]

I'm in no way joking when I say this, but if I has kids, there is no way I would let them be within a mile of Dash Global. I really think he is that ill.

[MidWest]

How much weight does a college degree in Education carry compared to others? I would like to know because im currently in college working on an Education degree to be a teacher and if what people here say is true about living in a developing country on a Western salary, then I should look for work abroad after I graduate.

[presidentcarter]

(06-20-2013 10:16 AM)MidWest Wrote:  

How much weight does a college degree in Education carry compared to others? I would like to know because im currently in college working on an Education degree to be a teacher and if what people here say is true about living in a developing country on a Western salary, then I should look for work abroad after I graduate.

From what I've seen, not much unless it's a Masters.

The only way I see that helping is that it'll make the Celta a little easier for you since you'll be familiar with the grammar aspects. Otherwise, lesson planning, how to run a class, and how to explain concepts are all things that aren't encompassed by an English degree will be new to you, which is why it doesn't really matter and why you still need a Celta.

EDIT: sorry, read Education as English. Not sure about Education...but I still think the Masters rule applies.

[tomtud]

I am living proof living an expat life. Midwest, what will your "teachables" be? If you are qualified to teach math, chemistry, physics or biology it will help you get into better international schools sooner than having a history degree. If you have the latter, you will probably have to work in the Middle East, China etc before an international school in a country you want would consider you. Besides, it would be great experience.

Now this is an ESL thread so I don't want to change the theme into licensed teachers.

[MidWest]

(06-20-2013 10:25 AM)tomtud Wrote:  

I am living proof living an expat life. Midwest, what will your "teachables" be? If you are qualified to teach math, chemistry, physics or biology it will help you get into better international schools sooner than having a history degree. If you have the latter, you will probably have to work in the Middle East, China etc before an international school in a country you want would consider you. Besides, it would be great experience.

Now this is an ESL thread so I don't want to change the theme into licensed teachers.

Im doing Spanish/Secondary Education. I majored in it thinking it would be a good market for teachers in the US because of the growing number of Hispanics in the need for Spanish in the US. Boy I was wrong, but figured out now to just stick with it and then teach English abroad which is what I want to do anyway.

Im tired of the US, and will leave to teach English abroad as soon as I graduate. Probably in South Korea, Colombia, or Mexico. Thanks guys for the insight.

[Merenguero]

(06-20-2013 11:06 AM)MidWest Wrote:  

Im doing Spanish/Secondary Education. I majored in it thinking it would be a good market for teachers in the US because of the growing number of Hispanics in the need for Spanish in the US. Boy I was wrong, but figured out now to just stick with it and then teach English abroad which is what I want to do anyway.

I did the same thing and ended up becoming a lawyer. I don't want to hijack this thread, but there may be more of a demand for ESL teachers in high schools in the United States than there is for Spanish teachers. A friend of mine majored in something completely unrelated to education, Spanish, or ESL, but easily found a job as a high school ESL teacher and has been doing that for almost fifteen years. I have also been told that there is a demand for Spanish-speaking teachers for other subjects (i.e. math, history), due to the need to communicate with parents who only speak Spanish.

[tomtud]

Get the education degree before you venture out. It will allow you to charge more even for ESL.

[Foever Mirin]

Quote:

How much weight does a college degree in Education carry compared to others? I would like to know because im currently in college working on an Education degree to be a teacher and if what people here say is true about living in a developing country on a Western salary, then I should look for work abroad after I graduate.

I am the author of this thread and felt compelled to steer you in the right direction as some of the responses thus far have been lacking.

For starters when it comes to International Schools, being a licensed teacher means everything. All other degrees for the most part will be lumped together in relation to someone being able to teach ESL, which doesnt apply to you as you will have a teaching license and be employable by International Schools.

I don't really agree with Tomtud on the issue of you not being able to get a job in Colombia and having to teach in the Middle East. There is only a small handful of International Schools in Colombia which would fall under the tier 1 category (the best / elite schools in the country that are more picky when it comes to hiring ie generally need some experience and know some people) However, there are a ton of tier 2 and 3 schools in which you can certainly be hired at with zero experience.

Depending how far along you are in your degree (if your not far in I would switch it to another area and not do Spanish) I would suggest re-tooling your game plan.

For the most optimal employability, Id suggest switching your major to Technology / Computer Education. Or if you think you could handle it, Elementary Education (largest number of job openings each year). Then after you graduate look to do an add on certification / license in high school math (the most desirable license). You will need a year to study for this unless your really good with math to begin with.

If you are to far along in your program then go ahead and finish the Spanish Education degree look to add the high school math license after you graduate. Some states will simply let you take the test to get the license if you already hold an education degree and/or are licensed. You will need to google to see your best options.

The problem with a Spanish license is it is useless in Latin America and elsewhere most International Schools only have 1 Spanish teacher for the whole school, so openings are few and far between.

Now if you do decide to add on a High School Math license and will need to study, id imagine it would be quite difficult as a first year teacher at an International School trying to study for such a license. My advice would be to go to Korea after graduating and get an easy job at a hagwon which will allow you to study, travel, and save money for 1 year. (use your edu degree to get a slight bump in pay ie 2.3 or 2.4) Then once your year is up go take your licensing exam and plan to attend a International School Job Fair. I recommend the one held in Northern Iowa for a newb which is held at the beginning of Feb. You will probably have some time to kill, so use the money you made in Korea to go travel.

Once at the job fair id formulate this plan of attack as far as where to look for a job and in order of importance / acceptance.

1) Japan
2) Hong Kong
3) Singapore
4) Middle East

If you are licensed in secondary math you will be able to tutor students and near double your salary if you can manage to get enough students as math is very important and parents pay good money for advanced tutoring.

As for some last parting advice.

Live a minimalist lifestyle and save your money. Read up everything you can on Real Estate Investing (BiggerPockets.com & 123Flip.com) Look to parlay your money earned as a teacher into properties in the US to generate a semi passive income. Do this right and look to retire early.

Oh, and for your doctrine in the world of International Teaching visit this site

International School Review Forum ~ http://internationalschoolsreview.com/v-...b5ccc0b2a9

And if you plan to do a year teaching ESL in Korea use these sites

DavesESLCafe ~ eslcafe.com/forums/korea/

Waygook.org

Good luck.

[MidWest]

(06-20-2013 09:27 PM)Foever Mirin Wrote:  

Quote:

How much weight does a college degree in Education carry compared to others? I would like to know because im currently in college working on an Education degree to be a teacher and if what people here say is true about living in a developing country on a Western salary, then I should look for work abroad after I graduate.

I am the author of this thread and felt compelled to steer you in the right direction as some of the responses thus far have been lacking.

For starters when it comes to International Schools, being a licensed teacher means everything. All other degrees for the most part will be lumped together in relation to someone being able to teach ESL, which doesnt apply to you as you will have a teaching license and be employable by International Schools.

I don't really agree with Tomtud on the issue of you not being able to get a job in Colombia and having to teach in the Middle East. There is only a small handful of International Schools in Colombia which would fall under the tier 1 category (the best / elite schools in the country that are more picky when it comes to hiring ie generally need some experience and know some people) However, there are a ton of tier 2 and 3 schools in which you can certainly be hired at with zero experience.

Depending how far along you are in your degree (if your not far in I would switch it to another area and not do Spanish) I would suggest re-tooling your game plan.

For the most optimal employability, Id suggest switching your major to Technology / Computer Education. Or if you think you could handle it, Elementary Education (largest number of job openings each year). Then after you graduate look to do an add on certification / license in high school math (the most desirable license). You will need a year to study for this unless your really good with math to begin with.

If you are to far along in your program then go ahead and finish the Spanish Education degree look to add the high school math license after you graduate. Some states will simply let you take the test to get the license if you already hold an education degree and/or are licensed. You will need to google to see your best options.

The problem with a Spanish license is it is useless in Latin America and elsewhere most International Schools only have 1 Spanish teacher for the whole school, so openings are few and far between.

Now if you do decide to add on a High School Math license and will need to study, id imagine it would be quite difficult as a first year teacher at an International School trying to study for such a license. My advice would be to go to Korea after graduating and get an easy job at a hagwon which will allow you to study, travel, and save money for 1 year. (use your edu degree to get a slight bump in pay ie 2.3 or 2.4) Then once your year is up go take your licensing exam and plan to attend a International School Job Fair. I recommend the one held in Northern Iowa for a newb which is held at the beginning of Feb. You will probably have some time to kill, so use the money you made in Korea to go travel.

Once at the job fair id formulate this plan of attack as far as where to look for a job and in order of importance / acceptance.

1) Japan
2) Hong Kong
3) Singapore
4) Middle East

If you are licensed in secondary math you will be able to tutor students and near double your salary if you can manage to get enough students as math is very important and parents pay good money for advanced tutoring.

As for some last parting advice.

Live a minimalist lifestyle and save your money. Read up everything you can on Real Estate Investing (BiggerPockets.com & 123Flip.com) Look to parlay your money earned as a teacher into properties in the US to generate a semi passive income. Do this right and look to retire early.

Oh, and for your doctrine in the world of International Teaching visit this site

International School Review Forum ~ http://internationalschoolsreview.com/v-...b5ccc0b2a9

And if you plan to do a year teaching ESL in Korea use these sites

DavesESLCafe ~ eslcafe.com/forums/korea/

Waygook.org

Good luck.

Great, thanks man. Top notch advice here. Honestly I was thinking of doing the same thing. Earn a little bit of money, invest back home, travel , bang bitches and retire early, which is something ive been wanting to do for a while. I really appreciate it.