ESL Jobs Forum

[janetnewenham]

Hello,
I have just done a TEFL course and finished my degree although I don't graduate until November. I would like to head away the end of August to SE Asia for a year teaching.

I have taught in South Africa for a year when I was 18, spent 2 months in Kenya and 2 summers working in language schools here in Ireland...

so does anyone know of any jobs or organisation in any SE Asian country where I could find a job without having my degree??

Cheers!

[JamesAtRealize]

Part of the requirements in Japan for a work visa is to have a bachelors.

You can get around it if you can show you have sufficient experience in your field, but I haven't found anything precise on how much sufficient is.
_________________
マンツーマン 英会話 神戸 三宮 リアライズ - James

[raelianautopsy]

I have a friend who worked in Thailand without a bachelor's, didn't seem to be a problem. I have another friend who worked in Taiwan, and he got kicked out apparently.

In China lots of teachers do not have bachelors, and have proper work visas. Its kind of a grey area in the vagueness that is the People's Republic.

You may not get the best job, but some ESL job or another is almost guaranteed. With experience you should do alright. I have heard some provinces don't require it, but in Guangdong province next to Hong Kong (cities Shenzhen, Guangzhou), it is very common for people to work without work visas because you can get a visa from a travel agency in Hong Kong quite easily. Schools don't care and they'll hire you anyways, and although it is a hassle it works out well enough if you are willing to do like this. I have been getting visas in Hong Kong to stay in mainland China for over two years.

[raelianautopsy]

@ James: Do you have any other information about 'sufficient experience' as for ESL? I know you said you haven't found anything precise, but if you've ever heard of anyone getting around this in Japan, I am quite curious to find out more about that...

[JamesAtRealize]

[GlennWickins]

It is true that there are a lot of opportunities to teach in Thailand without a degree and I agree that you will get the lower paid jobs because a degree is a requirement of your teacher's license and therefore your VISA.

If you are looking to work here until you graduate should be no problem, you'll make enough to survive but not enough to save money. If you are looking to just survive, Thailand is the place for private lessons to keep you going.

Hope this helps. . http://glennwickins.blogspot.com

[mchickelero]

I am very interested in an ESL job in Thailand. Although I have never applied for a Degree I have completed enough credit hours(274 credit hours with a GPA of 3.9) for a Masters Degree in Education.( Although I had not applied for or recieved my Bachelors Degree the head of the Education Department at the school I studied in allowed me to take higher level courses because I was working as Director of Bilingual Education at a private Christian instution and needed the courses in order to function effectively at my job)
I would like to know if someone in my situation would be permited to fill an ESL Instructor position.

[mchickelero]

I forgot to mention in my previous post that I have spent a considerable amount of time in Thailand over the years and am comfortable with the culture and customs of the people.

[St. George]

You need to get some evidence of your studies, from the college, to prove your level of education and you should have no problems landing a positiojn.

St. G