I was extremely delighted to finally get my studies off to a flying start with the new online TEFL course about 20 days ago. A real dream come true, this.

However, as fillers between modules, I tried planning ahead for 2010 jobs and discovered there were tons of opportunities out there to TEFL.

But I noticed also that many of these schools preferred native-English or EU/American nationals and most talked of 120 hours of classwork.

What happens to people like me, with a passion to teach and no opportunity for physical classwork (I live in Nigeria, and am Nigerian). What plans are there for 100 Hours online TEFL-ers? Can I, for instance teach online too, and get paid?

I-to-I. and other TEFLers, please lets have your revered thoughts on this.

Hiya,

Often schools will put certain things in their adverts (like native English speaker) but will be willing to negotiate on it. Your best bet might be approaching schools individually. Where are you thinking of teaching? If you're thinking of becoming a EFL teacher outside of Nigeria you might want to get some experience of teaching while you're still at home - I'm sure there are plenty of people out there who are keen to improve their English! It'll then give you some extra experience to add to your resume which should stand out for employers.

What does everyone else think?

Hi,

I live in the Uk so you might say it's easy for me, but actually I've changed my career and started from scratch several times already, and I'd agree that experience will win over qualifications in most cases. It can be a bit harder to get past the CV stage, so the more you can put on it the better, volunteer if you can't find work. Soon you will find that you are talking the right talk in interviews and this is because, now, you know what you are doing, and your passion will show through.

Good luck

Alix 

Thanks all,

I have got considerable experience in freelance teaching of business communication skills, and also have a degree in psychology.

I'm 44 and a proud (lol) owner of  the teaching reflex as i have had to do tool box talks and S.T.A.R.T. talks when I was a safety inspector on a heavy construction project  for 5 yrs, four years ago.  All things are done in English here in Nigeria. 

I know teaching English is a different ball game as the focus is narrowed 2 more technical aspects of teaching. But I'm undaunted and good to go.

If it's about life experience. I have the reflex to impart knowledge on people.

Come to think of it, there should be some sort of reward or points in the online course, for life experience.

Thanks for your thoughts anyway.

Rgds

Sounds to me like you're over qualified! I should think you'll be fine, if a school picks a new teacher over you just because they're British or American, well, its their loss.

Best regards

Alix

Seriously don't worry about it, apply for the jobs anyway. have you tried Daves ESL Cafe's job board? Give that a shot there are copius amounts of jobs on there and a lot of them are via agencies, fear not the agenices mearly act as a go between to set up the interview, after that your on your own with the school so even if the job you apply for is adament they want XYZ the agency can probably suggest something else in the same country.

Also as you have a degree that is a very big plus, many countries NOT schools require a degree for visa purposes and usually the school doesn't mind as long as you have TEFL or experience, believe it or not many schools prefer you to not have experience (unless appling for senior positions) as it allows them to mould you into their teaching methods.

Good luck with the job hunt and the rest of your TEFL course, if you're doing the 120hr you can get a placement via i-to-i and if not already check out http://www.eslcafe.com/joblist it's the number one place for jobs, and it is always up to date!

Daves is also useful for resources!

Thanks Bob. Dat was very encouraging. The highest available online course I saw is what I'm currently doing, and its 100 Hrs!

Well if you speak to i-to-i they have a placement service available, not sure if you have to pay as I had it included with my weekend course, which was 100hrs online + 20hrs live teaching. The service for that was great, I just said where I wanted to work and they made the arrangements to get me an interview, However I would say if they ask you to pay then just go alone as you will easily find work, it's just if the option is there then give it a shot! Where do you want to work?

I'd prefer Japan or China/Hong Kong

No worries there then, Fewer jobs in Hong Kong, although there are some if your timing is right but China and Japan have thousands of jobs, China is the largest employer of ESL teachers in the world and Japan is probably the highest paying although the cost of living is higher. If you are able to negotiate an apartment or rent allowance into your contract in Japan then you will be well away!

Thanks again Bob, dats cool to know...Japan or China then.