Completely Unmotivated

Cheers everyone - one of those weeks where everything went wrong ya know so ended on a downer on this lol I will keep going (even if it's just because I don't want to waste the money I paid to do this !! haha) I was thinking about doing an online degree, but really don't have the money or time to do it; and with going back to the UK there are then accommodation charges on top, so not really an option. But as I said, will keep going and hopefully find somewhere that takes my fancy and doesn't need the BA =D

Ta for the comments, advice and experiences peeps - I will get there (one day !!!) hahah ^^

oh, and hope the interview and all went well Jason =) 

Dear Kodokushi, don't get unmotivated but start digging information. I am sure I've read that some countries don't have requirements of a BA, not sure which ones but do check FAQs, I think there is some information over there. Good luck!!:)

I've worked in Ecuador and Spain without so much as an A level, although it is frustrating and there are many better paid jobs in Spain I can't get, still there is plenty of work available and also the private teaching option.  Ecuador was the perfect place to spend my first year and the more experience you clock up then the more places will accept you. It all depends on how much you want it... If you'd be just as happy doing other work, then do that.  It will be much easier if you learn a foreign language.

I don't do visa runs anymore. That's what I was doing when I arrived here. I had a triple-entry tourist visa which was valid for 6 months but you can extend every 60 days to get an extra 30 days and so forth. I bought a work permit when I was 3 weeks into my first job as I was worried etc. However I have discovered that many people don't have a work permit. Also I have a work permit, not a non-immigrant B visa. 

I don't understand why you are still doing visa runs if you have a valid work permit. That said, rather than holding a Government-issued work permit, I suspect that what you actually have is a Non-Immigrant 'B' Visa, which incidentally allows you to LOOK FOR work but not actually TO WORK.

I never said there was no risk, however most agencies, companies and schools don't even want to pay for the work permit. It's more money for them. I work with a lot of people with BA degrees who still haven't got a work permit and its a very common occurance in Thailand. It takes months to process for starters so what happens whilst you're waiting for one? I ended up buying my work permit myself as I too was also worried about the 'risks' - And yes, I managed to buy a work permit WITHOUT a BA degree. Anything is possible in Thailand with money, that's one thing I have learnt. I have been working with people who have been teaching in Thailand 10+ years without a work permit. 

@ Cassie: I think it's incredibly irresponsible to suggest to newbies that the "only" downside is the occasional visa run. In fact, the occasional visa run is the least of your problems if you get caught. The punishment for intentionally working illegally in Thailand is being fined, detained in prison while your deportation papers are processed, then being deported and banned from re-entry, possibly for good. A deportation stamp in your passport/on your file may see you being banned from entering other countries too. Obviously it's up to you if you want to take the chance, but please don't suggest to others that there is NO risk.

This is something that crossed my mind when I was becoming an EFL teacher because I only did 2 years of my degree and then dropped out due to health reasons. Therefore I was worried that I wouldn't be able to get a job.

I am not so clued up with other countries but having a BA degree in Thailand means you can get a work permit. That is pretty much the only reason you need one. I have been teaching in Thailand for 6 months now and when I was applying for jobs, I pretty much got a job offer from everywhere that I applied to. Young female EFL teachers are well sought after in Thailand so you wouldn't have a problem here.

The only downside? You have to do a visa run every now and then. Before I came to Thailand I purchased a triple-entry tourist visa from a Thai consulate in the the UK (just google Thai consulate and your city name and you'll probably find one that is near) The triple-entry tourist visa was valid for 6 months, howver I just needed to go to the border every 60 day. Anyways at the end of 60 days I just go to Thai Immigration, get it extended for an extra 30 days and then do a border run after that 30 days extra is over. Therefore I get 9 months instead of 6 months and its not all that bad once you get the hang of it. The way I see it is, it's my way of paying tax seeing as I don't get taxed from my wages! ;)

Some countries are pretty strict however I can tell you that Thailand most definitely are not! :)

Don't give up hun, follow your dream and if this is what you want to do, don't let anything stand in your way!

There are many schools in China that don't require a degree. The only catch is that you'll be working in a small town/city than a big city. I have a degree, but currently work at a school that does not require anything more than a TEFL and passport. Frankly this isn't the most appropriate, but many people working in China buy a fake degree online since no one actually verifies them.

:D @ Briona

Hi there,

The degree requirement has nothing to do with being a better English teacher. It's simply the easiest way for countries to prove that you have spent at least 16 years in full-time education. Unfortunately, this means that people with Mickey Mouse degrees and a questionable grasp of the English language get visas, while other possibly more worthy candidates don't simply because they don't have a degree.

However, that doesn't mean that there are no options for non-degree holders. In the first instance you might consider looking for work in countries you hadn't previously considered, e.g., Cambodia rather than Thailand. You could also invest in a better qualification, e.g., the CELTA or Trinity CertTESOL or i-to-i's EDI CertTEFL (and add-on to the course you're doing), which would make you more marketable. These qualifications would allow you to work in your own country, thus giving you some experience before moving abroad, which may give you the edge over someone with a degree and an online TEFL certificate. And talking of degrees, what's to stop you taking one, either in-person or online? If the degree's not an option, talk to some other non-degree holders to see how they cope. Get in touch with Alix (http://www.onlinetefl.com/tefl-chalkboard/alixm09) who hasn't let her lack of a degree hold her back.

Note that unless the degree is a visa requirement, as in South Korea for example, there will always be schools who will accept non-degree holders.

Briona

Thank you Heatherjo

Good luck!

I have to conduct a 30 min lesson ;)

I have my first full on Skype interview out in the back and beyond of Russia just north of Mongolia, and I'm buzzing with excitement. Also China are asking me to call whoopeee so fingers are crossed :D

I think you can work in South America without a degree.

I completely agree with you on this point as I'm without a degree, but don't despair. There are opportunities out there if you look hard enough and I think if you are stuck for inspiration you can call i-to-i who will be more than happy to offer sound advise. Also most people on the chalk board could help you out as well. You can do it honestly :-D