Academic English/International Schools

[daniel2602]

I start the final year of an English Literature degree next week. There is a good chance that I'll get a First. I also have 2-3 years experience within the publishing industry, as well as a stint editing content for travel sites.

After Graduation, I would like to go to Thailand, teach English and get myself settled into a nice, positive life. I know that getting a teaching job would be pretty easy (as long as I do a CELTA first, do the research, and, more than anything, show myself to be responsible and reliable).

However, I've been doing some thinking. If I want to teach as a career, I need to fulfill my potential. My initial thoughts go in two directions:

1) Teach at International Schools or Universities. What is the general requirement to take this path? Would I need an MA, maybe even a PGCE? And how many years experience?

2) Find a niche whereby I could specialise in teaching a certain type of English. My degree is in Literature, is there any chance of teaching Lit? Seems like a great way to boost students' confidence and skills.

2.ii) If Lit. proves impossible, I have the experience and skills to teach academic writing to a high level. This would be a particuarly useful skill for those students intending to come to England for MAs. I have also edited and written Business documents, brochures and websites. So, I think I could also teach Business English, particularly of the written variety.

Do either of these paths sound feasible? If so, what is the best way to undertake them? How do I get jobs at good Int'l Schools, and how would I teach Academic or Business English, even Creative Writing or Literature?

--Daniel

[kingwilly]

Gimmi a pm if you serious, start by educating yourself properly abt the job

[Orroz]

Two words come to mind - lower expectations

[setaputra]

Yes. Do a bit more research about Thai education. Use google and the forums and then maybe cahnge your objectives a little.

[Bobcock]

Teach at International Schools or Universities

I know that if someone with your lack of experience turned up at my kids school, I as a parent would object.

[awesome adjunct]

^

Bullshit.

All I know is what the bloke wrote, and from that it is obvious he is serious about teaching and wants to prepare. Why are you so negative?

I am not sure I would recommend a career in English teaching, but to each his own.

[madjbs]

If you are serious about teaching, get a PGCE.

Then you will be able to get proper teaching jobs at decent schools.

Note: A lot of advice and criticism you will get is from people with little to no education or training, stuck in very low standard institutions. They think they know everything about teaching, ignore them.

[daniel2602]

I appreciate the honest advice. Before I commit to a PGCE or an MA in EFL, I need to be sure that teaching English is the career for me. I have been advised that, after Graduation, it's best to take a year and think about your MA or further education.

So, this gives me a year to play with. Seemingly, working at Int'l schools during that year is out of the question. So, what IS the best way to spend the time? I'm pretty sure I should do a CELTA. Am I correct so far?

Then, I could either get a job in Asia (Thailand, Cambodia, 'Nam) and build up some experience. If I enjoyed my time, I could then come back to the Uk and get a PGCE or MA. Or, I could do some volunteer work, teaching English to orphans and the like. Which would look better on my C.V?

[daniel2602]

The academic writing idea seems a good one - to me anyway. Surely, the students intending to do Masters in UK or USA need serious help with writing English, for essays and notes. Am I mistaken in thinking this could be a good market?

[jandajoy]

If you are serious about teaching, get a PGCE.

Agreed.

[Dan]

It is a good market. I used to do this and if you're even half-way decent, you should be able to find work fairly easily. I last taught writing five-ish years ago so things may have changed but there was no shortage of work back then and I'd be surprised if things had changed much. However, I'd forget about literature. Even on a literature module for English majors at one of the better universities, I'd be surprised if more than a tiny minority of students were interested. As for the CELTA, you'd be able to get work without it but if you can afford it, do it; unless you're a natural, your lessons will be dreadful without the training.

[Dan]

If you are serious about teaching, get a PGCE.

Agreed.

In the long run, no doubt but there's no harm in doing a few years TEFLing first to get an idea whether or not he really wants to be a proper teacher.

[madjbs]

True, but there is hardly any comparison between teaching kids from all over the world at a first rate international school, and teaching English as a second language at a pretty low quality government school.

[hillbilly]

True, but there is hardly any comparison between teaching kids from all over the world at a first rate international school, and teaching English as a second language at a pretty low quality government school.

Sorta says it all really.

[jandajoy]

Sorry but to me CETLA = amateur vs PGCE = professional.