Bachelor requirement for TEFL?

[sealslayer19]

Hi, I'm quite new here. I'm currently studying at York University towards an Bachelor of Arts degree, but recently discovered the TEFL certification. I'm just wondering how helpful would a BA degree help if I wanted to find work in China with TEFL certification. I am really hating my program and really don't want to waste more time and money at York (I am only a first year student). Thanks.

[gfell]

Many countries will need a Bachelor degree in order to get your work visa issued. China is more relaxed and so is Taiwan. In Taiwan, a Diploma along with TEFL certificate would suffice.

Whilst you may not like your course, I suggest sticking it thru or changing to a more enjoyable course. It will keep so many doors open for you in the future. I probably sound like your parents now...

[sealslayer19]

Haha, ya that's exactly what my parents said. Either way, I am really attracted by TEFL, and since my most probable destination is China, my homeland, to me, this is a dream career.

I do have one more question though. For TEFL job hunting in China, is getting a CELTA certification required or well other TEFL programs suffice, such as online courses from i-to-i?

[gfell]

i-to-i doesn't offer a CELTA, only a TEFL. There is a difference, and a CELTA carries more weight. If you have a Bachelor degree, you don't require any of these certificates, though they will help with the job hunt.

No CELTA / TEFL, no degree = no chance.

[sealslayer19]

So if I get CELTA, my chances of employment should go up, over TEFL? And I am still hoping to find a job with a CELTA or TEFL certification as soon as possible. Almost all my relatives are back in China, I would really love to go back as soon as possible. In any case, my original question was really how are my chances at finding work in China with only a TEFL/CELTA certificate?

Oh, and I notice that many of the job postings require previous teaching experience. I'm now wondering how to find my first job even after getting a certification.

There is one company called TEFL International that interests me. Any input on them would be really appreciated.

By the way, I really appreciate your input, gfell. Thanks a lot!

[gfell]

Definitely CELTA is better than TEFL.

[waixingren]

You can definitely get a TEFL without a university degree, but as gfell has said it doesn't really mean anything. From my experience in China, you can get away without having either, but they're trying to crack down on that--technically you're supposed to have a university degree to obtain a foreign experts certificate. A TEFL or CELTA really doesn't help a whole lot while applying for jobs here--only the better schools will care. The only thing it might do is give you more confidence and slight advantage when negotiating a contract.