i-to-i, is it sufficient?

[Dexter Jambles]

Hi guys,

I came across this website about a month ago & have been reading an amazing amount of information on a wide variety of issues that I previously found very confusing. The comments of forum members are always helpful & insightful & I ask you extend your experiences to help me in my situation. Despite reading many previous posts regarding required qualifications, education levels, etc., I notice the common response is, "it depends on your situation". So here's mine!

I have decided that I wish to work overseas for 2+ years commencing between March-May 2008 with the intention of experiencing differing cultures. I have a number of friends who deal with international students here in Australia and it is through their advice that I'm inclined to teach english to sustain my adventurous aspirations. I have lived with many international students living in Oz & have taken this opportunity to try & teach (read: correct) them english whenever required.

I'm 25yo, have a 3yr Bachelor of Arts degree (majoring in Political Sciene & Public Policy), and have worked in a government organisation for the last 4yrs. In this employment I have trained staff in various technical and procedural issues & I also visit clients in a liaison role. This has enabled me to build the skills to train both individuals & small groups of poeple with various education levels, however this has all been in the corporate environment. I have no experience in teaching in a classroom environment nor with teaching kids.

I have not studied english since grade 10 but have a good writing capacity. However, I don't know the concepts of injunctions, pronouns, etc. as I have not studied grammer for 10 years so I need to learn the concepts all over again.

I have looked into doing a CELTA but get the impression this is more for those leaning towards a career in teaching. At this point in time I'm looking at teaching english as a temporary measure (but hoping that I enjoy it so much that I'll look to make it a career) so a TEFL certification may be more suitable.

From peoples' feedback in this forum I think i-to-i is the way to go. I'm looking at doing the Weekend TEFL plus course (2-day course + the 20hr online grammer module). What i'm concerned about is whether this sole course will give me enough preparation to then be able to competently teach english given my lack of exposure to grammatical concepts for so long. Obviously, this will depend on my learning ability, but let's assume I'm a quick learner, can anyone comment whether this i-to-i course will be sufficient? Or what would you recommend if you were in my situation?

I guess my next question is that should I complete this i-to-i course will my qualifications (i.e. 3yr degree, TEFL certificate, corporate experience) put me in good stead to get a better teaching position in Korea or Japan?

Thanks in advance for any advice you can give. I really appreciate it. Especially if you persisted until the end of this rant!

[Dexter Jambles]

I also noticed from the AAC Teaching Korea webpage (http://www.aacircle.com.au/teach-in-korea.htm) that jobs exist in Government / private research centres. Has any one had any experience with this or knows how to attain this type of work?

It may well be up my alley given my prior experience...

[english grammar man]

Yep, you sure like to rant, but hey, that's cool. At least you described your situation clearly and in easy to read sentences. Nothing worse than reading posts that aren't proofread.

Ok... where to start. The grammar! Really, you do not need to know the complexities of linguistics, reflexives, irregular verbs and so on. With ESL teaching, the focus is on communication. If something sounds wrong, then you will know and can advise the students accordingly. Unless you plan to teach in a University or even English to native English speakers, then a deep and thorough understanding of English grammar and use is not required.

A TEFL course of some sort would be great seeing you have no previous classroom teaching experience. In your resume, do highlight the fact that you have taught fellow colleagues in the office.

Don't fret too much as schools who hire first time teachers, do tend to train them somewhat before. But don't expect too much training though. Most likely you will just have the opportunity to sit in a few classes with existing teachers to observe.

As to Government / Private Research centres, this is possible and there is quite a bit of this type of work around. It would most likely be part-time teaching though where you go to the different company classes in the evenings.

1. 1st step would be to get yourself a TEFL certificate.
2. 2nd step to choose the country you want to teach in.
3. 3rd step, apply for teaching jobs in that country.

Hope this info helps and good luck!

[Dexter Jambles]

Thanks EGM. I guess you confirmed what I was thinking - basically all the qualifications are there, all that's required is taking the plunge! Japan will be my desitination.

Has anyone else here had little/no teaching experience or training and taught after having done the i-to-i course? Any comments?

[Billy]

You just need to take the plunge.

Many first time teachers do head abroad each year to teach even without a TEFL certificate. So holding such a certificate, is only going to make your job easier.

Just be sure to have a minimum Bachelor's degree though.

[callala]

I have looked into doing a CELTA but get the impression this is more for those leaning towards a career in teaching.