TEFL/TESL/Degree or a combination?

[40721752]

Hey guys, I finish my BA in Media and Cultural Studies at the end of this year and am planning on taking a year off to get away and work in a foreign speaking country for a holiday - I've travelled to Japan a few times and have fallen for it, so am trying to set up work as a ski instructor over the ski season then a full time teaching job for 6 months to a year in Tokyo where a friend lives..

I understand that i do not NEED any further qualifications other than my degree when applying for positions but does it work in my favor to engage in a TEFL or TESL course before i apply? Will i be viewed highly for having both qualifications?

Once again i think it must be pointed out how effectively this site is run, i also have had most of my questions answered by reading through other posts and everything I need - links, contact information etc, is all in the one site! Thankyou, makes it heaps easier!

[gfell]

Glad you like the site 40721752! I'm always trying to bring relevant info to the table.

Yep, Japan sure is a great country. Have had some friends work part-time as a ski-instructor during the season. Actually, I think they were more playing the role of helping out customers on the lifts etc. rather than teaching the fundamentals of skiing.

I think though you have it the wrong way around. You should first come to Japan as an English teacher, establish your base, get a feel for things, and the following year take time off to work in the ski resorts.

Definitely a TEFL certificate will help you get the creamier jobs. I would just start with an online TEFL course by i-to-i or ICAL etc. That will already place you one notch above the rest.

Let me know how you go and I hope all pans out well for you.

Thanks again for your kind comments on the site.

Cheers.