Hi,First time poster here, looking for some enlightenment!I have been working in esl for almost eight years, and have been employed by the same school in Guangzhou, China since 2006. I've come to the decision that this may well be my last year at this school and am starting to look at pastures new. My education isn't exactly stellar, my highest certificate is a BTEC in media studies from Chichester college and I do not posses any Tefl or equivalent. However I have been teaching for a long time, am very good at what I do IMHO and have strong references.I was curious if schools in Thailand (Bangkok in particular) would overlook my lack of certification is lieu of actual classroom experience. Thanks for all feedback in advance. Lex
Missle Command Champion!I don't know what a BTEC is, but if it is something equivalent to a BA degree, you should have no trouble in finding work in Bangkok without a TEFL. If you don't have the equivalent of a BA degree, you will have much more limited options in Bangkok. Of course, that is true with or without a TEFL.
Welcome G from China. If your BTEC is a BA, you won't have a problem. If not, your experience would bode very well away from the big cities.
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If you can't say something nice about someone, shut the f*k up
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A BTEC isn't an equivalent to a BA. It's a vocational/A level type qualification. I know this because I have one as well in Computer Studies.
Exactly. I only completed half of my HND in broadcasting which would have taken me to BA level, but in the end realised I wasn't getting what I wanted out of it. Is not having a proper degree a deal breaker do you think?
Not a deal breaker but it limits your options. You can still find work. A TEFL might increase your odds a little. Government schools require a BA, although I know a couple of people who have gotten jobs without one.
fred
it's not a deal-breaker but it can really limit your options. and really drive those already-unremarkable salaries on offer, down.Originally Posted by Gzlex
That's what I'm afraid of. I don't fancy working for less than 50k, especially if I'll have to pay for my accommodation as well. If I was to get the Tefl would it help offset the lack of BA or could I play off the BTEC as more important than it actually is (a tactic I have used in the past!) to get my foot in the door?
to get 50k you pretty much need to be in an Intl school. And then you should have a teachers certificate. even with a BA you probably won't make 50k.
30k is standard pay for most programs. A uni job will get you more but slim chance of getting one with out the BA.
In your case a TEFL will make you more competitve for a 30k job.
The tactic of talking up the BTEC plus your experience in China are your best bet.
To get more then 30 tho you will have to work privates.
Thanks for the advice. 30-40k+ pt's could be workable. Need to remember the pay scale/cost of living is far different in Thailand than china and should adjust my expectations accordingly.
A pipe dream without qualifications or contacts in Thailand sadly.
30k would be a pretty miserable lifestyle if working in Bangkok. It would be very respectable if working up country though. Good luck.
Do you have coke?
maybe you'd better reconsider Thailand, then. if your school has annual increases then you *might* get there but it won't be fast, and that's *with* a degree (in anything other than education, or an education degree without certification).
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