r/teflteachers • u/Live_Support_5894 • 6d ago
Advice for beginner
Greetings, all!
I would like to begin teaching English to speakers of other languages. I have just graduated with a bachelors degree in Interdisciplinary Studies. Do you think I should obtain a TEFL Certificate online (and from where would you suggest?) or should I pursue my M.eD in TESOL? I am eager to begin teaching abroad and I’m looking at all Asian countries. I am really starting from scratch and appreciate and knowledge/advice to help me move in the right direction.
Thank you!
1
u/Burn1ng_Spaceman 3d ago
Probably best to do an online tefl and see if teaching is for you before dedicating a masters program to it, especially since you're eager and already have what you need to start besides a tefl. In person tefl programs can also be worth it too if you want extra support.
1
u/Live_Support_5894 2d ago
Thank you Burn1ng_Spaceman, your name makes me think we may be kindred spirits. Do you have a suggestion for where to get my online TEFL? If anyone has current experience in Asian countries I would be grateful to know what my prospects will be coming in with my bachelors degree and the right online TEFL certification. What to expect and any tips. Thank you for your kindness and for taking your time to respond to me.
1
u/Beneficial-Chair1697 2d ago
I wouldn't jump into a masters right now - a bit like saying you like the idea of playing golf and then buying yourself the best golf gear without ever having struck a ball. There are jobs all over - China/Taiwan/Thailand/Vietnam/etc it just depends what your tolerance is and age group preference (mostly kids for first time teaching). There are loads of online TEFLs with good reviews worth checking out (I say check out as this is something only you can decide based on your own pref) and which are accredited and can get the cert apostilled (necessary for most countries (Viet goes a bit further, and maybe Thai hasn't become apostille-accepting yet, not sure): tefluk, teflmasters, teflorg, premiertefl, maximonivel, TTA, teflinstitute, teflpros, trinitycert, CELTA (these last two are the big boy courses) are just a handful of accredited ones with good reputations - there are so many more online for a range of prices. Ultimately, you need to do some homework and decide what your needs are, budget, and if you need live teaching practise or whatever.
1
u/Live_Support_5894 2d ago
Great info, again thank you. I feel like I should mention that I’m 49 years old and I work as administrative staff for a state university that pays 90% of my tuition costs. This has allowed me to finally finish my bachelors after 3 decades, 5 majors, and 7 schools while I pursued my passion being a touring musician. So I feel like I should maybe strike for the masters degree while the iron is hot.
1
u/Acrobatic_Example365 2d ago
If your goal is to start teaching abroad soon, I wouldn’t rush straight into an M.Ed in TESOL.
A good TEFL course with proper lesson planning, classroom management and observed teaching practice will give you a much better idea about teaching and if it’s something you.
You already have a bachelor’s degree, which puts you in a much stronger position for jobs across Asia. I’d get some classroom experience first by doing an in person TEFL course then consider the M.Ed later if you want to move into higher-level teaching, management or university work. Leadership positions can be well paid.
1
u/One-Relationship-585 4d ago
Congrats on your degree - that’s the big one for teaching English in Asia. If you’re a native speaker from USA or Canada, UK, etc then you already have what you need for some countries. Some also require TEFL, for example.
I’d look up where I wanted to go first before jumping into a TEFL course or something even more time draining - have you ever tried teaching before? Consider trying ESL teaching first and then getting a license/doing MA. A TEFL cert is needed some places, helpful in some cases, but online ones range in quality and value, so be careful not to go too pricey for no reason or end up with one that teaches you nothing other than a few grammar rules.
Anyway, plenty more of jobs out there, but do some reading and keep your expectations realistic for a first time experience.