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Tell me more about english teaching certificates please...

I have a degree in Computer science...yet teh requirements for ESL specifically want someone with degrees in areas like TESOL, Linguistics, Psychology, English, Elementary/Secondary or Bilingual Education.

I've heard mention of tehse 1 month teaching courses...can someone shed some light in this? I'd like to know what level of merit this will have at the Colombia teaching centers.

By mad_lion on Nov 15, 2004, 06:37 in Friendly Talkzone.

cremaster says on Nov 15, 2004, 08:01:

try asking at:

www.eslcafe.com

it's THE site for everything ESL related

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emilyh says on Nov 15, 2004, 13:56:

Teaching I had the same sort of questions a while ago. When I was in Colombia last year, I didn't have a TESL certificate and hadn't yet finished my (business) degree. I did however get in contact with a school in Cali who were willing to take me as a teacher and train me up, although they would have preferred that I did actually do the TESL or CELTA certificate. You can do the CELTA I believe at the British Council, Bogota and it takes approximately a month.

As it happened I ended up going home and not doing either. Now I am completing my degree (final exam Monday!!) and recently did the TESL course here. It only took a week worth of classes with the rest made up in online components, nd was considerably cheaper than doing it in Bogota.

Now from what I have understood it should be quite easy for me to get a job teaching English in Colombia. As with anything it is supply and demand. Maybe if you were in Bogota were they may be used to a higher amount of Native English speaking teachers then you might need to have a degree and the Cert. On the other hand, I was pretty much ofered a job with neither in Cali. From a post a few months ago now, it sounds as though it is fairly hard to find any jobs in Medellin.

I don't think you need an actual linguistics degree or anything like that, I would be suprised if they check that you have a degree in a lot of places. Usually requirements like that are for countries in Europe, the Middle East and Japan...well established markets.

Finally, I would recommend that you complete a TESL or CELTA certificate. I found it really worthwhile.

I hope this rambling story helps you out a little!

Em :)

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mad_lion says on Nov 15, 2004, 15:06:

Thanks guys! On average, what would the starting salary for an English teacher be in Colombia?

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emilyh says on Nov 15, 2004, 17:36:

node 2701 Goes through heaps of info on teaching english and pay and things, or else just search teaching English at the top!
There is loads of information!

Good Luck, Em :)

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