[Kazbo]

Hey all,

Does anyone know if I would need to do a TEFL type course to teach English here if I already have a Bachelors in Modern Languages (Russian and French)? I am English so a Native Speaker.

I'm thinking of more part-time tutoring/conversational work than full-time teaching in schools but I would welcome any advice on which would be easier to obtain a visa with as that's the main objective.

Thanks!

[sunniefaith]

You'll need to get a job so that your company can sponsor you to get your visa. That's more important than getting a TEFL.

[carang]

assuming that you have a dependent visa, then i would say, no. you do not need a TEFL or equiv. You should have some kind of experience or one of the certs.

I don't have any certs. I have a degree in history/political science. I've been teaching/tutoring here for over a decade. HOWEVER, I now have 12+ years experience. In many ways, I think that I'm far better off having that, than I would be with just a cert.

Good luck!

[Kazbo]

No - I don't have a dependent's visa - I need an employment visa, which is why I am trying teaching. I was told it was relatively easy to get sponsored if you are a Native Speaker vs other jobs?

Also, I don't really have teaching experience (a couple of months as a teaching assistant as part of my degree)... So do you think I am better off getting a TEFL to ensure I get the job offer and hence sponsorship for a visa?

Thanks for your help both of you.

[sunniefaith]

If you're seriously about getting the TEFL cert, you might be better off doing either a CELTA which is by Cambridge or Trinity CertTesol. These 2 certs are highly sought after. I don't have either but I do have a teaching postgrad diploma and I work in a local sch as a net. Have a look at edb's website http://www.edb.gov.hk

[Kazbo]

Thanks a lot sunniefaith - that's very helpful.

Do you jappen to know if it's possible to get sponsored for a visa teaching adults/children in a private international school part-time? Or is this the most likely way to get an employment visa teaching English?

[sunniefaith]

Originally Posted by Kazbo

Thanks a lot sunniefaith - that's very helpful.

Do you jappen to know if it's possible to get sponsored for a visa teaching adults/children in a private international school part-time? Or is this the most likely way to get an employment visa teaching English?

I don't think immigration gives out working visa for part time jobs. But this is only my opinion. I don't know anyone who works part time and got a visa for that.

[carang]

without a cert or experience, it will be quite difficult to get sponsorship for a visa. there are already many people here that don't need sponsorship to work.

this was not the case 12 years ago when i arrived, then it was quite easy.

good luck to you, i have the feeling that you're going to need it!

[Kazbo]

Happy to get a cert - can't do much about the experience... The thing I have experience in (family therapy) is proving even harder to get a visa in - why is it so hard to find work here without doing it illegally??

By the way, given that the school year has started, does this mean that there will be no NET vacancies till next year in schools?

[sunniefaith]

There's always schools out there that are looking for a net. Some nets leave within 2 months of arriving.