Should I still get a tesol certificate if I already have a bachelor's degree?

Question

I want to teach english in China. There are many jobs that do not require a teaching certificate (only a bachelor's degree). So should I go for the tesol or should I save my money?

Answer 1

Save your money. It would be wasted if you don't see personal development as a vital investment.

Answer 2

Dear Dan,
I used to be a moderator on Dave's ESL Cafe and I taught overseas (in Iran, Saudi Arabia and Indonesia) for over 22 years.
The China market for EFL is still "wild west", so to speak. Unless you're going to be teaching at a university, they'll hire almost anyone who's a "native speaker", and many don't require even a BA.
But, of course, the pay's pretty bad - oh, not so much compared to what many Chinese make, but you won't be able to save much. The Middle East is the place where you can make a decent salary, but to get a good job there, you'd need an MA in TESOL. Having just a "certificate" won't do you any good there.
So, it all depends on what your future plans are - but in most places, a TESOL certificate won't add much, if anything, to your resume. China's no exception - the really good jobs require MAs in TESOL while the other jobs, well, it doesn't make any difference whether you have one or not, 99.9% of the time.
My personal opinion is that the certificates are almost always a waste of time and money. Either go (eventually) for an MA or just stay with what you have.
Best of luck - I loved my time overseas and hope you have the same experience.

Answer 3

You'll be better placed to get a job when you come back to UK (or possibly go elsewhere) if you already have the TESOL qualification. On the other hand, you'll find out in China if you really like the work, and wish to pursue it as a career. You could then do the TESOL cert later. The timing depends on the other things driving you and attracting you right now. Of course, fees are always going up, and it may be more expensive to do it later on.

Answer 4

Hey Dan - check out www.eslcafe.com and www.transitionsabroad.com - two of the largest and most comprehensive overseas teaching websites. On eslcafe.com there are many job forums, resume boards for jobs wanted and offered, huge teacher forums for almost every country. I would suggest that you post your questions on there, directly on the China forum and you will get first hand advice from people already there and knowledgeable specifically about the Chinese market. Good luck.

Answer 5

you will prob want the degree someday........ but you may feel spoiled after teaching over there and not need to teach in the us ever.

flip a coin might not need it- depends on how fast you feel you need to get out and go to china. i think its worth the money but it can wait.

Answer 6

Pray about what you should do.
Some places offer you more $ if you have the TESOL.

Have a wonderful time in China.

Answer 7

Learn to spell and check your work first.