Work with two-year associate's (AA) degree and tefl or tesol?

[Indiana]

You can get a legal teaching job with either:

1) Associates Degree + TEFL cert.
2) Bachelors Degree

So, yes, you can teach here legally.

[Mikaiei]

Thank you

I feel very relieved

[Jonathan McDougall]

Hello,

I apologize if this topic has already been discussed in detail. I've seen posts about online TEFL, but not one that covers my specific situation.

I am interested to teach English in Taiwan, but only if I can do it legally.

My problem is that I don't have a degree, I have a two year diploma in Recording Engineering, plus a 1-year graduate diploma in Digital Applications. Both are from Fanshawe College in Canada. I'm not 100% sure, but I believe this would be considered the equivalent of an "Associate Degree" under the American system, not a Bachelor's.

I have read that Associate Degree holders must have a TEFL or TESOL certificate to teach in Taiwan legally. In fact, an old school friend with the same diplomas that I have, he was able to teach in Taiwan legally with his diplomas and a TESOL he got many years ago.

So I am considering taking a TEFL course online. My questions are:

1. From the government's perspective, is an online TEFL course OK to legally get an ARC?
2. Are there any things to consider when selecting an online TEFL? For example, a particular type of accreditation or a certain number of hours?

Right now I am living in Tokyo. I have considered asking the consulate here if they can give any more guidance on the topic. But I was hoping perhaps someone here might have some insight.

Thanks!

[barfomcgee]

I'm afraid I can't answer your questions... But it seems like an online TEFL would be pretty worthless. Why not take a month and get a CELTA? The CELTA is recognized internationally. I obtained mine in Bangkok, US$1,400 at ECC (eccthai.com).

It is possible to get a work permit/ARC with an AA + TEFL; I have done so myself. However, because I didn't have a Bachelor's I went with the CELTA, as it is the best as far as TEFLs go.

I think most people here will advise you to finish your Bachelor's before you come. If you don't, I would suggest that you at least get a proper TEFL/CELTA from a reputable school, not online.

[ord2tpe2011]

I'm hoping someone is still reading this and can answer my question. In order to procure a work permit, will I be required to provide my transcipts along with my associate's degee and in class T.E.F.L.?

I'm a member of the two year honor society, but received my only "C" in math. I hope this will not disqualify me from teaching since I received exemplary grades in all other subjects.

I just want to experience another culture for a few years before I complete my bachelor's in art history.

I appreciate any links to gov't sites as well.

Thank you!!!!!!!!

[diplomacyx]

Hi,

I'm currently working towards earning myb achelor's degree via SUNY's online program, however, I'm aware that the Taiwanese Government generally doesn't accept online degrees.

I do however have an associates degree(well two actually) from a brick-and-mortar SUNY Community College, and I've heard with an associates + TEFL I can teach at a cram school. I also have some experience teaching English(I volunteer at the local literacy center, teaching immigrants.)

Now, I'm aware that online TEFL programs probably don't offer much in terms of actual learning, however, are any of them considered valid for teaching in Taiwan? For instance I-to-Is? I figure I already have some practical experience teaching English, and can learn the rest as I go. I just need something that will certify me so I can enter the Country legally for work.

Also, does the type of associates degree matter? I have both an AS and AAS.

Thanks.

[horo36]

You don't need any paper to teach here. Provided you are white, it should be fairly easy. That's the reality.
Legal work is for English native speakers, i.e. passport holders from countries, where English is the main language.

If you don't hold such a passport, then you need a degree in any field (B.A. - doesn't count in this situation, it must be at least M.A.) and you can find a nice job at the university.
Of course there may be many exemptions, depending what your field is.

[funkymonkey]

You don't need any paper to teach here.

This is just so painfully wrong...

You need a passport from an English speaking country (U.S., Canada, U.K., Australia, South Africa, etc.) and a B.A. An AA + TESOL is also accepted.

[diplomacyx]

You say an AA, will an AS or an AAS work?

[tomthorne]

Science or arts makes no difference with a full bachelor's degree, so the same will be true with a 2 year associate's diploma. Keep in mind that some small independent schools won't understand what you are asking for if you apply for a job with them. The big chains like HESS will.