Hoops And Which Ones To Jump Through.

[Hollywood13]

Few questions...

Approximately one year from now (give or take a few months) I will have completed my bachelor's degree in TEFL. Currently I'm planning on taking a CELTA course upon completion of my degree, but I'm not even sure that's required. Does having a bachelor's degree in TEFL exempt me from having to take a CELTA/TEFL course? Sorry if that's a dumb question, but after 4 years of college, it surprises me that a one month course in the same subject area I majored in would be required. Or maybe it shouldn't surprise me due to how things are run in Thailand? 555

After acquiring the CELTA certification (provided it is required) what is my next step? The Thai Cultural course? Is the TC course a one-time thing? Does that certificate ever expire?

After acquiring the TC certificate (provided it is required) what is my next step? I'm guessing it would be the Teaching Certification, but am unsure. Does the Teaching Certification ever expire?

After acquiring the Teaching Certification, what is my next step? Can I then, finally, apply for a teaching job or is there another hoop I must jump through first?

I'm aware there's a waiver allowing a teacher to work prior to acquiring the Teaching Certification, but I'd rather just go ahead and get the certification prior to working...just seems easier rather than having to apply for a waiver and then go through the process of getting the certification.

I'm at a point in my studies where if I want to minor in a particular area, I can do so. Any suggestions in what would look favorably on a resume were I to minor in a particular subject? Or does it not really matter?

Edited January 28, 2011 by Shivers

[Scott]

There are some threads on the forum that may be of interest to you:

and:

These are quite long threads, so you might want to take a look at some of the more recent posts.

If you have a degree, you should have little trouble in finding work and in complying with current regulations. If you come to Thailand, usually, you find a job and they supply you with the paperwork for the non-immigrant visa and then apply for the Teacher's License (TL) and Work Permit. In your case, you will have to get a waiver for the TL, which the school should know about. You then start teaching....OK, usually you start and then they do the paperwork. At some point you will have to take the Thai Cultural class. This is a 20 hour class and is offered periodically over a weekend. It's not difficult and attendance is the criteria for passing--at least I am pretty sure, since I know a couple of idiots who passed it and they can't pass gas.

I don't know who or when they are going to want to see the Cultural certificate, but someone will, either the Teacher's Council or Immigration, or both. It very much depends on factors outside your control. So, do get it taken care of as soon as possible.

You do not need to take a CELTA or anything else although if you plan on going anywhere other than Thailand it might be helpful.

All of this information is relevant to 'regular' Ministry of Education formal sector schools. If you work at a University or a Language school, then the rules change (less strict, I believe).

So, have a look at the other forums and once your thoroughly confused, feel free to post here. Hopefully other posters will come along with some advice. Please understand that there is not uniform application of the rules, so some information may be contradictory, but may not be wrong.

[Phatcharanan]

Scott has it about right.

The CELTA would not be required if you have the degree in TEFL although some Thai managed schools may have difficulty recognising it as a better qualification.

Everyone ends up doing the Thai Culture course. The TCT though have now instructed training establishments to offer the course over 3 days and not 2 as was previously being done. (Something to do with fitting the required 20 hours in). However, whether it is universally applied is another matter.

I don't believe that you will get a TL anytime soon. Definitely the 2 year waiver though and as already pointed out, the requirements to teach at Uni are actually less strict.

Good luck in any event

[Hollywood13]

Thanks for the links...I'll read both threads.

Nice to know a CELTA/TEFL course won't be required...will save time and money.

I figured I'd just do the Cultural course prior to getting a job, but if it can be done in a weekend, I suppose it doesn't matter if I start work first. I have no desire to work without being properly certified, so I will complete the course at the ealiest possible time.

As for where I'll be teaching, I'm leaning heavily towards Isaan...either in a public school or a university, along with some private tutoring if possible. I certainly don't want anything to do with Bangkok and will avoid that city at all costs. I'll keep in mind the requirements can change based on what type of school I'm teaching in.

I've spent time in Thailand, and while it wasn't nearly enough to become anywhere close to an expert on such matters, it was long enough to know that standards and requirements generally depend on who you're dealing with at any given time.

Thanks for your help Scott. I'm off to do some reading, but may have further questions later.

[Hollywood13]

Scott has it about right.

The CELTA would not be required if you have the degree in TEFL although some Thai managed schools may have difficulty recognising it as a better qualification.

Everyone ends up doing the Thai Culture course. The TCT though have now instructed training establishments to offer the course over 3 days and not 2 as was previously being done. (Something to do with fitting the required 20 hours in). However, whether it is universally applied is another matter.

I don't believe that you will get a TL anytime soon. Definitely the 2 year waiver though and as already pointed out, the requirements to teach at Uni are actually less strict.

Good luck in any event

Ah, so the TCT is now 3 days...may end up being a week by the time I get around to taking the course.

Thanks for the info!

[Phatcharanan]

Ah, so the TCT is now 3 days...may end up being a week by the time I get around to taking the course.

Thanks for the info!

I have heard of some training centres that get around this 3 days rule by insisting on a 2 day course with 4-6 hours compulsory 'homework'.

How true this is I don't know.

In any event, you have plenty of time in order to do the Thai culture course. Get a job first and then let the school sort that out for you later. They can certainly advise you.

[Scott]

I have noticed that most of the Cultural courses now start on Friday and go to Sunday. When it was offered at our school it, started on Saturday morning and ended on Sunday afternoon.

It was pretty relaxed and the 20 hours were not fulfilled, per se. Of course no one complained and the presenters were likeable and established good rapport.

Our Admin staff, of course, kept trying to shuffle people back in after breaks and at one point told the presenters they weren't complying with the requirements. The presenters politely, but firmly told them THEY were running the seminar, not the school. They also closed the door to keep the Admin out so that they could talk more openly, freely and easily.

Again, most people didn't learn a lot, but there were few complaints and most felt it was a positive experience--of course they were with their own colleagues which made it a little easier.

[Hollywood13]

This is probably a bit of a random question. I've been invited to join an international honor society based on my GPA (4.0) and being in the top 15% of my class. It's $80 for a lifetime membership and I can't really think of a reason to bother joining. Would this carry any weight at all on my resume? Do Thai school administrators even know what an honor society is and recognize the achievement?

[Phatcharanan]

I think it's highly unlikely.

[Scott]

Patcharanan is probably right, but if you tell you paid $80, then they will understand!

[Hollywood13]

555...thanks...think I'll save the money then.