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Friday 10 September, 2010

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Career Knowledge Base

TEFL.com is an
Approved Content Provider
for the United Kingdom's
National Grid for Learning www.ngfl.gov.uk.

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	TESOL/TEFL QUALIFICATION.. WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE? "I would like to understand the significance of gaining a TESOL qualification, as opposed to a TEFL qualification - is one of greater value than the other, and will one of these options allow for increased job opportunities in specific countries, though not in others? " [Click for answer] Visit Knowledge Base Search Knowledge Base:

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HOPE FOR OVER 50 AND NO DEGREE?

Q.
I live in Victoria British Columbia and I have just registered in a TEFL teaching course. There seem to be some problems and I can't seem to get proper answers from anyone and I am hoping you can set me straight. It seems that my past education does not qualify me for teaching in very many countries, and also my age seems to be a real deterrent. Please set me straight if you can. I am now 58 years of age and when I finish the course in summer of 2001 I will be 59. I have no University degree so this was the only course I could register into. It seems that almost every country I have tried to seek information from says that I must have a university degree along with this certificate. Those few countries that did seem to say I was okay with the TEFL appear to be looking for people no older that 30-35 years of age. I would like to teach in one of these countries in order of preference, Asia, Africa (Botswana) Thailand or South America. All I ask of you is that you please supply me with as much information as possible as to where I may be able to get employment teaching English with my age and qualifications taken into consideration. I am presently living in Canada and have done so for some 30 years. I am born in England and hold dual citizenship.

A.
It is true to say that many countries set the base qualification for teaching English as a first degree plus native speaker ability, with or without a TEFL qualification. It is also true that there are some schools who specifically target a certain age group in accordance with their perceived client expectations. However, there are always exceptions. The profession is becoming more aware of the value of mature teachers, particularly in the area of business English where the candidate has some business and life skills to bring to the post. I would suggest that you register with tefl.com and keep a close eye on the numerous jobs available. The market cannot get enough teachers in many countries and so, in that respect, it may be in your favour.

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