[KTZ811]

Hey all!

I'm a freshman at college and I'm really confused right now. I entered college wanting to get my B.Ed in Secondary Education as an English Teacher. But then, I realized that I really wanted to go abroad to teach English as a Foreign Language in Korea. So far I've had about 4 sessions with different counselors and talking to them about my "crisis" You see, I've been doing my research and I learned that a B.A. is required to teach in Korea and teaching abroad is a like a whole different degree from someone who wants to go into teaching and teach English. I didn't realize that MAJORING in English is different from Majoring in Secondary Education focusing on English... wtheck?

I mean, I wouldn't mind getting my BA or MA in ESL or SLS (Second Language Studies) but I'm REALLY afraid that by the time I somehow get tired of teaching abroad and return to the U.S., I won't get a (good) paying job since ESL teachers are not needed as opposed to someone with a B.Ed in Secondary Education.

One of my counselors told me that I could get my B.Ed, go off to teach abroad for a couple of years then come back, apply for the masters program at the college of Education so when I graduate, I can get a job with a higher paying salary.

I'm just...so confused right now. I wouldn't mind getting my BA but it's just that my mom doesn't have faith in me.. It's bad enough that I didn't want to become a nurse (I'm Filipino) and she doesn't believe in my "teaching abroad". She believes that I won't make enough money and knowing that discourages me A LOT. Plus, this is HER money that I'm using to go to school. I honestly have no one to turn to--who understands me and wants to pursue the same dream as I do. So it's hard to find that little boost of encouragement.


If anyone has already been through this road or knows someone who did, is it possible to teach abroad with a B.Ed?! And when I return, would this international experience benefit me and help me get a job faster?

HELP!!!

~ Confused & worried girl

[~ BunnyliciouS ~]

college section

http://www.soompi.com/forums/index.php?showforum=20

[Tamago86]

Hummm
Someone can correct me if I'm wrong but I think a B.Ed would work as well if you wanted to get into Korea. I wouldn't plan your career around teaching abroad though, it's important to be flexible because you're a freshman and most likely your plans will change a lot by the time you graduate, just keep that in mind. Anyways you can get your BA in whatever you want, and then take a TESOL course over the summer once you graduate or whatever. The majority of people going to teach English in Korea right now do not have TESOL or actually any teaching ESL skills, but many schools have a strong preference for people who do. Also if you decide to major in an ESL related field I don't think it will be useless, if you stay in the US you will probably end up teaching immigrants English, quite a big market that grows every year.

[THEmerryJANE]

I know a couple of people who go abroad to teach in Korea without any sort of teaching degree. Just their bachelor's in something I think.

I think you should be fine with a B.Ed. They should accept you abroad and if it doesn't work out, you have a degree that works in the US too.