Associates of Arts+ CELTA. Enough?

**ryanlogic** · 31-12-10, 16:29

God willing I will be completing my AA in liberal arts this upcoming semester, and I am planning to earn my CELTA this summer in Mexico. I'm an American and I have two options after completing this course. I can either take out a ridiculous amount of money with interest to pursue a bachelors degree and live on my own in a city..... Or I can try to find a decent job teaching elsewhere.

I am extremely interested in Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore. You can see my previous thread here regarding my initial interest in Indonesia.

simply put, can I find a job in Indonesia (preferably before I move there) with just an AA and CELTA certification?

I don't have a lot of money now, and I'm not looking to get rich... but I would need a salary that would accommodate a clean,safe and more or less comfortable lifestyle. I don't really need or want to live in a place that requires a vehicle. I prefer to use public transportation, bike, or walk. I wouldn't mind using a motorcycle or scooter of some sort. I like rural places and I wouldn't mind living off The highway a bit, but I don't want to end up in The jungle if you know what I mean. That being said I feel like I could totally adapt to a city lifestyle.

I just really want to get my adventure started. If it's possible to land a decent job with the credentials I plan to have after this summer. I can always come back home or venture elsewhere to pursue a Bachelors degree. I'm interested in learning many languages so it may be best to venture elsewhere.

Any input would be appreciated!!!!

I plan to catch up on this forum as soon as I have some time in front of the computer ( I'm sure much of what I asked has been answered.) I'm posting this from my phone at work so navigation is a chore. don't hesitate to send me a link or direct me to another thread. I'm really eager to hear your opinions!

thank you,

Ryan

**ryanlogic** · 01-01-11, 06:36

It should also be noted that I would want to do everything legally. KITAS and everything. I don't want to run any risks.

**Michele** · 01-01-11, 12:03

If I were you, I would come first to see if you like the living situation and the potential offers. Every school is so different with varying standards and personalities. You don't want to be locked into a place where you feel uncomfortable.

Also, Jakarta is central to every other South East Asian country so if Indonesia is not to your liking you can hop over to Malaysia where the education standards and living conditions are generally higher.

In Asia most things are done face-to-face including hiring. Friends of mine have sent application letters on-line and have seldom received replies or satisfactory answers.

Happy Hunting!
Michele

**ryanlogic** · 01-01-11, 12:55

That's an understandable piece of advice, but I would need to be 100% sure that I was qualified and able to gain legal stays before I hopped on a plane. if I get a BA then I won't be so worried, but I'm not positive that my current life will afford me that luxury.

I guess I will just have to take the CELTA and weigh my options.

Thank you for your reply.

**ryanlogic** · 01-01-11, 20:58

I am a little discouraged that no one has replied regarding my qualification issue.

Is a two year degree with a CELTA certification sufficient enough to gain legal status and find employment?

If I can land the same job without a bachelors degree I can avoid taking out additional student loans. In order to obtain a bachelors degree I would need to borrow an exponentially larger amount of money. If I am qualified without a bachelors degree, and can make a comparable amount of money, Avoiding the monthly expense of additional American student loans, in theory, I would be able to live far more comfortably in Indonesia, or elsewhere. but if it will be very hard to find employment, I'm better off pursuing a bachelors degree, or teaching elsewhere.

**Kelapa kepala** · 02-01-11, 22:44

Don't give up on the idea of going to Indonesia until you at least visit it. If you know somebody there that can show you around that's a plus. I'm sure somebody else can comment on your qualifications. Why don't you contact some English schools there? ILP perhaps, and start to build a relationship with them. Remember to be sabr and flexible when in Indonesia. Not everybody does everything strictly by the book and you will need to pay "unofficial fees" for things sometimes. But the upside is, this places a bit of flexibility into the system. Nothing can prepare you for a visit too Indonesia. It's like leaving the Earth! I love it there!!!

**ryanlogic** · 03-01-11, 00:04

I haven't given up, I just may have to pursue something else untill I am qualified.

I'm also looking at work/scholarship opportunities in the middle east.

**allthatglitters** · 04-01-11, 19:17

Hmm, this is currently a bit of a tricky one. Indonesia was until very recently a place where one could land a semi decent job without a degree, no question. However, there's been much talk of late about the government dramatically changing immigration requirements for teachers. Apparently now an English or teaching related degree is required. As with many things in Indonesia though, it's been nigh on impossible so far to determine whether these rules have been formally put into place.

I would really recommend heading over to Dave's ESL Cafe, if you haven't already. They have a specific Indonesia forum which tends to be full of knowledgeable people who've been teaching in Indo for years.

By the way, Malaysia and Singapore are no go areas if you don't have a degree. The only other options in SE Asia are Cambodia and Laos.

Hope this helps.

**travellingchez** · 04-01-11, 19:58

Originally Posted by allthatglitters

By the way, Malaysia and Singapore are no go areas if you don't have a degree. The only other options in SE Asia are Cambodia and Laos.

Don't give up on Singapore just yet. Apparently Singapore pay a lot of attention to years of relevant experience (2 +years) in the field when granting visas. So don't write it off forever. However it's bloody expensive compared to other SEA countries.

**ryanlogic** · 04-01-11, 20:32

Thank you guys Soo much! I am definitely going to check out saves ESL cafe.

it looks like I may just have to wait untill I can earn a bachelors degree. I'm not really stuck on Asia persay, as there are a few options which may allow me to work and study formally at the same time both locally and abroad. Time always works these things out.

I'd also be interested to know if anyone had any good experiences elsewhere.