04-19-2019, 10:59 PM
(04-19-2019, 10:22 PM)pws Wrote:(04-19-2019, 03:47 PM)TheJerseyGirl Wrote: Well thank you for asking! I am very interested in teaching ESL online. China has now required for teachers to have a TESOL (which I have) and a BA of any kind. I am interested in Psychology and thought it would be great to blend it in as a side job doing some online counseling outside of teaching peak hours.
A few things to take into consideration:
- If this is a more permanent career change, although you'll meet the requirement of having a BA to teach English in China, a BA in Psychology will be less interesting for potential employers (less chance at the higher positions, less chance at a large salary), than a BA that is related to English or teaching—you'll probably get a job as an English teacher though. However, if this is only temporary, then choosing a Psychology degree for other reasons could definitely be valid.
- Are you doing this for an experience, and will be returning eventually, or it's for a permanent career change? Do you plan on teaching once back in the US (if so, I would look into if a teaching license is possible with the degree, or education requirements)? Which degree would benefit you the most after having finished teaching in China?
I have no interest in teaching in America. I have a disabled child at home. Teaching online learners from China would be exactly perfect for my lifestyle long term. The psych degree is of interest to me because I think I could benefit from dealing with language gaps if I understand intrinsic motivation vs. extrinsic motivation, as well as build confidence with insecure learners. I could lead me to a masters and some therapy at some point if I took interest that way, but I probably wouldn't. If anything counseling esl children may be something I would be interested as a service more than a job. I am pretty sure the kids in cages that are lost in the system will need someone to talk to at some point. I could be interested in being that person.