Could I still teach English abroad if I majored in registered nursing?
I'm going into my junior year of university and I plan on majoring in registered nursing. I have a huge interest in East Asia so I was thinking of teaching English in maybe Japan or Hong Kong after I get my Bachelor's, although I wouldn't mind South Korea or China. Anyway, I just want to know, if I went away for a year or two to teach English would that effect my skills and what I remember as a nurse? I plan on going as soon as I finish my degree so I'm just worried that I'll forget a lot of what I learned in university and I'll end up needing to go back to school. So, does it seem feasible to major in nursing and go away to teach English for a year or two? If so, would doing self-study while I'm away help me to remember? Or should I just give it up and travel after I get my career going? I realize that there isn't really a concrete answer that can be given to this type of question but I would just like some opinions. Thanks. :-) By the way, I already know that you can major in anything and still teach English. That's not my question. Please read it carefully. :-)
Korea - 5 Answers
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1 :
Most countries require a TESL of TOEFL qualification for this type of work at least officially
2 :
I want to addres "both" issues in your question. First, my experience is that you CANNOT major in anything and teach English abroad. Most places require a degree in education, more specifically, English as a second language. They will require your original degree, certified transcripts, license. There is actually an over supply of people who , because they can speak English, think they can teach English anywhere. Your employer would have to sponor your work visa...a time-consuming and expensive process...and they are not usually willing to do this unless the person is highly qualified and also speaks the local language. Teaching English "independently" or as a volunteer is another story. It would be wise to check out agencies and language schools that hire people to go overseas as English teachers. Anyway...now to your question about going right after graduation...I really do not think that is wise...better to get experience right away...better for your own skill level and for your resume. I am a retired American R.N. and licensed teacher. I believe you would do best to work in your field at least a couple of years, and maybe pursue a credential in teaching ESL too. In the future, you may be able to combine both your interests of nursing and teaching in your career. You sound like a person who plans ahead and puts a lot of thought into those plans. Hope all works out well for you.
3 :
If it was me and I was in your shoes, I would postpone my nursing studies. Go to the Far East for one year so that you've had the experience, then come back and resume your studies. I taught in Japan and Hong Kong for a few years, and currently teach Korean people. It is very intensive and alot is required of you. I very much doubt you will have time to keep up with your nursing studies on the side. Goodluck xxxxxxxxx
4 :
I would think that you could do it if you wanted to, but at the same most job offerings I have seen require a BA degree, or some tesol certification. Not all do, but a lot do. I think that if you are majoring in something unrelated to education or English then you may want to get your foot in the door back home first. Even though you may get lucky and still get a job after working abroad, its better to get your experience in your field now. If you go apply for a nursing job and they see that you graduated and then went over seas without any nursing experience they might think that you are more qualified to teach English rather than nursing, and you wont have time to focus on nursing, you may forget some things. Its just better to get experience in your field first. If you are a junior, I am going to assume you are the "traditional age" so you are still young, you have time to go over seas even if you wait a year or two, you will still be young.
5 :
Nah..Most places will hire you if you are from the US, Canada, England, Australia, and Ireland...AND have a bachelors..You have to have that...AND sometimes its good if you have some sort of english certificate, but its not required, a long with experience...
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