Topic: Free time for degree studies????

[Dawie]

Hi there

I'm considering doing the CELTA course and then teaching in Korea for a few years.

I'm also busy with an LLB degree part time, and have around 2-3 years to go. It is very important for me to finish this, which I want to do while teaching overseas.

My question is regarding the time I'd have available for my studies, while teaching EFL. I have read on forums about contractual 30 hr. work-weeks, but teachers ending up working much longer than that, doing preparations, and other activities (meetings etc.). These aren't part of the initial contract.

I need at least 3-4 hours per day to study. Would this be possible, generally speaking, while being a TEFL teacher?

Thanks in advance and kind regards,

Dawie

[Topper]

Welcome Dawie,

You have several options to work and study. 

1.  Work for a language center and build your work hours around your study hours.  This would be my recommendation.

2.  If you want to work for a school, let them know your requirements as far as studying hours.  Most schools want you on campus, whether you're teaching or not, for the work hours agreed to in the contract.

3.  Even if you take a job at a government school, you're generally free after 4:30 at the latest.  This should provide ample time to study.

I'm sure others will have more informaton, opinions,etc. 

Once again thanks for joining!

[wangsuda]

If it's any comparison . . . I did my grad work while teaching full time in Los Angeles. It was doable (teach, prep, and grade plus study and graduate with honors), but you have NO social life and NO time for family. You have to be careful when budgeting time. And please, never get into the mindset of "I can slide this once, if I work harder tomorrow." Good luck!

[bomha]

At least in Thailand, hardly any govt. school would allow you enough time to study on the side.  I also went to a poly type of school whilst working, and it seemed that I never left the coal mine.

[hero]

I worked in a government school (8 'til 4) for the last year and a half and prior to that was working an 8 'til 4 in a private school.

On top of that I probably averaged 4-6 'extra' hours per week teaching corporate classes and the like in the evening with a couple of hours extra travelling time on top.

I was easily able to dedicate 16-20 hours a week to my studies around 9 months of the year over the last 2 years ..... I always made sure I had one full day off at the weekend (no work or study) ..... and I have a daughter who was born half-way through the first year!

I guess it depends how badly you want it!  I would do 3 or 4 hours in a session and fit in 5 or 5 sessions a week (double session on a Saturday was a bit of a drag!)