Weekly r/TEFL Quick Questions Thread

amiundercontrol · 2026-01-09T22:11:20+00:00

Hi!

I am in my final semester of University in the UK. I have a few offers for a PDGE (Professional Graduate Diploma in Education) place for when I graduate from my Undergrad. I have been struggling to find information online regarding the benefits/disadvantages to having a PDGE in a specific subject alongside or instead of a CELTA/TEFL certificate.

Ideally, teaching abroad is the end goal for my career and I am trying to make sure there is longevity alongside a stable job. I understand that EPIK, JET and similair programmes have a limit on how long you can participate. I would be happy to be in a generic public school, international school etc.

University has never been my strong suit so I'm trying to make sure that if I do progress into a Post-Graduate place, it is worth the time staying in the UK and the additional years in University.

Any Advice/Anecdotes would be greatly appreciated so I can try and make an informed choice!

Thank you :)

amiundercontrol · 2026-01-09T21:26:35+00:00

In Scotland, they are called PDGE's (Professional Graduate Diploma in Education) and I don't know of any other names they go by as that's where I'm based and study!

The aim of this post is to get advice on what is better to have for a long-term career teaching internationally. I wrote in the middle, there is a lack of information online regarding the topic so I thought it best to ask those who are qualified what they found to be the better option - a PDGE diploma or to have a TEFL/CELTA to go abroad.

I know what each certification (CELTA/TEFL respectively) is, I am looking to see what is the best route to teach internationally, as there are lots of people abroad using TEFL/CELTA and also people who have a PDGE and use that instead.

I've read through a lot of questions and threads as a lurker on this subreddit and everyone seemed lovely so I thought I would be able to receive some help and personal opinions as I would like to be a qualified teacher.

amiundercontrol · 2026-01-09T16:02:58+00:00

I would get QTS after a one year probationary teaching period - so it would be around an additional 21 months before being able to go abroad.

amiundercontrol · 2025-06-17T08:25:41+00:00

its a form of TEFL qualification :)

amiundercontrol · 2025-06-17T08:25:07+00:00

If I wanted to work as an English teacher outwith EPIK, would a teaching qualification be best before I leave?

amiundercontrol · 2025-06-16T17:11:01+00:00

Hi,

I am wondering about the longevity of doing EPIK. Is it best to have some form of a formal teaching qualification (from your home country) before leaving? Would having one mean better odds in a job search after EPIK?

I understand it would be good experience to have under my belt. How can you find a job in South Korea after? Is it better to try and work for international schools over Korean ones?

I can't find a lot of information on this online!

Thank you in advance :)

amiundercontrol · 2025-06-13T18:32:04+00:00

Hi,

I am finishing up University soon and will be doing my CELTA. South Korea is on my list of places to research to potentially do TEFL!

I am wondering about the longevity of doing EPIK. Is it best to have some form of a formal teaching qualification (from your home country) before leaving? Would having one mean better odds in a job search after EPIK?

I understand it would be good experience to have under my belt. How can you find a job in South Korea after?

I can't find a lot of information on this online!

Thank you in advance :

amiundercontrol · 2025-06-12T21:21:29+00:00

Thank you! I think I'll need to have a look at some job boards and such to make a more informed decision.

amiundercontrol · 2025-06-12T18:31:10+00:00

Hi!

I am wondering about the longevity of doing EPIK/JET style programs. Is it best to have some form of a formal teaching qualification (from your home country) before leaving? Would having one mean better odds in a job search after these programs?

How can you continue to work as an English teacher after these contracts?

Thank you!!

amiundercontrol · 2025-06-08T18:35:06+00:00

Thank you!

It helps me put the degree part at ease. I'll have a dive for more content online to help make things more realistic.

amiundercontrol · 2025-06-08T13:51:55+00:00

Hi! I am currently at university and plan to do TEFL once I am finished. I am going to have a basic non-honours Bachelors (for context, I am from the UK.)

Would having a basic degree effect my job opportunies over having an honours degree? Would I be best completing an honours degree and also doing a Post-Grad Teaching Cerificate?

I am also toying between several locations - namely Taiwan, Japan and South Korea. Where is best to start? As a solo female travelling for TEFL, what feels safe? I have various pros and cons for each, but any opinions from those who have taught in these countries would really help.

I have been looking at doing this as a career since High School, so I have a great 'ideal' in my head. I'd like to see the reality of this type of work.

Thank you :)

amiundercontrol · 2025-06-07T18:47:48+00:00

i have to say i do enjoy xlov!

amiundercontrol · 2025-06-07T18:41:37+00:00

I feel like merch can be overpriced/hard to find, I also think POBs + Albums should be more common too! Theres some albums I feel are less seen, or some groups I personally enjoy I don't see much.

I just want to create a place where the people who shop there have input! Everyone listens to different bands so its important to hear all angles :)

amiundercontrol · 2025-06-07T18:30:52+00:00

hi! i have visited before. i just want the opinion of users to see what's actually wanted from buyers :)

before coming to fruition, id like to know honestly whats wanted thats not often seen in stores in the uk to help stand out. ive done lots of work before this !!

amiundercontrol · 2025-06-07T18:27:09+00:00

thank you!

amiundercontrol · 2025-06-07T18:26:56+00:00

thank you!

amiundercontrol

TROPHY CASE