Which is Better TEFL or TESOL certificate?

TESOL/TEFL working in GERMANY (Nuremburg)?

• I am an American citizen freshly married to a German citizen and I will be moving to Germany this year. I will be moving to the Nürnberg area. I do not have a BA, I actually only have about a year's worth of college. I have 5 years of US ARMY and 7 years of Business. Looking at the hard conditions of obtaining work in Germany, I've been researching job opportunities for American citizens. I've come across TESOL/TEFL, but I am a bit confused as to if I need a BA to work there or to obtain the work permit. I am reading about Freelancer(not sure what this is exactly) and working for private institutions that would not require having a BA. Is there any truth to this? My questions are will I be able to secure work with just a TESOL/TEFL Certificate and no BA(with a private institution)? Will I be able to obtain work permits if I am able to secure employment in Germany? Will the fact I am married to a German Citizen help in securing residential or work permits? Does anyone know of any job opportunities for Americans in Germany (Nürnberg area) besides TEFL/TESOL? If I took the TEFL/TESOL course in Germany(Munich) would that help in securing work and/or permits? Sorry for so many questions, but Thank you for any help or advice in advance.

• Answer:

  Teachers in Germany are expected to be well qualified and professional - this will almost certainly mean you'll be asked for a degree as well as a TEFL certificate. In all likelihood, if you apply for a job then you'll be going up against better qualified candidates and although it's possible, you will be lucky to find work in a school. Having said that, since you are marrying a German and will have the visa sorted through this, there's nothing to stop you going in for private lessons. In a way they are better than a normal job in a school as they pay better and allow you to have more freedom. To teach privately theoretically you don't need any qualifications as it is all about reputation and ability - but obviously getting yourself a TEFL certificate will help a lot not only in terms of making you a better teacher but also it is something you can use in your advertising.