I have recently been made redundant after 25 years in direct sales environment, the last 10 years in telecoms. I have no teaching experience and do not have a degree. However i am highly experienced in presenting to large groups of people from employees to board level.

I have decided its time for a change, and the redundancy has given me the opportunity to take my time and "make the right decision" I decided when i was made redundant that i would take out at least a year and do some traveling. I then thought that it would be a good idea to work my may around, maybe with my contacts abroad get another job in sales etc. However when researching various forums, it occurred to me that a getting a tefl qualification would be a great idea.

I have always enjoyed the presenting/training side of my previous job and think that a career in teaching would be a natural progression.

I now have a few dilemmas though and a few questions which i hope somebody can answer?

1) although i have no degree, i consider myself to be intelligent and a good speaker/presenter. I am looking at teaching possibly in Spain first and then maybe moving further afield Thailand/far east etc. Would the lack of a degree make a massive difference in my ability in securing a job?

2) i have looked at various courses, Celta and non Celta. I am looking at a 4 week course part on site, part online. I have looked at the following:

a) "i to i"
seems a little less expensive but is not a CELTA accredited certificate. this is what their accreditation says:

Our TEFL certificates are accredited by the ODLQC and this will help to verify the quality of your TEFL course. Every i-to-i graduate will be given a letter of reference from their tutor and this will help to support your application when you start looking for work overseas.

b) ITESOL
Again not a CELTA course but this is from their web site:

As the leading provider of quality TEFL/TESOL courses across the world INTESOL is proud to bring you qualifications that have been accredited as being at NQF Levels 4 & 5 by OCNW, a National Awarding Body, which is recognised worldwide!

The Awarding Body for your TESOL qualification is of paramount importance, consider it carefully.

OCNW is a unique organisation, enjoying the status of a National Awarding Body (NAB), approved by the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA) and an Authorised Validating Agency (AVA), licensed by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA).

c) Action English which is more expensive (around £1000) but is a 4 week fully hands on CELTA course.

Does anybody have any experience in either of these modules, or can advise me on whether its worth paying the extra and getting a CELTA certificate?

Your help and advice would be really appreciated.

MM