I've read over some of the topics and they offered some great information. I'd like to lay out my current situation in the hope that you guys can offer some suggestions.

I'm a History graduate who moved abroad to gain some teaching experience. I spent a year in the TEFL circuit while volunteering for a top tier international school. The IS offered me an EAL position and I am now in my second year, however, I have no teaching credentials to speak of so I signed up for the PGCEi at Nottingham. I looked into returning home to complete the PGCE but for now it's not an option.

By December 2016 I will have a PGCEi plus two and a half years prior experience in EAL at a top tier school. As far as I'm aware it's post PGCEi experience that counts, or is it different if the experience is at a respected IS?

While there are a few classroom teachers who hold a PGCEI my employer no longer accepts it and there is an ongoing debate among colleagues about its worth with regards to career progression; it used to be good but not so much anymore. However, after reading this and other forums, I believe it depends on what you want to do with it.

With regards to my own circumstances, I don't want to teach at a top international school. I think this makes the PGCEi more marketable in terms of which level of school I'd be aiming for. I'd also be applying for elementary positions.

When my next contract ends, if I leave my current school with a PGCEi and 4 years EAL experience ( 2 1/2 prior, 18 months post) then it should open the door to higher 3rd tier and some 2nd tier elementary positions. If I had the chance I'd throw my hat into the ring for a History position.

Any advice would be appreciated.