[quote="hallier"]Good luck to you.

Can i assume you've checked out the American Public/Military University?

I did some online courses in education with them that were cheap and convenient.

www.apus.edu (i think)[/quote]

Yes, I've looked into AMU. I was a little worried that some graduate schools might look unfavorably upon a transcript from AMU, though they *are* nationally and regionally accredited, and very convenient for a military member.

I still have some time to decide what school I'd like to attend to finish my bachelors before my enlistment expires in the Coast Guard.

I appreciate the advice I'm getting from everyone here. I'm looking forward to being in your positions one day!

Here's another question that someone might be willing to answer honestly. When I finish my certification and masters, I'll have no experience beyond what I had in school and I dream of going straight overseas...

I'd LOVE to work in E.Asia. Would I have a shot at a school without experience? I don't mind starting in less desirable school/location.

Thank you both for your helpful comments.

I'm going to continue plugging away at my college courses then. I suppose once I hit the international teacher market my 20s will have just vanished into the past. At the very least, I'm truly thankful that my classes are paid for and that I'll have zero debt coming out of school.

I'm actually not quite sure what I want to teach, primary or secondary. I think that I would enjoy both. I won't ask about the whole male teaching primary level again as I believe that's been debated on this forum before. From my research, it appears that there are plenty of primary positions out there unlike the States.

I just hope I'll be able to find a job fresh international job out of school instead of trudging through the USA's horrible teacher market for those two years of experience. My heart is definitely teaching abroad! :)

Anyway, I suppose I'm rambling. Thank you all again for the advice!

Hello all.

I'll do my best to make this short and sweet. I happened upon this site during a night of Google soul searching many months ago. I've been quite the lurker ever since.

Here's my story. I'm currently enlisted in the military in the United States Coast Guard. I have 3.5 years left on my contract. I've started volunteering in the community, and will be headed to the classrooms to assist the teachers in a few days. I've always loved being in the classroom and can't wait to start teaching when my military stint is complete.

The unfortunate matter in this is that I'm quite busy and often on duty for long periods of time. This schedule does not allow me to take college classes in a conventional setting. I'm restricted to online only which is absolutely not a problem at my unit.

I don't want to waste all this time by not working towards my bachelors and future certification when I can get it free with tuition assistance now. (This also allows me to save my GI Bill for when I'm out of the military.)

I'm about three classes away from my associates degree now. I love history and social sciences but understand math and science is where the demand is. I can see myself teaching both. Does anyone have any opinions on the quickest path to becoming an employable entry level international teacher in my situation? Anything I can work on while I'm still serving in the military that will cut down on the schooling/time I'll need at a proper 4-year university?

I suppose right now I'm just feeling as if any online classes or degree I earn might not cut it when it comes to applying for a university and I'll have to end up waiting all these years just to start my teaching education.

This turned out to be longer than I originally anticipated. If anyone reads through it all and has any advice, I will be grateful. Thank you in advance!