Job Discussion Forums

[Xie Lin]

[gitana2013]

I worked for the TEFL Institute, and was not impressed with the program. I do like the idea of having both an online course and an on-site component, and the course book is actually pretty good, covering the basics of TESOL. However, the course book is not even included in the price of the course, so most of the students in my course didn’t even have the book. Yes, a supervised teaching component is possible, but not required. That requirement can be fulfilled by merely observing someone else’s classes, which is not the same as teaching.
If you want more information about the company, you should check out its previous name, Global Education Corporation.


If you want to get a certificate as easily and cheaply as possible, I don’t think it matters where you go. If you want to get the best possible foundation in TESOL, I highly recommend getting a CELTA. The only “horror stories” I’ve heard about the CELTA is that it is not easy, which, in my mind, is actually a good thing. Every teacher that I’ve worked with who has a CELTA has been knowledgeable about teaching, best practices, lesson planning, etc. I think the best thing about the CELTA is the consistency of the course (as far as the material and methods covered) and the accountability. There is a required supervised teaching component, and the supervising teachers must have either their DELTA or MA. The lesser certificates aren’t nearly as consistent. I’ve worked with people who received certification from the same company but had different instructors. In one case, the teacher said the course covered the books and was a great program, but the other teacher said the instructor didn’t even cover any of the material. The CELTA is more expensive, but I think it's worth it.

[coledavis]

"As to CELTA vs any other reputable course provider - do you prefer California oranges or Florida oranges for your morning juice? "
This is Tttompatz' opinion. However, if you are looking at worldwide recognition by employers (the only to check this: have a good look at the requirements cited in advertisements), you will find that CELTA and Trinity are cited, if any TEFL qualifications are cited.

It really depends. If you want a qualification that (a) will help you to teach and (b) will be recognised whichever country you apply to, or any specific employer, then do the CELTA or Trinity certificate. If you know you only want to work in particular countries, then check out the advertisements and act accordingly. Although some of the courses may not be of much practical use.

[DaDragon]

The TEFL Institute has a branch in Chicago right? There's another one called the International TEFL Academy. Has anyone hear heard of it? How do they compare?

[gitana2013]

Check out reviews of company on glassdoor.

[gitana2013]

If you want to hear more about my experience working for the TEFL Institute, check out:

http://forums.eslcafe.com/job/viewtopic.php?t=101319

As far as what it's like for student/customers, there are a few new negative postings on Yelp

http://www.yelp.com/biz/tefl-institute-chicago-2?sort_by=date_desc

and a very detailed negative review on teflcoursereview.com

http://www.teflcoursereview.com/tefl-institute/

[gitana2013]

Notice on Accreditat's website:


"Note that we no longer accredit the TEFL Institute, 1906 W Irving Park Rd., Chicago, IL 60613, USA or its Partners or Franchises."

http://www.accreditat.com/clients.html

[Xie Lin]