Job Discussion Forums

nstick13 · Posted: Tue Jan 20, 2009 7:54 pm Post subject: A Program for TESL

I recently graduated from The Ohio State University with a degree in political science. I minored in Arabic and speak, read and write at a beginner-immediate level. I would like to go in September.

I am very interested in taking a TEFL course abroad and teaching the Middle East somewhere. I've had a hard time deciding which TEFL/TESOL etc. program to use to receive my certificate. Which ones are credible? Which ones are the best? Which will most help me get a job?

I have gone to a couple of the links of people who support Dave's ESL Cafe. Is it right to assume these are legit? (IE www.teflinternational.com) Is a 4-week intensive program like that enough to make us competitive? What makes a certificate credible? What are examples of ones that are?

I've tried pretty much all the resources I can here at tOSU, and have not been very successful in finding any advice.

Thanks for all the help!

veiledsentiments · Joined: 20 Feb 2003 Posts: 17644 Location: USA

If you are going to the Middle East... get the CELTA. It is the one the employers want.

VS

nstick13 · Posted: Wed Jan 21, 2009 9:34 pm Post subject:

Obviously things aren't totally ruled out with a different program though, correct?

A friend of mine is Egyptian (though he's been in the states for 15 years or so now) and told me that just an American degree would be sufficient to make some "big bucks". However, he hasn't lived in Egypt in about 15 years (maybe less, but I'm guessing a decade anyway).

Let me be clear with some things as this gets started. I am NOT going to the ME to teach to "cash in the ME ATM". That's as unrealistic as me making big bucks here as a college grad in my first job.

At the same time, I have no intention of making this a career.

I want to teach English for a few years (I'll say up to 5) in an Arab country. I hope to leave with a better knowledge of their language than when I came (which is inevitable, so as long as I go, mission accomplished) and enjoy the culture in a way to make myself more diverse.

I don't expect to live a life of luxury, but I do not want to live meagerly, either. I'm "male, middle-class and white" and am very comfortable with my current place in the world. I applied for the Peace Corps, but for several reasons (including the meagerity (word?)).

I'm not looking to "backpack" but am excited at the possibility of other ME travel.

Now that I covered that.

Looking into many more sites than after my first post, it looks like a CELTA program will be tough to get into when I'm hoping to leave (September). And, it looks like those are usually about 150% of the cost of the general TEFL. Is it unrealistic that I'll accomplish my goals without a CELTA and with a certificate from a TEFL Int'l?

veiledsentiments · Joined: 20 Feb 2003 Posts: 17644 Location: USA

MyTrunkshow · Posted: Thu Jan 22, 2009 11:43 am Post subject:

veiledsentiments · Joined: 20 Feb 2003 Posts: 17644 Location: USA

One problem is that the course isn't easy to find in the US. You have to travel hundreds of miles and the expense of the cert (which is almost double the others) is made even worse by needing to find a place to stay for a month. For someone who is currently employed or enrolled in a university, this probably isn't even possible.

VS

MyTrunkshow · Posted: Thu Jan 22, 2009 9:36 pm Post subject:

Yeah, it's a tough decision. TEFL which costs less or CELTA which costs more and is more widely recognized.

Good luck. Have you considered doing the CELTA in Spain. It's several hundred cheaper?

Also, flights from New York can be had for peanuts to Europe and then it's just a short flight to Egypt.

mts.

nstick13 · Posted: Fri Jan 23, 2009 4:59 pm Post subject:

Well after some more research and conversations with my Egyptian friend (and no, not about the quality of certificates--he has no clue) I think I have a few basics.

The CELTA in Cairo only has one date listed right now. I will visit their website every day for the next months to see if they list more. If anyone has any "inside info" on that, please please, please let me know.

September is the best time to go in general for me. I don't have to worry about housing after September, and doing so for only a few months would be a pain. I'm worried about getting in the trap of "waiting a year" to go and getting sucked in to a job/life/etc. here in the states (I have all three now, but I think most see my point.)

Egypt is the top location for several reasons. First, my friend has family back in Egypt, and has told me many many many times that he would love to put me in touch with them if I go. He told me just today he has a friend in Alex who would help me out. Also, I've been to Egypt; both Cairo and Alex. The trip was only 10 days total, but having a knowledge of what exactly you're getting yourself into has to help a lot. It's significantly better than being blindsided.

Similarly, I have a good Lebanese friend who is currently in Dubai. Likewise, he's offered to help me in any way possible. That's a secondary choice, but is still available. I haven't found any favorable CELTA courses as far as matching up with my schedule.

Those reasons are why I focus most on Egypt, but the Middle East in general, if possible, for my classes. I will investigate Spain a bit, though, too.

I've also considered doing one of the programs in Asia to have some experience before going to the ME. It also adds to the personal goal of cultural diversity, and gives another stamp on the passport. Two years there, three in the ME and then back to the states to start a career/graduate school/whatever it is adults do.

No offense was taken, but for the record I'm a "he" and I'm 21. All my plans include my girlfriend whose story is damn close to exactly the same of mine.

I sincerely appreciate all the help and thoughts people have shared here. As my research progresses, I may gather some sites and put together a "So you wanna do TEFL/TESOL Abroad...." thread for people in similar situations. Give back to the Cafe community.

veiledsentiments · Joined: 20 Feb 2003 Posts: 17644 Location: USA

nstick13 · Posted: Fri Jan 23, 2009 6:12 pm Post subject:

Must've gotten my threads confused.

I checked the the CELTA Egypt website, and it's offered in 2009. And I e-mailed someone there and did get a response, but they weren't sure when else it would be offered this year.

MyTrunkshow · Posted: Fri Jan 23, 2009 8:14 pm Post subject:

Under the Teacher Training forum of this website, you can post about CELTA Cairo and there is a good chance someone who has done the course can pitch in with recent info.

In the past, there have been lively threads about various CELTA centres. Start one up on Cairo.

mts

Sheikh Abdullah · Joined: 07 Mar 2009 Posts: 54 Location: California, USA

I am new to this business of English teaching abroad. Based on my experience, the TEFL/TESOL certificate that Oxford Seminars offers is internationally recognized - www.oxfordseminars.com. It is done in a classroom and has been around since 1992. It is a 60 hour course with a practicum. It is available in almost every state in the USA. I completed it last month and actually got a few job offers from Saudi Arabia. I will graduate next month with a BA in Sociology. I also am Muslim with a few months of teaching experience to Middle Eastern students. Hope this helps.

Blessings,

Abdullah