Job Discussion Forums

[justcolleen]

Okay, so I know I need to complete a TEFL certificate. I want to do that this summer. I can't do it locally; I'll have to do it via distance education. I see there's more than one type. What's the difference between a 40 hour course and a 60 hour course, in terms of learning and value?

Colleen

[spiral78]

Hi,Colleen. Is there no chance you could "get away" for four or five weeks to do a course somewhere with a teaching practicum? It's a bit more expensive, and I remember you've got two children whom you may not be able to leave for so long; but supervised teaching practice is really valuable......and in some schools (I don't know about Asia, so I'm qualifying this statement!!!) distance certs aren't accepted.
I'm not the ultimate expert here, as I've no experience in any Asian country (think I remember that's where you're headed) but I've been teaching for the past six years and have some fairly extensive experience with teacher training programs (have worked for two) so I have contact with lots of language school directors......
You might be able to do some volunteer teaching in your area, though, to go along with your distance program, if necessary.

[Teacher Lindsay]

A met a fellow in Thailand that did an Introduction to TEFL course that was either 40 or 60 hours. When I spoke to him he was having trouble finding work because his "certificate" wasn't being recognised.

My TESOL course was 120 hours and, at the time, the alternatives I checked out were all 120 hours also.

That was 7 years ago so maybe the courses have been shortened?

Cheers

[Bethan]

I did a 40 hour course, but to be honest it's not really recognised. If you are serious about going into TEFL then I would say do a TESOL or CELTA course that will be internationally recognised, otherwise you'll just be wasting your money. Sorry!!!

[Aramas]

Is there any reason that you can't spend your first 4 weeks overseas doing a CELTA? Assuming you're going to a country with a much lower cost of living it can be quite economical, and can produce useful references and contacts.

[rj]

Are any certifications other than the CELTA and Trinity going to be recognized? I'm researching this topic myself and I have no idea how I'm supposed to tell a good one from a bad one.

I've looked at the CELTA, but it's so expensive compared to many others I've seen! Since I'm not looking to make a career out of this, I'm hesitant to make that kind of financial investment if I can get around it. I'm planning to go to China and the cheapest CELTA I've found is in Bangkok costing $1400 USD (course only). I found a program in China offered by The Boland School that costs the same but includes accomodations and for an extra $100 or so you can have food included. Financially, The Boland School makes more sense.

I realize CELTA is the gold standard, but what are some other options for those of us who want a cert that is recognized but don't have the resources to go for a CELTA?

[Aramas]

My current plan is to do a CELTA at RMIT in Saigon. The course is $1500USD and another $500 should cover living expenses. Add in the air fare and 3-4k should cover everything with a fair bit of leeway to do some travelling before and after the course.

There are much cheaper courses (eg around $500 for a 4 week TFL1 course in Phnom Phen), but if one intends any long term involvement in ESL then it's probably a good investment to go with the most widely recognised certification - at worst it broadens one's options, and at best it could permit working in a country where it would otherwise be difficult if not impossible.

Thailand is currently experiencing a purge of farangs, so doing a course there is unlikely to provide useful contacts unless the student has the degree required by the new visa rules.