Job Discussion Forums

[meshell]

Has anyone heard anything about Oxford as far as getting your TOFEL?? It is only 60 hours of inclass work... PLEASE tell me your thoughts???

[New2Colombia]

waste of your time! You need a cert with 120 hours in class, at least 6 of which must be observed teaching. That's just the way it is.

[ghostdog]

Then again, it may be enough to meet Colombian requirements for your work visa. I am told the authorities put a high premium on certificates, useful or not, issued in their own country. I wouldn�t pay more than a half a million pesos for one of these local classes, though. And you would have to accept that the certificate might only serve you in Colombia.

But the second poster is right. For anyplace serious, anything under 120 hours, including at least six hours of observed teaching practice, is a waste of time. And while there are probably smaller programs out there that are fine, if I were spending the money, I would want the course to be certified by a well-known organization (Cambridge, Trinity, SIT) to make sure it�s recognized.

[meshell]

I live in Boston, MA and I would like to get my certificate before I leave.. I would also perfer an inclass setting rather than an online course... what would you recommend?? I have not signed up for the Oxford class, and I don't want to if is just going to be a waste of my time... I would only want to go places in South America, so would 60 hrs be an issue for South America?? PLEASE HELP!!

[meshell]

Or should I sign up for an online course with International Teacher Training Organization�s (ITTO) online TEFL certificate course that is 120 hours and then volunteer my time to get in class experience???