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TEFL (crash)course abroad
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tttompatz



Joined: 06 Mar 2010
Posts: 1951
Location: Talibon, Bohol, Philippines

PostPosted: Wed Jun 06, 2012 4:50 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

FarawayNow wrote:
I am also considering some of the overseas Tesol programs. I would love to take the very best ones offered (Trinity, Celta). But many people simply cannot afford the more expensive courses. It isn't a matter of being able to borrow money, or work more hours to get the money. No, they can't sleep in their parents basements, while they go back to school. They take a short-term course in the country they want to teach in, and have that school help them find a job. Sure, I have looked at google and all the pros and cons. I don't know if I will take a Tesol or not, I am considering it though. As for online programs, people have reasons to take those too. Maybe, they are less expensive. If they live in a tiny town, nowhere any large cities, it might be their only option. Personally, I love to learn. I could easily read a stack of books, and learn as much as I have learned in any college course. But for some reason, employers like pieces of nice paper, with colleges names on them. I have plenty of those already. I have seen plenty of job ads more interested in wanting a Tesol or Tefl teacher, and thinking a bachelor degree or more means nothing. If I get offered a great job, without the Tesol, then I won't take one. But if it is a way to get the proper documents, and get to the country of choice, then that should be an option.


If you have a degree = get the job then take a decent TEFL course.

No degree means that for many places the point is moot since you may not be able to get legal work anyway.

As to being expensive ... the average, generic TEFL course in Asia will run you about US$1000 + airfare and living expenses.

You can get a CELTA in BKK for $2000 INCLUDING accommodation.

Not a great deal of difference.

As to doing a cheap, on-line course.. well, you get what you pay for and usually they are not worth the paper they are printed on. Might just as well get one from the "Photoshop TEFL program".

.
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Sashadroogie



Joined: 17 Apr 2007
Posts: 11061
Location: Moskva, The Workers' Paradise

PostPosted: Wed Jun 06, 2012 4:57 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

If just the cost of a CELTA or Trinity is too much of a stretch financially, then I would seriously re-thinking going abroad until more funds have been gathered. Re-locating is an expensive business, for many reasons - most of them jumping out as an unpleasant surprise.
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coledavis



Joined: 21 Jun 2003
Posts: 1838

PostPosted: Wed Jun 06, 2012 6:04 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

While I sympathise with the circumstances you describe, academic and/or super-short courses just don't prepare you with the necessary skills. (The four week CELTA/Trinity only does so to a bare minimum.) Neither are they valued by most employers. The compromise may be to do the CELTA/Trinity in a foreign country; it may be cheaper than paying rent at home. Otherwise, I am afraid Sashadroogie's suggestion is the correct one.
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nomad soul



Joined: 31 Jan 2010
Posts: 11454
Location: The real world

PostPosted: Wed Jun 06, 2012 6:25 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

coledavis wrote:
While I sympathise with the circumstances you describe, academic and/or super-short courses just don't prepare you with the necessary skills.

Unless the academic program includes a practical component.
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coledavis



Joined: 21 Jun 2003
Posts: 1838

PostPosted: Wed Jun 06, 2012 7:25 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Agreed. But with CELTA/Trinity you get to observe experienced teachers as well as have obs of your own work. Would you get this on such courses?
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nomad soul



Joined: 31 Jan 2010
Posts: 11454
Location: The real world

PostPosted: Wed Jun 06, 2012 10:17 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

coledavis wrote:
Agreed. But with CELTA/Trinity you get to observe experienced teachers as well as have obs of your own work. Would you get this on such courses?

Definitely. My ESL practicum was a semester-long, 135-hour course that included observations of other teachers in addition to at least 6, hour-long teaching practice sessions of my own (with real students). I was observed three times by my cooperating teacher and three times by my supervising teacher, which included pre & post-conferences with both instructors.

A teaching portfolio was required and included my teaching philosophy statement, reflective statement of teaching experiences, analysis of teaching competencies, my observation reports, two full lesson samples & unit plan design, and sample materials to support my lessons. My portfolio was about 65 pages long. It was assessed and graded by my supervising teacher and then submitted to the university practicum coordinator for final review.

Other ESL practical courses may not be as extensive, but a good one will include a minimum of 6 hours of supervised teaching practice. Plus, there are generally plenty of opportunities to observe experienced teachers.
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