Job Discussion Forums

Hmminator · Joined: 15 Oct 2013 Posts: 8

Hi,

I am very interested in teaching English in other countries and after doing some research I've decided that I would really like to teach in Vietnam.

While doing some research I came across this program with Smaller Earth:

http://www.smallerearth.com/uk/work-and-travel/education/teach-english---vietnam-318/

Does anybody have any experience with gaining a TEFL Certificate through programs like this one? The fact that they offer a placement in Vietnam as part of the course is hugely appealing - I'm just wondering whether any schools that I might apply for after the placement is over might look down on getting the qualification through a program like this as opposed to studying a Trinity CertTESOL at a language school in the UK.

Can anybody offer me any advice as to whether programs like this are worthwhile?

Any help with this would be much appreciated.

Xie Lin · Joined: 21 Oct 2011 Posts: 731

There is no advantage that I can see to this program, and some serious disadvantages. The most important one is that their TEFL course is NOT a CELTA equivalent. They refer to it as a 120-hour course, but the course doesn't provide 120 contact hours. The first two weeks are on-line, followed by two weeks on-site--but those two weeks appear to include activities other than TEFL training. I see no mention at all of OBSERVED teaching practice hours. Nor does the site provide any of the information you look for when evaluating a course: syllabus, course schedule, teaching practice, trainers' qualifications and experience, class size, ratio of trainers to trainees, etc. You should ask about all of these if you are considering this course.

While a program like this could certainly offer an acceptable course, this particular course appears to be inferior. Your future employers will know it if they make any serious attempt to evaluate it. And more importantly, your future students will know it.

It also costs more than both of the in-country CELTA programs, even after you factor in housing for the length of the course. Both Language Link and Apollo's CELTA costs about $1600, considerably less than the Smaller Earth fee. I am someone who happens to have a lot of respect for high quality generic TEFL courses; I do not routinely advise newbies to take a CELTA. But in this case, I strongly advise steering clear of this program, and suggest taking a look at the two CELTA programs offered in Vietnam.

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Hmminator · Joined: 15 Oct 2013 Posts: 8

Thank you very much for the advice. I had a look at the CELTA programs in Vietnam that you suggested but I think in terms of cost-effectiveness it's definitely going to be best for me to just do TEFL training in the UK.

I have a firm plan now at least! Thanks!

Denim-Maniac · Joined: 31 Jan 2012 Posts: 1238

Its not a bad thing to do a course in the UK. I did my Trinity in my hometown and often think its the way to go. Everything is familiar at home, there are fewer distractions, and access to things you may need (including a support network) is much easier.

You may find some UK providers offer a part-time option too, which means you can work whilst training.