Job Discussion Forums

Elisha7 · Joined: 15 May 2014 Posts: 3

Hi everyone,

I'm currently thinking about getting a TEFL qualification in the hope of teaching in South America (in particular Chile).

As I don't really have the time or money to enrol on a month long CELTA course, I'm thinking about booking myself on a weekend standard TEFL course in the UK and possibly an advanced one which is a further two days.

These are the courses: http://www.uk-tefl.com/standard-course

Would I struggle to find a job with this qualification?

My background:

BSc in Psychology from the University of Birmingham
I've held one voluntary position teaching English in an Orphanage in Cambodia but this was back in 2007.
I'm currently working in London as a mental health support worker for the National Health Service

I'd be grateful for any advice you can give me!

nomad soul · Joined: 31 Jan 2010 Posts: 11454 Location: The real world

A TEFL cert course that entails 120 hours of instruction (e.g., CELTA) is preferred or often required by employers worldwide. So, yes, you'll be limited to those employers and/or countries in which a quickie weekend TEFL cert (or none at all) is acceptable for legal work purposes.

Since you're currently working, why not continue to do so until you've saved up enough money for a proper TEFL course?

Elisha7 · Joined: 15 May 2014 Posts: 3

Thanks for your reply.

I thought it sounded too easy...

The UK TEFL trainer I'm looking at also offers a 120 hour online course which you can combine with some face to face teaching too. Would open up my options?

Do you know which countries wouldn't be off limits to me?

nomad soul · Joined: 31 Jan 2010 Posts: 11454 Location: The real world

Sashadroogie · Posted: Wed May 21, 2014 8:59 pm Post subject:

Any job you can get with these online rubbishy courses you can still get without. Don't waste your time or money. Even on the so-called 'advanced' ones...

Elisha7 · Joined: 15 May 2014 Posts: 3

Thanks Nomad Soul and Sashadroogie.

I think you're both right. I'd rather save up and do the CELTA rather than waste money on a quick course that isn't going to get me anywhere.

Plus, I want a qualification that allows me to feel confident when I step into a class for the first time. I'm guessing it's going to be pretty nerve-racking anyway!

Nomad, I think it's a good idea to do the course in the country I want to work in. I'm looking at courses in Chile now.

Thank you both for your help!

suphanburi · Joined: 20 Mar 2014 Posts: 916

The bottom line...

Weekend courses are usually rubbish and usually a waste of time.

You have a degree (even through it is not education related).

In those places where you can get legal work (Europe, Asia, central and south America (where most employers don't get you legal anyway)) an education to a first degree is often the requirement and the TEFL is not.

Will you find work = yes.
Will it be well paid = no.
Will a weekend TEFL help = not for the job search or the pay packet.
Will it help when you get dumped into a class and told "teach" = yes, it is better than nothing (at least you might have some ideas).

.