Job Discussion Forums

Ruaridh321 · Joined: 11 Aug 2015 Posts: 62

Hey guys.

I'm hoping to teach English abroad some point in the future. I've been planning for a while and am still currently looking into different countries.

There's just something I'm a bit curious about... About a year ago when I first liked the idea of TEFL, I was looking into some 'guaranteed job' programmes in places like Thailand, where you do a TEFL course and then get placed in a job at the end of it. They also have them pretty much over the world, although I was mainly looking at Thailand (and I think Costa Rica at one point).

Now, I know that the best way to teach English is usually a CELTA certificate or an equivalent course and finding your own job.

But Im still bit curious to know why exactly these 'guaranteed job' programs are bad, i.e what they involve? Just because from most of the research I've done into them I've been able to locate Facebook groups/pages and convincing evidence that people have done the programs and enjoyed them.

Would such programs maybe be more suited to someone that is looking into TEFL for a short-term/gap year?

Any info/advice would be great Very Happy

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

If you're only interested in a short-term TEFL situation, then choose one of those so-called "guaranteed" job courses. Just be sure to research the course provider and check out the course content and facilities instead of relying solely on praises posted on Facebook.

spiral78 · Joined: 05 Apr 2004 Posts: 11534 Location: On a Short Leash

Check carefully that the job placement promise is solid - some of them are really just going to put you in touch with local employers, not to really 'place' you.

The centres that do real placement are usually those that run their own schools.

Ask for and read the fine print, but so long as you're careful to choose one that really does give jobs and it's in a place you're interested in being, it's ok for a gap year thing.

Ruaridh321 · Joined: 11 Aug 2015 Posts: 62

spiral78 · Joined: 05 Apr 2004 Posts: 11534 Location: On a Short Leash

Any TEFL course provider should be able to set you up with contacts for reputable local schools. That isn't job placement.

Ruaridh321 · Joined: 11 Aug 2015 Posts: 62

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

Don't overthink this. It seems you're seeking the ideal, short-term entry-level teaching situation. Look at countries that have plenty of jobs year round, complete a basic TEFL course in your top country, and then apply for jobs.

Lack · Joined: 10 Aug 2011 Posts: 252

The trick is not that they are lying about a guaranteed job. The trick is that you're going straight to the bottom of the barrel.

Ever been in, say, Thailand, and a taxi driver tries to take you to a different hotel or whatever because his buddy owns it and gives him kickback money?

It's like that.