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Canadian_Guy
Joined: 08 Nov 2004 Posts: 27
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Posted: Sat Nov 13, 2004 12:46 am Post subject: TESOL Vs. TEFL |
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Is the North Amercian course TESOL as good as TEFL? If i come to Thailand with the TESOL Certificate will that be as good as TEFL Certificate? Thanks |
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kenkannif
Joined: 07 Apr 2004 Posts: 550
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Posted: Sun Nov 14, 2004 6:15 am Post subject: |
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A TEFL is a TESOL, as is a TESL! Do quick search for the explanations (or if you're too lazy to let me know and I'll do one for you!).
Personally I as an employer would prefer people to have done it here for various reasons (know the realities of teaching in Thailand, I'd know more about the certificate, good chance you'd be on a 'good' Visa, would have acclimatised, etc.). Others say that 'cos Thailand is a bit Mickey Mouse it's better to do the course in a more 'Western' and thus reputable country as it will carry more weight (although I disagree!). Either, or really....all depends on who you talk to! |
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Sheep-Goats
Joined: 16 Apr 2004 Posts: 527
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Posted: Sun Nov 14, 2004 2:26 pm Post subject: Re: TESOL Vs. TEFL |
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Canadian_Guy wrote: |
Is the North Amercian course TESOL as good as TEFL? If i come to Thailand with the TESOL Certificate will that be as good as TEFL Certificate? Thanks |
TESOL and TEFL are variations of terminology that, in a four week course, amount to the same goddamn thing no matter what the pundits say. A TEFL certificate earned in Thailand is as good as a TEFL certificate earned anywhere. A CELTA (a type of TEFL certificate which has Cambridge's name attached to it and which is perhaps actually a surer bet the world over as far as quality goes) carries a bit more weight than a TEFL.
If you mean an actual degree, like in the kind of thing you go to college for a few years for, then it'd be foolish for you to get that kind of a degree in Thailand. Austrailia, UK, or USA are the best places for it (Austrialia is cheapest, USA carries most weight/respect -- especially in Asia), though if you got one by studying part time in Japan while teaching there I don't think you'd be hurt for it. |
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Sheep-Goats
Joined: 16 Apr 2004 Posts: 527
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Posted: Sun Nov 14, 2004 2:31 pm Post subject: |
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kenkannif wrote: |
Personally I as an employer would prefer people to have done it here for various reasons (know the realities of teaching in Thailand, I'd know more about the certificate, good chance you'd be on a 'good' Visa, would have acclimatised, etc.). |
This is a good point -- but since I've had to expalin what a CELTA is and how it differs from a TEFL to the last three interviews I'd been to (all at good schools, twice to Thais and once to a farang who was using ESL to describe his program -- the wrong letter in the middle there) I wouldn't expect it to translate to all/most/many positions in Thailand. Thais are impressed by degrees and are also impressed by western universities -- which gives the CELTA a general edge even though that TEFL in Puket is probably better perparation for Thailand. |
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Canadian_Guy
Joined: 08 Nov 2004 Posts: 27
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Posted: Mon Nov 15, 2004 3:08 am Post subject: |
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kenkannif wrote: |
Do a quick search for the explanations |
Global TESOL College is a North American-based educational institution. They not only teach English in theory, but most importantly how to USE the language effectively in every day situations. One of the most popular programs is the 120-hour Advanced TESOL Teacher Certification program. This program continues to rapidly grow in popularity, and has gained overwhelming worldwide respect and recognition by the over 25,000 students who have completed our programs, as well as by the schools and recruiters that are hiring our graduates. |
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Placebo

Joined: 19 Nov 2004 Posts: 80 Location: Bangkok
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Posted: Mon Nov 22, 2004 6:03 am Post subject: Re: TESOL Vs. TEFL |
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Sheep-Goats wrote: |
If you mean an actual degree, like in the kind of thing you go to college for a few years for, then it'd be foolish for you to get that kind of a degree in Thailand. Austrailia, UK, or USA are the best places for it (Austrialia is cheapest, USA carries most weight/respect -- especially in Asia), though if you got one by studying part time in Japan while teaching there I don't think you'd be hurt for it. |
While I agree that the best places to obtain an actual degree are the countries named above, I wouldn't say that it would be "foolish" to obtain such a degree in Thailand.
There are 3 Universities that offer a TESOL related degree. Chulalongkorn, which is the best University in Thailand offers a Masters in "English as an International Language". Assumption University offers an MA in "ELT" and "ELL" and Payap University offers an MA TESOL program. These programs are all taught in English and are well respected in Thailand.
It really depends where you are going with your career. If you want to settle down in Thailand, it wouldn't be so "foolish" to obtain your degree there. However, I do not know about the international accredidation of these institutes and would only recommend them for people who have longterm ambitions to teach in Thailand.
I was considering to enter the program at Assumption University but decided to start my MA TESOL in the U.S. 3 more semester and I shall return... |
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