Job Discussion Forums

[parvati_overdrive]

hey now!

this is my first post - so hello out there.

im looking for a low cost tefl course. i have some prior teaching experience in korea/cambodia as well as hold a ba, sub teaching cred in usa, public speaking minor and worked as technical trainer in i.t.

the cert is honestly, insurance for china and a 'must have' if i ever do teach here in thailand and asia. so its something i should get under my belt. but, i know ill get value out of the course to be sure. i could go to china and easily land a job, but i want the confidence that learning the fundementals provide.

these appear to be my best value options. both are alleged to have 'thai moe accred.'

chichester:
http://www.tefl1.com/index.php

stamford:
http://www.stamfordcollege.org/


thanks

[bluffer]

OK, duck and cover - another which course is best thread.

If you look back, this thread has been done probably once or twice a month since the board was set up.

Have you looked back and read all the threads? If not, please do so. You will learn a lot and be able to ask much more defined questions rather than the scattergun "which is best?"

[parvati_overdrive]

I inquired specifically about two schools, I thought the question was pointed. I have done about half dozen searches and turned up nothing of import.

scattergun?! two schools -with links included.

With the energy it took to bad mouth me, you could have pointed me in the right direction. The truth is you don't know -but felt impelled to say something anyway.

It may have been done, but the nature of people's postings -the threads are very vague (i.e. what do you think of this?, how many times would you let this go on?, etc...).

[bluffer]

Bad mouthing? By asking you if you had done a search? Hmm a bit thin skinned.

If you really want me to bad mouth, let me know and I will willingly pick out all the mistakes you made in your post.

But to answer your implied question - you dont actually ask one in your original post - I would not go to either of them. Do a CELTA or TEFL with TEFL International instead.

[kenkannif]

Let's put it this way I've not heard anything specifically bad abnout them.

Do they offer the 100+ hours class time and 6+ hours observed teaching practice that is the 'general' standard?

[Kent F. Kruhoeffer]

Hello parvati_overdrive:

Welcome to the forum !

I think the main problem with questions about TEFL courses is that there are simply too few regular posters on the Thailand Forum (like only a dozen or less?) . . .

and too many cert courses.

All joking aside --- try posting on the teacher training forum here @ Dave's --- if you haven't already. You might run into a few people who have some first-hand info on those two particular programs:

http://www.eslcafe.com/discussion/dz1/ (Dave's Teacher Training Forum)

You could also try the ThaiVisa.com website. If you scroll down a bit, you'll find the Teaching in Thailand Forum:

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/ (ThaiVisa.com Forum)

Happy weekend to the whole gang !

[Clark_A]

Good evening all..well..if your in Thailand. I've read through this thread and want to reiterate a few things that people living in Thailand now, may not have encountered.
I'm in the same boat with the originator of this message. I too am looking at which option/schools are the best to attend to gain the necessary BUT best possible experience regardless of time commitment.

Agencies here in the U.S. are extremely vague when suggesting which school/programs to take. Personally, I've been to the campus of UD (University of Dallas), UTA and several community colleges. Every one has given me different suggestions and different programs to pursue. The range of programs have been within the extremes of a masters degree in Linguistics to a 4 week course taught on weekends only.

None of us, well speaking only for myself, want to do this in a hap hazard or careless way. From my perspective, I'm searching for the best course regardless of time frame, which offers me the opportunity to be the best English instructor possible.

Personally, my last contact was with a company some of you may be familiar with: Global Crossroads. Talk about vague. One sentence in a two page "promo" about teaching overseas, and they think they've covered all the possibilities!

I dont know how many people are capable of just picking up and moving, however, it's certainly within my means now to do just that. From what I'm reading and seeing, it may the best way!

[Volodiya]

Have you ever worked in TEFL/TESOL, even as a volunteer? You could start there, to see if you liked it. Many years ago in Dallas, volunteers were needed to help Russian immigrants learn English. (That was my first experience with TESOL.)

How do you know you're going to like it without trying it? How much of a commitment are you going to make, at this point? You've got the range- as you can see, they're night and day different. Why not try the low end of commitment, first, and see how it goes, perhaps with a 120 hour TEFL course followed by your first job. Later, you could decide to go back to school for the MA, if you thought you wanted to be in it for the long haul.

[Clark_A]

I appreciate your reply and some of what you've suggested, honestly, I had not thought about doing. As for prior teaching experience, I've worked teaching English to Americans. Specifically working with Blacks in poverty areas here in Dallas, where quality of education doesn't provide even the fundamentals of English.

As far a commitment, this is a permanent pursuit for me. My only real consideration, other than finding the appropriate ed courses, is how well my wife and I will deal with the cultural changes that I'll be subjected to.

For me, it seems an easy enough move, however she has reservations which I learned long ago not to dismiss. I'll certainly check on volunteer opportunities through TESOL and see what's available.

Keep in mind though, teaching English as a second language here in the U.S. is much much different than teaching overseas. Unfortunately cultural influences aren't what I consider "helpful" when trying to teach teenagers how to speak English correctly.

[derman53]

As far as quality goes I can't say but my research points to ECC for the Celta program. The possiblity of a job and half of your money back on the cost of the program and a 12000 bhat bonus gets you a plane ticket home at the end of a year. I visted their Bangkok, Siam offices in November. It's only 2 blocks from the BTS. Really nice and professional. Even had their own fully staffed snack bar. I also visited a couple of the guesthouses they recommeded and found the A-One Inn to be the most interesting of the bunch (within walking distance of the school http://www.aoneinn.com/ and under 16000 baht per month (about $400). They have a bed, air, hot water, frig and desk. They also have their own bunch of computers for Internet access. I am planning on taking the May or June class.

[Clark_A]

Thanks for the information. I'm looking into the CELTA program offered in Houston. Not sure which dates I'll be available to take but it does seem like a good reputable program.

[bluffer]

derman - if you do the CELTA with ECC, get the certificate and then get a better job.

With a degree and CELTA you should be able to easily find a better job - both salary and conditions. This should more than make up for any bonus they give you.

ECC for teachers is not the best place to work.

[osakajojo]

derman53 thanks for the input. I am thinking of going to ECC as well. Does anyone have any input on ECC?
I wonder if they are the same company as the ECC in Japan?

[james_baldrey]

CELTA is the only one!

Did it. Loved it. Worth it. Recommend it!

Good luck!

[Gluestick]

I also did the CELTA at ECC. It was good. They changed up the teachers though so I don't know the quality of instruction now but they have to adhere to Cambridge standards anyways.

I worked for ECC afterwards. Your experience will depend on which branch you work at. Mine is pretty good.