Job Discussion Forums

[lavender]

Hello all,

I wanted to ask people about whether it's better to get a TEFL certificate before applying for any ESL job overseas. Right now, I'm doing research to learn all that I can about the ESL industry. Just how helpful is this certificate in:

1) increasing chances of being hired
2) actual teaching. Does it help you to plan lessons for class?

Also, what is really the differnce between a TEFL certificate and CELTA in terms of course work load, difficulty/ease of passing the course?

Finally, which countries would consider you as being more favourable (ie: being hired) if you have the certificate?

Thanks for your input.

[M.]

Lav,


If you have the money and the time. I would advise you to get the CELTA or Trinity certificate. I have a CELTA certificate. I have heard Trinity is good as well. But for better or worse the CELTA has more of a Reputation around the globe, maybe due to good marketing.

If you have never taught, I would also advise you to get a Certificate. It gives you a good hands on approach to the basics of teaching. The course is not mentally difficult. But learning to teach can be. If money is not a huge problem, go to somewhere cheap to take it like Portugal or Egypt, or Moscow. I took mine in the states, but i lived near a International House in Portland, Oregon.

If money is a problem and u have a University Degree. Go to Japan, Korea.......or other places that I have heard that dont require the Certificate........Thailand, Columbia, Peru, Brazil, Russia, Ukraine, Sudan, India, Kazakhstan. These are a few of the places in which I have met people that have taught there who have not needed a certificate. And remember, Often it has to do with supply and demand. But If I were you I would get a certificate. It helped me in the end.

I have been in Russia and am now in Germany. I like both and have enjoyed them......M.