Job Discussion Forums

Sonceree · Joined: 18 Feb 2005 Posts: 11 Location: Dayton, OH

I am still trying to locate a TEFL course in Puerto Rico? Does anyone know of one... Am I even in the correct forum?

Cdaniels · Posted: Sat Sep 03, 2005 6:33 pm Post subject: education in puerto rico

Generally in PR public schools (From welcome.topuertorico.org): "Instruction is given in Spanish in the first two grades, with English as a subject; in the third and fourth grades the ratio is two-thirds Spanish and one-third English; in the fifth and sixth grades, half Spanish and half English; while in the seventh and eighth grades, the division is one-third Spanish and two-thirds English."
Might be better to check out Caribbean Forum, although I don't think you'll have any better luck finding a TEFL program.
Wink

Everyday Eva 1984 · Joined: 28 Aug 2005 Posts: 11

Hello, what's the craig friends? I am taking a course in Argentina and I mention it because I went through www.travellingteachers.com and I think they are great. I don't know if they have a course in Puerto Rico, but they might. I have not taken the course yet, but i feel i have a pretty decent grasp of it. It's taught by locals who love to teach and take you out, so I am excited for sure. I will keep you posted on how it goes, cheers or should I say, salud!

-Eva

MELEE · Posted: Mon Sep 05, 2005 6:34 pm Post subject:

There is a very good MA in TESOL in San Juan, especially if you want k-12 certification, but like mentioned by cdaniels, Puerto Rico isn't really a market for the CELTA crowd.

Sonceree · Joined: 18 Feb 2005 Posts: 11 Location: Dayton, OH

Well I am really looking to work more with adults than children. I have some experience and I am just searching for a program where I can get a cert of some type. What is the biggest difference between the CELTA and TEFL and which is better? I am trying to get a cert and of course travel. I could take a summer course at the local university but I really want the experience of taking the course in another country where I can get the exposure and immersion.

As far a Puerto Rico, I just thought it would be an alternative to Mexico. [/list]

Justin Trullinger · Posted: Tue Sep 06, 2005 11:59 pm Post subject:

CELTA is a cert in English language teaching, licensed, or accredited, or whatever the word is, through Cambridge university. TEFL means "Teaching English as a Foreign Language," and is the acronym used on many different certificates, ranging from the on-line cheapies, to some fairly good programs.

Rather than an acronym, I would look for a good program. The characteristics I consider good are:

1: Observed teaching practice (6 hour minimum)

2: At least 120 hours of instruction time

3: Instructors with advanced training and experience in the classroom.

4: Former participants who have good things to say about the program, and have gone on to have good teaching experiences. (If the program operators refuse, or hesitate, to put you in touch with former participants, run a mile.)

Trinity College TESOL certificates generally fall into this category, as does the CELTA. But for me, the training matters more than the name.

Some people will point out that the program I just described may be more expensive than some. And in the world of online $29.95 certs, they're right. But there is no such thing as a free lunch.

Good luck,
Justin