Job Discussion Forums

incognito75 · Joined: 23 Sep 2005 Posts: 10 Location: Minnesota, USA

There are SO many programs out there. Does anyone know ifthese are simply just a variation of names or are they different levels or what? It's so frustrating. Are they all the same? I would appreciate any responses.

Doglover · Joined: 14 Dec 2004 Posts: 305 Location: Kansai

incognito75 · Joined: 23 Sep 2005 Posts: 10 Location: Minnesota, USA

Thank you for the doglover. That helped to clarify it a bit better. I am from the USA, am female, and want to go to a Latin American country to teach English. I have a BA and will work on a teaching English certificate. My problem is that I don't know which one the schools will accept (because I don't know which wchool I'm going to yet). Will most or all schools take any form of TESOL CETL EFL, etc?

Thanks.

Guy Courchesne · Joined: 10 Mar 2003 Posts: 9650 Location: Mexico City

Doglover · Joined: 14 Dec 2004 Posts: 305 Location: Kansai

Double post

Doglover · Joined: 14 Dec 2004 Posts: 305 Location: Kansai

Guy Courchesne · Joined: 10 Mar 2003 Posts: 9650 Location: Mexico City

I would indeed agree, though there are options outside of private language schools that operate as businesses.

denise · Joined: 23 Apr 2003 Posts: 3419 Location: finally home-ish

The basic entry-level qualification is a TEFL certificate. A good program should be 100+ hours with several hours of practice teaching that is observed by both your fellow trainees and the trainers. The CELTA is the big "name brand" course, but there are many decent ones out there.

d

incognito75 · Joined: 23 Sep 2005 Posts: 10 Location: Minnesota, USA

Thank you very much. All of the above information has been so helpful, perspective-wise. I do have yet another question (being a newbie).

Are there financial scholarships that would help a person pay for the TESOL or CELTA?

Thanks. I look forward to reading your replies.

incognito75 · Joined: 23 Sep 2005 Posts: 10 Location: Minnesota, USA

Thank you very much. All of the above information has been so helpful, perspective-wise. I do have yet another question (being a newbie).

Are there financial scholarships that would help a person pay for the TESOL or CELTA?

Thanks. I look forward to reading your replies.

Justin Trullinger · Posted: Fri Oct 14, 2005 12:13 am Post subject:

Look around, but my guess would be not many. These certs usually don't qualify for financial aid within the US.

If you're worried about costs, you might look into university TEFL programs, such as a post grad certificate, which might have better financial aid options.

Justin

Guy Courchesne · Joined: 10 Mar 2003 Posts: 9650 Location: Mexico City

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

Sorry, for those of your regulars who've heard my rant before - but I suppose it's worth repeating.

You might be seeking funding for a TEFL training course for different reasons - but if it's because you have no "nest egg" you should reconsider going abroad until you've amassed some savings. It's important to remember that you will need to be able to fund yourself not only during your course, but that also landlords in many places want two month's rent in advance, and that many language schools pay monthly - after you've worked the month, not in advance. It's easy to see that any little piece of bad luck (accident, even small hospital bill, bad luck with a landlord or pickpocketer) can land you in serious financial difficulties.

I am not assuming this is your case, but if it were, my strong recommendation is that you should delay your plans, save up a few thousands, and then take off with the security you will hopefully not need!

ls650 · Joined: 10 May 2003 Posts: 3484 Location: British Columbia

Suziefr · Joined: 21 Sep 2005 Posts: 9 Location: London

[/quote]

There is a list floating around with definitions to all the different acronyms. Most are similar but it really depends on whether you plan to teach foreigners in your own country or teaching in non-English speaking country. Some are degree courses will others are short term non-degree courses and diplomas.

EFL English as a Foreign Language
ESL English as a Second Language
TESL Teaching English as a Second Language
TESOL Teaching English to Speakers of Other languages
CELTA Certificate of Language Teaching to Adults
ESP English for Specific Purposes (e.g. Teaching hotel workers or nurses)
EAP English for Academic Purposes
TOEIC Test of English for International Communication
TOEFL Test of English as a Foreign language
DOS Director of Studies

Dear All,

I really need your precious advice on which qualification I should obtain.

I am a French native and I have been living in the UK for nine years.
I would like to teach either in Thailand or Vietnam and I was wondering if I should apply for a TEFL or a TESL. I need to get a qualification which will allow me to teach English even though I am not English.

Thank you in advance,

S