Job Discussion Forums

[Tamaris]

I am thinking about getting a On-line TEFL certificate, over ITTT, but can anyone tell me is it any good?! I wouldn't want to waste any money, if there is no way I'll get a job with that certificate! I'd like to take the real TEFL course, but can't afford it and not sure if I ever will So..good or bad idea??!
Thanks!!

[panchotino]

hi there.i'm in the same position as you regards the cost of a tefl.the general opinion seems to be the fact that because there is no teaching practice (practicum) then it isn't as highly thought of.i've just started an online course with asian-efl journal and it offers a practicum in some countries. basically i'm volunteering locally just so i get some classroom confidence.also you may be limiting yourself to worse jobs if you are underqualified. also if you are doing an online course a bit of advice i was given was to do it from an institution that also does a residential.( i;e tefl-prague).be careful with online though, i've been researching it for 3 months now and i still feel i'm taking a risk!

[spiral78]

Don't waste money on a course that doesn't offer supervised teaching practice. Many (most) employers know the difference. Also, if your finances are really tight, don't go abroad on a finanical shoestring. Wait, and save up enough so that you can support yourself for two or three months at least and always have enough money stashed for a plane ticket home, just in case. It takes a little time to get yourself established in a new place!

[Tamaris]

Hey people, thanks for your answers!
Do tell me how you on-line course is going, ok?!

[bonniec]

Unfortunately, I didn't find this site until AFTER I'd done an on-line TEFL course in Auckland, NZ. While there was some 'in-class' teaching, (2 days and 3 evenings) where we were taught to teach, the rest was about 80 hours on-line and now I'm feeling very nervous about heading to Chile to teach. I'm 22 and don't have a degree or any teaching experience yet (wow, I'm really selling myself well here! and was really hoping to get some kind of genuine classroom experience while here in London. My point is this: does anyone have any suggestion as to how I could get some part-time experience (I work 5 days a week, poor me!) even on a voluntary basis? I would really love to start by just observing a more experienced before I start myself. Any suggestions would be hugely appreciated! Please feel free to email any hints or tips to me directly: [email protected]