Job Discussion Forums

[marrsy]

I apologize if this question has been asked before but does anyone know about these online TESL classes... The courses I find at actual schools cost between 1900 - 2200 hundred U.S but the online course is approx. 250 U.S so is it a real certificate or just a primer type course... for the money I would obviously take the online course but is it a waste of time and money? Any help would be appreciated... Thanks

[spiral78]

Yes, it's been asked about a million times - but that makes it fairly easy to answer, so don't worry!

The general concensus is that, while any training is better than no training, online and distance courses are NOT the way to go.

First, most reputable language schools want a qualification that includes supervised teaching practice. This is important!! And you obviously don't get this from an online/distance course.

Second, there are many good reasons to get your certification in the country or region where you want to teach, if at all possible. You have a chance to 'get your feet' wet there while you still have a support system (good course providers offer help in daily living issues). You will make contacts (and friends) where you want to be, your practice students will really represent the students you will be working with, and schools in the area will recognize the name of the certificate you have.

Yes, it's more expensive, but worth it all around!!