Job Discussion Forums

[slas7713]

I've been looking at jumping ship from my IT job, getting certified, and heading overseas to teach. I considered taking a month in Houston and getting my CELTA but kept putting it off. I have some English teaching experience but not much. I have more software training experience.

My Question: Has anyone on the board gone to TEFL International or through the TEFL International Special Thai Project in Ban Phe that gets you your TEFL certification and then you go teach for four months at 30,000 baht a month? It's from April 18th to September of this year and I've already been accepted (just haven't sent in the deposit yet).

I was thinking it might be a great opportunity to look around for other opportunities while I was there teaching. I would also like to teach in Central America since I've studied and speak Spanish.

I'd like to get a general idea of what those of you out there with experience think about this program, company, and opportunity in general.

All input is appreciated.

Thanks,

Steve L.

[saint57]

From my perspective it's not a good idea. However, when I was a newbie I think I may liked it. If you're willing to rough it a bit then go for it.

[slas7713]

Saint57,

Can you elaborate more on why you don't feel it's a good idea?

Thanks,

Steve L

[movinaround]

I don't know if it is a good program yet, as I haven't heard good or bad on it. That would be all I need not to take it. We are talking about a worldwide, cross cultural industry here, and a large (and good) reputation is needed. That TEFL certificate might be great, but it won't do anything for you for awhile (and being pessimistic, though probably a realist, won't ever do much at all). Unless you are taking a TESOL certificate purely for your own desire to become a better teacher (which practically any certificate will help, even if only a bit, and is a worthy reason), only the Trinity TEFL and CELTA are worth anything professionally at the moment.

Second, the thought, "If it sounds too good to be true, it probably isn't." comes to mind too, but that may just be from getting ripped off enough times

[MaiPenRai]

From what I know and have heard, TEFL International is a fairly well run organization. Bruce, the head, seems to be down to earth and fair. movinaround, while I agree with you that a CELTA or Trinity are much more recognized worldwide as a professional cert. (a career TEFL'er), as long as a TEFL/TESOL course has 120 hours course work + 6 hours of practice teaching, it should be recognized internationally. Also, if you want to teach legally now in Thailand, you need a TEFL/TESOL certificate unless you have a B.Ed.

My major concern would be the placement. My understanding of the project is that you do NOT receive your TEFL certificate until you have completed 4 months teaching at a Thai government school. If there are any problems or you are unhappy with the situation, you are SOL. Out $500 and have nothing (no cert.) to show for it.


I would suggest that if you can get the money together, you should do the regular course (TEFL Int. or otherwise) and have the freedom to choose your own working conditions. There are many crappy jobs (schools) in Thailand and why would you want to get stuck in one of them. There are also good jobs out there and if you have a degree, TEFL cert and all the proper paperwork (background checks, transcipts, etc.) the pickings should be good next term. While 30,000 baht/month is decent, with a little legwork, you can get up to 40,000/month even outside of Bangkok.

On a positive note, I do believe that if you are adventurous and/or only want to stay for a short time and/or don't have the startup money, it is a good opportunity. However, if you decide that you would like to stay longer, you will not get paid during the semester break in this program (that means up to 2 months with no guaranteed income).

IMO, I would steer clear of the Thailand ESL industry if you are a newcomer to Thailand or TESL or both. There continues to be escalating confusion and uncertainty surrounding new regulations regarding Visas, Work Permits, Teacher's Licences, background checks, etc. I think as they find more illegal teachers and perhaps even more convicts on the run (for whatever crime but inparticular sex crimes), and they will, the problem will only get worse. The hype will die down eventually, but it is not the sabai sabai (easy/comfortable) situation that it used to be for teachers in Thailand. Tack on the declining value of the Baht (Thai currency) and you need to start thinking twice.

[movinaround]

[slas7713]

Thanks for all the input. It's interesting that if I get my CELTA here in the states I would have problems getting work and and would in addition need a TEFL/TESOL.

Steve L

[slas7713]

Forget the last comment about the Celta and TESOL, I'm aware it covers it. Momentary brain loss.

[lisa1968]

If you are interested in doing a TEFL in Mexico and teaching in Latin America in general, I can give you my 2 cents worth. You can PM me and I will tell you about the certificate I did in Chiapas, Mexico.

[NorthTowardsHome]

Sorry not ignoring you.New to forum so cant send out pm's just yet. Will answer you when I am able to do so.Thanks

[tttompatz]