Job Discussion Forums

[MikeySaid]

I'm going to try this another way...

I CAN NOT go and do an intensive TESOL course right now. I just need one because I've got a contract to teach in Mexico starting in August but one of the conditions was that I get a cert. I know the TEFL'ers here are generally opposed to online certification, and for reasons I understand. The observed hours thing is great... but I already have a month of volunteer teaching under my belt in Mexico as well as one-on-one and group teaching experience here in the states.

But, considering that I basically have to acquire some sort of certification, and have a limited amount of time to do so... I'm seeking the assistance of the Dave's community.

I NEED to do one online so I can maintain some income and do a bit of saving...

Which course should I take? I've looked at i-to-i, TEFL International, TEFL Online, Bridge Linguatec... is the general opinion of posters here that they are all equally worthless? Or is one less worthless than another?

-Mike

[naturegirl321]

Try to find one that has a practical teaching aspect to it. Where you can practice in the classroom at a local school, etc.

[GambateBingBangBOOM]

I would say that they are all going to be about the same as the others. If you HAVE TO, HAVE TO, HAVE TO do the online approach (some schools have evening classes that allow people to work during the day, but if you're leaving in August that's pretty soon) then don't think it'll matter too, too much.

But I think you would be best served by also heading on over to a university bookstore or one with a designated linguistics/ English teaching section, and start buying up a lot of books.

If you just need the paper, you can always look for a quick cert that is available over a weekend (Global TESOL type of deal). It would get it done fast, and you would have a big leave-behind book that you can use to help you decide what kinds of books to buy for self-learning.

[Kent F. Kruhoeffer]

I'd suggest this one http://www.english-international.com/


It's Jeff Mohamed's course; he's a well-known trainer.

He is also the Cambridge Joint Chief Assessor for

CELTA courses throughout the US and Mexico.


If I needed to do an online course,

this is the course I would do.


note


You can opt for a practical teaching course, via video

which will be evaluated with feedback by Jeff;

adds a bit of credibility to the course.


Click here for course outlines.

[nickpellatt]

I completed the 40 hour online i-i course plus the business english course they offer.

both offered some information and gave me a few ideas, and all my assignments were marked promptly etc. As far as the online course goes, I was happy with my choice.

I intend doing a full course at a later date, but I was in a similar position as you......just needed a certificate, any certificate, to satisfy my employer to be....

I will do the course in the future, but probably I will do it reluctantly! I have now had 4 months experience from Africa, and 7 months experience in China...I dont doubt I still have lots to learn, but Im not sure the intensive course with observed practice will offer value for money for me.

Ill explain this before anyone jumps on me....I have observed practice every week...and for me to take a month to finish the course now, will be very hard for me to do.

Anytime I have vacation from my contract, I will be in the UK to work in another capacity, this summer for example I will be teaching within a language school in my home town...Its being able to work during the summer that helps to fund my travels. If I have to take a one month course during this time, it will seriously affect my ability to continue my contract at renewal time.

This is the woe of having child maintanance payments to still keep up in the UK etc!