Job Discussion Forums

bjorn · Joined: 28 Nov 2007 Posts: 17

I'm currently doing an online 100hr TEFL course (through i-to-i) and as their jobplacement program is rather poo I was curious if anyone has used bridgetefl/tefljobplacement? I'll probably get some stick from people on how one shouldn't be paying for a placement, but I've come across some serious hurdles finding work. To start off, as some have rightly pointed out, it is only an online course, and thus not worth much. On the upside, I do have a masters in history and my teaching qualifications. It's been years since I've taught though, and even that wasn't English. On top of that I'm a non-native speaker (Dutch), which is why i-to-i can't place me anywhere save China, where I'm sure they could place a globus monkey.
My experience sofar in sending emails out to schools is that I seldomly get a reply, and if I do it's along the lines of "why don't you come in for a chat". I don't feel this is an option, flying halfway around the world on the offchance I'll get hired.
So coming back to my question; if anyone has any experience with bridgetefl/tefljobplacement.com in Central America, good or bad, I'd love to hear about it.

Cheers!

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

How much money are they asking? Do you have a link we can take a look at?

I can see your point, but personally I'd be very reluctant to hand out cash for a services I can do myself with a bit of hassle.

bjorn · Joined: 28 Nov 2007 Posts: 17

It is by no means cheap; $620! (feel free to point and laugh Smile

). Then again neither is flying somewhere on the offchance you might get hired. I'm asuming it's this steap because ideally one would take their online TEFL as well in the package.

http://www.tefljobplacement.com/
and
http://www.tefljobplacement.com/prices.php

give you an idea of what's involved.

bjorn · Joined: 28 Nov 2007 Posts: 17

And yea I'm reluctant too. If only it was just 'hassle', but with my circumstances they seem more like barriers than hurdles.

naturegirl321 · Joined: 04 May 2003 Posts: 9041 Location: home sweet home

The not being a native speaker will work against you. And I know what you mean about flying half way across the world. I got that while I was in CHina. Though there are some schools in Peru that might hire you. Try UDEP in Piura, or Fleming in Trujillo, but I think Flemings' full until next year.

People in LA are notorious for NOT replying. I know it sounds risky. BUt you might just want to pick a country, fly in and look for work. THEN if things don't work out, approach the local Bridge Linguatec.

naturegirl321 · Joined: 04 May 2003 Posts: 9041 Location: home sweet home

One more thing about Bridge Linguatec, you're not placed in schools. Youre placed in THEIR school. So you kind of paying them to hire you. BUt, you do get paid, so you'll get it back in a couple of months.

bjorn · Joined: 28 Nov 2007 Posts: 17

Thanks for your replies. I might bite the bullet once I have a few job aps lined up that seem reliable. Costa Rica seems like a small enough place where one could try that. Or I might just take the easy route, pay up, and get that all important 1st year of experience in. After that I'd imagine my opportunities will increase (greatly).

naturegirl321 · Joined: 04 May 2003 Posts: 9041 Location: home sweet home

Hope things work out for you. Let us know how things go.

mountainkat · Joined: 19 Sep 2007 Posts: 2

[quote="naturegirl321"]One more thing about Bridge Linguatec, you're not placed in schools. Youre placed in THEIR school. So you kind of paying them to hire you. BUt, you do get paid, so you'll get it back in a couple of months.[/quote]

I work for BridgeTEFL Job Placement and in fact we do not place people in our own schools. We do have language schools and TEFL training centers throughout Latin America, but our placement schools are partner schools that we have worked with in the past. We send our teachers to schools that we have personal relationships with to ensure that they get what they were promised. As I'm sure you know, it can be difficult to find a good school and a good position in Latin America and so we are here to help people navigate the process.

naturegirl321 · Joined: 04 May 2003 Posts: 9041 Location: home sweet home

I didn't konw that. That's good to hear.

Katm · Joined: 30 Jul 2009 Posts: 16

I'm kind of in the same situation. I'm a native English speak and will have degree and TEFL qualification but the company I did my TEFL with can no longer place me in Quito which is where I specifically want to go. Just wondering if anyone has gone through bridgetefl? It's a lot of money although there is definitely a job at the end of it. Also, the only contact I've had from them didn't look too promising - I sent an email with a few questions and the woman who emailed back told me schools in Quito start in March. I've always been under the impression they start in September and the coastal school start in March/April?