Job Discussion Forums

sarahbeara_413 · Joined: 14 May 2008 Posts: 4

Hi everyone, this is my first post to this website so if I do something wrong I apologize in advance.
I'm 24 years old and set to graduate this weekend and have been thinking about either teaching abroad or applying for the peace corps. I've done my research on both and think it would be beneficial for me to teach abroad to gain that experience so i'll have something to bring to the table when I eventually apply for the peace corps. I'm still in the idea stage of all of this, so any advice you have to offer will be appreciated. My first question is if any of you have heard of or gone through Oxford Seminars to get your TEFL certificate? There's a program here in San Jose, CA that has a course every Saturday and Sunday for 3 weekends and it's $995. Does anyone have any feedback, good or bad about this program?

spiral78 · Joined: 05 Apr 2004 Posts: 11534 Location: On a Short Leash

The standard newbie certification course is 100+ hours on site, and including at least 6 hours of practice teaching with real students (not peer trainees). The practice teaching component is considered the key by reputable employers in most regions.

I don't think the course you refer to does this...

Why not consider taking a course in the country where you want to start teaching?
Training in-country offers you a great chance to get your feet wet in the country/culture while you still have a support system � they usually arrange for your housing during the course, airport pickup, and local orientation. Your practice teaching students will really be representative of those you�ll be working with when you start. You can be sure that your certification will be recognized by local employers, and a training centre can give you invaluable contacts and advice regarding reputable local employers.

Justin Trullinger · Posted: Tue May 20, 2008 1:02 pm Post subject:

Second that- another good way to think of a good course is that, done intensively, it would take about 4 weeks, intensive Mon-Fri. Whether you do it intensively or extensively depends on you and the center- makes no difference. But if you're thinking that a course of 6 days (3 weekends, Sat and Sun) is going to be equivalent to a course of 20 days, it isn't.

Best,
justin

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

I think that intensive courses are much better than weekend ones.

sarahbeara_413 · Joined: 14 May 2008 Posts: 4

Thanks for your replies. I will definitely think twice about Oxford Seminars now and do some more research about other programs. I understand that the intensive course would probably be a much better option but since I work fulltime I am unable to do that right now. I'm just trying to figure out what is the most financially feasible thing for me to do right now, and what fits best with my schedule.

MO39 · Posted: Tue May 20, 2008 10:08 pm Post subject: Re: Oxford seminars

Justin Trullinger · Posted: Wed May 21, 2008 6:09 pm Post subject:

mandalayroad · Joined: 11 Mar 2008 Posts: 115

I think it also depends on whether you want to teach ESL/EFL for a year as an overseas jaunt or make it a long-term career. If the latter then Oxford Seminars is not for you. If it's the former then it's fine. The more intense courses will cost you a lot of money for something you will potentially only do for a year or two. I taught at Oxford Seminars before and the materials and coursework will give you decent preparation for teaching overseas. The job placement guarantee is silly, I wouldn't put much stock in it. And like an