Job Discussion Forums

marliesue · Joined: 10 Jan 2008 Posts: 22 Location: USA

Hello,
I am wondering how people would compare the two companies and their TESOL certifications- especially the 'special programs- to get ceritfied the fist month then be placed for the next four to teach' they both have in Thailand. Any information would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks!
Marlie

akellerbuk · Joined: 25 Jan 2008 Posts: 1

I too am trying to get info on American TESOL, any luck??

marliesue · Joined: 10 Jan 2008 Posts: 22 Location: USA

I have found more positive responses to the TEFL International however have gotten feedback from at least one ( if not two... not 100% sure) previous students of American that were very positive and a general knowlege of the program by others in the field. I have not decided exactly who to go with at this point but am leaning toward TEFL International....
Good luck... hope this helps!

reactionary · Joined: 22 Mar 2008 Posts: 60

Yep, just saw an ad for American Tesol Institute today. No word?

marliesue · Joined: 10 Jan 2008 Posts: 22 Location: USA

hey.. I actually ended up going with American TESOL Institute. Their program suited my needs (and budget for the most part) and I have since heard many bad things about TESOL International. Not their program or teachers exactly but their business practices. I am worried about their program not being considered credible in the future.

reactionary · Joined: 22 Mar 2008 Posts: 60

did you go with the provided job as well? how was that?

marliesue · Joined: 10 Jan 2008 Posts: 22 Location: USA

hey... I am sorry I guess I wasn't really clear. I have simply signed up and paid for the program, I have not actually started yet. I go mid-September and yes I have signed up for the 4 months work experience-thing after the certification. I will keep this blog updated though!

CBI528 · Joined: 19 May 2008 Posts: 2 Location: USA

I also signed up for American TESOL Special Thai Project. I'll be leaving in September so can't speak towards the quality of the program, however, to date all my dealings with the people at the organization have been positive. They have been very responsive to questions I had about the program, helping book flights, helping with Visa's, etc etc. I'll let you know when I get back how the experience turned out.

Fike2308 · Joined: 30 Jun 2007 Posts: 52 Location: CHINA

I did TEFL INTL's course and was very unsatisifed.

I am not familiar with the other course mentioned but I have heard a lot of good things about CELTA.

DMPT · Joined: 26 Nov 2006 Posts: 71

MOD EDIT

To the OP, with any course I'd only do the course - not one with a job placement deal afterwards.

TI is well known, has been well organised and is as respected as anyother course provider that doesn't offer accreditation from a major organisation. Such as a CELTA (accredited by Cambridge - but is only focused on teaching adults, although you can do an additional young learners course)

WhatsGrammar? · Joined: 05 Jun 2008 Posts: 54

MOD EDIT

There has also been complaints about the schools that they have been sent to. Under-resourced, lack of air-con, huge class sizes and a lack of support from Thai teachers who know that thses noobs are only here for 3-4 months.

Pauleddy · Joined: 19 Mar 2006 Posts: 295 Location: The Big Mango

U should note:

There are a lot of sharp practices here.

Some TEFL courses are fine in theory, and may even be accepted by employers here. But, if they are not CELTA or Trinity, they have not been accredited by external bodies. Outside of Thailand you may find that they are almost worthless.

The 4 month thing is a scam. It is called work experience, and you may even get a salary. However, you will be sent like cannon fodder to a 3rd rate school, one of several which is 'fed' with newbie teachers from the scheme. Often these schools are poorly resourced, and are the schools which nobody wants to work at.

I live in Bangkok and teach at a leading university here. You can PM me with questions, or visit ajarn.com MOD EDIT
Eddy

DMPT · Joined: 26 Nov 2006 Posts: 71

WhatsGrammar? · Joined: 05 Jun 2008 Posts: 54

DMPT · Joined: 26 Nov 2006 Posts: 71

Don't be silly.

I'll speak for NEARLY all government schools in Isaan (where the teachers are sent from TI) that In the local Thai Programs - not English Programs, Religious schools etc will have poorer resources and larger class sizes than what the FTs are used to from their home country's educational system... and probably some resentment from other Thai teachers.

I worked in a Gov School last year where the Head of the Thai English program was working in the school TEN YEARS before I was even born (I'm twenty eight) and I was on far more money than her, had far less lessons and far more assistance from the directors.

The rule of thumb with rural government schools are that:

Resources will be lacking somewhat (no funding other than what the government sends out)

The Thai Program (funded solely by the government - not the parents) probably won't have air-com.

The sizes will be 50+ kids. Classrooms will appear prehistoric - wooden, no glass in the windows etc

The Thai teachers (If they're not afraid to talk to you - another thread entirely) probably won't help you out all that much.

Someone coming from western education just trained up in a modern language centre will be more than likely taken back by the state of affairs.

As said, when trained, find a job in a school that is funded by other means than the government.

MOD EDIT