Job Discussion Forums

[FondueUSA]

I am looking to get TEFL certification. I am looking at doing the training abroad, hopefully in Thailand. I am looking at two different schools, the TEFL institute in Chicago and TEFL international. Has anyone heard anything good or bad about these companies? If both are bad could anyone recommend a good school? I am having a very difficult time finding independent information about TEFL/TESOL schools. I do not want to get scammed or ripped off. Can anyone help?

[naturegirl321]

ITry a search, both have been discussed recently. Make sure it has 100 hours and 6 with real students. Good luck.

[dreadnought]

I would stick with either the CELTA or SIT TESOL. I'm sure there are other good courses out there but these fulfill the basic requirements of at least 100 hours, 6 practice teaching hours, external assessment, recognised authorising body. Both, as far as I know, are available in Thailand. They generally cost more money than other courses but you are getting a quality course, a well recognised certificate and, more importantly, better preparation for actually going into a classroom.

[Guy Courchesne]

[spiral78]

There are lots of very good reasons to take a course in the country where you want to start working, if at all possible.

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.