Job Discussion Forums

[tybalt2]

Hello:
I have also posted this on the Indonesian board. But, I wanted to add it here too. Interested to hear what the consensus may be on this subject
I am a 47-year-old who is thinking of relocating to Jakarta or Bogor, in Indonesia. I have been a volunteer TESL teacher (one day per week, for two years) at a non-profit school called Language Etc., here in Washington DC. I have my BSc in accounting and also studied journalism at Temple University (in the 80s) I am trying to decide which is the best course of action:
1) To get a TESL or TEFL certificate here in DC. There are two schools here that offer it: LADO Institute and International Language Institute. Both are fairly pricey ($2000 and $1750, respectively). Yet, I would have the certification on-hand and the job resources they offer.
2) Save up and go to TEFL International. It appears they have recently opened a branch in Surabaya. The cost is $1500. It would be cheaper than either of the two schools listed above, and I would also be within Indonesia. This may increase my prospects of locating a job there quickly.
3) Go to Indonesia and try finding a job first. I don't know anyone there, so I would be going in blind. I would still go for the TEFL/TESL certification, but I would try teaching first.
Any insights into this matter would be most welcome. I am new to this, but I have been dreaming of it for quite some time. I am even trying to teach myself Indonesian, using Pimsleur.
Thank you.

[JZer]

I guess it might depend on your savings. If you have the money why don't do the TEFL certificate on the weekends while in the United States. Then you can learn about different teaching methods and have more time to digest the information. Secondly, if you do the course in Indonesia you will be trying to get settled down and learning a new country which might make studying for your TEFL stressful.

My recommendation would be to do your TEFL in the US unless you are short on money. In that case just get a job. You can learn on the job and teach yourself.

[Chancellor]

[Marcoregano]

Hi Tibalt2,

IMO, given that Indonesia is the place you want to go, your second option wins hands down. International House is a very reputable outfit, so you will get good training and, more importantly, make local connections and get local advice while doing the course.

[fluffyhamster]

Is TEFL International the same as or connected to International House?

[hollysuel]

[tybalt2]

In response to Chancellor: It would be nice if I could afford to go to a university to earn a Masters. But, a university degree would be expensive. I finished my BSc just a few short years ago, and I cannot see taking out additional loans. At least, not at this juncture.
As for flying to Toronto to get a CELTA, Again, it would become expensive to fly to Toronto, get the certificate, and then fly to Indonesia. Seems to me that it would be simpler to just got to TEFL International, in Surabaya.
I do not earn much in the way of salary. So, this is the crux of the dilemma. If earning the certificate prior to arrival provides me with greater leverage and more opportunities, then it may well be worth the investment. But, I have also heard that many places would gladly hire teachers who have a Bachelors and are within the country. I do not know if this applies to Indonesia (I have heard it is so in Vietnam and Korea). Yes, even if I were to land a job teaching English, I would eventually want to earn my certification. Its a matter of whether to do it before or after.

[Marcoregano]

Ah, just noticed that you said TEFL International, not IH. I don't know anything about TI. However, so long as they award the CELTA or Trinity certs, I'd stick with my earlier advice.