Job Discussion Forums

tybalt2 · Joined: 17 Jul 2008 Posts: 5

Hi:
I am a 47 year old who is thinking of relocating to Jakarta or Bogor, in Indonesia. I have been a volunteer English teacher (one day per week for two years) at a non-profit school called Language Etc., here in Washington DC. I also have my BSc in accounting and 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.

eddie honda · Joined: 18 Feb 2005 Posts: 59

tbi in jakarta do celta courses

Yr of Living Dangerously · Joined: 09 Apr 2008 Posts: 20

So does IALF Bali: http://www.tesolbali.com/

tanyakenapa · Joined: 06 Feb 2007 Posts: 180 Location: Batavia

the next CELTA course at TBI starts on 14th of October... all the details are on their website.

The one in Bali is usually once a year. It started on 2nd June. Im pretty sure they dont have another one till next year.

Yr of Living Dangerously · Joined: 09 Apr 2008 Posts: 20

Actually, there is another one on November 3-28.

N.B. You have to submit your application form at least four weeks before the start date. It's available online at http://www.tesolbali.com/

TEAM_PAPUA · Joined: 24 May 2004 Posts: 1679 Location: HOLE

I advise you save your money rather than wasting it on a CELTA. I have one and yes they are useful (but rather basic); however, they are not really needed.

If you are going to work for a language mill, it does not matter.

If you are hoping to work up the ladder and secure work in an international school, they do not recognise it as a qualification.

You have a degree - unrelated to EFL/ESL but that doesn't matter for the language mills.

Save your money for Indonesia - buy a motorcycle and tour the countryside and islands. Once you get settled, inquire about doing some post grad study relating to education. Get something useful rather than lining the pockets of CELTA administrators.

Use your degree and your post grad cert/diploma to find something better. You are already more qualified than most of the 'teachers' in Indonesia.

Cool

No spell/grammar check - so no need to waste my time and yours

wannaBguru · Joined: 07 Dec 2005 Posts: 110

very true and very well said.

unfortunately most people think that a celta makes they a real, qualified teacher. seems to me it should only serve to show them how little they really know about teaching and the need to get properly trained. just because someone works as a receptionist as a dentist office and learns some terminology, doesnt make them qualified to do root canals. good advice about getting proper qualifications. if u really want to do it, do it right

ps, u dont need a degree to teach at a language mill, most dont. i even know a couple of people who worked at ef that didnt finish high school