Job Discussion Forums

ekpm3 · Joined: 22 Oct 2008 Posts: 6

Hello all! I am 21, and I'll be graduating in December with my bachelor's degree in social work, but I want to travel a bit, so I've decided to move to Costa Rica and teach english. I know that I could probably find a job with just my degree, but it seems having TEFL certification will help. I tried to find previous discussion on my question, but they all seemed to be about Asian countries, so I apologize if this is a repeat!
My question is, would it be beneficial to do the 100 hour TEFL program online for a couple hundred more, or just do the basic 40 hour course? I'm looking at the i-to-i programs. Thanks for any help! Also, do the online programs count just as much as in-person programs? I'd hate to get a certification online to have it not matter at all in the eyes of employers!

treasurechess · Posted: Fri Oct 24, 2008 5:12 pm Post subject: online TESL

I believe that a regular ESL program is better than online although for some countries may not matter. In Costa Rica if you can sell yourself you don't need any certificate if you are a native English speaker. An in-person TESL program is more rewarding and enriching, in my opinion, because of the contract with real people and instructors.

ekpm3 · Joined: 22 Oct 2008 Posts: 6

I figured a regular class would be better, but they're sooo much more expensive and not really offered anywhere close to me. Plus, I don't plan on doing ESL teaching forever (since I just paid lots of money for an actual degree, I should probably use it, too), so I'd hate to spend an additional 1500 on something if I could do it online for a fraction of the price.

Also, I'd hate to get to Costa Rica without a TESL degree to find out that I need one.

jprimm · Joined: 03 Aug 2007 Posts: 91

I received a certification from Bridge Linguatec and it has served me well. I had no problems getting a job in Costa Rica and am glad I got the certification. Also, the price is right and it is a good program. I think their website is teflonline.com.

Luke Panek · Joined: 08 Feb 2008 Posts: 1

The computer coarse may be cheaper, but I do know of schools that prefer new teachers with in person certificates. Also one of the main reasons most of us teach english is to experience new things and meet new people. How many great memories are you going to get planted in front of a computer, compared to learning on the beach, with 20 other pumped up newbies. Check out TEFL costa rica in Samara. Barb the owner is a good egg, and she'll get you a job at Intercultura if you do well in her coarse.

treasurechess · Posted: Sat Nov 01, 2008 11:36 pm Post subject: online ESL

If you're short of money and just want to work for a while teaching ESL then by all means go for an online program. If you need job leads or recommendations for Costa Rica schools that hire teachers you can send me a private message.

OleLarssen · Joined: 26 Apr 2006 Posts: 337

In my experience having a TEFL degree made me a better teacher. Not because the program is sooooo awesome, but it teaches you to think critically and meaningfully about yourself in the classroom. Not a lot, but if you have some capacity for independent thought a little goes a long way. It definitively made me a better teacher both in the short and long run, and it was a great way to be introduced to the country and to make friends. You can do TEFL courses here in Costa Rica.