Job Discussion Forums

silicho · Joined: 19 May 2009 Posts: 4

Hello Dave's Cafe. I have a BA in History and really like the idea of TEFL/TESL. Because of proximity I have been considering a TESL course at the Washington Academy of Languages through Seattle Pacific University. This TESL course is 8 weeks long while most programs are closer to 4. Is this an unnecessarily long course and would I be better served finding a shorter program? The cost is $5,160 for just the classes, although that includes college credit, and about $400 for books. And then there are living costs for two months. Not worthwhile?

naturegirl321 · Joined: 04 May 2003 Posts: 9041 Location: home sweet home

Is it full time?
How many hours?
CAn credits go towards an MA?

EvilTwin2000 · Joined: 01 Mar 2009 Posts: 34

That same dollar amount (presumably USD?) would pay for a 4-week Celta course and airfare virtually anywhere in the world, along with accommodation and ample money for living expenses--which doesn't necessarily make it a better or worse option.

If you tell us more about your own goals and the specifics of the course, folks here will be able to offer a much more informed opinion.

I would add to naturegirl's questions:

At the end of the course do you receive certification of some kind? If so, what's it called? If it's for college credit only, will it count toward a degree you're likely to persue?

How many hours is the course altogether? And the all important: is there a teaching component of the course involving actual students?

I probably won't be much help after this--I'm all of about a half step ahead of you. But I couldn't help but notice that the figure you quote is slightly higher than what I've budgeted for a Celta course in Italy--inclusive door to door.

santi84 · Joined: 14 Mar 2008 Posts: 1317 Location: under da sea

silicho,

My TESL certificate is also from a university and earned 30 upper-level credits towards my undergraduate degree. It was the same price although it took me two years to complete since it was integrated into my regular class schedule. It was worth it as an undergraduate student but I wouldn't go that route if you already have a BA and are going overseas. I would go with a CELTA or something similar if I was in your position.

silicho · Joined: 19 May 2009 Posts: 4

The program runs from 7am - 2pm, five days a week for eight weeks. Certificates list total contact hours of instruction as 240, with 24 level graduate credits, 6 of which may be applied to a MATESOL

I do not yet have a particular goal for at TESL career. Teaching appeals to me, as does the English language. Certainly I would like to put myself in a position conducive to advancing in the field, including getting that MATESOL. Perhaps this certificate with the hours and graduate level credits might help my marketability? I just don't know if the money and even the time are worth it, which is why I ask.

naturegirl321 · Joined: 04 May 2003 Posts: 9041 Location: home sweet home

If you hvae no desire to make TEFL a career or study an MA in it, then it probably isn't worth it.

But then it might be, do the credits apply JUST to that university or will other universities accept it? Thing is, many of us do distance courses, so ask what schools will accept the transfer credits.

BUt really if it's not a DELTA or equivilant, it probably won't help you, jobwise, too much. Though it might help you in the classroom.