Job Discussion Forums

teachforkr · Joined: 11 May 2009 Posts: 3

I do not doubt that this is a quintessentially question asked, but I'd like to be as specific as possible. I am in San Francisco and have been fortunate to be surrounded by the great community of ESL and TESOL students abound, (no complaints). It is, however, overwhelming to decipher amongst the programs offered throughout the various institutes. What are the benefits that CTESOL or CELTA provide? Which schools give the most competent training? I am very much looking forward to intense, highly informative, and even challenging programs. I like to know as much as I can, and in an even childish way, to build the courage to LIVE abroad, I love to travel and have, but some of us need a bit of insight/encouragement before taking the leap.
St. Giles, Transworld, ABC Language School, are a few that are here in S.F. What does anyone know of these programs, firsthand or through the educated grapevine. Thanks so very much, I want to act fast as I have pushed this back long enough. Hope all are well and appreciate your time.

Glenski · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 12844 Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN

You want to "live abroad". Ok, for how long? Is teaching something you want to pursue long-term, short-term? What countries have you considered? Some are flooded with teachers. Some don't even require TEFL certification.

teachforkr · Joined: 11 May 2009 Posts: 3

Ah yes, more details needed, sorry Wink

I would like to actually begin my teaching/training in san francisco and be there for a while. Having lived in the city for some time, it is so powerful to see the flow of seeking people; to learn english, to come the states, to interact with other cultures, that to me is what sparked my interest. I would like to do shorter periods of time abroad, as opposed to doing 1 year in a country/ies here and there, perhaps because there are so many places i want to travel. And partly because I would like this to be my career. I received my BA at SFSU in Intercultural Communication, so I very much see this career as a road to world peace and much of my future. ( sorry to sound cheesy)
Oh and countries....Spain, Portugal, South America, Japan, Italy.
thanks in advance

nickpellatt · Joined: 08 Dec 2006 Posts: 1522

I did my teacher training course with St Giles in the UK. I would really recommend them in the UK, an would assume they offer similar courses of similr quality in the US too. They do have open days in the UK, which is a chance to visit the school, meet tutors and observe a class ... It might be worth contacting them to do the same in San Francisco?

denise · Joined: 23 Apr 2003 Posts: 3419 Location: finally home-ish

One-year stints are still short-term here. If you want to stay for just a few months in each country, you will be limited in terms of jobs available to you--or you will end up breaking contracts.

Check with the TEFL providers to see what sorts of jobs will be available to you in SF with your qualifications. I, too, would love to live and work in SF, but the job market isn't very appealing (or wasn't the last time I checked, a few years back), and the good jobs generally require MAs and experience.

d

natsume · Joined: 24 Apr 2006 Posts: 409 Location: Chongqing, China

http://extension.berkeley.edu/cert/tesl.html

I did the certificate program at Berkeley Extension, pricey, but very well worth it. It is essentially the core coursework that one would take in any MATESOL program, and it includes an observed teaching practicum.

Glenski · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 12844 Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN

For Japan, look into the JET Programme. Application deadline for next year will end in a couple of months or so.

Chancellor · Posted: Mon Sep 07, 2009 5:38 pm Post subject:

teachforkr · Joined: 11 May 2009 Posts: 3

Thanks everyone!!!
A few more novice questions....difference between TESOL, TESL, TEFOL???
Will these acronyms matter in the domestic and international fields of employment?
What does anyone know of teaching employment options with schools like Interax and Transworld, etc, here in the states.
Also what time commitment would a MATESOL program require, as I make these considerations....
I would also like to look into adult literacy programs to volunteer with local libraries in S.F., worth it or not?
Perhaps this can provide me with some experience and allow me to contribute to my community whilst I am studying.....
Again, all that you have shared is invaluable and your time is so very much appreciated...cheers!!!

natsume · Joined: 24 Apr 2006 Posts: 409 Location: Chongqing, China

Start looking at MATESOL programs on university websites, you will find your info on time commitments there. Google your acronyms. There is no essential difference among them, except that between TESL and TEFL, and some are organizations, some simply describe the field. Use Google, it is your friend.

http://www.reftrans.org/

I volunteered here for couple of years, wonderful organization and experience. You can pm me if you wish.