Job Discussion Forums

Viktor87 · Joined: 08 Jan 2009 Posts: 13

I am planning on getting an online TEFL certification. Yes, I've heard most of the arguments in favor of classroom-based courses, but currently don't have the time or money for one.
Could anyone recommend an online course? Whatever their drawbacks, there must be some that are better than others. I currently have my eyes on either ICAL or Norwood English.
Any opinions on either of these, or another suggestion?

Thanks,
Viktor

cks · Joined: 12 Jul 2005 Posts: 144

Sorry, but I do not think any of us are going to recommend anyone to take an online TEFL. I know that my language school immediately hits the delete button when they see a resume with an online TEFL. You can teach in Korea without any certification as far as I know.

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

China too. they don't require a TEFL cert. And tehre's always Peru!

Chancellor · Posted: Thu Sep 03, 2009 1:09 pm Post subject: Re: Online TEFL Recommendations?

Justin Trullinger · Posted: Thu Sep 03, 2009 3:58 pm Post subject:

My recommendation, for what it's worth, is what you expected.

Don't do it. If you feel you MUST teach without doing a real qualification, go somewhere that you can teach without any cert. Korea has been mentioned. Parts of Latin America are open to this as well.

At least then, hirers will know they're dealing with an unqualified teacher.

cks · Joined: 12 Jul 2005 Posts: 144

[quote="Viktor87"] but currently don't have the time or money for one.

I would like to know how many of us had time and money to take a TEFL course? I worked 2 jobs for 8 months without a single day off to save money to move abroad. We went through the sacrifice and so we are employed at reputable schools and living our dreams.

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

I lucked out. I had worke dduring uni, was supposed to go to Venezuela, but they had a coup, so I cancelled my flights and visas, went to the Czech Rep with money I had saved during uni, and got a job straightaway in china.

coledavis · Joined: 21 Jun 2003 Posts: 1838

The arguments for the good courses are good arguments. In terms of having a decent life elsewhere, you are wasting such time and money as you have by doing an online course. It is suckering you, playing on your desire to get something decent for next to nothing. You say that you have seen the rest of the advice elsewhere; I suggest that you follow it.

Viktor87 · Joined: 08 Jan 2009 Posts: 13

"It is suckering you"
Heh, well I suppose in that regard it's not different from anything else- I don't know of many businesses that put the well-being of their clients above profit. And don't you think that $2000+ for a month-long course (classroom TESL) is likewise a bit of a ripoff? The price isn't determined by what is "fair" in either case, but what they can get away with.
What if (in addition to what I said previously) for a number of reasons, I don't have physical access to a TESL on-site location in my area? For example, the college campus closest to where I live doesn't offer such classes, and there are other constraints on me as well, like lack of a car.
What then? Is Online TESL worse than no TESL at all?