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ssjup81
Joined: 15 Jun 2009
Posts: 664
Location: Adachi-ku, Tokyo, Japan
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 Posted: Thu Sep 03, 2009 8:03 pm Post subject: |
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I'm still interested in doing the CELTA course, but I'm still hesitant. I wanted to do so in Japan, but decided that financially, it would be better to stay in the US. One of them is done in Manhattan, New York at St. John's University. I was born in Manhattan (although, granted, since I've been in Virginia for such a huge part of my life, I'm considered "Virginian" lol). Anyway, my father's family, since he's from there, "born and raised", live in pretty much all of the boroughs, the main ones being Bronx, Manhattan, and Brooklyn.
I still don't care for that price, though, since I'd have to, once again, "borrow", which will add on to what I already owe my parents as far as my certification goes (all the loans have been in my name and have been my responsibility), but I'm sure it's well worth it once you've completed and passed it and it always looks nice to have certifications listed on one's resume, especially if one would like to get into a teaching profession or education in general. Also, there'll be more opportunities.
Before I decide on whether or not to do this (I've read quite a bit of stories here and there) and apply for the November course, I have to see what my family up north thinks/feels about having me stay with them for a month. I always hated to be a burden. Out of the relatives, the closest is my aunt and her family in Bronx. Not sure if they're on a train line though. *Has no knowledge of subways, and has only ridden on one once* lol
It'd be ironic if I finally manage to find a job if I am accepted into the program. Of course I'd take the job over the CELTA training. My credit card bill isn't going to pay itself. Sucks that I can't make payments on it now... First time in my life I haven't been able to pay a bill so that my minimum payment is $0.
That aside, do you all feel I'm being a bit too optimistic? |
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Chancellor
Joined: 31 Oct 2005
Posts: 1337
Location: Ji'an, China - if you're willing to send me cigars, I accept donations :)
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| Posted: Fri Sep 04, 2009 7:03 pm Post subject: |
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| ssjup81 wrote: |
I'm still interested in doing the CELTA course, but I'm still hesitant. I wanted to do so in Japan, but decided that financially, it would be better to stay in the US. One of them is done in Manhattan, New York at St. John's University. I was born in Manhattan (although, granted, since I've been in Virginia for such a huge part of my life, I'm considered "Virginian" lol). Anyway, my father's family, since he's from there, "born and raised", live in pretty much all of the boroughs, the main ones being Bronx, Manhattan, and Brooklyn.
I still don't care for that price, though, since I'd have to, once again, "borrow", which will add on to what I already owe my parents as far as my certification goes (all the loans have been in my name and have been my responsibility), but I'm sure it's well worth it once you've completed and passed it and it always looks nice to have certifications listed on one's resume, especially if one would like to get into a teaching profession or education in general. Also, there'll be more opportunities.
Before I decide on whether or not to do this (I've read quite a bit of stories here and there) and apply for the November course, I have to see what my family up north thinks/feels about having me stay with them for a month. I always hated to be a burden. Out of the relatives, the closest is my aunt and her family in Bronx. Not sure if they're on a train line though. *Has no knowledge of subways, and has only ridden on one once* lol
It'd be ironic if I finally manage to find a job if I am accepted into the program. Of course I'd take the job over the CELTA training. My credit card bill isn't going to pay itself. Sucks that I can't make payments on it now... First time in my life I haven't been able to pay a bill so that my minimum payment is $0.
That aside, do you all feel I'm being a bit too optimistic? |
Do you have a four-year degree? If so, consider a graduate certificate in ESL from one of the universities (e.g. New York University).
There is a generic TEFL course that also provides accommodation for a fee: http://www.teflcourse.com/locations/tefl-new-york-usa/. There's a SIT course in Rennert, NY (http://www.rennert.com/tesol/10_reasons.htm). Teachers College at Columbia University also has a TESL certificate (http://www.tc.edu/tesolcertificate/index.asp?Id=Program+Overview&Info=FAQ). |
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coledavis
Joined: 21 Jun 2003
Posts: 1838
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| Posted: Sat Sep 05, 2009 4:49 pm Post subject: |
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| Brief comments: Online certs; forget it. Re CELTA/Trinity: well my own experience suggests that a home country certificate is perfectly good. I'm now in the country I wanted to travel to, having studied at home. Having said that, if you do the course in the city you're interested in, I guess you can get to visit the language schools there (assuming said schools are interested in newbies). In terms of employers being impressed that your four weeks were taken in their country rather than at home? I doubt if it would have much of an influence on their calculations. Its main value would be, if you haven't been there before, to check for yourself whether or not you like the area. |
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ssjup81
Joined: 15 Jun 2009
Posts: 664
Location: Adachi-ku, Tokyo, Japan
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| Posted: Mon Sep 07, 2009 7:27 pm Post subject: |
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| Chancellor wrote: |
| ssjup81 wrote: |
I'm still interested in doing the CELTA course, but I'm still hesitant. I wanted to do so in Japan, but decided that financially, it would be better to stay in the US. One of them is done in Manhattan, New York at St. John's University. I was born in Manhattan (although, granted, since I've been in Virginia for such a huge part of my life, I'm considered "Virginian" lol). Anyway, my father's family, since he's from there, "born and raised", live in pretty much all of the boroughs, the main ones being Bronx, Manhattan, and Brooklyn.
I still don't care for that price, though, since I'd have to, once again, "borrow", which will add on to what I already owe my parents as far as my certification goes (all the loans have been in my name and have been my responsibility), but I'm sure it's well worth it once you've completed and passed it and it always looks nice to have certifications listed on one's resume, especially if one would like to get into a teaching profession or education in general. Also, there'll be more opportunities.
Before I decide on whether or not to do this (I've read quite a bit of stories here and there) and apply for the November course, I have to see what my family up north thinks/feels about having me stay with them for a month. I always hated to be a burden. Out of the relatives, the closest is my aunt and her family in Bronx. Not sure if they're on a train line though. *Has no knowledge of subways, and has only ridden on one once* lol
It'd be ironic if I finally manage to find a job if I am accepted into the program. Of course I'd take the job over the CELTA training. My credit card bill isn't going to pay itself. Sucks that I can't make payments on it now... First time in my life I haven't been able to pay a bill so that my minimum payment is $0.
That aside, do you all feel I'm being a bit too optimistic? |
Do you have a four-year degree? If so, consider a graduate certificate in ESL from one of the universities (e.g. New York University).
There is a generic TEFL course that also provides accommodation for a fee: http://www.teflcourse.com/locations/tefl-new-york-usa/. There's a SIT course in Rennert, NY (http://www.rennert.com/tesol/10_reasons.htm). Teachers College at Columbia University also has a TESL certificate (http://www.tc.edu/tesolcertificate/index.asp?Id=Program+Overview&Info=FAQ). |
Yes, I have a BA. Anyway, still expensive no matter how I go upon it. If I weren't flat broke, I'd probably be more decisive. I'd still have to "borrow" to do the course, and it'd be easier if I did just stay with family. |
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Chancellor
Joined: 31 Oct 2005
Posts: 1337
Location: Ji'an, China - if you're willing to send me cigars, I accept donations :)
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| Posted: Tue Sep 08, 2009 4:27 pm Post subject: |
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| ssjup81 wrote: |
| Chancellor wrote: |
| ssjup81 wrote: |
I'm still interested in doing the CELTA course, but I'm still hesitant. I wanted to do so in Japan, but decided that financially, it would be better to stay in the US. One of them is done in Manhattan, New York at St. John's University. I was born in Manhattan (although, granted, since I've been in Virginia for such a huge part of my life, I'm considered "Virginian" lol). Anyway, my father's family, since he's from there, "born and raised", live in pretty much all of the boroughs, the main ones being Bronx, Manhattan, and Brooklyn.
I still don't care for that price, though, since I'd have to, once again, "borrow", which will add on to what I already owe my parents as far as my certification goes (all the loans have been in my name and have been my responsibility), but I'm sure it's well worth it once you've completed and passed it and it always looks nice to have certifications listed on one's resume, especially if one would like to get into a teaching profession or education in general. Also, there'll be more opportunities.
Before I decide on whether or not to do this (I've read quite a bit of stories here and there) and apply for the November course, I have to see what my family up north thinks/feels about having me stay with them for a month. I always hated to be a burden. Out of the relatives, the closest is my aunt and her family in Bronx. Not sure if they're on a train line though. *Has no knowledge of subways, and has only ridden on one once* lol
It'd be ironic if I finally manage to find a job if I am accepted into the program. Of course I'd take the job over the CELTA training. My credit card bill isn't going to pay itself. Sucks that I can't make payments on it now... First time in my life I haven't been able to pay a bill so that my minimum payment is $0.
That aside, do you all feel I'm being a bit too optimistic? |
Do you have a four-year degree? If so, consider a graduate certificate in ESL from one of the universities (e.g. New York University).
There is a generic TEFL course that also provides accommodation for a fee: http://www.teflcourse.com/locations/tefl-new-york-usa/. There's a SIT course in Rennert, NY (http://www.rennert.com/tesol/10_reasons.htm). Teachers College at Columbia University also has a TESL certificate (http://www.tc.edu/tesolcertificate/index.asp?Id=Program+Overview&Info=FAQ). |
Yes, I have a BA. Anyway, still expensive no matter how I go upon it. If I weren't flat broke, I'd probably be more decisive. I'd still have to "borrow" to do the course, and it'd be easier if I did just stay with family. |
But the question you have to ask yourself is how badly you want to do TEFL.
Oh, and since you are in Virginia, have you looked at this one: http://www.unva.edu/teachingenglish.htm? |
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jterry
Joined: 27 Aug 2009
Posts: 4
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| Posted: Tue Sep 08, 2009 7:10 pm Post subject: |
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| coledavis wrote: |
| Brief comments: Online certs; forget it. |
Do you think you could explain this comment a bit further?
I am asking because I have been considering registering for a two-month course with the TEFL Institute. It is a 100 hour course that is mostly administered online. However, there are 20 hours of in-class teaching practice time required to receive their certification.
I have been browsing the forums and gleaned that in-class teaching experience is an important part of becoming a qualified teacher and is something that potential employers will be looking for.
Are there other reasons to avoid an online course?
Are there reasons to avoid TEFL Institure specifically? I have came across some red flags regarding this school, and tried using the "Search" function on the boards to learn more, but haven't found these.
Perhaps I should start a new thread or do more searching. Apologies in advance if I'm stepping around posting etiquette!
Thank you. |
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santi84
Joined: 14 Mar 2008
Posts: 1317
Location: under da sea
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| Posted: Tue Sep 08, 2009 9:39 pm Post subject: |
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| jterry wrote: |
| coledavis wrote: |
| Brief comments: Online certs; forget it. |
Do you think you could explain this comment a bit further?
I am asking because I have been considering registering for a two-month course with the TEFL Institute. It is a 100 hour course that is mostly administered online. However, there are 20 hours of in-class teaching practice time required to receive their certification.
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I am unfamiliar with the TEFL Institute but 100 hours of coursework and a 6+ hour in-class teaching practicum is a standard. Chancellor mentioned some satisfactory blended format certificates, perhaps this is one of them? |
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Chancellor
Joined: 31 Oct 2005
Posts: 1337
Location: Ji'an, China - if you're willing to send me cigars, I accept donations :)
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| Posted: Tue Sep 08, 2009 10:53 pm Post subject: |
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| jterry wrote: |
| coledavis wrote: |
| Brief comments: Online certs; forget it. |
Do you think you could explain this comment a bit further?
I am asking because I have been considering registering for a two-month course with the TEFL Institute. It is a 100 hour course that is mostly administered online. However, there are 20 hours of in-class teaching practice time required to receive their certification.
I have been browsing the forums and gleaned that in-class teaching experience is an important part of becoming a qualified teacher and is something that potential employers will be looking for.
Are there other reasons to avoid an online course?
Are there reasons to avoid TEFL Institure specifically? I have came across some red flags regarding this school, and tried using the "Search" function on the boards to learn more, but haven't found these.
Perhaps I should start a new thread or do more searching. Apologies in advance if I'm stepping around posting etiquette!
Thank you. |
The most important part of TEFL certification (as with any teacher certification) is supervised teaching practice - in this case with real ESL/EFL students. Let that be your guide. Also, look at who "accredits" the course (by checking with the "accrediting" agency), the qualifications of the course instructors and what all is covered in the course. |
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coledavis
Joined: 21 Jun 2003
Posts: 1838
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| Posted: Wed Sep 09, 2009 4:33 am Post subject: |
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| jterry wrote: |
| coledavis wrote: |
| Brief comments: Online certs; forget it. |
Do you think you could explain this comment a bit further?
I am asking because I have been considering registering for a two-month course with the TEFL Institute. It is a 100 hour course that is mostly administered online. However, there are 20 hours of in-class teaching practice time required to receive their certification.
I have been browsing the forums and gleaned that in-class teaching experience is an important part of becoming a qualified teacher and is something that potential employers will be looking for.
Are there other reasons to avoid an online course?
Are there reasons to avoid TEFL Institure specifically? I have came across some red flags regarding this school, and tried using the "Search" function on the boards to learn more, but haven't found these.
Perhaps I should start a new thread or do more searching. Apologies in advance if I'm stepping around posting etiquette!
Thank you. |
Hello. Sorry for taking so long to answer this; I've had connectivity problems. The reason why I was so terse about this is that yes, it has been covered exhaustively on other threads. Still, here we go:
The ones that we (experienced TEFLers and TEFL managers) write off the ones which are just online or online and a book. For the reason you
have given: lack of classroom experience (plus blind prejudice if you like).
Having said that, the course you mention is interesting. It does include supervised teaching practice and observations. So it does mean that you can put your hand on your heart and say that you've got this. And it does put you higher up in the pecking order. This is not your standard cheapo online course.
On the other hand, it will still be viewed as lower in value than a standard TEFL for two reasons. One of them is an objective one, that the overall quality of the teaching practice is less likely to be standardised than if held at a known centre. The second is prejudice, but that's life in the real-world: anything with the term 'on-line' in it may well be tarred with the same brush as the online only courses.
And finally, there's employer expectations in a depressed marketplace. Most employers will ask for the CELTA (or the Trinity as preference for teaching children), with other certificates in third place if accepted at all. The two named courses are ones with a standardised system (forget whether or not you approve of what they stand for, think market).
So, definitely ignore an online TEFL where it is essentially a correspondence course. If you really can't do the CELTA or Trinity, then consider the TEFL Institute course, but do remember that you will forever be considered to have a lesser qualification (than the named courses) unless or until you gain a higher level qualification later on (DELTA, MA TESOL, etc). I hope this helps. |
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ssjup81
Joined: 15 Jun 2009
Posts: 664
Location: Adachi-ku, Tokyo, Japan
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| Posted: Wed Sep 09, 2009 4:39 pm Post subject: |
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| Well, I'm going to have to pass on the certification course. I just can't afford it. As I mentioned earlier, I'm flat broke...literally and I don't know of anyone who can lend me the money to do so since with certification programs, one needs to pay the money upfront, not make monthly payments or take out a loan. |
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Chancellor
Joined: 31 Oct 2005
Posts: 1337
Location: Ji'an, China - if you're willing to send me cigars, I accept donations :)
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| Posted: Wed Sep 09, 2009 6:43 pm Post subject: |
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| ssjup81 wrote: |
| Well, I'm going to have to pass on the certification course. I just can't afford it. As I mentioned earlier, I'm flat broke...literally and I don't know of anyone who can lend me the money to do so since with certification programs, one needs to pay the money upfront, not make monthly payments or take out a loan. |
That's where maybe getting a graduate certificate might be feasible. Since you are in Virginia, have you looked at this one: http://www.unva.edu/teachingenglish.htm? |
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ssjup81
Joined: 15 Jun 2009
Posts: 664
Location: Adachi-ku, Tokyo, Japan
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| Posted: Wed Sep 09, 2009 8:38 pm Post subject: |
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| Yeah, I did. Wish it were closer to me, though. Anyway, I was talking about that too. I meant it in a general sense. I need a job. I have bills that need to be paid...like my maxed out credit card bill and my student loans. The loans are being deferred. The credit card bill just isn't being paid at all, which sucks since I always had such a nice credit score (700s). |
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Chancellor
Joined: 31 Oct 2005
Posts: 1337
Location: Ji'an, China - if you're willing to send me cigars, I accept donations :)
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| Posted: Wed Sep 09, 2009 9:18 pm Post subject: |
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| ssjup81 wrote: |
| Yeah, I did. Wish it were closer to me, though. Anyway, I was talking about that too. I meant it in a general sense. I need a job. I have bills that need to be paid...like my maxed out credit card bill and my student loans. The loans are being deferred. The credit card bill just isn't being paid at all, which sucks since I always had such a nice credit score (700s). |
www.usajobs.gov |
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ssjup81
Joined: 15 Jun 2009
Posts: 664
Location: Adachi-ku, Tokyo, Japan
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| Posted: Thu Sep 10, 2009 4:56 pm Post subject: |
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| Chancellor wrote: |
| ssjup81 wrote: |
| Yeah, I did. Wish it were closer to me, though. Anyway, I was talking about that too. I meant it in a general sense. I need a job. I have bills that need to be paid...like my maxed out credit card bill and my student loans. The loans are being deferred. The credit card bill just isn't being paid at all, which sucks since I always had such a nice credit score (700s). |
www.usajobs.gov |
I've been going there for a long time (I've been out of full time work since 2007 when the recession hit). I still do but it's discouraging. Going by my expertise, though, I don't qualify for the majority of the jobs. I might know how to do the work because of the educational background, but I lack the experience implementing it. |
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Chancellor
Joined: 31 Oct 2005
Posts: 1337
Location: Ji'an, China - if you're willing to send me cigars, I accept donations :)
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| Posted: Thu Sep 10, 2009 8:21 pm Post subject: |
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| ssjup81 wrote: |
| Chancellor wrote: |
| ssjup81 wrote: |
| Yeah, I did. Wish it were closer to me, though. Anyway, I was talking about that too. I meant it in a general sense. I need a job. I have bills that need to be paid...like my maxed out credit card bill and my student loans. The loans are being deferred. The credit card bill just isn't being paid at all, which sucks since I always had such a nice credit score (700s). |
www.usajobs.gov |
I've been going there for a long time (I've been out of full time work since 2007 when the recession hit). I still do but it's discouraging. Going by my expertise, though, I don't qualify for the majority of the jobs. I might know how to do the work because of the educational background, but I lack the experience implementing it. |
Sometimes you can substitute experience for education. Of course, you might also have to set your sights on lower paying jobs. You might also consider expanding your search a bit to consider jobs that you might otherwise have considered beneath you.
Welcome to 1970s America redux. |
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