Job Discussion Forums

abc1234 · Joined: 05 Nov 2009 Posts: 9

Hello again,
I'm an American woman (30 yrs old) with a Master's Degree in International Relations, and have studied abroad for about 3 yrs. In that time I've obtained the French D.E.L.F. & D.A.L.F. diplomas which validate my french comprehension & fluency. They are similar to the US TEFL cert. I would like to get a CELTA cert, but this is not offered until the summer time here in Boston.

So, I think I am going to go forward with a basic TEFL cert from an accredited institute (120 hrs of instruction, cert. instructors, etc...). I would like to teach in the US for some experience, and then go abroad to teach in either in Latin America, or somewhere where I could use french instead.

I'm looking to pick the brains of you all who have already started down the path of teaching internationally... any suggestions/ideas are welcomed.
Thank you in advance!

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

I'm not really sure what your question is. But to teach English, you should get a TEFL Cert, which has 120 hours and 6 teaching hours.

nwomac · Joined: 12 May 2007 Posts: 18 Location: Dallas,Texas

Hi
You might research which country you want to teach in, then obtain your certificate there. I agree, it should be at least 120 and six or more practice teaching sessions with real students, not voluteers.
Good luck.

Justin Trullinger · Posted: Wed Nov 11, 2009 3:28 pm Post subject:

And to clarify what may just be awkward wording- your DELF and DALF are language certifications. They certify that you have acheived a certain level in a language. (In your case, French. Well done, by the way- I have always found French to be a handful!) This means they are NOT similar to a TEFL cert- TEFL doesn't really deal with the issue of language proficiency. It stands for Teaching English as a Foreign Language.

There are as many difference TEFL certs as there are flavours of ice-cream, by the way. But they're all (some more effectively than others) about teaching. None would be similar to a certification in language proficiency.

Best,
Justin

abc1234 · Joined: 05 Nov 2009 Posts: 9

Thanks for that-much appreciated. No one ever seems to know what the DELF/DALF is over here (including me it seems). After having obtained them... AIE!

If you were in my shoes (going crazy in Boston in not finding work), and wanting to get language certified asap. Would you go ahead with a local TEFL cert here in Boston, or go stay with your sister in CT & commute into NYC for the CELTA cert? Sorry for the ridiculous question...

spanglish · Joined: 21 May 2009 Posts: 742 Location: working on that

I'd buy Practical English usage by Michael Swan and Learning Teaching by Jim Scrivener, decide what region of the world interests me, buy a plane ticket and take the CELTA there.

You may be able to teach politics/international studies/culture at some universities. EAFIT University in Medellin, Colombia for example offers many of its courses in English. I'd guess though that those types of positions would take a little longer to find.

Justin Trullinger · Posted: Wed Nov 11, 2009 5:43 pm Post subject:

I also might recommend the SIT TESOL cert program in Boston. I don't know dates, but know there's an excellent center there. (I can find dates, or put you in touch if you like.)

It's a well respected program, accredited through SIT in Vermont. I don't actually know the center, but it's run by trainers I've worked with, and I can vouch for high program quality.

Best,
Justin

abc1234 · Joined: 05 Nov 2009 Posts: 9

Thanks Justin. Love the ideas! I did speak with a man named Ron Bradley yesteday, who is involved with the SIT in VT, CO, TX, and starting one here in Boston (not until March). Given the conversation with him, I'd prefer SIT TESOL to CELTA. SO... I may hold off until March, but I honestly do NOT know what to do with myself until then. Boston although a fun city, feels like a wasteland job wise. I'm here due to the boyfriend, and I'd like to teach for a bit here, save some $, then head to South America. Thats the overall plan anyway. Thanks for verifying on the SIT program!

abc1234 · Joined: 05 Nov 2009 Posts: 9

Spanglish-also fabulous ideas, but Im Boston bound for the meantime. I will however look into the uni you mentioned! Thanks for that ,)

Justin Trullinger · Posted: Wed Nov 11, 2009 8:32 pm Post subject:

Another option might be to do a course where you plan to locate. If the SIT course appeals, there are several around Latin America. (Ron was my boss on the course I did in Chicago last June- one of the veritable gurus of EFL.)

This tends to give you an "in" in the local job market.

Best,
Justin

abc1234 · Joined: 05 Nov 2009 Posts: 9

Small world! Ron seemed to be great at what he does. Given that my impression of SIT TESOL is what I'm looking for, I think I'm going to go through Ron's course here in March. I'll take some spanish classes in the meantime, continue job searching in South America, and see what comes up.

Although, I really like your idea of going to SA to get certified... as of now I have exactly the cost of the SIT course. So, I'll have to put more aside to consider travel-living expenses. BUT is worth some more consideration... Thanks for all your valuable input!