Job Discussion Forums

llolee · Joined: 26 Jan 2010 Posts: 3 Location: USA

I know that TESOL & TEFL are used interchangeably in the ESL world. However, I just completed the 100 hour TEFL course online and I am about to get my certificate. The company I took the course through has asked if I want to have TESOL or TEFL on the document. Does it matter? Do some countries view TESOL different from TEFL or vice versa?

mozzar · Joined: 16 May 2009 Posts: 339 Location: France

Hmm, doesn't sound like a very convincing online course if I'm honest. Online courses are a bit dubious anyway, but if they're asking after the course ends, what you want then that sounds crazy. Surely, the course has a specific goal and only one qualification? Confused

llolee · Joined: 26 Jan 2010 Posts: 3 Location: USA

Well that's what I thought when I received the email. But the course was very insightful and the online tutor was constantly giving feedback. Not only was it helpful, but emails were quickly responded to.
The course is through International TEFL Teacher Training (ITTT) online if anyone wants to comment on the program feel free, but like I said I found it very helpful.
The only thing lacking, obviously, is in-class experience, but ITTT offers this in a few different cities around the world now that the course has been completed.
Which brings me to the question though, does it matter if it says TESOL or TEFL. My girlfriend and I both took the course and we are looking at going to Vietnam, South Korea or Taiwan if that makes a difference. Also, feel free to give me any opinions/experiences in those countries as I'm just starting my job search. THANKS!

llolee · Joined: 26 Jan 2010 Posts: 3 Location: USA

Ohh - I think I should mention that she has a BA from a university and has experience with direct care and Camp Adventure.
I have 2 BA's from a university, but no real formal teaching experience....

mozzar · Joined: 16 May 2009 Posts: 339 Location: France

Have a look in the relevant sub forums for the exact info, but I think just having a degree is ok in most of those places.

doner · Joined: 21 Jan 2010 Posts: 179

jdl · Joined: 06 Apr 2005 Posts: 632 Location: cyberspace

The esl certifications serve as a 'gate keeper' of minimum qualification much as 'having a grade 12' did in the distant past. Of greater interest to your employers may be your extensive university education with two B.A.s under your belt. Everyone has 'the cert'; not many have double degrees.

Why don't you pm the Chancellor on this one. He has done a thorough study on the certification issues.

He will have some sound, practical, researched advice for you.

doner · Joined: 21 Jan 2010 Posts: 179

Real certificates may serve as gatekeeper but online ones will not. No employer will give a toss about how many BAs you have got. Everyone has the cert but you only have a con.

jdl · Joined: 06 Apr 2005 Posts: 632 Location: cyberspace

Eat a third and drink a third and leave the remaining third of your stomach empty. Then, when you get angry, there will be sufficient room for your rage.
Babylonian Talmud,

doner · Joined: 21 Jan 2010 Posts: 179

jdl · Joined: 06 Apr 2005 Posts: 632 Location: cyberspace

Anger makes dull men witty, but it keeps them poor.
Elizabeth I

spiral78 · Joined: 05 Apr 2004 Posts: 11534 Location: On a Short Leash

TEFL = teaching English as a foreign language
TESOL = teaching English to speakers of other languages.

If you got the cert for the purpose of going abroad, the first may be slightly more applicable.

TESL/TESOL also includes teaching immigrants and visiting students in countries where English is the native language.

Classroom dynamics are quite disparate - teaching in a foreign country implies that the students will share a first language in most cases. Teaching in a native English speaking country, you are likely to have groups of students with mixed first languages.

Sorry - I can't seem to sign off without thirding or fourthing the idea that online certs are insufficient overall. They do tend to have great advertising, though Surprised