Job Discussion Forums

[Newcomber]

Hi everybody. It's a pleasure to be apart of this forum.

My goal is to get CELTA certification in Vietnam so that I can go on to teach after my training there. I would like to be able to save a bit though I'm not expecting anything extravagant for sure.

I'm currently looking into the best CELTA/TEFL training schools in Vietnam. So far my gut reaction is that the most credible schools are language schools that offer training to teachers such as Language Link Vietnam or ILA in HCMC.

So I'm expecting to pay something upwards to $2000 for training as well as paying my own cost for food, airfare, housing, etc. with the hope of getting a job relatively quickly while there so I could begin making money again by my 2nd month in Vietnam.

Is this logical thinking?

Also I'm trying to see the differences in CELTA schools like LLV or ILA as opposed to "on-site" TEFL courses offered by Bridge TEFL and ITTT (Toeflcourse.com) for instance. The latter seems a bit shady to me somehow. Again, gut reaction.

I received an email list of supposed past grads from the ITTT school and the only response I got back was from an individual that wasn't spelling or using grammar that well. Another fishy thing about ITTT is that they claim to be accredited by a certain company. This accrediting body got back to me and stated that ITTT's on-site course was not accredited by them. Also a customer rep. from ITTT stated that he would prefer me not attempting to contact their Director of Studies. Nor would they inform me of the physical address of the training center. So I'm crossing them off my list.

Is it even all that necessary for a 31 yr old who has a BA in English Lit. to have a certificate? I'm imaging it is and that it's a good investment in my teaching future. Once I have enough confidence in a particular school over there I will be able to confidently go through its' application process. Until then I'll remain skeptical and in Texas.

Any advice?

Thanks for reading this.

[CThomas]

I'd do the CELTA at ILA or Apollo here, work for them awhile, and get a feel for things.

If you're having doubts, I say just do it: I know people who've been teaching here a couple of years that want to get their CELTA just to build their teaching skills/confidence. Get it out of the way up front. It'll build bridges you'll need here, especially if you haven't taught internationally before.

I'd say bring another $2k in addition to that reserved for your training period just to be sure, if possible. You'd be running on fumes, man: it's cheap to live here but you go through this "learning phase" that can be quite expensive, relative to how you'll be living some months down the road.

[Newcomber]

This is kind of what I wanted to hear. Thanks for your input. ILA definitely seems more official than other training schools. And I keep seeing that CELTA is rather sought after.

I hear you on the money thing too. For sure I was not expecting to make it hand-to-mouth my first weeks there. It's not my objective to go bohemian or anything.

Yup. I think I'll go for it. First is the application of course.

Thanks again kind sir.

[pattyb]

Are you saying that 4000 would do it? I'm thinking of doing the same thing. However, flights are another 2000 from the U.S. Btw- I'm 45 yrs old. (look and feel much younger Is that a major problem in Vietnam? Korea and Japan seem to be very fixated on the age factor.

Thanks for any advice.

[PelemPelem]

Re: the age question; I'm 53, female, and look and feel much older - AND I just got a job in Vietnam.

[Kornan DeKobb]

[pattyb]

thanks

[snollygoster]

Spring chicken compared to me- age is not a big factor here-only with the schools that want em young to burn em while they are still innocent enough to take advantage of.

[H5N1]

[Mr. Kalgukshi]

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