Job Discussion Forums

[Slanted & Enchanted]

Having taught in a small country in East Asia for a few years, I've decided to step up from being a complete phony and to get a TESOL qualification, even though it might only be deemed as "entry-level".

Nevertheless, I'd like to improve my teaching and my grammar and thus I need to do a course (and more in the future). Ideally, I'd like to work in SE Asia for a year or two, and then move to China as I think the ESL scene is getting better there.

I'd like to do the course in either Thailand or Vietnam, two countries that have a low cost of living (I know things are relative) and are places where I'd be interested in working.

The problem is, there are so many TESOL courses out there! My reading on these forums has led me to believe that a) the courses are only as good as the instructors b) the courses are only good for the country you want to work in (except CELTA and Trinity) c) if you're going to spend over US $1000 on a course, it should only be CELTA or Trinity.

Am I correct in my research? Should I ONLY be looking at a CELTA or Trinity?

I found a course in Thailand that is 6 weeks long. That attracts me as it's less intense than the 4 week CELTA course, but I'm not sure if it's that recognized as a good qualification for outside of Thailand.

In short, I've 4 years of classroom experience with young learners, but all teaching methods has been self-taught. I want to step up and improve myself, I want to stay in Asia so what's the best course for me? I'm leaning towards CELTA and later doing the add on CELTYL. I don't mind working with kids, but I'd like to move onto adults, however, I want to be more confident with my English ability when I make that change.

Thanks for any comments.

[naturegirl321]

SIT is also pretty good. But there are lots and lots of non-brand courses that are also good. Try emailing or contacting people who have done the programs and asking for their feedback.

[Slanted & Enchanted]

Not much happening on the old newbie front......

I guess it's worth spending the extra money and getting a CELTA, it seems to be the one with the best name. It's just that I hear it's so intense, I'd rather take my time with a 6 week course.

[rbc089]

I think it's worth investing in a Trinity or CELTA. I recently finished my Trinity CertTESOL, and although it was intense, the subject matter isn't actually very difficult. As long as you hone your time management skills and stay away from the bars for a month, at least during the week, you should be fine.

For most people, particularly those without experience, the teaching practice was the most challenging aspect of the course. For me this also turned out to be the most enjoyable and rewarding part of the course, but it was nervewracking standing up in front of a class for the first time, while being observed/assessed. However, you've already got three years of experience, so this part of the course shouldn't be as stressful for you! That said, you'll still need to take on board any criticism from the trainers, even if you do not agree with them. The Trinity course was fairly prescriptive, and trainers expect you to follow a rigid lesson plan throughout the 4 weeks.

In summary, I think it'll be worthwhile for you. Even the trainees with prior esl experience still felt that they had learnt a lot by the end of the course. And you never know, in a few years time you may want to teach somewhere where a Trinity/CELTA is required.

If you have any specific comments about the Trinity course, I'd be more than happy to help.

[Daddyo]

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What makes you think you're a phoney?
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[Slanted & Enchanted]

[Slanted & Enchanted]

[coledavis]

As you're thinking of going to more than one country, then you need to be serious. Do CELTA/Trinity.

[Slanted & Enchanted]