Job Discussion Forums

markustm · Joined: 15 Mar 2010 Posts: 95

I have been doing a search of on-line TEFL courses for an associate who really needs a certificate to teach in Indonesia, under the new law.

My problem is despite the wide range of choices you get online, there seems to be an issue whether this is now acceptable in Indonesia under the new regulations for ESL Teachers.

Is an ICAL, or i-to-i TEFL accepted?

My associate works, and cannot take the time off to do one of the CELTA or TESOL courses offered in Indonesia, and does have a masters in English.

So i presume she does not have the same problem as many teachers have with CELTA's or TESOL's who lack a degree or the right degree that match the regulations.

Any advice would be helpful.

travelNteach · Joined: 14 Jul 2009 Posts: 222

IMHO no online course is worth a spit, especially the 2 your mentioned.

while it is great that she has a masters in english, this doesnt qualify her to be a teacher. studying a language vs learning how to teach are 2 very different skills/knowledge base. also, learing how to be an english teacher to native speakers vs ESL students is also hugely different. a degree in linguistics or ESL is the ultimate. that is why in the public schools back home ESL is considered a speciality which normal english teachers are not qualified to fill. u are right in one respect, most schools wont understand the difference so your friend will look good on paper and should be able to easily land a job. if she has the money, she could come here 1 month early and take the CTEFL.

Durian Tango · Joined: 05 Nov 2010 Posts: 65 Location: HCMC

I wouldn't recommend doing an online course, or any course for that matter that is anything less than a CELTA or equivalent. It's not easy being a good English teacher and while online courses and weekend intensive courses can get you started, they will never be nearly as effective and worthwhile as doing the CELTA, or Trinity. They can be expensive and take time, but it's a serious investment in your future.

Also, you are bound to make more money and be able to be employed at better schools with this certification.