Job Discussion Forums

Transpective · Joined: 19 Jan 2011 Posts: 8

Hey guys,

Im planning on doing an in country Certificate to Teaching transition this coming August. The idea is that I would be taking a class to earn my TESOL in August, and then transition into teaching in the following months. If I were taking the class in August, would it be reasonable and possible to find a job in September? Many thanks for any help on this...

travelNteach · Joined: 14 Jul 2009 Posts: 222

No. Ramahdan the Islamic holy month begins the first week of august and ends with Idul Fitri the first week of September. Traditinally, this is the wost time to look for jobs as many students delay english courses during this time period. This has been mentioned many times and if u had done a search, i am sure that you could have easily found the answer to your question.

BTW, what Certificat to Teaching program are you taking? who is running it? what degree/cert will you have when u complete it? is it a 2 or 4 year degree or a 1 month cert course? What is the name of the organization? This will also have a big impact on job prospects s does your country of origin, age, experience, and educatona (1st degree). there are a lot of shady companies that are willing to take your money but dont have any recognizaton within indonesia or worldwide. stick to the big boys like CELTA or Trinity. any company that is willing to give u recognized teaching certificate should have jobs lined up for you. sounds kinda shady to me

best wishes

Transpective · Joined: 19 Jan 2011 Posts: 8

Oh dear...First of all, please forgive my naivety. I should have run a search before I posted, but i didnt think of that until AFTER I posted the topic : (. Sometimes I just get overwhelmed with all the posts on here, and just throw the net wide, sorry about that. I got your PM, but I cant respond to them yet with only 2 posts, so I'll respond here.
First of all, the certificate is through a program called Tefl Indonesia . Its a one month program that will earn me a TEFL certificate. I am from the USA, I am a recent college graduate with a degree in Anthropology with a certificate of proficiency in Chinese (Mandarin). I have about 2 years of teaching experience, 3 counting a stint doing health literacy classes through Americorp. From what you say, and from what I've read on the boards, Its better to do a trinity or CELTA, which is a change I was already considering. I've heard that the recent government crackdowns have made it possible to teach only if you have a degree in English, but I've also heard that its possible to work around these regulations (though risky). Thankyou again for your response and your message, It really encourages me to see someone reaching for my hand as I grope through the dark.

Nip · Joined: 23 Feb 2011 Posts: 7

You can still reply to PMs, you just can't initiate them until you've posted 5 times.

Trinity/CELTA is the way to go.

extradross · Joined: 23 Apr 2010 Posts: 81

No Celta/Trinity-[two moneymaking rackets] ain't the way to go 'if' you are in possession of a 3/4 year complete degree and a couple years of teaching experience + savy. The degree is no. 1.The 'couple of years experience' is 2nd. The 'much-touted' 4 week CELTA course with 'observed teaching practice...blah, blah' a 3rd, but if you can avoid the language mills then...I sometimes wonder if contributors to this board are trying to sell this semi-worthwhile course as the 'golden bollocks' of teaching in Indonesia-a formerly 'prodigeous' instituting award body has become increasingly slack and commercially driven in recent years-ala 'International House' or the formerly mighty TBI-the reality is that in an increasingly competitive job market throughout Asia for 'newbies' what matters is having a degree-B.A. in appropriate subject to teach. 'Some' former teaching experience, [not 6 hours of 'contrived' observation'] and a period of enrichment/academic development beyond your initial period of study. The only country in South East Asia that really recognizes/regards the holding of the CELTA/Trinity diploma is Vietnam-where it is a prerequisite to obtaining a working permit.

Atoms for Peace · Joined: 06 Feb 2006 Posts: 135 Location: NKRI

phis · Joined: 10 Mar 2003 Posts: 250

This is Extradross, once again, giving false and/or misleading information to a 'newbie' who is making a serious enquiry and expecting some valid feedback. It seems to be how he gets his kicks!

CELTA is one of the teacher training courses/examinations which are offered by Cambridge University ESOL department, starting with TKT and advancing in complexity up to the diploma level DELTA. These examinations can only be administered by centres authorised by Cambridge, and these centres and the examiners are closely monitored by Cambridge ESOL. The certificates are recognized worldwide by educational institutions and governmental departments (i.e. departments of education). It is not to say that you cannot get a job, and work visa, with one of the other qualifications, but having a CELTA is a shoo-in, especially with education departments. If you want more information about any of the exams, you can go to 'Cambridge University ESOL' website (sorry, I can't remember the website address at the moment, but you can just google it).

As far as I know, TBI is the only centre authorised to run the CELTA course in Indonesia, but this may have changed! Again, the website will give you a list of authorised centres worldwide.

'Preparation' for the entry level TKT course can be offered by any school, centre, and you have to do lots of research to find out if the centre you choose is a reputable one. However, the exam itself is still administered through authorised centres only. Having said that, the TKT is really aimed at non-native speakers, and is not really the way to go for you.

I hope this clarifies matters for you a little.