Job Discussion Forums

jen_blue · Joined: 20 Aug 2011 Posts: 33

hello,

I have researched qualifications to go abrouad teaching english and come across this course provider -
[/url]http://www.tefltraining.co.uk/[url][/url]

So far I havent been able to find anything bad about the course, I am interested in the 140 hour course and would likely go to London for my teaching practise.

Has anyone else trained with them?

Thanks

Jenny

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

The standard entry level course for most regions is 100+ hours on site, and includes supervised teaching practice with real students. The 20-hour weekend course is obviously too short, and it seems this providers' 100+ hour course does not include the (key) teaching practice: There is no practical teaching element to this course

I would steer clear. Go for a CELTA or equivalent.

Also depends where you want to teach. There are some regions (Asia, I think) where certification isn't necessary. In Europe and North America, I can say for certain that CELTA and equivalent are needed to compete effectively on the job market. I believe this is also true of most of Latin America, but others can say for sure.

jen_blue · Joined: 20 Aug 2011 Posts: 33

Grrr wrong link - its all starting to roll into one today...

Its actually this one that I was wanting input on:

http://www.intesolinternational.com/cert-ES-TESOL.shtml

Thanks

Jenny

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

Online certs are considered substandard in many regions. They have a pretty website.

To get the standard supervised teaching practice, you apparently have to take a much longer course than the standard 100-120 hours:

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

Jen_blue, where do you want to teach? The best answer to your query will heavily depend on the answer to this question.

jen_blue · Joined: 20 Aug 2011 Posts: 33

hi,

This is probably the most unattractive website I have seen so far when researching this area, the TEFL International one (which I have already discounted) is far more approachable - they have spent far longer on it than they have on the actual courses I would imagine.

I'm looking to apply with ESL Starter for Korea and Georgia but would really like to go to Latin America/Mexico. I am looking to spend a year in one place then will likely look to moving on and going elsewhere.

Jen

tttompatz · Posted: Sun Sep 18, 2011 11:47 pm Post subject:

jen_blue · Joined: 20 Aug 2011 Posts: 33

Its comments on the course/company that I am looking for....

Its all very well saying go for a recognised brand but the fact is I simply cant afford over �1,000 + take time off work (and continue paying living costs etc) in order to do this.

Hence I am looking at alternative providers. Suggestions would also be welcomed.

naturegirl321 · Joined: 04 May 2003 Posts: 9041 Location: home sweet home

Shroob · Joined: 02 Aug 2010 Posts: 1339

Just my opinion, but I'd go for Korea, save up and do a recognised qualification (CELTA/Trinity).

The CELTA/Trinity may not work out economical for the first year, however, if you plan on staying in TEFL for longer it's worth it. Also, they give a good introduction into teaching, I know it's boosted my confidence/ability in teaching.

ossie39 · Joined: 18 Jan 2009 Posts: 105

I completed a course with this company and I thought it was brilliant. The course I followed was the teaching ESP course. The course is unique because it addresses Business English, English for Occupational Purposes, English for Science and Technology, Academic English. This was an advanced course and to my knowledge, there is no other course in teaching that covers areas of ESP. Previous to doing this course I had taught in EFL for 18 years. I found my course stimulating and very 'hands on.'

So INTESOL have very well qualified and experienced tutors as you can see by scrolling down on their web page. The photos, names, credentials and portfolios are there to see! INTESOL have provided courses for more than 2O years and have so many centres worldwide. I think the word credibility is emerging already. Externally assessed, all their qualifications meet National Qualification Framework as do CELTA, TRINITY and many other qualifications so no doubt about credibility. The qualifications are endorsed by College of Teachers (university staus since 185�) or OCN or some other awarding body. It changes from time to time because of charges from the particular external examiner at the time. INTESOL staff are friendly and well organised. I always had valuable tutor feedback and it was marked promptly.

There are many opportunities to do teaching practice and for new teachers it is strongly encouraged by INTESOL. They have many branches around the world! There 'Young Learners' Certificate is interesting too because they give detail on teaching teenagers too. There is the option to do the longer course because it combines general English teaching with ESP teaching, but I can say the ESP was a challenge and I would recommend people do that ESP course after at least 3 years of teaching in general English. I used my materials at Nottingham University and they were recieved very favourably.