Job Discussion Forums

ohiome · Joined: 05 Sep 2004 Posts: 7

Hi~
I've been sorting out the many, many options as far as certification goes, and one of the more promising ones I've investigated on the computer so far is this one in BKK sponsored by SIT and taught at AUA. It seems to be a newish course, so I wanted to get some opinions on it from any graduates out there.
All input appreciated!
Thanks~

kenkannif · Joined: 07 Apr 2004 Posts: 550

The Nation (or possibly The Learning Post from the Bangkok Post) had a good article on it (favourable anyways), but not heard anything from any students that have studied there! AUA aren't the greatest school to work for (but of course this has no bearing on the quality of their TEFL course!). I think one of the chaps that had something to do with it posted on Dave's before?

What do they offer (Visa help, placement etc.) and for how much?

sigmoid · Joined: 21 Jan 2003 Posts: 1276

kenkannif · Joined: 07 Apr 2004 Posts: 550

^ True enough, but to be legal it may well be needed (as most likely would a degree!).

And you gots to think of the students and the quality of your teaching, well, maybe, kind of, ish! Wink

ohiome · Joined: 05 Sep 2004 Posts: 7

[quote="kenkannif"]

What do they offer (Visa help, placement etc.) and for how much?[/quote]

The course is $1400 US, which seems to be the (expensive) standard price, as far as I have seen in my research. It doesn't seem like they offer much assistance with job placement or visa help. I'm not necessarily planning on teaching in Thailand in any case - more likely Vietnam or Japan since I would like to make some money during this experience.

Thanks for the responses so far....still hoping to hear from a recent graduate....

tedkarma · Posted: Thu Sep 16, 2004 3:24 am Post subject:

A TEFL course is really a basket of goods. Most important, of course, is the quality of the course. Ask around to see where you can sit in on a class or two - so you can judge if the course is appropriate for you. People's opinions are often wildly skewed - or they have vested interests.
Some schools encourage a sit-in - others will allow it if you ask.

Other items in the basket:
Visa help - otherwise you will have to do a quicky visa run almost before you are done - instead of immediately starting your job hunt.
Housing: will the school help you find housing? Is it near by? Is it roach free? (just kidding).
Job Hunt help: Any school that promises employment is fibbing. How can they know how you behave?! Don't take schools that make the promise seriously - or - often the jobs are lousy.

ON the issue of getting by without a certificate: Consider the cert an investment in a new career. Your students will spend a LOT of money (in local terms) for your classes. They DESERVE a skilled (or at least trained) teacher. And wouldn't you feel soooo much more confident really knowing what you should be doing in the classroom - rather than guessing?

kenkannif · Joined: 07 Apr 2004 Posts: 550

^ Superbio!

If they won't help with a Visa, drop me a PM and I'll let you know how to get one very easily Wink

zorro (2) · Joined: 03 Sep 2004 Posts: 47 Location: Newcastle, England

i'd personally recommend doing the CELTA at ecc. the course is globally recognised among other things. they give you ample observed teaching practice and i found the instructors helpful and knowledgeable.

like you i did lots of research before i did the course and one of the things that swung it for me was the fact that lots of jobs advertised on the web indicate a preference for CELTA qualification.

kenkannif · Joined: 07 Apr 2004 Posts: 550

^ Where? Can you show some of these jobs that will ONLY accept a CELTA (most say 'or comparable' IME).

zorro (2) · Joined: 03 Sep 2004 Posts: 47 Location: Newcastle, England

i said 'preference' pedantic boy.

and if you have any aspirations to work in an international school when you're out there you'll DEFINETLY need a CELTA.

http://www.tefl.com/jobs/job.html?jo_id=15822

http://www.tefl.com/jobs/job.html?jo_id=12504

http://www.tefl.com/jobs/job.html?jo_id=12504

so if most jobs say CELTA or equivalent, what strikes you as being the most globally recognised???????????????????????

tedkarma · Posted: Fri Sep 17, 2004 7:44 pm Post subject:

Mr. Z:
You might notice in two of the three links you provided the company is EF and they state: "EF/Trinity/Cambridge Diploma preferred" and only go on to mention CELTA and several other "equivilants". So they are touting their own certificate! It's the old "Take my cert and I'll give you the job!" trick. The other link is for Italy.

You are right - there is probably a preference for CELTA in the EU.

However, this board is about Thailand. My personal experience in Asia - Thailand (2 years), Korea (4 years), Saudi Arabia (5 years) (SW Asia if you are not sure), and Taiwan (2 years) is that employers are happy if you have any training at all - and those that are more picky are looking for one of the 100+ hour certs with 8+ hours of observed teaching. Also, the few employers that state a preference will usually accept an alternative cert.

REAL international schools (not the "international" wannabes) - the ones that pay B100,000 or more - aren't interested in a cert - they want a degree AND government certification AS WELL AS public school experience in your home country. And they tend to recruit and hire in the home country � not here. Different job market - different requirements.

So, back to certs.:

Do a free sit-in and pick a school that you think you will enjoy. The general content of most schools is roughly similar with a specialty here and there. Don't worry too much about the elitism of this cert or that cert. It real boils down to very little difference and what really counts is - will you enjoy it - is it geared to your success - and will you get some help with a longer-term visa and housing.

Just my opinion on these issues.

ohiome · Joined: 05 Sep 2004 Posts: 7

Thanks for all the good information - that last reply by "tedkarma" was the most succint and practical information about certification I have seen on this forum - and it's well appreciated by those of us rookies who are trying to muddle through all the options. Thanks!

zorro (2) · Joined: 03 Sep 2004 Posts: 47 Location: Newcastle, England

another of my considerations when choosing which course was the fact that i'd be spending $1400 on the certificate. why should I spend that on something that isn't the standard in EU countries? i may as well use it as my passport to teach anywhere.

tedkarma · Posted: Sat Sep 18, 2004 11:35 pm Post subject:

Z said: why should I spend that on something that isn't the standard in EU countries? i may as well use it as my passport to teach anywhere.

Standard is not correct - preferred maybe. And this is a Thailand board where people are asking about teaching in Thailand. Many of us have NO interest in teaching in the EU. Why should I pay extra for a cert that is preferred somewhere I don't have any interest in teaching? Bruce at TEFL Int'l might disagree mightily with you (and even my comment) about the EU and CELTA.

TK said: Quote:
more picky are looking for one of the 100+ hour certs with 8+ hours of observed teaching

Z said in response:
like the celta.

Yes, and like the ECC, AUA, TextandTalk, TEFL Int'l and many others.

Z also said: i worked in a real international school and not an international wannabe. one that paid more than 100,000 to the qualified teachers. they demanded the celta. this is a fact thats all. oh and i had no experience at home either

I noticed that you said they paid the "qualified teachers" indicating that you are not. And you weren't - and the CELTA does not make you a qualified teacher in a REAL international school - and I sincerely doubt that they paid you anywhere near the money they paid the qualified teachers - though you try to imply they did. IF they did employ you as a qualified teacher they were putting their accreditation in jeopardy when their next renewal comes up. Would you name the school, please?

Z said: i take it you tried to get into international schools tedkarma, but didn't have the luck.

Nope, didn't. But I AM a qualified teacher - certified in the State of Arizona, USA - AZ teaching license #52780287.

Anyway, back to certs:
As all can see the elitism and preference baiting that goes on is tremendous. Find a cert that fits for you (for Z it was the CELTA) - that fits your needs and wants - and helps with a visa and housing and go for it.

And, at all costs, avoid these silly p*ssing contests with people who can't stop. You may continue Mr. Z, but I will not. 'Nuff said.

kenkannif · Joined: 07 Apr 2004 Posts: 550

Most International schools mainly look at the degree you hold, rather than the certificate (as mostly they're thought of as a post-grad qualification). I know many people at International schools here in Thailand that don't hold a CELTA qualification. By all means let me know which ones DEMAND it and I'll check with them and confirm, it's nice to know these things for future reference. Thanks!

I'll shake and zip up as well now!

Again TedKarma (and it seems as always) superb responses (I'll get there one day mate Wink