Job Discussion Forums

rbos · Joined: 22 May 2010 Posts: 69

I'm thinking of taking a certificate course in Thailand with TESOL International. They're offering a very low cost course (its for 120 hours) and I'm thinking of taking them up on their offer. I know its probably not as great as a CELTA. But, since I'm not planning on teaching in Thailand forever, can someone tell me how far a TEFL International certificate will travel? Would it do me any good for other Asian countries like Taiwan or Japan? Most importantly, will it do me any good if I'm thinking of one day teaching in the Middle East?

Thanks

tttompatz

PattyFlipper · Joined: 14 Nov 2007 Posts: 572

In the Middle East, it would generally depend on the individual employer and who is doing the selection. CELTA is often preferred, but some institutions will accept other certificates (or, more rarely, even none at all if they are really desperate for warm bodies for whatever reason). To be honest, neither one is going to get you much more than an entry-level or bottom-feeder position in the Gulf States, if oil money is your ultimate aim. Most of the better jobs there require an MA in TEFLology or Applied linguistics, plus several years relevant experience. Places like Egypt, Morocco, et al which are bereft of black gold are, of course, a different matter.

You should also be aware that Thai 'education' and the Westerners who work in it are (with some considerable justification) not held in particularly high-esteem by employers in much of the Middle East; even the mediocre ones. If both your certificate and MOST of your teaching experience have been obtained in Thailand, this will seriously hinder your employment prospects in the region, except perhaps at places where you would probably not wish to work.

Glenski · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 12844 Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN

Most Japanese employers don't know what certification is. With the glut of teachers here now, though, it might do newbies well to have some kind of cert under their belts, if for no other reason than to try beating out the competition that has none. No promises here.

How far any cert goes professionally and personally depends on what kind of cert it is. A quickie weekend cert is useless, IMO. A short cert can't really teach you very much. Most will try giving theory of EFL/ESL, but you should also look into ones that have a practicum.

Also, if your current background is far removed from TEFL, a cert may go a long way just in general comfort before you set foot in front of that first class. It's not a godsend, but it may ease some tensions.

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

Certs are good to start, but eventually you will probably need an MA for the good jobs.

Denizen · Joined: 13 Nov 2009 Posts: 110 Location: Tohoku

You may just want to go through the Jobs Board to see what kind of education/certificates/experience are needed at different locales of interest to you.

http://www.eslcafe.com/joblist/

plumpy nut · Joined: 12 Mar 2011 Posts: 1652

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

Chris Westergaard · Joined: 14 Mar 2006 Posts: 215 Location: Prague

Whichever provider you decide to go with, I would recommend doing a quick google search and see if anything comes up.

Cheers,

Chris

Read my blog
http://teflpragueandabroad.blogspot.com/

turbodiesel · Joined: 23 Mar 2011 Posts: 5

Another thing that concerns me is that it charges $500 admin fee (For Special Thai project) to have it started. My question is: is it a legit business? We already know we MUST NOT pay any fees on job search. What do you reckon about this?

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

What exactly is the 500 admin fee for?

Xie Lin · Joined: 21 Oct 2011 Posts: 731

You can read a few more opinions on TEFL International courses here:

http://forums.eslcafe.com/job/viewtopic.php?t=91598

I have worked for more than one school that did not consider a TEFL International certificate an acceptable qualification. In one case where we did hire an applicant with a TI cert, it was because of subsequent experience and qualifications, and in spite of his initial TI course.

.

Xie Lin · Joined: 21 Oct 2011 Posts: 731

And here's another opinion or two:

http://forums.eslcafe.com/job/viewtopic.php?p=991919

Smile

Prof.Gringo · Posted: Fri May 18, 2012 1:40 pm Post subject:

coledavis · Joined: 21 Jun 2003 Posts: 1838

As a former careers adviser, I recommend the horse's mouth approach: find out what employers ask for. If you scan advertisements for international appointments as a whole, i.e. without concerning yourself with particular countries, I believe you will find that most employers who specify will cite the CELTA and maybe also the Trinity TESOL.

Sure, the other courses may also be good, but employers don't know that (and neither do you until you've done it), so they cling to what they know (or think they know). So, whether or not you like it, your acceptability is narrowed somewhat by choosing an alternative course.