Job Discussion Forums

rdog · Joined: 16 Jul 2004 Posts: 1 Location: Canada

Hi, I have read what some have to say about Global TESOL College on the Newbie forum. I am leaning towards signing up with them to obtain the certification. Does anyone have any advice concerning this private institution, good or bad, before I take the plunge?

I have two undergraduate degrees in Math & Commerce and have been working in my field for about three years. I am finishing up a 24 month work contract and have decided to not sign on again. Although my pay is good, my role is horribly boring and repetitious (something I should have been aware of before going into an occupation involving mainly numbers.)

I have found that after deciding that teaching english overseas is something I wish to pursue, the hardest decision now is who to be certified with. Anymore feedback concerning Global TESOL College would be greatly appreciated. As well, what specialization(s) would be most advantageous; TOEFL Preparation, teaching english to children / adults, Business English, Tourism, etc?

Thanks in advance for any advice or insight.

Rdog

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

My opinion, for what it's worth (I've been teaching ESL for seven years, am halfway through an MA in TESOL/TEFL and have worked with three different teacher training programs-this does NOT make me THE authority, by any means - there are many better-qualified teachers on this forum!):

A course that doesn't offer supervised teaching practice doesn't adequately prepare one to teach - particularly if your background doesn't include formal teaching skills.
For the money, you can find a course (possibly based abroad) that will include teaching practice.

From what I've read, the primary focus of the Global program is "how to find a job teaching." rather than "how to teach effectively."

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

My opinion, for what it's worth (I've been teaching ESL for seven years, am halfway through an MA in TESOL/TEFL and have worked with three different teacher training programs-this does NOT make me THE authority, by any means - there are many better-qualified teachers on this forum!):

A course that doesn't offer supervised teaching practice doesn't adequately prepare one to teach - particularly if your background doesn't include formal teaching skills.
For the money, you can find a course (possibly based abroad) that will include teaching practice.

From what I've read, the primary focus of the Global program is "how to find a job teaching." rather than "how to teach effectively."

ela_espanola · Posted: Tue Jul 20, 2004 4:59 am Post subject: hey

i took the course, pm me and i will answer all ur questions

ls650 · Joined: 10 May 2003 Posts: 3484 Location: British Columbia

Wow! That really humungous picture royally screws up the page formatting, doesn't it! Shocked

tarzaninchina · Joined: 16 Aug 2004 Posts: 348 Location: World

I signed on with the TESOL College program.

The in-lass part for the core stuff will get you into teaching styles and method with emphasis on imparting while being effective. With this course, you'll easily find out whether or not you'll like teaching English.

As for the specialization programs, it's difficult to say. The business English one is the most difficult as you basically have to develop a whole program as your last assignment. Too much work for how much you'll have to tailor it and it's not all that great as it doesn't have business concepts in it. You don't need that specialty course to teach business English or get reuests for it given your commerce BA.

The adult and children courses, well I didn't notice a difference, but doing one will give you added resources and material. The tourism course wasn't bad. I'm looking at taking the medical English one possibly. Other than 1 or 2 specialty courses, you won't need too much in my opinion.

Jetgirly · Joined: 17 Jul 2004 Posts: 741

I read TEFL job ads online obsessively every day, just to keep me motivated for when I head overseas to to take my course next spring. I have seen a handful of really high-paying job postings for schools overseas (perhaps universities?) that need people to teach math classes in English. Keep your eyes open for similar postings!

tara_lee_anne · Joined: 11 Feb 2004 Posts: 22

Hi,

I am actually taking Global TESOL's course next month and I am really looking forward to it. My mother took the course and has been teaching english at a private school in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico for the past two years. Everyone I have spoken to that has taken their course has been very satisfied with the training they received. Their in-class course does not include a practicum but they will gladly find a place for you to do a practicum if you request it. Good luck!!

Tara

_KK_ · Joined: 22 Dec 2003 Posts: 7

I took the Global TESOL course back in Sept.2002, and I really enjoyed it. I learned so much! From teaching methods to how to find a job, they cover all the basics. I did the specialization in teaching children and I really enjoyed that as well. Now I think I am going to upgrade my certificate and take two more specializations (teaching adolescents and teaching adults). Anyways, I was really satisfied with the course and thought it helped me a lot. If anyone wants more info about Global TESOL, please feel free to PM me. Smile

anteck · Posted: Wed Sep 01, 2004 1:22 am Post subject: Advice?

I've just booked a course with Global TESOL, i have never been to uni as i've been working in various workplaces since i was 17, and am hoping to travel overseas & make some money teaching english to help me along with my travels. According to what i've been told by the College, this is possible, yet when i look at the job forums, almost ever job is asking for a B.A / M.A. etc... with teaching experience..

Whats the truth on this matter? Am i going to be able to find a job that pays enough to live in a certain country with a bit on the side with my basic qualifications? People who have done this course seem to recommend it, yet others who have done more advanced courses & degree's look down on it & say it's rubbish...

Your advice is appreciated!

Cheers