Job Discussion Forums

windward · Joined: 10 Sep 2004 Posts: 7 Location: somewhere in SE Asia

Professionalism is definitely something one should consider when making the decision to become an ESL teacher. However, beware of those who don't practice what they preach. Just a quick warning to anyone thinking of taking the International TESOL program: be careful what you are getting into. Don't get me wrong, the course is great and you will learn a great deal from it. However, beware of the practice teaching program that they offer. I took it while it was still free of charge, and found it to be a joke. Now, they are offering it at an extra cost, and I guarantee you the format hasn't changed. The instructors/owners are both alcoholics and spend most of their time preaching about extending professionalism to your personal life. In my opinion, it is difficult to practice professionalism when you're always drunk! Although I did get a lot out of the program, I didn't exactly learn what I was expecting to learn. Anyone wanting further information or more details, don't hesitate to post and I will do my best to answer any questions you might have.

sojourner · Posted: Wed Sep 15, 2004 11:02 am Post subject:

Windward,

Is "International TESOL" the programme run by a guy called Bruce based ,I believe,somewhere in Thailand ? Anyway,regardless of whoever is running it,if the teaching practice segment is,in your words,a joke,then why don't you you post a detailed description of your experiences to Dave's Teacher Training Forum ?

Peter

Ben Round de Bloc · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Posts: 1946

windward · Joined: 10 Sep 2004 Posts: 7 Location: somewhere in SE Asia

The practice teaching was in Mexico, and run by Peter Appleton. As for the joke part of it, the school had no resources whatsoever, the owner showed up drunk for work, and the classrooms didn't even have real desks! I found there was no support as a practice teacher and I basically had to learn on my own. During one class that I was observing for example, the class was writing a test and they were fairly advanced. We ended up discussing the other teacher's breast size! Hardly professional if you ask me, but hey, who am I to say?

Ben Round de Bloc · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Posts: 1946

windward · Joined: 10 Sep 2004 Posts: 7 Location: somewhere in SE Asia

The verdict? There wasn't really a jury out, but I'd say she was guilty of a few things.

cmoseley · Joined: 23 Sep 2004 Posts: 299 Location: Touring

who is international TESOL?

windward · Joined: 10 Sep 2004 Posts: 7 Location: somewhere in SE Asia

Go to www.internationaltesol.com and find out for yourself.