Job Discussion Forums

[leftona]

Hi,

I'm just starting down the path towards teaching English abroad. I'm a recent U.S. graduate with a BA in English and creative writing. I also have extensive experience working with children at a day camp.

These are my questions:

1) What is the deal with all the acronyms? Which ones are legit? Are TEFL and TESOL interchangeable? And is there a difference between a Trinity TESOL and a TESOL that is not certified by trinity.

This is what confuses me the most about this process. I want a certification that is internationally recognized and am wary of being scammed. I just recently wrote off the Global Tesol College here in New York because their seminar seemed too "salesy," like they were trying to fool me into something. I also didn't appreciate it when the speaker made one of the most egregious speaking errors out there: using "good" instead of "well." I couldn't rationalize paying money to receive lessons from people who could not properly speak the language. Call me judgmental, paranoid, whatever...I took it as a bad sign.


2) Since I want to teach in Eastern Europe. Is it best to go to Prague or any city in Eastern Europe to take the course? Could I complete one in the U.S. and then apply for jobs?

3) If the answer to number 2 is yes, then what programs are good? I�ve found the Oxford TEFL/TESOL, and that looks reputable, but it's really hard to tell with these things. If I can get certified in the U.S., what programs here have a good name here?

Last one, I promise

4) If I go to E. Europe, when is the best time to go? When will I be able to get a job? Are there jobs?

I really appreciate any help, even if you can�t answer all these questions. Thanks

[Albulbul]

Eastern Europe may seem like one place from where you are but it is not.

Szceczin ? Tirana ? Bratislava ? Vilnius ? Zagreb ? Podgorica ? Budapest ? Sofia ? Chisnau ? Prague ? Talinn ?

Trinity is better than Cambridge but these two are the only GENUINE certs. Anything else is a waste of time and money. Personally I would go for Trinity.

[teacheringreece]

I'd say Trinity and Cambridge are pretty much equal. I'd personally favour Cambridge because they maintain tighter control over the courses being run, and because everyone in the world has heard of Cambridge University, whereas Trinity College is just an exam board really.

[rogan]

All the countries in Eastern Europe are cold in winter.

Some are colder than others.

Early September is a good time to go - before winter. It is also the most popular recruiting time.

You should be making applications now.

I suggest you also look at other vacancy boards as well as this one.

[dmb]

[counpk39]

Leftona, I sent you a pm.

[leftona]

thanks for all the info. This is really something that I'm thinking of doing next year. Especially since the best time to be there would be now.

[stillnosheep]