Job Discussion Forums

kml636 · Joined: 31 Mar 2005 Posts: 7

Is a certificate worth the cost?

I'm a little scared off by spending my meager savings on a $1700 certificate, plus airfare. I have a university degree and it seems there are jobs in Asia without the certificate; however they are lower paying and in less abundance, it seems. I am not interested in making a career, just want to fund travels through Asia, Australia, and South America (wishful thinking I know!)

Any people think that it is worth the cost? I'd like to take the course in South America, Thailand or Australia...

Thank you!

dyak · Joined: 25 Jun 2003 Posts: 630

If you've never taught before, it'll give you a method, a basis, making your life somewhat easier. I don't know if you have teaching experience but your potential students will probably appreciate you taking the time to learn a little about how to teach. If you have taught before and have relevant experience, you may not feel it's worth it. A TEFL Cert. barely scratches the surface but it'll show employers you're more serious than the average backpacker.

denise · Joined: 23 Apr 2003 Posts: 3419 Location: finally home-ish

I agree with dyak. Even if you're not going to do this as a career, I think you (this is a general "you") owe it to your students to know what you're doing in a classroom. And think about your own mental well-being as well--if you haven't had prior experience, then you may struggle to plan lessons, maintain control of the class, etc. Being stressed out on the job might affect your overall travel experience.

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tedkarma · Posted: Sun Apr 03, 2005 1:13 am Post subject:

I have to agree with the previous posters. You will soon learn that your EFL students pay - what is for them - large sums of money for your knowledge and expertise. At least give them a fair shake by learning a little about how to do it. You can certainly pick up a TEFL Cert for less than that amount in Thailand. Text-and-Talk (one of the originals in Thailand) I think is around $1200-1300 right now.

Aside from giving your students a fair exchange from their money - you'll also have a better idea of how to do your job - and if you are actually doing a decent job or not. Much better than just tap-dancing your way through a few countries taking money that you may not really earn.

kml636 · Joined: 31 Mar 2005 Posts: 7

Thanks for the advice... I"m going to look for a lower cost program. Laughing

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

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

kml636 · Joined: 31 Mar 2005 Posts: 7

Thanks again for the advice... I know in Japan it is very expensive to travel, but how about from Thailand? Is it fairly cheap to go to places like Indonesia and Nepal? Any advice would be appreciated...

Deconstructor · Joined: 30 Dec 2003 Posts: 775 Location: Montreal

I've said this so many times before. Save your money. You don't need any kind of qualifications as long as you have a BA. The certificates are useless pieces of paper. If you want to learn about teaching, go to your local university library and read couple of books on TEFL/TESL. For example: Teaching by Principles by H. Douglas Brown. This is a great intro for newbies.

Again, save your money and use it as a safety net in case someone tries to scam you. Chances are someone will.