Job Discussion Forums

[elverlith]

I've just finished school, and am taking a gap year (or 4) before possibly university.
I've got a few questions, and would be very grateful if anyone has any insight:

1. I feel like a TEFL course is the way to go. Not just because you probably feel more confident and capable once you've done one, but also because I'm aiming to teach in Eastern Europe, and I do know a lot of people shell out their hard-earned cash to take English classes. It seems a little mean to just turn up in the classroom like 'Woah, so, I think maybe, uhhhhh....ermmm.'. You know the way? The thing is, is it better to shell out on a CELTA or TESOL course, as opposed to other, shorter courses?

2. For those of you who got a TEFL certificate, did you go to a certified language school abroad and do it, or in your home country? I'm interested in possibly going to Prague to do one, and just wondering the pros and cons of each.

3. I was living in French-speaking Switzerland for 9 years, so although I am a native-English speaker, all the French has sort of warped my accent. Are employers looking for BBC English or American accents?

Thanks so much guys, oh and by the way, this board is very helpful.