Job Discussion Forums

pompomouse · Joined: 29 Mar 2005 Posts: 14

I have read on EMB's website that they require PNET teachers to either have TESOL qualifications when they start or within the first year of teaching. Do they usually hold you to this?

I have searched for a TESOL course near my home here in Ontario, Canada and have found one through an organization called "Oxford Seminars". Is this a reputable company to take the course through? Their website claims that 'TEFL' and 'TESOL' are terms used interchagneably and the certificate I would get through their program would say 'TEFL', not 'TESOL'. Should I take this course now, or what till later while I am already overseas?

Thanks for your help.

Zero Hero · Joined: 20 Mar 2005 Posts: 944

It is written into your contract. If you fail to complete the course in your first year in your own time at your own expense, you will not eligible to progress to the second year. That is, they won't sponsor you or renew the contract.

pompomouse · Joined: 29 Mar 2005 Posts: 14

Thanks for the information Zero Hero. However, are the terms TEFL and TESOL used interchangeably? I don't want to spent my time or money on getting a certificate from an organization that will give me a TEFL certificate (claiming it is the same as TESOL) to only find out that I need a certificate that says TESOL on it rather than TEFL. I know, google it and look. But I have looked at many websites I am still confused. Some offer TEFL, others TESOL and some claim they are the same thing.

Zero Hero · Joined: 20 Mar 2005 Posts: 944

Obviously you would be wise to seek confirmation from both your school(s) and the EMB that the course you are to undertake will be acceptable. The number of observed teaching hours the course must contain will be written into your contract. In the contract it will simply state "TEFL/TESOL".

I completed a part-time CELTA at the British Council with many other NETs, though I am not sure they still offer that course � you will have to check. It was reasonably priced ($25,000 HK) and was a great course � excellent training. If, as I suspect, they no longer run the CELTA then you won't have much other choice. I guess you would have to go to English for Asia.

DKatz · Joined: 30 Mar 2005 Posts: 30

ChrisRose · Joined: 19 Apr 2003 Posts: 427 Location: Hong Kong

A) This is Hong Kong Charlie.
B) You get what you pay for.
C) A fair proportion of the cost goes to external qualification and moderantion of the courses.

There are several options in HK. Cambridge CELTA, Trinity TESOL, and various university (local and distance) programs at PGCE / PGDE levels.

Overseas distance courses are anywhere form $15K up. Some discounts for nationals of various countries.

Should you be on the HK NET Scheme, I am sure you will fidn the cost incurred recouped, should you stay the 1 to 2 years.

Other wise consider gaining the relivant courses in your native country at a fraction of the cost prior to comming to HK.

Zero Hero · Joined: 20 Mar 2005 Posts: 944

ChrisRose · Joined: 19 Apr 2003 Posts: 427 Location: Hong Kong

Well for applicants whom have chosen to apply, it s a condition of acceptance.

If you wish to apply and don't have the necessary TESOL qualifications you are granted a period of time to gain them.

The cost incurred is not some strange processing fee. You may choose from any bona fide organization.

With regards to being 1 month's salary, I don't understand what you are trying to imply? That HK is expensive? That the courses are unnecessary?

There is no restriction on where they are obtained from, for example you could use your paid summer vacation to perhaps take a 1 month course in a location of your choice. In England many TESOL courses cost perhaps HK$12,000 almost half of the cost here.