Job Discussion Forums

[pelahi]

Hi,
My main question is, I am looking into TEFL International, which seems like a fairly legitimate organization. However, on their website they advertise a partnership with the Oregon Institue of International Education, where you can get a teaching certificate, teach AND particpate in an internship. I have never heard of the Oregon Institue of International Education, and it has not been mentioned on any of the postings on this website, and the organization's unprofessional website and difficutly to contact them doesn't make me feel any more confident about their services. So, my question is, is this Oregon Institute legitimate or known? And if it is why does TEFL International advertise an affiliation with them on their website? If TEFL International is a legitimate organization, is it true that all their programs-such as this partnership program with the Oregon Institue of International Education-would also be legitimate? I really like this program, however, am worried as to whether I should commit to it as it doesn't seem completely trustworthy.

Another question is, does anyone have any exerpience with the Canterbury TEFL program in Madrid? It seems great, I just wanted some opinions.

Lastly, a general question, if I have a three month time constraint, and want to teach in Japan, Europe, Southeast Asia, or Latin America, is there a specific program that anyone would recommend? I'm kind of set on the TEFL International or the Canterbury programs, but am open to other opinions.

Sorry for the very long questions, but I would really really really appreciate any feedback (especially on the TEFL International + Oregon Institue program) because it seems scary to travel far away with a program that you know nothing about. So I would very much appreciate any feedback at all. Thank you!!!!!

Parisa

[Guy Courchesne]

[ls650]

I see three-month contracts for "Summer Classes" offered regularly, especially in China, but I don't think I've ever seen such short contracts offered the rest of the year anywhere.

You could probably find some kind of volunteer gig for that short of a time committment.

[bluffer]

I did the TEFL Int course a few years ago now and at that time ( not sure if its still the case ) the course gave you credits towards a degree with University of Washington. They have been looking to get more of that with other universities and helped to organise a MA TESOL in one of the universities here.

I have heard of the Oregon organisation but then since I am not from USA or Oregon thats not surpirsing. But TEFL Int IS a well known and solid organisation.

Are you saying the TEFL Int web site isnt clear? The last few times I looked for info for people I thought it was.

Are you saying you have tried to contact TEFL Int but not had a response? Or do you mean the Oregon organisation? You are not very clear on that. If its TEFL Int, I am really surprised.

And no, I dont work for them

For 3 months, even in thailand there arent many good places that you can just arrive and say I only want to work for 3 months. You may get lucky and get a end of term filler job with a good school. But with most good schools they would see you as not a serious teacher.

You might have more chance with a language school or a low end school.

[boheme]

I've been corresponding with these folks recently, after seeing them discussed here. Noting that their website states that their registration is "pending with the Oregon Department of Education," I decided to contact the Oregon DOE directly to check them out.

The person who responded to me could only say that the school is NOT yet registered with them, although they first contacted DOE a couple of years ago. DOE has instructed them to remove the "pending registration" statement from their website until they submit the formal application.

That said, I still don't know whether they're legitimate or not. FWIW: The outfit is trying to register in Oregon, but they're sited in Thailand. ()

Does anyone have any more recent information on this outfit ???

[Glenski]

[EFLtrainer]

OIIE is nothing more than another version of TEFL International's program. It's not some grand program with a grand reputation, it's just Bruce coming up with another income stream.

What they are doing is essentially doing a mini-TEFL - it wouldn't qualify you as having a TEFL certificate - with a little bit of observation and an "internship."

One example of the internship? They promised this program to a guy in Costa Rica, didn't tell the staff there, they couldn't find a legitimate internship, so he's an "intern' at the TEFL International site in Costa Rica.

Being trained by a lead trainer with virtually zero EFL classroom experience.