Job Discussion Forums

Miopukka · Posted: Tue Jun 28, 2005 1:51 pm Post subject: Global TESOL vs. Oxford Seminars

I live in London, Ontario, Canada and am about to enrol in a TESOL course.

Does anyone have any comments with respect to the above named institutions?

Global TESOL is $1,000. Included in their fee are two specialization courses.

Oxford Seminars is ~ $850 and does not include any specializations.

Thank you for your assistance.

Julie

GambateBingBangBOOM · Joined: 04 Nov 2003 Posts: 2021 Location: Japan

I know one person who has a good job (high school EFL) with a BA and an Oxford Certificate here in Japan. I don't know anybody with a job teaching ESL/EFL /in any way shape or form related to teaching or education who has a Global Certificate (doesn't mean it doesn't happen though).

Neither will help at all if you want to teach Adult ESL in Ontario. You should go to TESL Ontario's homepage to look for programmes if you want to teach in the province (if youw ant to teach kids in the K-12 system, you will need a B.Ed, not a TESL Ontario certificate). If you want to teach in BC, you can get job with a CELTA, which is shorter than Ontario's university and college programmes (search for TESL Canada as well).

A degree is a requirement of both TESL Ontario and TESL Canada. It's also a requirement in most countries.

LAK1 · Joined: 11 Oct 2005 Posts: 1

Hi there,

I'm also very interested in info on Global TESOL, as well as the other programs. Oxford is cheaper ... and has a reputable name.

I went to an info session on Global TESOL and despite my skepticism, I was considering signing right up for them. Are they really what they say they are? I'm interested in legit programs that will provide m with challenging, good-paying jobs. Is Global TESOL really reputable?

Any advice input on G-TESOL, and on Oxford (and CELTA, too, if you have info) would be GREAT. It is really important to get feedback on these programs from others who know more about them.

Thanks!

spiral78 · Joined: 05 Apr 2004 Posts: 11534 Location: On a Short Leash

The general answer is that if a course does not offer supervised teaching practice as a part of the course, employers will not be impressed. The basic, generic TEFL training course is one month, on-site, and you should be teaching 8 to 12 hours worth on the course, with feedback from your instructors. Don't go for GLOBAL! It's basically a course in "how to get a job overseas" not in teaching - though the at-home stuff covers some basic methodology.
One of the better ways to get certified is to go to the country where you want to teach and take an on-site course. That way, you are getting a cert that is recognized in that area, you have a chance to test out the country a little in a fairly safe way (schools will ususally provide you with some support and orientation) and you will make useful contacts.

Guy Courchesne · Joined: 10 Mar 2003 Posts: 9650 Location: Mexico City

orangiey · Joined: 30 Jan 2005 Posts: 217 Location: UK

I did the CELTA course and though it eas excellent (hard work 4 week intense) but lots of jobs ask for Celta and so the extra cash was worth it as it opens more doors as I don't have adegree!

hemlokk · Joined: 18 Jun 2004 Posts: 40 Location: Abu Dhabi

I did the Oxford course...If I remember correctly it was 8 Saturdays in a row...Anyway, it didn't have any affect on my ability to get a job as I hoped it would....The jobs I got I probably could have received without the qualification.

Still, the course not only made me feel more at ease before and after I entered the market, but I was able to obtain a reference from my instructor, garnered a great deal of tangible teaching resources and was able to learn what to do and what not to do...where to go and where to avoid - when finding and arranging jobs overseas..

Although I probably could have just come to this forum, the course definitely drilled some sense into me.