Job Discussion Forums

[loquay]

just wanted to know if anyone had any experience with these schools offering the TEFL:

1. Bridge Linguatec
http://www.bridgelinguatec.com

2.TITC the internatoinal TEFL corporation
http://www.teflcorp.com

im want to get my TEFL in prague any suggestions of which schools? ive heard bad things about ITC, and TEFL worldwide, and TEFL Prague has different dates so i cant really attend that one, any comments on school would be greatly appreciated

Matt
my other topic had zero replies, hope this gets more

[spiral78]

I'm not personally familiar with Bridge Linguatec or TITC, but I have an idea that B.L. doesn't offer a teaching practicum - I'm not sure.

The basic rule of thumb for training programs overall is that you should look for a minimum of 120 hours on-site, and that MUST include supervised teaching practice hours (probably at least six hours, but may be more).

One other element of a training course that I personally feel is quite important is to ask how much education and experience the trainers have in the field. If there's an assistant trainer with just one year, well, ok, but the main trainers should have substantial qualifications, things like Diplomas or M.A.s and some years of actual hands-on teaching experience. Any reputable training course should be happy to supply this kind of information to a potential trainee.

[Hamett]

I completely agree with Spiral again on this one.

Head Trainers should have min M.A. in education.

It makes a world of difference.

[denise]

What have you heard about ITC? Their branch in Barcelona had management/financial problems a couple of years ago. I took the ITC course in Prague a few years ago, and I was very satisfied with it. As long as they weren�t embroiled in the same scandal as the Barcelona school, I can recommend it.

In the other thread you asked about CELTA courses. That name-brand is not necessary. Any course that lives up to the standards that spiral78 mentioned, CELTA or not, is good.

d

[spiral78]

Hi, Denise. I'm an ITC grad, too, from 1998. But I've sort of stopped recommending the program because the management problems in Barcelona originated in upper management decisions made in Prague. Also, programs change and so does staff - the program was actually a bit bumpy when I took it in '98, but I know the staff who were on board in '99 (when I think you were on the course), and I know it was a good program at that time.
I don't know anyone currently at ITC (except presumably the owner is still the same), so I've sort of stopped endorsing them, since I really can't vouch for anything personally now eight years later.
They may be absolutely fine; at least the course does offer 120 hours and supervised teaching practice. When I was on the course, all the trainers were well-qualified also. Maybe someone with more recent direct experience could clarify what the current ITC is like.