Job Discussion Forums

[originaluhtee]

Hi All,

I'm currently considering getting a TEFL qualification and looking for a job in Italy. I have a Bachelor's degree in International Economics from a US university, an Italian passport (though not much Italian!), am a native speaker of English, and have a year and half's experience of TEFL. Before I make a considerable investment in this TEFL qualification, I'd like to know if it would be recognized enough to get me a job if I applied to jobs from Ireland (where I'm currently working).

The total course is made up of approximately 115 hours; of these a minimum 90 are made up of lectures and workshops; the rest are given over to teaching practice, oral evaluation, class observation and guided reading. The remaining hours up to 115 are given over to the preparation of the above, materials evaluation and preparation for the written exam. It is certified by the Irish Department of Education and Science (ACELS).

Any thoughts? Thanks for your help.

Diego

[HaleyNauta]

Hi Diego,
I think you are on the right track. Many schools in EU require you to have a degree, and the Italian passport is a great asset. In my opinion you should go for the TEFL training. While only some schools require it, it is not only the 'certification' that you are after. I took the course on a whim to enhance my resume, but after going through the modules I realized this teaching english thing isn't so easy! This is especially true if you are hired into a school where you have to develop all your lesson plans or *gulp* even the curriculum. (which is not far fetched) The training will give you the confidence and skills you need to become a teacher through classroom management, teaching grammer, pronounciation etc. i am also hoping to go to italy and i am happy I have taken the TEFL course. Maybe I'll see you there!
Ciao,
Haley

[John ELS]