Job Discussion Forums

[karinb]

Hi,

I'm currently looking into my options for where/what type of certification I should get after I finish my B.A. The one I'm leaning towards in through a University and is a "certification in TESOL" and is a year long course + practicum- the cost would be around $6000 (tuition). There is also the option of doing a CELTA or another one of those certifications that cost about $2,500 and are like a month long. I guess my question is whether or not it would be beneficial for me to do a longer (& more expensive) certificate when I could complete one in a month. Do employers look at where your certificate is from.. how many credit hours you took, and whether you did a practicum?

Thanks!

[tedkarma]

It depends on where you want to teach.

Overseas - generally employers look for some sort of certification that included at least 100-120 hours of classroom time - and at least six to eight hours of observed teaching practice. Generally, most don't pay attention to the particular school you got the certification from.

If your goal is to teach in a foreign country - you might do better to go to the country where you want to teach and take either a CETLA or TEFL Certification course that meets those requirements.

The benefits of taking the course overseas - in your desired country - or at least nearby are great. You will meet and network with other people already teaching there, you'll hear and learn about the best employers, and the ones to avoid; employers often recruit direct from the TEFL schools, you'll be able to job hunt while on the course, you'll do your demonstation lessons with students similar to those you might teach later, and finally, you'll get a good idea if you like the country/situation or not - before you are too committed. Additionally, the course is usually cheaper overseas - balancing out the cost of room and board during training.

Hope that helps!