Job Discussion Forums

[milesjq]

Hello, I see that this question has gone unanswered recently, but I thought I'd give it another try.

Should I take an on-line course for tefl certification? It is much cheaper, and over all, much more convenient than taking an on-site class here in the U.S.

If I arrive somewhere in Latin America with an on-line certificate, (college degree, and a little experience volunteering esl, and substitute teaching)
might I be denied employment solely on this basis, where I may be employed holding a certificate issued by an on-site college?

I realize that physically going to classes, and practicing with peers and the instuctor, will look better, as I have more REAL experience. How much does this play a factor, if at all, in getting a job?

Thanks-----Miles

[naturegirl321]

Some places don't require certs. But if it's online, try to make sure it has at least 120 hours and 6 hours of actual teaching, sometimes you can do it at a schoo.�

[Justin Trullinger]

Online courses ARE cheap and convenient. And I know several people who have done them...it's not a question of blanket denial of a job, but, sometimes you get what you pay for.

Would I refuse to hire a good applicant because his or her cert was the online kind? Not necessarily. Unless I had another applicant, equally experienced and similarly qualified, who had a real cert...

It's not that it's impossible to find work- it's still a teachers market down here, and you WILL find work, even with no cert. But be aware that when the competition has done a better cert, spent more time and money, and dealth with the inconvenience to have better training, you may lose out.

Best regards,
Justin