Job Discussion Forums

ames0523 · Joined: 12 Mar 2006 Posts: 3

Hi everyone, i am concerned about which online TEFL course i should take. I've read that online courses are not recommanded since there's no practicum, but i think online is the best option for me right now.

Because:
1) I will be going to Taiwan this May, so basically i only have 1 1/2 month left to do my certificate. Therefore, i am really short on time, since i have full time school (2nd yr undergrad) and a part-time job.

2) I am planning to teach little kids, such as kindergarten age 4-6ish), and this is only a summer job b/c i'll be returning to Vancouver in Sept. So i guess teaching little kids you wouldn't be required to teach them grammar and all those hard stuff! And i have 2 yrs of experience working in a childcare as a teacher's assistant. So i guess i am pretty experienced around kids.

3) I can't afford a on-site course! B/C i am poor! Very Happy

All those tuition costs.......and now my money's gone!!!

So, my only option is an online course and best if it's 40 HRS!!! And i was thinking if i am able to find a job (which i probably will) then i'll be able to obtain teaching experiences that could be useful in the future! (which then = practicum since employers only want to know if you can handle real life situations right?)

Anyway, it would be great if i can get any advice at all! thx in advance!!
Amy

TaoyuanSteve · Joined: 05 Feb 2003 Posts: 1028 Location: Taoyuan

double

TaoyuanSteve · Joined: 05 Feb 2003 Posts: 1028 Location: Taoyuan

triple

TaoyuanSteve · Joined: 05 Feb 2003 Posts: 1028 Location: Taoyuan

quad....damn this site is glitchy today.

TaoyuanSteve · Joined: 05 Feb 2003 Posts: 1028 Location: Taoyuan

Skip doing any sort of tesl. The only people who need one are people who are trying to obtain a work permit with only an AA degree or similar. Apart from that, tesl cert training has little relevence in Taiwan's teaching environment and isn't demanded by employers. In short, it's a waste of time.

Be aware that kindy English teaching is illegal for foreign nationals. That doesn't mean that it isn't widely practiced, but you won't be legal at it anyway, regardless of tesl certs, degrees and so on. Actually, given that you haven't yet graduated, any teaching job would likely be illegal for you (unless you are an ROC citizen or permanent resident). Further, the short term of your employment pretty much would preclude you from obtaining any sort of work permit at all. Be aware that you will be working illegally during your entire stay. Not sure of any risks-- there probably aren't very many at all- but you should go into this with both eyes open.

But to answer your question, the best tesl program for you is none at all.

SanChong · Joined: 22 Nov 2005 Posts: 335

I'll second most of Steve's comments.

A TESL (etc.) may be VERY useful as far as preparing you to be a good teacher Smile

As Steve said, you will definitely be teaching illegally while in Taiwan.
Schools almost never hire teachers for such a short period of time (not really fair to the kids) and they never will provide someone with a working permit for only a couple months of work.

ames0523 · Joined: 12 Mar 2006 Posts: 3

oh......i forgot to mention that i am a citizen of ROC. Therefore, i will not be working illegally. Also, i am only planning to get a summer part-time job since i'll be there for 4 months, why not work and earn some money!

So i just wanna know which online TEFL course i should take? because one of my dad's friend in Taiwan said that i "should" have a TEFL certificate to teach. Hence, i would like to obtain one before i go to Taiwan.

dvasas · Joined: 31 Jan 2006 Posts: 138 Location: Taipei, Taiwan

you can try www.americatesol.com

TaoyuanSteve · Joined: 05 Feb 2003 Posts: 1028 Location: Taoyuan