Job Discussion Forums

RyanH · Joined: 01 Aug 2006 Posts: 2

There is such a large amount of programs out there, how does one choose?

I've got two BAs, English and Linguistics. I can leave immediately. I tutored ESL speakers all through high school and college. I've got experience with all the major Asian languages and I spent some time in South Korea. I'm looking for a program with little to no up-front cost to me (if such a thing exists?). I'd prefer S. Korea, Japan, or China.

Any help would be appreciated. Thank you.

denise · Joined: 23 Apr 2003 Posts: 3419 Location: finally home-ish

Do you mean a TEFL certification program? Unless you do one of those "work for our school and we'll pay for your TEFL" programs that sometimes get advertised here, you will have to pay for the course. With your degrees and tutoring experience, though, you may not need one. (Does your experience include lesson planning?) I know Japan doesn't require TEFL certificates.

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denise · Joined: 23 Apr 2003 Posts: 3419 Location: finally home-ish

Ooops, I forgot about your original question!

How to choose--it's a good idea to select a program in the country in which you plan on teaching. You've got it narrowed down to a geographic region, which is a good start. Also, a good course should be 100 or more hours and include several hours of supervised practice teaching to real EFL students (you will also teach sample lessons to your TEFL classmates, but it's not the same). CELTA is the name-brand course, but outside of Europe (and even inside, as well) other certificates are equally welcome.

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tedkarma · Posted: Fri Aug 04, 2006 12:11 am Post subject:

Try "How to Select a TEFL School" at:

http://phuketdelight.com/TEFL.htm

for a list of questions to ask the school(s) you are interested in.

RyanH · Joined: 01 Aug 2006 Posts: 2

No, not the certification. I understand certification is only a requirement in some countries.

Is it realistic to find a program with little to no up-front costs?

pollitatica · Joined: 20 Sep 2005 Posts: 82

I would suggest going through a school and not a program. Program's charge placement fees. If you find the placement yourself, your problem is solved. Start with the job board maybe? Or look at http://www.teachabroad.com . When you are looking on that page though, after you select your country(ies), you'll have to page through a few pages until you start to find actual schools and not i-to-i type programs.

denise · Joined: 23 Apr 2003 Posts: 3419 Location: finally home-ish

Now that I understand your question (I think!), I agree with pollitatica. There are so many jobs out there that you should easily be able to find one without going through a program (placement agency?). You will probably have to pay initial costs like your airfare and start-up living costs in your new country. Some schools may cover your costs or reimburse you, though.

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