Job Discussion Forums

[eek]

In just over a week I'll have enough money to book and pay for my Celta/tefl course.

I have done some major researching into the courses.

My first two choices were either EEC at Siam Square or International House and Chiang Mai. (both CELTA)

But I have to say two other options really catch my eye: Tefl in Banphe http://teflintl.com/tesol-course-thailand-banphe.htm and The Island tefl in Koh Samui http://www.islandtefl.com/index.php. Both say their tefl courses are internationally recognised.

Is there any reason to NOT do either of the latter two choices?

Would they both be less respected?

I would really appreciate your seasoned opinion guys!

[tirelesstravelerasia]

A place can legitimately claim to be 'internationally recognized' in the same way an airport can be 'international' -- recognized in at least 2 countries. I don't know anything at all about the two places you mention, but I know about the ECC CELTA in Bangkok - it's recognized everywhere in the world. I did the course myself 3 years ago. It was worth every dime.

Check out the adverts on every website -- they all say 'CELTA or equivalent'. No one mentions Ban Phe.

[Bruce]

TEFL International is the LARGEST TESOL course provider in the world. With (currently) 20 courses run on 6 continents. Our academic headquarters are in Ban Phe where our internationally-respected Lead Trainer, Dave Hopkins, trains on every course. Our Board of Academic Advisors includes some of the biggest names in the industry. While CELTA is older, there is no question that TEFL International is internationally recognized and well respected.

Here is a direct quote from a Head of Professional Development at the bangkok British Council: "BC Thailand does recognise this certificate for employment purposes as a CELTA equivalent."

[eek]

Thank you for the swift replies.

I would really like to hear further opinions please.

[isanity]

TEFL International is well-known inside Thailand; less so (but increasingly) outside Thailand. If you're not planning to work outside Thailand, it's a good choice, but you'll be more limited internationally.

I wouldn't touch Island TEFL with a bargepole.

[eek]

Ty.

Has anyone taken either of the CELTA courses? Wondering what the pros and cons are of studying in Chiang Mai versus Bangkok.

[Alexandros]

Hi all,

I have been accepted to the CELTA course in Bangkok (Siam Square), I'm starting on the 3rd of September. I know it''s internationally recognised etc., that's why I'm doing it, but what are he advantages and disadvantages of it? Anything specific I should be careful with? The two tasks we have to complete before the beginnign of the course are important right?

[eek]

Good luck with your course Alexandros!

I won't be starting mine until 6th Nov (Chiang Mai). Would love to know how you get on

[Alexandros]

did anyone who did the CELTA course have any problems with the fees? I tried to send the money a month ago, the bank here in the UK sent the wrong amount (much less) and the ECC replied today, a month later (despite of my frequent reminders) and demands immediate payment of the rest of the money (actually a bit more but anyway). I want to pay them as soon as I get there, because if another problem happens with the bank I will not be here to fix it. From what you all knoe, is the ECC in BKK flexible as regards paying them in BKK instead of in the UK before you go? My course begins in Sunday for God's sake....

[7969]

[eek]

hi 7969

I had set my heart on the CELTA in Chiang Mai (ill be paying for my course by this monday latest on whatever my final choice of location/course is), however, you recommend the tefl international course in ban phe.

Can you elaborate as to why you recommend this course?

[eek]

sorry..nvm that last question really..because really have set my heart on the course in Chiang Mai.

Ive sent off my application form and will await their reply.

BUT..

this part gives me the shivers:

[isanity]

I can't speak for IH Chiang Mai, but generally CELTA interviews are just follow-up discussions based on the task they gave you. They're not looking for knowledge of grammatical terms- just for the ability to think about how language works, and maybe for your general ideas about teaching. They want to take your money, so unless the course is overbooked it should be very difficult to scare them off at this stage.

[eek]

lol ok...tnx insanity.

Just woke up to an email saying ive passed the first stage (thats a relief..i think id feel pretty dumb if i hadnt). Sitting in front of the Pre-Interview Task now and thinking how little I actually know about the formations of my own native language!

Time to get my head stuck into some Grammar books, caramba...

[White_Elephant]