Job Discussion Forums

brianthegoat · Joined: 08 Oct 2006 Posts: 13 Location: Buenos Aires, AR

Would you recommend it?
Would you recommend other programs over it?

Thanks!

Smidge · Joined: 20 Sep 2005 Posts: 22 Location: Buenos Aires

There are quite a few posts about this:

http://www.eslcafe.com/forums/job/viewtopic.php?t=23564
http://www.eslcafe.com/forums/job/viewtopic.php?t=16890
http://www.eslcafe.com/forums/job/viewtopic.php?t=34665
http://www.eslcafe.com/forums/job/viewtopic.php?t=31911

Sorry, I don't have personal experience with any of them.

brianthegoat · Joined: 08 Oct 2006 Posts: 13 Location: Buenos Aires, AR

Thanks, Smidge.

dbterrel · Posted: Sun Oct 22, 2006 6:57 pm Post subject:

Hey, I just finished my TEFL through bridge here in Buenos Aires. I would recommend it. It's a bit more expensive than some of the other courses out there, but they have three really great instructors. They were all very helpful. I'm a bit torn though because it is expensive, and it seems that it is just as easy to get a job in BA w/out the certification. You can simply lie about your TEFL certification. However, if you think that you might teach EFL for a long time, it's definitely worth it. Thus, I'm glad I got my certification. I really liked the atmospher at bridge. There were 11 people in my class and we're all still really close friends. I have a friend enrolled right now and she said there are 9 people in her class, as there was in the two classes before me (all of the different classes tend to mingle with eachother). The school is a great resource. Karina knows a lot of different job openings and is very speedy about sending out resumes. However, I'm just starting the job looking process, haven't found much. So, I can't really speak about my experience with that yet. They're very welcoming, and I have no problem still going in there to ask questions, borrow resources, use the computers, etc. I don't know about other EFL courses, but with Bridge there was a lot of down time. I think this is partially due to the Argentine lifestyle. There was also a lot of classes where we seemed to be doing some really banal work. However, the practice teaching was great. The feedback was really good. I think they really helped me develop. But, like I said, if you just want to find a job here for a while, the certificate is not necessary. However, I'm glad I had the experience and the certificate. I met some great people, all in all I would highly recommend it. I can give you a lot more specific details on the class if you would like as I did just finish the course and can tell you what to expect. Just PM me if you need more. Hope this helps. Good Luck.

cm2007 · Joined: 13 Feb 2007 Posts: 2

Hello Everyone-I just finished my online cert w/BL. Content is great for a new ESL teacher such as myself. Now awaiting job placement. Unable to secure any referrals in Santiago, Chile. Anyone know anyone down there? Appreciate the help. Re "guaranteed job placement": BL can say this because they have a school there as well as contacts w/the language schools. If they cannot find me something outside the school, they put me in the school. I did extensive research re the job guarantee and based on the history of the school, chose BL. Hope that helps. :D Good luck.