Job Discussion Forums

[bradwelljackson]

I am now working in an EFL school here in Mexico City. It is a small, private, one-branch school. After I go to so many hours of teacher's training, I will get a certificate from my boss saying that I have met the qualifications of an advanced-level teacher.
When I get this diploma, does that mean I will have a "TEFL certificate"?

[TheLongWayHome]

In Mexico, any piece of paper with the words 'tefl' and your name will get you some kind of work... don't know about the FM3 though--needs to be from a recognized institution/awarding body and usually apostilled.

[Guy Courchesne]

Many of the big language school chains in Mexico offer a course called 'Teacher's' which is usually the highest level for the students to take. The idea is to provide a course for the Mexican students which they can use to gain employment as an ELT - most often in the very same language school chain. Not sure if this what your boss is attempting?

[bradwelljackson]

Guy - this could be what my boss is doing. When I asked him about the TEFL concept, he didn't seem too familiar with it.
I was more concerned with what other countries will make of this certificate. In China, Morocco, and Europe, for example, schools want their teachers to be "TEFL certified". Will I be able to tell the schools in China, Morocco and Europe that I am TEFL certified if I get this diploma?

[Guy Courchesne]

Probably not. At the very least, you get something to put in your portfolio, and the experience is something valuable for work elsewhere. I think that a degree and experience will matter more anyway, in China. Unsure about Morocco, and Europe is a whole other ball of wax.