Job Discussion Forums

fromCanada · Joined: 20 Sep 2003 Posts: 48 Location: Ontario

Hello all,

My university in Canada is offering a new online TESL course. (to be approved by TESL Ontario and TESL Canada).
How are these perceived in Japan? Does it really matter whether a TESL course is online or not? Here are some details for this particular course:

- 24 weeks/ 280 hours of instruction + 50 hour practicum (30 hours of observation and 20 hours of supervised practice teaching).

-The course includes three modules:

1) Language Teaching Theory (online)
2) Language Teaching Methodology (online)
3) Practicum

- There is also a three-day in class session.

- Fee: $2,325.00 CDN + textbooks and course packages

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As you can see, the price is rather steep.....but I was hoping to get some sort of TESL/TESOL certificate before I head to Japan next year. I was originally planning on taking a CELTA, but that would require me to relocate for a month in Toronto...which is costly itself (not to mention the CELTA course is no bargain either!).

Any suggestions? Smile

Gordon · Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Posts: 5309 Location: Japan

It looks pretty good, but who is teaching the course?
How is the practicum done if it is online?

As long as you have a practicum, employers in Japan won't really care that it is an online certificate.
In fact, TEFL certificates aren't necesarry here, but I believe it is good to have.

fromCanada · Joined: 20 Sep 2003 Posts: 48 Location: Ontario

Gordon,

Not sure whose teaching, but I'm assuming university faculty.

The practicum component is not online. It's face-to-face.

I think I will do a bit more research before committing.
Thanks for your response though. Very Happy

cheryl · Joined: 01 Apr 2003 Posts: 119 Location: Japan

Your course sounds similar to what i did before i left Canada for Japan. I really think my training has helped me with my eikaiwa's and in my school. I don't think the price is steep though. You're paying half of what a regular university tuition is and are getting a years worth of training.

...just my 2 cents...

fromCanada · Joined: 20 Sep 2003 Posts: 48 Location: Ontario

Hello,

Apparently, I'm ineligible for this TESL course because I haven't completed my B.A. yet. (I am only one half course short!) Evil or Very Mad

. I was "encouraged" to apply after I graduated, which would require me to wait another year as I believe it is only offered once a year.

I don't know..I just find it rather ridiculous as the CELTA course does not have a degree requirement (although recommended). I think I might end up doing a CELTA course after all...at least it's from a prestigious university!

3rdEye · Joined: 19 Oct 2003 Posts: 35

Hi fromCanada. A question to ask is, do you want to have a career in the ESL related field? Yes or No. If yes, then you shouldn't mind spending the money and time for professional certification and qualifications, etc. But if not, then there is no essential need. In my case I decided against it because I realized I did not want to be involved in the ESL teaching field as my long term life pursuit. So I have been teaching successfully without any related certification, although I do have graduate school, but it is not related to ESL. I have had no problems finding or landing jobs at respectable public and private institutions with solid reputions. And in looking back, I am glad I did not waste my money and time on a certificate course in some field that I do not want to dwell in for the rest of my life. Cheers and best of luck in your endeavours.