Job Discussion Forums

stellaz · Joined: 01 Mar 2008 Posts: 4

Hi,

I'm quite new to this so was after a bit of advice with regards to which company to go with, etc(I'm looking at hopefully teaching in spain). I've been looking at i-to-i.com who offer a TEFL course with a guaranteed job offer for �495, but it seems almosty too good to be true. I've also been told that to teach in Europe I would need pay to do a CELTA course anyway so I'm wondering what would be the best option for me. Has anyone had any experience with i-to-i, or could anyone give me any advice? I am 21, will finish my degree in a couple of months. I dont have any kind of teaching english qualification and am aiming to do this around September/October time. Any help would be greatly appreciated as I've never done anything like this before.

Thanks, Stella

spiral78 · Joined: 05 Apr 2004 Posts: 11534 Location: On a Short Leash

The European standard is CELTA or equivalent. That means a 120 hour on-site course that includes supervised teaching practice on real students (not peer trainees) with feedback from experienced teacher trainers.

Since most newbies in the European job market have the above, anything less does put you at a disadvantage. Not to imply that it's impossible to find a job with an on-line or distance cert, but going this route does put you in a different category - and many reputable schools consider the teaching practice the key.

stellaz · Joined: 01 Mar 2008 Posts: 4

Great, thanks! Any recommendations on who to do the CELTA with? Also, how easy is it to get a job out there after I complete the course? I'd really like to start teaching right away rather than have to come back to england

spiral78 · Joined: 05 Apr 2004 Posts: 11534 Location: On a Short Leash

CELTA courses are externally monitored, and any one that you find in Spain should provide a reasonable level of professionalism.

However, you might want to try to change your timing slightly if possible, since you want to find work right away after the course. Most contracts are either September or October through June. If you could move your training month up to August, or at least try to finish early in September, you'll have an optimal chance of landing an immediate contract.

naturegirl321 · Joined: 04 May 2003 Posts: 9041 Location: home sweet home

Do a TEFL cert, that's at least 100 hours and jump into teaching, you'�ll learn a lot as you go, and more if you keep on styding.

stellaz · Joined: 01 Mar 2008 Posts: 4

cool, thanks for everyone's help. if i were to go and complete the course at the end of august, what would be the situation for finding a job?

spiral78 · Joined: 05 Apr 2004 Posts: 11534 Location: On a Short Leash

ideal.