Job Discussion Forums

[aragon1]

Hello,
I Just finished the TEFL international course in Thailand and can help anyone if they have any question. There is alot of Pros and Cons with this program and dont mind helping anyone who is looking into it. There is alot of info you should know before you decided to take any course with them. I am pleased with the way everything turned out and still in Thailand. However, some people in my group werent and I dont mind sharing my and their experiences. Let me know if you have any question. Also I can help you with any question about thailand from what to bring to how to get around.

[StrayCat]

As one who has been in Thailand for a very long time, teaching both esl, thai schools and international schools - I have to raise my eye brows when someone mentions 'TEFL International' certificates... no disrespect meant, but I walked through Khoasan rd the other day (first time in almost 5 yrs) and listed there along with various other things was... TEFL International certificates.

For those who want esl/tefl/toefl certs or dips, in IMO, you should get trained with Trinity or CELTA as they are the only two that are actually recognised worldwide (as are your local colleges/uni's TOEFL certs as well - it doesn't mean they're the best, it just means that they are held higher in the TEFL/ESL world).

Just my opinion from what I've come across since 1990.

[sheikxhoni]

TEFL International is a joke - simplistic and inflexible. First you turn 90 degrees form the monk you teach and pretend you are talking to someone. Then you turn 180 degrees and answer yourself. Frankly its corny, silly, even stupid. The students are supposed to be ingrossed in your interesting stick drawings on the board while you ignore them for as long as 15 minutes. When you write your lesson plan you are required ot write that the students are interested in what you are doing while you are ignoring them while building the concept. You learn only minor variatins on this one kind of class. You train by teaching teenage monks who are totally docile and unlike any other student you will ever meet. I can't imagine anyone actually doing the things TEFL International teaches in a real classroom. But it is a quick certificate at a low price with plenty of time off at semi-remote beach. If what you learn is not important, TEFL Internaitonal might be right for you. I guess that is my strongest recommendation. ENJOY