Job Discussion Forums

[Lady_Drew]

Please forgive me if these questions have been asked and answered many times. My problem is that I find so much contradicting information, that I am just not sure what is valid and ultimately functional.

I want to come to Indonesia to be an English teacher. I am actually coming on a Tourist visa next month. I have informal teaching experience, as I have been a volunteer at an adult literacy and GED tutoring center for about two years. However, as I stated, no formal certifications.

I have read info that the online TEFL is worthless and a waste of money. Is this true?? Will this really get you a job?? Which of alllllll those online courses are reputable? I've seen them range from $100-1000 dollars.

It has looked like CELTA has been the most recognized, but I am having the darnest time trying to get straight answers. I can't find a website that can link me to any center or course here in Phoenix, AZ. Also, I'm thinking I could just take in there in Jarkarta when I get there, BUT still can't find solid info. The two websites I found post no real info...such as pricing and course dates. How much is it there? Is it cheaper there than in the states?

Please please will some of you seasoned teachers clarify this for me?! I know this is what I want to do

[tanyakenapa]

Last time I checked with TBI (The British Institute) for the CELTA course, it was full time for one month, only offered twice a year in Jakarta. The price I got quoted was around 1500USD. However that was over a year ago so, prices could have changed by then.

[Chancellor]

[Lady_Drew]

Chancellor...I can't say enough thank you's!!

Your links were so hopeful. I am glad to know that CELTA isn't a complete must to begin things. I really want to be well versed in my craft and will want to continue to get more training, but a job would be nice first .

So, the online courses aren't this kiss of death then? That would be sooooo much more convenient for me. Have you heard of any new teachers having trouble getting a job because they used an online course rather than on-site course? Also, if I take the 120 online course, are there places I can get my in class hours separately? For instance, if I go ahead and get my 100 hour cert now before I come out in October, do you foresee me having a problem finding a place to get my 6 hours in??

Once again, you have really helped ease my frustration about things

[malu]

If you read Chancellor's post again I think you'll find the alternative courses he is refering to are not online courses. They are on-site, mostly month-long courses which include a minimum of six hours' supervised teaching practice. Please don't get the wrong idea.

I'm not arguing with Chancellor about whether only CELTA or Trinity are valid, because I just don't know enough about the alternatives. I have a Trinity TESOL myself and all I can say is that I've never known an employer (or immigration department) not recognise it.

[Lady_Drew]

Yes, most of the links were to on-site places, but he did give me an online reference as well......so I inferred this may be acceptable. I am hoping for clarification.

Thanks so much for the feedback on the TESOL. I just want to make the best decision for the time frame....and then go back as needed. I actually love to learn!

[Chancellor]

[Chancellor]

[ljb]

Hi

I don't feel equipped to give any advice on which qualification you should choose but I am aware that some language schools here in Indonesia do recognise the on line qualification as being a valid starting point from which they can build your skills and would have no problem employing you if your interview and application procedure was positive.

Although the traditional CELTA course is much more sought after by schools, I think it would be worth an email to some of the schools you were interested in applying to. Ask them whether they would consider your application based on the internet qualification. This may be one of the fail safe ways to get the answer to your question.

I think that the internet based qualifications are becoming more acceptable as the ESL industry is not just based on students taking a gap year anymore. I know plenty of people over the average age of a student who are choosing it as a career option, therefore cannot afford to give up work to attend a full time course before they come here.

Email and see then the answer may become obvious to you. I hope this has been helpful.

[Lady_Drew]

Yes, thank you so much. I found that very helpful. I have decided to take a course here in AZ before I come out. It will be a 100 TEFL with 20 hours of classroom hours. This way, when I come out next month...I will be ready to hit the floor running!!

I would like to work in either Jakarta, Bali, or Surabaya. I know they do most of the hiring for the year at the end of summer. What do you guys think my chances are?

[newgabe]

There is very little paid work in Bali. Some in Denpasar.

Also the www.tesolbali.com that was mentioned above... I just was looking at that for someone, and they are doing a Trinity course in early November in Denpasar, if anyone;s around. Their staff look to be really experienced.

[Madame J]

I live in Surabaya, and there are tonnes of schools here that always need teachers.

[Zorobabel]

I taught for two years in Indonesia with an online "certificate." I learned practically nothing, but it was enough to get me into mid-range paying jobs. I'm now in the US working on my Masters, and I'm thinking pretty seriously about getting my CELTA here--or possibly TBI Jakarta--as well. I think that would put me in a fairly good position to succeed as an ESL teacher.

[Chancellor]

[Zorobabel]