Job Discussion Forums

DeeLyrical · Joined: 28 Jul 2009 Posts: 14

I have been exploring online programs based in England.

Two of them are accredited by ACTDEC: English Training Centre (TESOL) https://www.englishtc.co.uk and Global English (TESOL) http://www.global-english.com/

Has anyone had any experience with either of these programs?

nickpellatt · Joined: 08 Dec 2006 Posts: 1522

I dont have experience of either of these course providers, but I will say (in the same way 100s of threads state) that neither of the courses will meet what is generally regarded as the industry minimum qualification. Basically, they may well turn out to be a waste of money. The accreditation is, most likely, worthless.

The industry minimum is basically something like a CELTA or Trinity, which is normally the one month intensive program with observed teaching practice. There are other course providers that offer the same, and are generally recognised in the same way, although the names may be less well known. There are tons of threads on this subject.

Online courses are rarely, if ever, recognised by many employers ... and those that do accept them, would often accept you anyway with no cert. I actually took an online cert myself, many moons ago, before finding a job in China.

When I actually started said job, I discovered the teacher I was house sharing with, held no qualifications or experience at all. This kinda meant my course was a waste of money, and as I have stayed in EFL since then ... I have had to go back and take a genuine recognised course, which meant additional expense. I would have been better off doing the right course to start with.

Have a look through some job adverts of this site, and TEFL.com, and see what type of things employers look for. It is very common to see them state online certificates of any kind are unacceptable, and the minimum qualification is as outlined in this post.

DeeLyrical · Joined: 28 Jul 2009 Posts: 14

Thank you for your reply. I appreciate your thoughts.

norwalkesl · Joined: 22 Oct 2009 Posts: 366 Location: Ch-Ch-Ch-Ch-China

CELTA and Trinity are the best and most widely known, and they provide the monitored and guided teaching of real ESL learners that is essential to grow as a teacher. Without the real world teaching to actual learners at the front of the classroom, a TEFL cert will not prepare one for the real thing.

CELTA emphasizes adults, Trinity incorporates some teaching of young learners. Both are excellent, CELTA is more widely known and thus the better choice.