Job Discussion Forums

Kayteeco86 · Joined: 02 Nov 2009 Posts: 4 Location: Seattle, WA

Hello!

I just joined this message board and am thrilled to see everyone's stories and experiences with teaching abroad. My boyfriend and I are headed down to Coronado, Costa Rica in January to teach English... At least that is what we are hoping to do!

Right now I am looking into getting my online TESL certification since I don't have any teaching experience. I have been looking at the TEFLonline and i-to-i programs but am really confused with all the courses. Do I go with the 40-hr or 60-hr? Does it really matter if I can say I'm TESL certified with either?

Also, being that I am not an experienced teacher, are there teaching assistant positions where I would be able to help out instead of having my own classroom?

Thanks so much for any help on this. It is a bit overwhelming to be moving to a foreign country without a job!

OleLarssen · Joined: 26 Apr 2006 Posts: 337

In my humble opinion, what little value a TEFL degree has, it's in the classroom practice that is part of an on-site education. Meaning, online courses are pretty much a waste of time and money - you might as well buy a book or two about teaching and spend time talking with some real teachers.

Finding teaching assistant jobs will be hard I imagine, if you don't have any pedagogical education or practice at all. That would have to be in the international schools in San Jose and they don't hire illegals or, as far as I know, people without something to offer except native English. You'll have no problems finding a private English school that will hire you regardless of experience (and TEFL degree), though, as long as your personal presentation is decent.

Kayteeco86 · Joined: 02 Nov 2009 Posts: 4 Location: Seattle, WA

Thanks for the reply!

e&p · Joined: 27 Oct 2009 Posts: 13 Location: USA

I have to disagree about the online TEFL courses being worthless. I took the a 100-hour course and refreshed my grammar rules, which I had forgotten (or maybe never learned some of them!). I also improved my lesson plan formation which really helps me keep my classes organized and flowing better. The school also gave me hundreds of contacts and lots of teaching resources. I know you can get tons online, but the more the better.

It also gives you a certification which puts you ahead of those without one.

PuraVidas · Posted: Wed Nov 25, 2009 3:00 am Post subject:

I live in Coronado and love it here. Los Nubes de Coronado is nice if you have transportation. The medical clinic is top notch compared to other places I've lived.

Chancellor

magpie1124 · Joined: 18 Dec 2009 Posts: 3

Many online courses are accepted in Latin America. Actually a lot of schools and companies won't even require you to be certified in Central America.

However, in-class courses are valued much more elsewhere in the world. You typically get at least 6 hours of practical experience teaching non-native speakers while being observed. BridgeTEFL has a 4 week course in San Jose. You typically need to be in the country already to get an interview, so you might as well take the course there too.