Job Discussion Forums

MDDude · Posted: Sat Apr 04, 2009 1:04 pm Post subject: ECC vs IH for Bangkok CELTA?

Hello,

I am considering getting my CELTA in Thailand. I'd like to get it in Bangkok. I'm currently looking at ECC and IH. Can anyone here compare them? I'm doing the pre-interview task for ECC now. I've only glanced at IH's pre-interview task, but ECC's seems a little more in depth. I fully completed their 2008 one when I was considering them last year.

hkimball2 · Joined: 11 Jul 2009 Posts: 24

hey, im wondering if you've got any more info on this topic.. i've been scanning the posts for weeks now and haven't found much concrete info on the difference/advantages/disadvantages of the two CELTA providers in bangkok...

any info you've found/how you made your decision would be much appreciated! Smile

WickedRebel · Joined: 12 Aug 2009 Posts: 1 Location: Boston MA

I am looking at both options now but for the Chiang Mai location. The IH sounds like a good program but in about $700 more. This does include housing and 5 days a week catered meals, but I'd personally rather eat out on my own and experience the culture instead of eating in a cafeteria with other farangs. I hear the staff at ECC are very helpful and friendly too Smile

Is anybody else thinking about taking the Nov 2 Celta in Chiang Mai?

strider42 · Joined: 06 Dec 2009 Posts: 19

am I wrong in believing that the ECC program _requires_ you to take a job through their company after training? I thought that was the case and if so it's a big difference between the two.

LaFolie · Joined: 08 Jun 2009 Posts: 10

Hi there,

I recently did mine at IH Bangkok, and can't recommend it highly enough. Totally professional, awesome trainers and friendly, helpful admin staff. It's a tough course, but there's lots of support and encouragement. They also help with accommodation, which I also recommend, because they go out of their way to make things convenient, so you can just focus on the course. Very nice accommodation, too. In fact I live there full time now Smile

Can't talk about EEC from first hand experience, but I know a couple of people who did the CELTA there and they say positive things. But yes, can definitely recommend IH.

Good luck with whatever you decide!

Aristede · Joined: 06 Aug 2009 Posts: 180

Pauleddy · Joined: 19 Mar 2006 Posts: 295 Location: The Big Mango

Aristede is correct. It is an option.

There have been several posts about this "option" (which is also given by some other TEFL outfits). You get a discount, but later you have little choice. You may end up in a low-end gvmt school in a small town. Some people go crazy. The nice jobs in posh schools get taken by old-timers who live here.

This "discount" is compensated for by the deal with the school. the TEFL outfit negotiates and gets a placement fee for your a$$. The oufit may be asked to find 20 teachers by the group of local schools.

It's swings and roundabouts. You save a few bucks but may lose later.

The BEST thing to do is bring enough money, do a good and well-known CELTA (like IH), then check out options, even move around. You NEED to SEE the school, meet the people, chat with others, get your hours pinned down, find out about Accomm given (or not).

Like most places, there is no "free lunch" in Thighland. You always pay somehow.

Eddy