Job Discussion Forums

[Zellig]

I'm planning to take a TESL certificate course in Vancouver soon. Any suggestions on which are the best programs?

I'm told that Vancouver Community College has one of the better ones, but it costs about $400 more than others. Generally, the others are prices around the same ($1500) for the month long, full-time, certificate course.

Any recommendations or stories of good/bad experiences of Vancouver programs?

[Chancellor]

[Zellig]

Thanks for the advice. For me it's mandatory that it be both TESL Canada certified, and Languages Canada certified. That said, there are still lots of schools/colleges offering the accredited certificats.

Anyone recommend/criticize any particular program? Is there someone that has taken the VCC course that can tell me why it is $400 dollars more and if the cost/benefit is worth it?

[santi84]

Are you in Vancouver or a suburb?

I'm not sure why VCC is more expensive but it is well-respected in Vancouver~ that could be the reason? If you are on a skytrain route, the extra money might be worth the hassle. The month-long certificates take up a lot of your time, so if you can cut down on your commute, it's a good idea.

I took mine part-time at the University of the Fraser Valley (8 months and equivalent to a major in TESL), which is a very expensive but worthwhile option if you are still doing an undergrad degree. Kwantlen also offers CELTA.

VCC is a good school. To be honest, just choose whichever one is easiest for you in terms of location. As long as it qualifies for TESL Canada Level I (or even better, II), it is acceptable to Vancouver employers.