Job Discussion Forums

[mankindmatt5]

Hi

I am in need of an online TEFL certification and would like to get the best value and most respected online course possible. I already have several job offers in China pending obtaining the TEFL certificate. I already have a year of teaching experience(for all levels of learners) in South Korea so I am already fairly confident in my teaching ability - despite not having the formal qualification.

It is essential I do the course online because I must do it whilst here in SK - I intend to get a job in China immediately after leaving and so must do the course online in my spare time.

Any recommendations are much appreciated

[TeresaLopez]

First, as people here have pointed out, the acceptance of an online certificate can be limited. If you are sure the school will take an online certificate, I would recommend American TESOL Institute. I did one of their online courses and was pleased. It was a pretty thorough course, and my instructor was always able to answer questions and point me in the direction of resources. I know a lot of people here are not in favor of online courses, but when I took the course I already had 10 years of experience teaching. I have a degree in Elementary Education, but that doesn't help a lot with ESL/EFL. I live in Mexico, and it was accepted in all the language institutes, including the ones with the best reputation, so I think it depends on where you are. I was just offered a job in a school in Chiapas, which I am considering, they were also fine with the course, though they did ask for an outline of the coursework, and you also have to do a research project. I have started keeping an outline of the course as well as my paper in my work portfolio to show to people if they ask. But really, a lot of the time here they just want to know that you speak English well, and have a decent grasp of grammar. And as with anything, you get out of it what you put into it.

Teresa

[Chancellor]

If you must do an online course, make sure it offers an on-site teaching practicum. Arguably, the most important part of a TEFL certification is the teaching practicum (though you might, perhaps, be able to get your current position certified as having completed the practicum). Here's one I would recommend:

www.ontesol.ca

There are those here who will insist that if you don't do an entirely on-site course then you are not certified to teach English to speakers of other languages. There are employers who likewise refuse to enter the 21st century and will not hire you if you have not taken an entirely on-site course (and, even then, you might not get hired).