Job Discussion Forums

cspitzig · Joined: 01 Nov 2007 Posts: 56

I was pointed to the Asia section for discussions of getting TEFL certified in Asia. I searched, but couldn't find anything. I got things like "is this valuable" or discussions which were talking about an individual's qualification. So, I apologize for asking something that's probably been asked, but I can't find anything.

I currently live in Taiwan, teaching at a buxiban. I'm seriously considering getting TEFL certified. But, discussions I read a while ago said that there are no respected schools for this in Taiwan. So, where can I go? I remember reading a while ago about people going to Thailand for this. Is Hong Kong an option? A month is a long time to be away from my girlfriend, and she could visit me in Hong Kong.

creztor · Joined: 30 Dec 2009 Posts: 476

I believe most do go to Thailand to do one. However, unless you want to do it for personal development or plan on going to another country in the future where a TEFL is required, I really see no point in doing one.

EG in Taipei · Joined: 10 Jan 2011 Posts: 12 Location: Taipei , Taiwan

Try online. I took my TEFL through BridgeTEFL. It is accredited and accepted here. It's a lot of writing, but it is a good course. A real TEFL certificate (compared with ones you might get from a cram school here) and a few years experience will open up a lot of job opportunities here.

123Loto · Joined: 14 Aug 2006 Posts: 160

You don't need a TEFL to work in Taiwan. However, it does help throughout the rest of the world. I was based in Taiwan when I went to Vietnam to do my TEFL (I discovered the same thing as you - Taiwan simply does not offer the TEFL certificate; perhaps a reflection of how much they value it). Vietnam was cheap and a nice place to check out. While I was there it quickly became apparent that Vietnam has caught up with Taiwan's pay rates and its living costs are slightly lower.

I did my TEFL with ILA. Good luck!

cspitzig · Joined: 01 Nov 2007 Posts: 56

Well, a lot of the ads that I've seen for jobs mention a TEFL/TESOL certification. Of course, since I've only had one job in Taiwan, and got that while in the US, I don't really know whether most employers REALLY care. I've heard they don't though.

But, it doesn't really matter that much. I want to improve my teaching, and maybe a good certification class would help.