Job Discussion Forums

[hochhasd]

I am looking to take a 100 hour TESL course online. How is the Bridge company? Do they issue the certificate right away or do you have to fight to get it when you are finished with the course?
I was told the only difference between their course and a classroom one is that in the classroom one it shows on the certificate that you completed the live teaching section and the lady who offers the classroom course claims her course is recognized more in the states than the online course.
Any help would be appreciated.

[nickpellatt]

Generally, in most regions of the world and with many reputable employers, the certificates that are recognised are the ones that have the in-class observed teaching component. Anything less than this is considered sub-standard.

Employers that accept ANY tefl cert, will probably accept a certificate you could buy from Ebay.

I dont think a cert is required in that many jobs in China, but I have seen employers such as Wall Street and some other chains specify having a recognised TEFL cert. I have also seen threads that suggest a TEFL cert is required, or will soon be required for visas.

TBH - I feel doing an online cert is a waste of time. Anything you do learn could be learnt at a fraction of the cost by buying and reading a book like 'Learning Teaching' by Scrivener. Do a real cert or dont bother IMO

[spiral78]

Nick's absolutely right. Online certs are just pieces of paper, and are not accepted in most places.

You might find a job where no cert is needed in China, but I wouldn't waste time/money on an online cert. If you're going to do it, do it right.

[hochhasd]