Job Discussion Forums

TheBiggestBob · Joined: 13 Jan 2011 Posts: 9

Hi there,

I just wanted to know if anyone has done the orientation with these guys in Bangkok and the associated 4-5 month job placement?

I haven't been able to find a great deal of information on them other than what is on their own website. So are they a legitimate business? Is there really a 100% guarantee of a job placement?

The program I have been enquiring about is a 5 day orientation for those who have already completed a 60hr TEFL course. The whole package is 300USD and it sounds like a good deal but as I can't find a whole lot of reviews on them.

Any advice would be really appreciated

TeresaLopez · Joined: 18 Apr 2010 Posts: 601 Location: Mexico City

I didn�t do the program in Thailand, but I did take one of their courses and it was quite good, they are legit, they have been around for a while.

TheBiggestBob · Joined: 13 Jan 2011 Posts: 9

Ok, thanks for the quick reponse. Just wanted to make sure they really exist before I pay them any money and they disappear into the darkness.

tttompatz · Posted: Tue Apr 05, 2011 12:03 am Post subject:

Be prepared for the hard sell. Time-share condo salesmen have nothing on those guys.

Also be aware that there have been (hearsay) reports that they will ask you to work illegally during your job placement.

And lastly, "ONLY A FOOL" would pay to be placed into a job when there are so many to be had with nothing more than a Google search. Never PAY for a job placement. The schools pay them and you are the commodity being sold.

.

MaiPenRai · Joined: 17 Jan 2006 Posts: 390 Location: BKK

American TESOL (ATI) are legit and have been running their Teach&Travel program in THailand for about 5 years now. A few things to note.

1. The industry standard for a TEFL cert. is 120 hours + at least hours of observed teaching practice. As a previous manager who hired teachers, less than 120 hours for a TEFL cert meant nothing in an application package.

2. THe guartanteed placements will most likely be in smaller communities, NOT in Bangkok or other more touristy locations. Expect to have little to no say in your placement.

3. ATI basically sell their grads to recruitment companies who in turn place the teachers in their contracted schools.

4. You will not get your cert. if you dont finish the 4-5 month guaranteed placement.

5. I have heard that the actual course they run is ok to good depending on which trainers you get. When deciding on a TEFL course, you should always ask about the trainers qualifications and experience and it would be good to speak with the trainers as well.

Best of Luck.

TheBiggestBob · Joined: 13 Jan 2011 Posts: 9

Ok, it sounds like it might be better to go over there and start looking for a job myself rather than try organise something beforehand. Is it relatively easy to find a job in Bangkok say in early to mid May. From what I have read this seems to be a good time to start looking for work.

On the other hand, the 5 day course might add to my credentials.

For me this is a first time job in ESL and the 4-5 month contract sounded like a good option to test the waters.

Thanks for the replies, helping me out alot.

tttompatz · Posted: Tue Apr 05, 2011 1:43 am Post subject:

TheBiggestBob · Joined: 13 Jan 2011 Posts: 9

Thanks for the advice, sounds like I'll be entering the country at a good time.

I have the basic qualifications for ESL work which is a 4 year degree and a TEFL cert.

Cheers.