Job Discussion Forums

ldragon · Joined: 01 Jan 2011 Posts: 32

I'm thinking about doing a CELTA course in Bangkok. I think my options are English and Computer College (ECC) and International House (IH). Any advice, suggestions, or comments? I'm really interested in learning how to teach English. I want to learn more about the language. How to assess skills, build a curriculum, etc... Not just how to control a classroom. My friend went to IH and didn't have too many good things to say about it.

Also, is an online course a bad idea? Even if I have experience? I've been working in Thailand for a year. And I've been able to find work without a TEFL/CELTA b/c I have a degree in English. But the higher paying and more professional jobs seem to want a TEFL/CELTA. I just can't justify taking time off work- losing a month of salary, and paying another months salary for the course- to get a TEFL/CELTA. Especially if I can do it online. But if online is a waste of time, then I guess I have to, right?

plumpy nut · Joined: 12 Mar 2011 Posts: 1652

ldragon · Joined: 01 Jan 2011 Posts: 32

Thanks plumpy nut. Im trying to avoid a TEFL or TESOL b/c I dont want to worry about recognition if I leave Thailand. They a lot more affordable though...

Have you ever heard of a TEFL or CELTA program on nights or weekends? I cant afford to take time off...[/quote]

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

If you already have some experience and a B.A in English, I wouldn't waste your time with anything other than a worldwide recognized course like CELTA, Trinity, etc. If you ever decide to try other countries, CELTA will be much more valuable than any Thailand TEFL course.

Don't expect to learn much about curriculum development in a CELTA though. A DELTA or Masters would get into that type of stuff.

At the end of the day the quality of the trainers for your course is most important. Call IH and ECC and ask to talk to the trainers or see if you can meet them. CELTA has pretty good standards for following the CELTA curriculum so it wont matter between IH or ECC other than the trainers and the actual building.

IH Bangkok had pretty good trainers 3 years ago but the class was overcrowded and facilities were pretty poor [no A/C in crowded classroom, 6 slow computers for 18 trainees (some slower than others,lol)]. Things may have changed since then though.

To the best of my knowledge ECC and IH CELTA courses are not offered part time. I think Text and Talk did an evening/weekend TEFL course (not CELTA) a few years back.

Don't waste any time or money on an online TEFL course.

ldragon · Joined: 01 Jan 2011 Posts: 32

Thank you MaiPenRai.

plumpy nut · Joined: 12 Mar 2011 Posts: 1652

ldragon · Joined: 01 Jan 2011 Posts: 32

I dont know. Ive just heard things. Even here people get hassled about where in Thailand they did their TEFL course.