Job Discussion Forums

[wailing_imam]

I recently completed my Trinity Dip.TESOL through this provider in the UK.

In total it took me around 18 months to complete the entire course. I have passed and now am a holder of the Diploma.

There is a practical block that involves 2 weeks in the UK. I am based in Singapore so this was quite expensive.

Cost for the 18 months? Course fees, books, exam fees, flights, bnb in central London around 3000 pounds sterling.

My tutor at SGI, a lady named Naz, was excellent. She was very encouraging throughout the self study element of the course and was a source of great input throughout the practical block. During the two weeks in London, I was observed 6 times. The feedback session after the teaching is comprehensive and thorough and sometimes quite brutal. However, this was very effective as I learnt very quickly and in no uncertain terms the things I needed to change about my teaching in order to pass Trinity's assessed class.

The main downside about the practical block in London is that there is no office space dedicated to the Diploma candidates. We have a choice of going back to our hotels to work, or work in a common social area used by students whilst they wait for classes to begin. This is very noisy and trying to get some work done is very frustrating. I could have returned to my Bnb but I, like the other candidates, needed the school's Wifi, library of resources, printer and photocopier.

The school itself is very small and many of the classrooms are windowless and below ground level, giving it a slightly dank feel. It is not the nicest place to spend 9 hours a day in,

All in all the course was excellent. I learned a lot, had great tutor support and enjoyed the challenge.

[naturegirl321]

Yea! Congrats! I was looking at starting mine next year, but recent events will make me have to postpone it

3000 pounds, sounds doable. Not cheap, but if it included your flight and time in London, it's decent.

What did you need to change in order to pass the Trinity?

Thanks so much for all the info.

[wailing_imam]

Things I needed to change: Too much teacher talk time, too much feeding rather than elicitation, overuse of white board, unattractive handouts (I made all my own) etc etc...the list is endless. However, after several rounds of severe criticism I got there in the end.