Korean Job Discussion Forums

dmbfan · Joined: 09 Mar 2006

Hello all.

Okay. As a public school teacher, I am "blessed" with a winter schedule that will enable me to finish up everyday at 12:40. So, that means I have loads of free time. Honestly, there are not too many things to do around here. I am not going to climb a mountain because I get enough excerise at the gym. I am not going to stare at temples all day, because well........if you've seen one, you've seen them all. Drinking would be fun, but not productive.

So, what do I want to do? I really want to take a TEFL/TESOL course. But, I can't due to my schedule here. If I had recieved time off like many of the other teachers here, I would take advantage of that time and get my TEFL in Thailand. However, I don't have that luxury. So, I am looking at some online TESOL programs

Yeah, I have heard mixed reviews about these things. However, I honestly don't see anything wrong with it, with conditions applying. First, I am already experienced. I have three and half years of classroom experience. I can understand why some employers would not hire someone with a TEFL certificate obtained online, but with NO experience. However, in this case, certainly it is not viewed upon in that regard........hopefully.

Does anyone have any experience with an online TEFL? If so, who did you go though? I am considering going with the LTTC (London Teachers Training College), and taking either one of these...............

1. TEFL Ceritificate (60 hours)
2. TEFL Certificate (120 hours)
3. Dipl0ma in TESOL

I don't know if I will stay in Korea after this time around. I am thinking about Japan, Thailand, Latin America, or even China again. Can anyone give me some advice/information on how employers view....

1. Having a shinny, new TEFL certificate, without experience (60 hours)
2. Having a shinny new TEFL certificate, with prior experience (60 hours).
3. Having a shinny new TEFL certifciate without experience (120 hours).
4. Having a shinny new TEFL cerfitcate with prior experience (120 hours).
5. Having a Diploma in TESOL, with prior experience.

..........all considering the fact that the courses are online.

Anyone have anything to say on that? I would really appreciate it. I don't want to waste my money, but.........I have to do something to keep myself busy for a few months. Honeslty, I don't see why an employer would discriminate against it (considering I already have classroom experience)

Thanks, and Happy New Year.

dmbfan

Bibbitybop · Joined: 22 Feb 2006 Location: Seoul

I've heard that as far as online courses go, this one is good:

http://www.teflonline.net/

My friend seems pleased with it, and you work at your own pace.

As far as how much credibility an online course gives you, I don't know.

poet13 · Posted: Wed Dec 27, 2006 11:19 pm Post subject:

I read somewhere (Daves, but where I don't know) that some or many places will only accept 120 hour course. I see the link provided is for a 100 hour course. Someone else may be able to verify that.

frankly speaking · Joined: 23 Oct 2005

Why not do a distant learning MA Tesol or just plain masters in education? If you have lots of free time and are able to do the work, there are many good programs that allow you to do a lot of work online and then just do 2 week/1 month intensives at the school.

Most places that require a Celta/Tesol certificate don't accept online. But if the Masters program was through a registered university, it is usually accepted.

dmbfan · Joined: 09 Mar 2006

So, schools in Japan, China, Korea, Thailand and Taiwan are not going to accpet an experience teacher with a legitimate TEFL certificate, from an accredited college/institution? I don't believe that.

This is the link to the school in which I am considering.

http://www.teachenglish.co.uk/

trinity24651 · Joined: 05 Nov 2006

cubanlord · Joined: 08 Jul 2005 Location: In Japan!

If you are looking for an accredited North American institution where you can do a Master's in Education Program (TESOL concentration), I would recommend Shenandoah University (www.su.edu). Let me know if you have questions.

Pyongshin Sangja · Joined: 20 Apr 2003 Location: I love baby!

Koreans really don't care about anything other than degrees. But if you want to move on, it's probably a good idea. Go CELTA.

frankly speaking · Joined: 23 Oct 2005

My key point was the schools and government requirements for tesol don't accept online.

If you want to teach in Thailand, you will need a 120 hour course that offers a minimum of 8 hour observation. Government schools however have changed policy and you need a 1 year teaching license.

In the middle east, they definately will not accept online. Korea, Japan and Taiwan don't require it. However the best paid jobs do and they only accept class study not online.

If your real goal is just to improve your knowledge, then just self study. On TEFL international web page they list all the text books required for their MATESOL. Get those books, read up and learn all that you can. I recomend "Teaching by Principles" (Author?) and "How Languages are Learned" Both are excellent books.

crazy_arcade · Joined: 05 Nov 2006

dmbfan · Joined: 09 Mar 2006

"Where are you getting this information from?
It's wrong.
Most will accept an online 120 hour tefl/tesl course IF you have experience to go along with it. Seriously, do you think they are going to recognize someone with 8 hours of classroom observation over 2 years of actual experience?

I've already been told officially that an online 120 hour course will up my pair here in Korea. I've also been told that my experience will outweigh any course I could take, short of a full masters or possibly an intensive celta."

See, now that makes sense. I was thinking the same thing. As far as MATESOL, I don't want to do that now. I just want a 120 hour TEFL certificate.

Thanks for information everyone. Oh, and Trinity.......thank you for pointing out my mistake.

cheers.

dmbfan

crazy tigger · Joined: 06 Aug 2006

check your PM's