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MANDRL
Joined: 13 Oct 2006
Location: South Korea
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 Posted: Wed Aug 08, 2007 7:14 pm Post subject: TEFL International questions |
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My fiancee and I are considering another year in Korea and are thinking about going to Thailand to get a TESOl certificate. We are looking at TEFL International (www.teflintl.com) and were wondering if this is a good way to go. The TESOL certificate is a "four week, 120 hours intensive course". Is this the best program for obtaining a certificate of 120 hours? Is it a reputable educational program? We don't want to waste our money and time on something that isn't, so any information would be great. Thanks!
Edit. Or would it be worth it to obtain the CELTA? |
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tob55
Joined: 29 Apr 2007
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| Posted: Wed Aug 08, 2007 7:44 pm Post subject: TEFL Int'l... |
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| It's a good program, and I hear good things about it...I sent you a PM as well... |
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expat2001
Joined: 28 Jan 2006
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| Posted: Wed Aug 08, 2007 8:15 pm Post subject: |
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i took the TEFL in 2002 in Ban Phe Thailand.Before taking the TEFL , I had taught for one year in korea.
The TEFL was the biggest waste of time!
I remember TEFL advertised that if you complete the course , they promise you a job. The first day of class , a student asked about a job.
They said" Sure kid ! We'll get ya a job , the only problem is , the job that we can get you , nobody wants , thats why we can get it for you"-true story
They treated us like babies , telling us when we could and couldnt leave the hotel /school grounds.
They claimed that the course was a master credit from the University of Washington ( i think) .However , when a student called ( U of W) to ask if it was true or not , she couldnt get an answer, CAUSE NO ONE HAD HEARD OF THE PROGRAM!
I think we spend three days making flash cards.
The only GOOD thing about the TEFL course is that it did get me a 100 000 won raise at my current job ( GEPIK)
However , I dont think it made be a better teacher
After completing the TEFL , I kept in touch with a few of the teachers , and they all said it was useless , in terms of improving ones teaching abilities.
TEFL is taught in the perfect class room.Such a classroom doesnt exist in korea.
Some of TEFL s methods wouldnt work in korea.There is culture in teaching. |
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KimchiExplosion
Joined: 01 Jul 2007
Location: Nowhere near Seoul
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| Posted: Wed Aug 08, 2007 8:56 pm Post subject: |
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| From everything I've heard a TESOL isn't worth the paper it's printed on unless its a Celta or a Trinity. |
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tob55
Joined: 29 Apr 2007
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| Posted: Wed Aug 08, 2007 9:01 pm Post subject: Explanation... |
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KimchiExplosion Wrote:
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| From everything I've heard a TESOL isn't worth the paper it's printed on unless its a Celta or a Trinity. |
Care to explain your statement for the benefit of everyone? |
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MANDRL
Joined: 13 Oct 2006
Location: South Korea
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| Posted: Wed Aug 08, 2007 9:31 pm Post subject: Re: TEFL Int'l... |
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| tob55 wrote: |
| It's a good program, and I hear good things about it...I sent you a PM as well... |
Thanks for the PM. I have also read all the posts of the other thread on the matter. I was wondering how I can be sure that the public schools in Korea would accept this certificate, could you please shed some light on the matter or direct me to some sources that will? Thanks! |
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icnelly
Joined: 25 Jan 2006
Location: Bucheon
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| Posted: Wed Aug 08, 2007 9:46 pm Post subject: Re: Explanation... |
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| tob55 wrote: |
KimchiExplosion Wrote:
| Quote: |
| From everything I've heard a TESOL isn't worth the paper it's printed on unless its a Celta or a Trinity. |
Care to explain your statement for the benefit of everyone? |
Tob, just a personal opinion question, but what do you think of the Hanyang TESOL/Sukmyung TESOL vs. a CETLA/CELTYL?
I would think the Hanyang/Sukmyung TESOL's would be widely accepted as they have transfer value for N.A master's programs. |
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mrsquirrel
Joined: 13 Dec 2006
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| Posted: Wed Aug 08, 2007 10:41 pm Post subject: |
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You will get mixed reviews about Bruce and his course in Ban Phe.
I personally wouldn't touch them.
If you have the money and time do a CELTA at IH or got to Malaysia and do one at the British Council |
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dogshed
Joined: 28 Apr 2006
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| Posted: Wed Aug 08, 2007 10:56 pm Post subject: |
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Let's say my motivation is to impress a potential employer. How do I determine what program is acceptable?
Is there a list of programs that EPIK or GEPIK accept for their pay raises?
Is there an official list somewhere? |
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icnelly
Joined: 25 Jan 2006
Location: Bucheon
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| Posted: Wed Aug 08, 2007 11:03 pm Post subject: |
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| dogshed wrote: |
Let's say my motivation is to impress a potential employer. How do I determine what program is acceptable?
Is there a list of programs that EPIK or GEPIK accept for their pay raises?
Is there an official list somewhere? |
It's only got to be 100 hrs of course study or more. That's the only requirement, I think. I know people have done the TEFLcorp one and have received their pay raise. |
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tob55
Joined: 29 Apr 2007
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| Posted: Thu Aug 09, 2007 12:49 am Post subject: Responses... |
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I will attempt to answer/respond to all of the questions and comments in order:
MANDRL Wrote:
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| Thanks for the PM. I have also read all the posts of the other thread on the matter. I was wondering how I can be sure that the public schools in Korea would accept this certificate, could you please shed some light on the matter or direct me to some sources that will? Thanks! |
Not sure which program you are talking about TEFL Int'l or the one I mentioned in the PM, but both are accepted in Korea as legitimate certificates...If you would like some personal references of people who have taken the one I mentioned just PM me...
icnelly Wrote:
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Tob, just a personal opinion question, but what do you think of the Hanyang TESOL/Sukmyung TESOL vs. a CETLA/CELTYL?
I would think the Hanyang/Sukmyung TESOL's would be widely accepted as they have transfer value for N.A master's programs. |
I think the programs currently being run through the Universities you mentioned are gaining in their notariety because they are academic in nature, i.e. they will transfer neatly into other University programs...As I posted in a different thread, CELTA/CELTYL is not receiving wide acclaim simply because I believe Korean administrators don't see enough of them to formulate a solid acceptance...That is my opinion...I truly believe the academic programs such as the one which was offered by Asian EFL Journal as an online program, but has since transitioned to an onsight program are very valuable in terms of theory, research and understanding the principles and premise of EFL - ESL instruction...
Unlike some people who have nothing good to say about other programs, I believe it is of benefit for professionals to support the efforts of those who are striving to raise the bar regarding educational training options...I also think in time the Korean government will weed out certain programs that exist solely for the purpose of making money on unsuspecting students who pay good money in exchange for worthless pieces of paper as KimchiExplosion wrote in their post...
mrsquirrel Wrote:
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You will get mixed reviews about Bruce and his course in Ban Phe.
I personally wouldn't touch them.
If you have the money and time do a CELTA at IH or got to Malaysia and do one at the British Council |
In the end the decision to take a course comes down to a few things...time and money...You mention these, and they are in fact the very things that will give people the motivation to take a course or not...Face it, there are many legitimate and high quality programs in the EFL - ESL market, but it requires some investigation to make sure a course is worth taking, not only for what you receive during your training and immediately following, but in the future as well...
dogshed Wrote:
| Quote: |
Let's say my motivation is to impress a potential employer. How do I determine what program is acceptable?
Is there a list of programs that EPIK or GEPIK accept for their pay raises?
Is there an official list somewhere? |
There is no shame in wanting to impress, especially since many of the people posting here are in Korea where appearance accounts for a high percentage of acceptance within the culture...There are no lists that I am aware of, but your statement has sparked my interest and I will certainly be looking into putting a list together or finding out where one is...
That about sums it up from my point of view unless someone has other questions... |
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MANDRL
Joined: 13 Oct 2006
Location: South Korea
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| Posted: Thu Aug 09, 2007 1:30 am Post subject: |
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| I think we have ruled out applying for public schools next year as we aren't comfortable with a lot of the stuff we have read. So, will having a TESLTEFL certificate help our pay in the world of Hakwans? |
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tob55
Joined: 29 Apr 2007
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| Posted: Thu Aug 09, 2007 1:59 am Post subject: Hagwons... |
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| There ae some that will recognize the certificate, but you will have to be sure they will before you apply. With your experience and the TEFL/TESL certificate you should have no problem getting a fair salary package regardless where you decide to locate...Let me know if there is anything I can do to help... |
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pocariboy73
Joined: 23 Jan 2003
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tob55
Joined: 29 Apr 2007
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| Posted: Fri Aug 10, 2007 1:25 am Post subject: Facts... |
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There are questions about a number of training providers these days, this is why people considering a program should know a couple of things...
1. Cost
2. Time commitment
3. Acceptance of the credentials
4. Recommendations from people who have taken the course
5. Easy of study resources
There are many more considerations, but these should give people some sensible things to think about before deciding on a course... |
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