Korean Job Discussion Forums

nourozi · Joined: 15 Mar 2009

Hi, im just wondering if its worth doing any Tesol, Tefl course?

Im thinking of doing an online course to increase my chances of getting work at a university.

Whats the best course to take? Any suggestions?

agoodmouse · Joined: 20 Dec 2007 Location: Anyang

Experience is helpful for getting a university job, if that's what you want. However, that you can go from teaching hagwon (academy) children to teaching university students doesn't say much for the education establishment here in Korea.

Take it with a grain of salt when reading others who respond and flaunt the appreciable fact -- negative or positive -- that they now teach university and who simultaneously spread the vicious poison that you shouldn't do anything to increase teaching knowledge.

TESOLs aren't required for any jobs here in Korea. One can certainly help you in your pedagogy, for sure.

teacherinseoul · Joined: 18 May 2008

I'd recommend a CELTA course to anyone. Prior to taking the course, I had thought that it would be theoretical and useless. I was pleasantly surprised.

teacherinseoul · Joined: 18 May 2008

I'd recommend a CELTA course to anyone. Prior to taking the course, I had thought that it would be theoretical and useless. I was pleasantly surprised.

keseki · Joined: 22 Mar 2007

where did you take your CELTA?

GreenlightmeansGO · Joined: 11 Dec 2006 Location: Daegu

I don't think a tefl/tesol would do jack for getting a uni job. As far as I've seen, they only seem to care about age and experience. Mostly age.

Draz · Joined: 27 Jun 2007 Location: Land of Morning Clam

I have an online TEFL and I don't believe it has ever helped me get a job. I mean, employers seem to like it, but I doubt that not having it would have meant not hiring me.

In terms of improving my teaching, it was mildly useful as a grammar review.

agoodmouse · Joined: 20 Dec 2007 Location: Anyang

I agree. I took two online TEFLs and they both were unhelpful. I took my CELTA in Seoul. I've written about how, where in Seoul, and why I took the CELTA here, here, here, and here.

bassexpander · Joined: 13 Sep 2007 Location: Someplace you'd rather be.

Most univs. out there want an MA. But if you don't have one, don't worry -- start your online MA now, or just apply everywhere in triplicate throughout the year in hopes of getting in if someone cancels their contract at the last minute.

I got my univ. job with no MA or TEFL course (although I've taken a TEFL since for the fun of it, and am doing an online MA). With anyone minus an MA, it's a "right place/right time" sort of thing as far as whether or not you get a univ. job. A TEFL course can be a feather in your cap, but the sad truth is that very few schools know the difference between a 2.5 million won CELTA course and a $150 online course that says 100 hours on the certificate.

Ask how many of these CELTA holders who do not have an MA actually have a univ. job. In all honesty, it's sad that the CELTA isn't given a bit more weight with schools, though. I know several CELTA-holders on here are good, caring teachers.

dmbfan · Joined: 09 Mar 2006

It depends on two things.

1. Where you teach.
2. Why type of course you took.

In Korea a good, solid TEFL course (Trinity TEFL) or CELTA really does not hold too much ground because Koreans either....

1. Don't know what the phuck they are.
2. Don't care, much less want to listen to you about how to give an
effective lesson.

Now, in other parts of the EFL/ESL world, having solid credentials does help and they are recognized.

On line TEFL certificates are good, for Korea. It is something to put on your resume or get that 100,000 won pay raise. You can dish out the money and then earn back. With an online TEFL,