| View previous topic :: View next topic |
| Author |
Message |
DeLaRed
Joined: 16 Oct 2008
|
 Posted: Mon Apr 06, 2009 10:01 pm Post subject: Doing a TEFL as a newbie |
 |
|
is it a pretty straight forward course to do if you have no teaching background/very limited teaching experience?
How long does it typically take to do (online course)? (I've done a seach but topics have been more about prices/course recommendations) |
|
| Back to top |
|
 |
DeLaRed
Joined: 16 Oct 2008
|
| Posted: Wed Apr 08, 2009 5:00 am Post subject: |
|
|
| bump |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
English Matt
Joined: 12 Oct 2008
|
| Posted: Wed Apr 08, 2009 9:14 am Post subject: Re: Doing a TEFL as a newbie |
|
|
| DeLaRed wrote: |
is it a pretty straight forward course to do if you have no teaching background/very limited teaching experience?
How long does it typically take to do (online course)? (I've done a seach but topics have been more about prices/course recommendations) |
The online TEFL qualifications cannot prepare you for the reality of standing up in front of a class of Korean kids and actually teaching.
If you have the time and money to invest in a qualification before heading over, take something that will provide you with in-class hours (e.g. CELTA). A CELTA is not really well recognised in Korea, but outside of China, Korea, Taiwan and Japan, it is the basic qualification required to apply for any TEFL or TESL job....without it, and even with teaching experience in Korea or elsewhere, you will struggle to obtain employment. But once again, it is not necessary or indeed that useful (as far as the job market is concerned) in Korea.
You really don't need to take any course, and it is very easy to get a job here.
The only benefit an online TEFL course will get you is a 100,000 won per month increase at a public school, and perhaps, perhaps, the power to bargain up a hagwon's offer by a similar amount.
Hope that all helps. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Cerriowen
Joined: 03 Jun 2006
Location: Pocheon
|
| Posted: Wed Apr 08, 2009 4:05 pm Post subject: |
|
|
I disagree.
I do think a CELTA is good for someone who is going to invest a lot of their life in teaching. In theory, I agree it's probably best. But practically speaking most people aren't willing to invest that kind of money in learning something they plan to do for one year (or less if they hate it)
I think a TEFL is a useful leg up, rather than walking in to a classroom with no idea at ALL what to do.
It gives you 5% of a clue, rather than zero... but no it's not necissary.
It should cost you between $200-350USD for a 100 hour course (you can get a slight pay advantage w/ a TEFL sometimes, but only if it's 100 hours).
The fastest possible way, if you're working really hard and fast, would be 2 weeks because they require time to grade it and get back to you. The longest you're allowed to take is 6 months. I'd say plan on 4-6weeks if you're willing to invest 2-3 hours a day in it. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
jinks
Joined: 27 Oct 2004
Location: Formerly: Lower North Island
|
| Posted: Wed Apr 08, 2009 4:54 pm Post subject: |
|
|
| I would recommend the OP just jumps into the deep end and gets some hands-on experience with a teaching job in Korea. If you think you would like to continue in EFL, then look at doing some kind of professional development programme. At least that way you will have some idea of the problems and concepts discussed on a TEFL course. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
DeLaRed
Joined: 16 Oct 2008
|
| Posted: Wed Apr 08, 2009 7:15 pm Post subject: Re: Doing a TEFL as a newbie |
|
|
| English Matt wrote: |
| DeLaRed wrote: |
is it a pretty straight forward course to do if you have no teaching background/very limited teaching experience?
How long does it typically take to do (online course)? (I've done a seach but topics have been more about prices/course recommendations) |
The online TEFL qualifications cannot prepare you for the reality of standing up in front of a class of Korean kids and actually teaching.
If you have the time and money to invest in a qualification before heading over, take something that will provide you with in-class hours (e.g. CELTA). A CELTA is not really well recognised in Korea, but outside of China, Korea, Taiwan and Japan, it is the basic qualification required to apply for any TEFL or TESL job....without it, and even with teaching experience in Korea or elsewhere, you will struggle to obtain employment. But once again, it is not necessary or indeed that useful (as far as the job market is concerned) in Korea.
You really don't need to take any course, and it is very easy to get a job here.
The only benefit an online TEFL course will get you is a 100,000 won per month increase at a public school, and perhaps, perhaps, the power to bargain up a hagwon's offer by a similar amount.
Hope that all helps. |
I'm actually signing up for a public school which is I'm asking about a TEFL....in order to bump up the pay a little as you said.
Celta is more expensive so I'm really going for the cheaper option as I only intend to teach for perhaps 2 years maximum....so don't think it's really worth paying out a significant amount of money for that particular one.
thanks for all the replies so far |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
|
FAQ
Search
Memberlist
Usergroups
Register
Profile
Log in to check your private messages
Log in
