Korean Job Discussion Forums

Mysteriousapien · Joined: 14 Jun 2009

I just got off the phone from my interview with SMOE. Everything seemed to go well until she asked that I should get a TEFL certificate with a minimum of 100 hours. I am thinking about doing an online course in order to get my certificate. What are the best/cheapest online teaching certification courses? I need any kind of certification (TEFL) for a teaching position and would like to find out what the best options are out there. I don't need packages and any extra courses or services that they offer; just the most basic certification. Anyone out there who has anything to share?

carpetdope · Joined: 13 Oct 2008

http://www.koredinco.com/?page_id=19

Tobias · Joined: 02 Jun 2008

There's a banner here for TI's online course. That may be a good way to go if you must get a cert. Definitely don't go the in-class route unless you go all the way for a diploma. The certs are falling out of favor in the industry and some employers specifically mention you must have a TESOL diploma.

I wonder if one could do one of these online cert courses in a week or even less? I'm crazy when it comes to academics, so I'd try. I'd enroll in the course, study for 16 hours straight, sleep 8 hours, go another 16, sleep....until I was done with it. How long would that take? 100 hours/24 days, or about 4 days and 4 hours. That's better than going to a TESOL center and taking a MONTH to do the 120 hour cert program.

1500 USD in tuition.
God-knows-how-much in opportunity cost (assume 2,000 USD).
Airfare to the TESOL center...another 800 USD if you're lucky.
The cert is now falling out of favor.

Why did I do a TESOL cert program again? Who the hell knows. But I do know I was an idiot for doing an in-class cert program.

DCJames · Joined: 27 Jul 2006

bulldog · Joined: 12 Jun 2009

If you do find that you need to do an in-class certificate, then I would suggest the CELTA. You can do it in one month full time. It costs a bit but much more worth while than a standard certificate in TEFL. You'll actually learn from it....lol It's also more favored around the globe these days and run by the British Council.

Tobias · Joined: 02 Jun 2008

felton3 · Joined: 09 Apr 2008 Location: On your computer screen

OMG - just finished the CELTA and I have to say that it was one of the hardest things I have had to do in my educational career, but it was also one of the most rewarding in the way of practical (vs. theoretical) experience. I recommend it, but be prepared for some intensive work.

carpetdope · Joined: 13 Oct 2008

t1m1ty · Joined: 24 May 2009 Location: Bundang

How would I go about getting my TEFL certificate apostillized? Do I just take it straight to the Secretary of State office (California) or do I have to get it notarized first?

SFValley · Joined: 18 Jun 2009

I'm doing an 100 hr online course (it was the cheapest I could find). $195.00 US and you can choose either a TEFL or TESOL certificate at the end. I haven't worked on it continuously but just did it in my spare time and have finished all the units in less than two weeks. All I need to do now is take the final. Voila!

Hope that helps. Oh, I'm doing mine through ITTT.

Lou Giconi · Joined: 19 Feb 2009

A TEFL certificate or TESL or TESOL cert. can be helpful for you if you are starting out or you want a greater understanding or insight into what you 'subconciously' already know but do not really know why it 'works' or 'feels 'right.'

A course can provide you with an 'Aha -that's why!' effect on certain things.

I would say that a TEFL course kind of gives you the 'nuts and bolts' of classroom managment such as positioning, board organization, classroom set-up, and time management. It will also give you an overview on grammar, tense& aspect and diagramming.

Where some of the courses are weak are on the introduction of different teaching approaches and methodology. They will introduce them and give examples how they work, and what the strengths and weaknesses are, but they do not really delve deep enough into the theories to determine if they are still valid or if they are compatible with cultural norms in Asia.

I've witnessed a great deal of ESL certified teachers hit a wall when they try to apply their training in the Korean classroom --it simply doesn't transfer over-well and can meet a great deal of local resistance from those students and educators used to more traditional teacher-centred approach/role to learning.

Anyhow, that's just my opinion...

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

CELTA is adult-oriented. You going to teach adults or kids?

Virtually any TEFL/TESOL with 100 or more hours on the paper will do.

ITTT has been accepted by SMOE and elsewhere, I know. Other voices have been mentioned here, as well.

Karea · Joined: 07 Jul 2009

I heard that an on-line course is practically a waste of time and most reputable places around the World won't accept them these days. Is that still true, or are standards falling?

andrewchon · Posted: Tue Jul 14, 2009 9:10 pm Post subject: TEFL cert

As for GEPIK that requirement just came in recently. It's an additional W10,000 per month for you if you have it. I've heard through the grape vine that they'll be demanding 100 hr min and in-class cert by an accreditated (hahahah....) institution if you are to get that dough. I agree with Lou Giconi. Applying ESL theory in classroom is something you ought to try, oh once in your career. However it is not all "what not to do."