Korean Job Discussion Forums

Triban · Joined: 14 Jul 2009 Location: Suwon Station

I want to consider doing an online TEFL 20 course 100-hour. I heard you can get one for 100,000. I really want that extra 100,000 pay raise with GEPIK, and furthering knowledge is never a bad thing. Can anyone help me with some information?

byrddogs · Joined: 19 Jun 2009 Location: Shanghai

DavePuff · Joined: 01 Jan 2005 Location: Daegu, South Korea

I heard you also learn something from doing the courses, too.

Or maybe you're one of those teachers who thinks they don't need to improve. Wink

byrddogs · Joined: 19 Jun 2009 Location: Shanghai

DavePuff · Joined: 01 Jan 2005 Location: Daegu, South Korea

It was for the OP.

I found the ITTT course extremely helpful in assisting me in the classroom as it not only refreshes what we all learnt all those years ago in school, but provides methodology in how to teach effectively.

I think anyone doing it just for the money is very short-sighted.

Morgen · Joined: 02 Jul 2008

SmugPuff, the OP did also say that he was interesting in improving his knowledge. If you want to be a snob about it I suggest getting a proper certificate, or you might find your high horse is made of straw.

BrianInSuwon · Joined: 10 Jan 2006 Location: Korea

1. I think an online TEFL could provide a better education than what I received on-site. So, if you are doing it for the education I would highly recommend it.

2. I heard that the Korean government is no longer recognizing online TEFL courses when it comes to the 100,000 raise at public schools.

Dude Ranch · Joined: 04 Nov 2008

sojusucks · Joined: 31 May 2008

100,000 won?

DavePuff · Joined: 01 Jan 2005 Location: Daegu, South Korea

rooster_2006 · Joined: 14 Oct 2007

Online certs aren't good for much.

How can you do teaching demos/teaching practice in an online course? I suppose you could video tape one of your real classes, but how many online TEFL courses require this?

Many agencies won't recognize a TEFL cert unless it is affiliated with a university.

I teach in Taiwan and a TEFL cert is a requirement because I have an AA, not a BA. I have CELTA. That was sufficient to pass through the immigration/Work Permit/ARC requirements. An online cert that is non-accredited would not be recognized.

As for raises at public schools, good luck if all you have is an online cert that isn't accredited by any actual university.

I recommend CELTA. Or if you're really, really interested in teaching kids, get CELTYL. Both of these are well-renowned certs with real teaching practice, well-trained trainers, etc.

I recommend IGSE's CELTA program in Dunchon-dong, Seoul. It's significantly cheaper than the British Council program, but is still fully accredited by Cambridge University.

An online cert has its place (for example, allowing high school graduates to teach in rural China, or to give yourself a basic, basic understanding of teaching English at a school with absolutely no training), but it probably won't get you a raise or give you the training you need.

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

Kimchieluver · Joined: 02 Mar 2005

MattAwesome · Joined: 30 Jun 2008

not doing it for the money is stupid. its a good course and i learned a lot. tutor option is garbage.
not saying that from experience, bu the tutor doesnt provide any useful feedback from what i hear. the exam is almost verbatim from the worksheets anyway.

DWAEJIMORIGUKBAP · Joined: 28 May 2009 Location: Electron cloud

I did it - the 100 hr 20 unit onbline cert with ITTT.

Yes it is 100,000 and YES you DO get an extra 100,000 with Gepik / Epik.

It's a lot of work. I'd pay someone else to do it for you if I were you. But then, I'm me.