Korean Job Discussion Forums

jhicks99 · Joined: 04 Mar 2009 Location: Seoul, South Korea

So I'm back in Toronto and not working again until late February, might as well make something of my time and get a TESOL or TEFL certificate...

So I found a 60 hour TESOL/TEFL (it says the certificate will state both) through Oxford Seminars at the University of Toronto, total cost is around $1100. My friend in Korea told me not to bother and take an online course like the 100-hour ITTT TEFL course since it's much cheaper ($190 US and has a free second course as a bonus) and will be just as recognized (I have 1 years experience teaching in Korea already as well).

So I'm strongly leaning towards signing up online tonight or tomorrow and getting started.

Does anyone have any reason NOT to do it online and go for the Oxford seminars course instead? ITTT's TEFL seems to be accepted by SMOE and just about everywhere else (also would like to work in Japan down the line).

Also for those that have taken the online course, do I need anything other than my pc? I'm literally crashing at my friends place for a few months (and completely po'ing his landlord haha as he's claiming I'm not allowed to be here without his permission which is bs) and only have my laptop, there is no printer here. Do I need a printer? What about a notebook to write notes down? Or is it easiest just to keep everything on the PC? I have no idea what to expect... If I can just review all the material online for the test (which is open book I'm assuming) then maybe just the PC is enough?

sqrlnutz123 · Joined: 15 Jun 2009 Location: South Korea

For GEPIK, they like it to be a 100 hour course and people who have taken the $190 ITTT one do get a raise. So, I don't know if, in GEPIKs eyes at least, the 60 hour one would even get you a raise.

jhicks99 · Joined: 04 Mar 2009 Location: Seoul, South Korea

Thanks, I've enrolled online. My first unit almost seems like a joke, they suggest 5 hours but it took no more than 1. I read it three times and answered all questions without referencing the pdf article supplied, and I'm quite certain my answers are more than satisfactory. They did say the first few units wouldn't be as challenging, but if the rest of the course is like this then it's going to be awfully easy. I got the $295 course with a tutor as the special allowed me to take the business English course free and there's no test with the tutor.

Last question, once completed I will have to choose between a TESOL or TEFL certificate. TESOL seems to be a little more common but both seem equally accepted, is there any reason why I should choose one over the other? Or should I just flip a coin?

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

calicoe · Joined: 23 Dec 2008 Location: South Korea

I enrolled with KEISIE Graduate School of Education, Koredinco. Does anyone know anything about this program. I enrolled with the 100 hour certificate, but am thinking of upgrading to the 120 hour for observed instruction.

edit: The TEFL 100 hour course was 200,000 won. The 120 hour Certificate with observed instruction is 400,000.

Any comments or feedback on this program?

sqrlnutz123 · Joined: 15 Jun 2009 Location: South Korea

I'm also thinking of enrolling in KEISIE. It's the cheapest. I would like to know how difficult it is and how many hours it actually takes to finish it.

calicoe · Joined: 23 Dec 2008 Location: South Korea

It's not difficult at all, but you can manage to learn something, if you find the right research links. The teacher who runs it seems professional as well. I haven't done much yet. I was wondering what mileage a 120 hour certificate from them would give me here in Korea.

jhicks99 · Joined: 04 Mar 2009 Location: Seoul, South Korea

I'm halfway through level 8. Seems to be taking about 1.5-2 hours per lesson (less 7 was a bit of a joke). I have been getting great feedback from my tutor, it's evident that he's actually reading everything and putting much thought into his responses which is encouraging. He's also been pumping out the new units so I can get cracking on them despite the web-site stating I can only have 2 on hand at any given time (I usually have 3) and that he is only expected to mark/return 2 per day. I can see how this might take someone learning these concepts for the first time much longer, but I can't see how anyone could end up putting 100 hours into this thing.

MichaelFitz · Joined: 10 May 2009

The TEFL International course that many of you recommend (the "beach in Thailand") is coming to South Korea after Xmas.

The course is part-time, either a few evenings a week, or weekend afternoons, and leads to full internationally-acceptable TESOL Certification which includes the very popular and succcessful TEFL International Methodology that works wonders in Asian cultures. It's going to be held in Seoul near Seoul Station.

There are a few other bonuses for this particular course: it's run by one of the most qualified and experienced trainers in their company; the certs are signed by Dr. David Nunan; part of the course can be done on-line if you like; there is a high degree of specific course content on teaching in Korean classrooms; and a sizeable "holiday course discount" if you sign up before Jan. 1st, 2010. Check out the link here: http://www.teflkorea.org

You can PM me for more details, or call them at 02-6399-6507

noobteacher · Joined: 27 Nov 2009

Just bumping because I am curious to hear about people's recent experiences with the KEISIE TEFL certificate. Some older 2008 threads have talked about how it is very writing intensive, etc. Are people finding this to still be true? Is it easier? Harder? Did you actually learn something?

Thanks!

calicoe · Joined: 23 Dec 2008 Location: South Korea

Found out recently that a TEFL/TESOL does NOT give you a raise with EPIK if you are above a certain level grade.

Bummer.

jsyoo · Joined: 05 Oct 2009

Hyeon Een · Joined: 24 Jun 2005

TEFL international have been around in Korea for a while through partnerships with several universities. Most of their certs were given to Korean uni students though. Perhaps this is the first time its been targeted at foreigners.

I wouldn't take it myself. I'd rather get something a little more legitimate like a CELTA, though the TEFL international is a little cheaper.

The advantage of a CELTA (before BassExpander wades in...) is that you can then work for the British Council which is one of the best language outfits to work for in the world. You get to earn a 'home salary' on top of a local one no matter where you are in the world, along with a pension, international moving costs, housing allowances, flights etc. And no, they don't only hire British people.