Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Sked]

Just passed the ITTT course and it is asking me if I want 'TESOL' or 'TEFL' on the certificate? which one would be more 'accepted' in South Korea? I'm on the EPIK program btw if that is any help?

thanks!

[noobteacher]

Honestly it doesn't really matter, but I did TESOL 'cause it sounds better

[Sked]

http://www.britishcouncil.org/teacherrecruitment-tefl-qualifications-tefl-or-tesol.htm

according to the above link they mean slightly different things, but i'm having trouble relating either to teaching in public schools. leaning towards TESOL tho.

[some waygug-in]

So they are willing put either designation on your certificate?

Ask them what the difference is.

Is there a price difference and a difference in course-length or material covered?


My TESOL course was only 40 hours (Canadian Global), so now I'm doing a TEFL (I-to-I). But the way these courses have changed who knows?

[Sked]

there's no additional cost for choosing one over the other. they said this:

In the document you will be asked if you would prefer to receive a TEFL or TESOL certificate. We should stress that one is certainly not preferred over the other, and that these acronyms are used interchangeably. Schools and TEFL employers worldwide will generally accept TESOL and TEFL certificates equally as qualifications in teaching English.

[noobteacher]

[Sked]

kk, cheers for the input i've chosen 'TESOL' cos it sounded more like a qualification in my head :S

[sundizz]

I did the same course. TESOL is more expansive in its definition. I.e TEFL comes under TESOL. So picking TESOL would be wise.

[pkang0202]

Koreans are very familiar with TESOL since TESOL has a monopoly on ESL training in Korea. As far as GEPIK/SMOE/EPIK is concerned, TEFL or TESOL is accepted. TESOL is probably better when you are talking to Koreans and telling them your credentials. When I told my coteachers I had a TEFL cert, they had blank expressions on their face. When I explain a TEFL is like a TESOL, then the light came on.