Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Rollan.Schott]

Looking to get my TEFL certificate to teach in a private school and I have a few questions. Is there a difference between a TEFL certification and a TESOL or TESL? If so, what is that difference? How many hours' option should I pursue? I've heard 100 hours is kind of the minimum expectation. Any recommendations? Thanks!

[Blanca]

If you're going to teach in a hagwon, you really don't need a proper TEFL course like a CELTA or TESOL. If you like, you can get an online TEFL qualification. I got a Mickey-Mouse 100-hour online "certificate" that was actually quite useful, and probably helped get my foot in the door of my first job, but it was far from necessary.

[ttompatz]

TEFL = Teaching English as a Foreign Language (teaching English when English is not used outside of the classroom - ie: not in an English country).

TESL = Teaching English as a Second Language (teaching English when English is commonly used outside of the classroom - ie: in an English country).

TESOL = Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages.

CELTA = Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults (the brand name of the Cambridge TESOL certificate).

If you just want to work in a "private school" (hagwon - actually not a school but an after school language academy) then you do NOT need a TEFL cert. You DO however need a degree.

If you want to make public schools a consideration then you need a degree and a TEFL/TESL cert. The brand name doesn't matter but it DOES need to be a minimum of 100 hours with a minimum of 20 hours of "in class" instruction.

If you want a TEFL cert that is useful outside of Korea then 120 hours with a minimum of 6 hours of observed practicum is the standard (CELTA, Trinity TESOL, SIT TESOL as examples).

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[Rollan.Schott]

Thanks. I am trying for a hagwon, but have had difficulties, namely my lack of teaching experience. I was hoping to offset that with a TEFL cert.

[young_clinton]

TESOL programs are generally more advanced and up to date. I think for you to get a certificate is a very good idea especially if you're teaching at a Hagwon.