Korean Job Discussion Forums

Gollum · Joined: 04 Sep 2003 Location: Japan

Where did you get your TESL or TEFL certification? Did you do it online or with a teaching component? How well has it been accepted around the world and/or in Korea?

I am planning to take a course during my summer vacation (mid July to mid August) and am really searching for something worthwhile.

I am shying away from the "strictly online" courses out of fear that they might not be accepted, or may not be in the future. Anyone have any feelings pro or con about that?

I'm looking for any and all discussion on the subject, and of course, recommendations.

Thanks.

Paji eh Wong · Joined: 03 Jun 2003

I did my TEFL at Text and Talk Bangkok. It was good value for money. USD$ 1000, 120 hours, 6 weeks, 10 observed classes (although it varies). The trainer was an Australian named Tony. He was great, and the trainer makes the course.

It's not a vacation, though. Be prepared to work your ass off.

Derrek · Joined: 15 Jan 2003

I'm interested in this thread, but not many comments.

Starting to wonder if a lot of people just bought theirs or something.

adventureman · Joined: 18 Feb 2003

I've heard very very positive things about this one:

http://www.sit.edu/tesolcert/

Pretty costly but worth every cent (so I've heard).

fidel · Joined: 07 Feb 2003 Location: North Shore NZ

Got my CELTA at the Auckland Language Centre (I think). 1 month fulltime, and 3000NZD (at the time 3 years ago). It was hard work and out of 20 students I know of three that failed! I really enjoyed it though.

JacktheCat · Joined: 08 May 2004

adventureman · Joined: 18 Feb 2003

JacktheCat · Joined: 08 May 2004

If only SIT wasn't located in the boonies of Vermont.

Scott in HK · Posted: Mon May 16, 2005 12:51 am Post subject:

Jack...

You can do the SIT Masters by distance...one of my co-workers is doing it now. They actually send profs out to see you in your own country and watch you teach. It seems like a truly quality course.

SuperHero · Joined: 10 Dec 2003 Location: Superhero Hideout

You might consider doing your CELTA at the british council. It is internationally recongnized and by doing it in Korea you will have access to your computer for writing and research as well as the comforts of your own home.

British council offers CELTA twice a year - once in summer and once in winter. If interested you should check it out soon.

Callipear · Joined: 02 Mar 2005 Location: Seoul Mapo-gu Seogyo-dong

Embassy CES in New York has a CELTA course that takes 4 weeks. It's pretty pricey but not much more that other tefl cert. courses. Rennert bilingual offers a SIT TESOL couse, also in New York. I searched for other SIT TESOL or CELTA Certification courses - and I found that there are quite a few concentrated in San Francisco and Boston. There's something in Denver too. I don't know much about the masters courses...

This is my first post. I'm in Paris now (teaching English and studying) - but I'll be joining my fiance (korean) in Seoul in Jan 2006.

I thought long and hard about getting certification. I finally decided to go for it - Smile

Derrek · Joined: 15 Jan 2003

I'm having a "what should I do next" debate with myself. I am not so sure that getting the degree will be worth much to me just yet. It sounds like it's not necessary for many University jobs, and the authenticity of many of them are dubious at best. I'm not sure I even want a Univesity job. Why would I want to bother with report cards and tests? I teach about 18 hours a week now and don't have to do that.

Sure, I could get the CELTA, but I have no interest or plan to teach outside of Korea. Back home I can get back into TV rather easily.

Am thinking it's more worth my time to study Korean at Seoul National in the evenings and then possibly study FT at SNU next year for maybe another 6 months. Knowing Korean has got to be more worthwhile, since I may be staying here for quite some time.

JacktheCat · Joined: 08 May 2004

adventureman · Joined: 18 Feb 2003

Derrek · Joined: 15 Jan 2003