Korean Job Discussion Forums

hubba bubba · Joined: 24 Oct 2006

Hi,

I like ESL teaching. I plan to do it for a long time. It's the only job I've had where I've thought, "Hmm, you know this could still be interesing even in ten years". I also think think this can provide a big ol' chunk of change at the end, if I play my cards right. Which brings me to my question.

How can I become a TEFL trainer? I've been looking around, and have only been able to find a few sites that talk about it (CELTA site being one). There must be some TEFL trainers on this board. Would you mind telling me your story? How much experience do you have and where? What sort of certification or postgrad did you do? Any input welcomed.

Thanks,

Hubba

ilovebdt · Joined: 03 Jun 2005 Location: Nr Seoul

I have thought about becoming one myself and from the information I have found you need two or more years experience teaching English as a foreign language.

ilovebdt

Goro-chan · Joined: 15 Apr 2004 Location: Asia

I worked as a TEFL trainer last year, but not in Korea.

There seem to be two main routes to becoming a trainer. Either do a DELTA or similar course (they usually require at least 2 years of teaching experience). Or do a Masters in something closely related - Education, English, ESL/EFL, Linguistics etc.

Then it is just a matter of being in the right place at the right time to get a trainer's job. There seem to be more and more TEFL courses starting up all the time, so keep scanning the job boards and look at what qualifications each place asks for. Here in Korea they seem to value Masters degrees, in China they seem to prefer DELTA or similar diplomas, and in Japan they seem to want PhDs.

Zark · Posted: Sat Oct 28, 2006 5:24 pm Post subject:

Best path to teacher teacher training? Probably a graduate degree and several years experience.

DELTA is not well known in much of the world - but will get your started in Europe. Ultimately - the better training jobs though - will probably be looking for a master's degree. Just my opinion - though I know many will disagree.

TEFL training doesn't always pay much more than regular teaching - but you will certainly find better circumstances and benefits - more time off - easier schedules, etc.

TEFL training is also quite different from TEFL. Your classroom is usually full of Westerners who WILL challenge you, WILL ask difficult questions, WON'T automatically defer to their instructor - and who don't mind complaining about a hundred things you can't control. And, you will - at times - have less control over the content of a course than you would just teaching EFL.

Frankly - I enjoy teacher training just for the many different types of people that I meet. And - it is a good change of pace from the EFL classroom.

EFLtrainer · Joined: 04 May 2005

Zark · Posted: Sun Oct 29, 2006 5:11 pm Post subject:

laogaiguk · Joined: 06 Dec 2005 Location: somewhere in Korea

Zark · Posted: Sun Oct 29, 2006 5:22 pm Post subject:

laogaiguk · Joined: 06 Dec 2005 Location: somewhere in Korea

Zark · Posted: Sun Oct 29, 2006 5:31 pm Post subject:

Yeah, have certainly met a few of those . . . but I am pretty good at deflecting most things with good humor.

I never claim to be an expert at anything - and welcome assistance. I am quite good at many things though. Such situations are always a good time to bring up the difference between teacher training and teacher development and the need for continued ongoing training throughout one's teaching career.

I need help with my boardwork . . .

laogaiguk · Joined: 06 Dec 2005 Location: somewhere in Korea

Yu_Bum_suk · Joined: 25 Dec 2004

What do TEFL trainers make? Surely a TEFL trainer in Thailand can't be making more than an experienced teacher in Korea, so why would anyone do it?

Zark · Posted: Sun Oct 29, 2006 6:19 pm Post subject:

Yu_Bum_suk · Joined: 25 Dec 2004

Zark · Posted: Sun Oct 29, 2006 7:01 pm Post subject:

YBS,

You are right on all counts, but we all have different priorities, no?