Korean Job Discussion Forums

[shipley]

i've tried doing a search but all i can come up with is that threre were some negative thoughts about one of the sponsors on this site

is it at ALL worthwhile to do the tefl online course? are ANY of them worth the time/money?

[tob55]

Actually, there are some quite reputable programs you can find, but you must look around and be careful. I sent you a PM with information regarding some of your options, but to be brief, check out the legal standing and acceptance of a program's credentials before spending the time and money to take a program that will be fair to exceptional, but offer you nothing in terms of benefit. Check your mail.

[Bibbitybop]

My friends did ITTT online and liked it.

It helps you in Korea, it helps you become a better teacher. If you want to head to countries that take EFL more seriously, nothing beats a real-world classroom certificate, esp. the CELTA.

[shipley]

i would prefer to do the in-class version but as i'm broke, the online one is about the most i can afford!

but is the 100 hr certificate going to be enough for most schools?

(i do have my four year degree and 2 previous jobs in korea - just looking to try to teach elsewhere as well)

[Craven Moorehead]

You could also try the online distance diploma in TESOL from Vancouver Community College. It is one of the best certifications in North America, and will certainly pave the way for more prestigious positions outside of Korea.

[shipley]

thanks!

i'll look into it - it's just such a catch 22 at the moment - have no money but all the time in the world while looking for work in korea....

[tob55]

A lot of people are asking about TEFL training options these days. Here is a link to an article I wrote about the subject of finding a suitable provider

Finding a Suitable TEFL Training Course

Check it out and hopefully it will answer some questions people might have before starting their program study.

[lastat06513]

I think self-development is paramount to becoming a professional....

I feel the best training a person can get is trial and error and that is the way most teachers learn in Korea.

However, what is learned from experience in Korea might not work in other settings like Japan or Italy. Thats where formal training plays an important role.

I think ESL is or should become a professional career path and alot of universities are now offering MAs in applied linguistics or in TESOL and still some offer Ed.Ds in applied linguistics for people seeking senior positions....

Yet, for those that only want working knowledge of ESL/EFL, a certificate is useful............here's the question--

Is classroom instruction helpful for those with some years of teaching experience or could an online course suffice?

And Tob55~~ You are the most helpful person on this subject and any/ all advice you give is always valuable.

Craven Moorehead~ what are the requirements to enter the program?

[tob55]

I think that anything we do as professionals helps us in terms of skills and abilities to do the job of language teaching. Even after so many years of classroom experience, I still find myself wanting to know more about what I do and how to become a better presenter and facilitator of the learning process.

As a general rule, there are prerequisites to training that should be the rule rather than the exception.

1. Training should be considered professional, therefore, individuals taking a course of instruction should have a minimum of a BA/BS in some academic field of study.

2. As a matter of connection, people signing up for a course should also give due diligence to joining some professional association of instructors that will serve as a network for professional enhancement.

3. Make sure that you are committed to beginning and completing a program if you are going to pay your money. From what I understand about the industry there are many people who compulsively buy services and products they are not prepared to use or work with. It is a shame that millions of spending dollars are wasted when people buy compulsively without having the patience or commitment to finish what they start.

If you would like any other information or questions answered, just PM me for details, and I'll be happy to give you information.