Korean Job Discussion Forums

[mr. bojangles]

For those Canadians out there, what have you found to be the most worthwhile teaching certification or diplomas to get before teaching overseas? I'm thinking about taking the ACE-TESOL course. Have any of you took it before? http://www.aceducation.ca/solutions/ace-tesol-certificate.html

Which certificate would you recommend getting? Any advice is much appreciated!

[ren546]

You're okay as long as it's recognized by TESL Canada, but I would avoid private schools. You can take correspondence courses and get certified through places like U Vic and U Sask. They'll also let you do on-site practicums at the university to qualify for Ontario certification (or at least U of S does).

[mr. bojangles]

Thanks for the advice! But why would you avoid private schools if they are recognized by TESL Canada? The quality of education isn't as good? Have you heard horror stories? Or the University education is that much better?

[ren546]

First, it just looks better on your CV, and they're generally more recognizable abroad. Some places won't care, but at some others it might make a difference.

Second, I speak from personal experience. I took a similar course through Oxford Seminars about 6 or 7 years ago (although it wasn't TESL Canada approved), and it was a huge waste of money and time. The instructor they hired had worked with kids in Thailand for about 5 years, and thus her experience was quite limited. We spent the entire time doing these banal group exercises and I didn't learn ANYTHING that might have actually helped me in the classroom. I took the CERTESL course through the U of S only recently (just as a back-up in case I ever want to do some part-time ESL teaching back home). I learned things that have been extremely helpful, and the instructors have years of quality experience to back themselves up.