Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Gollum]

I have been taking a TEFL course from The International TEFL Corporation, and I'd like to share my experience thusfar:

http://www.teflcorp.com/ol-prices.htm

For $295, I am getting a 100-hour online course. Actually, they are adding on some extra hours to make it 110 (a requirement for my employer).

The course is supposed to take about 5 hours per unit -- for a total of 20 units. It's taking me closer to 2 or 3 hours to complete each unit, but they said the first few units are easier. Each unit has a packet of approximately 12 to 18 pages. First you read the packet, then answer the questions on a separate answer sheet. The questions more or less make you rewrite the important material in the unit.

I have completed nearly 3 packets. When I complete a packet, I e-mail it back to my "tutor," who usually has it checked in a day or so. Basic replies are "good job -- keep up the good work" and simple stuff, as you could probably imagine. I've only turned in two units, and they were pretty easy, so it's hard to tell how constructive comments will be down the road.

There is no on-site teaching, but you can "buy" 1 or 2 weeks of that for between $400 and $800 dollars, I think. Just check out the link above. The on-site teaching is done in cooperation with TEFL International in Phukett.

Why did I choose this course? Simple. It's the absolute cheapest course that actually might teach me something. I didn't want a "buy a certificate" situation. I had to appease my employer and get "a TEFL certificate" on my own dime. I figure this is the best route for me to go right now. As others have said, the rules for TEFL/TESL/TESOL will be changing in the next year.

I can get this one done in under a few months, on my own time, and can add on-site teacher observation at a later date, if it is required. If the gov't gets REALLY strict, and only accepts TEFL/TEST certification from a University, for example, then I will only be out $295 instead of $1500 plus airfare. For now, my employer is happy with anything that says over 100 hours on the certificate. If my certificate were deemed "worthless" for not having on-site teaching hours, and a certificate from TEFL International were acceptable, then they said I could use the fee from this course as a discount off of the full tuition for the TEFL International on-site Phukett course.

Apparently, one of the owners owns a piece of both companies.

If anyone has any questions, let me know.

[Ya-ta Boy]

How would you rate the content of each of the units you've completed? Is it helpful in any way?

[Gollum]

Well, I'm into Unit 3 now, and it's starting to hit some things I don't know (teaching methods, etc.). Some of the methods are similiar to what I do in my class -- I guess, now I have a name to put to those methods.

Unit 2 was an introductory grammar unit. It wasn't difficult, but was slightly helpful to me. It was fairly basic stuff, but stuff I had forgotten. There are at least 2 or 3 more grammar units coming in the future.

Still a little early to tell how helpful it will all be.

[Ya-ta Boy]

When you are a few more units into this program would you mind posting again your evaluation of the quality of the material? I'm interested in doing a course and would like to hear about it.

[Gollum]

Will do.

Just a mention of what I've had so far....

Unit 2 had grammar, such as nouns, verbs, comparative/superlative adjectives, adverbs, prepositions, pronouns, gerunds, infinitives, articles, and conjunctions.

Unit 3 briefly covered teaching methods, including: Grammar Translation, Audio Lingualism, PPP, Task-based learning, Communicative Language Teaching, Community Language Learning, The Silent Way (this one sounded like a joke), Suggestopaedia, and The Lexical Approach.

I see that Unit 4 will be more indepth coverage of Present Tenses.

[Wrench]

hey cool I've been looking into it as well thanks for the link and feedback.

[Gollum]

Oh, by the way, the guy who checks my packets is leaving today for a 2 week vacation. He sent me some extra packets to work on while he was away. He does have an associate there, but not sure if he can sign you up in the next 2 weeks or not. (gone until July 28, I think).

[butter808fly]

Hey, that sounds like a good sound course that you are getting a lot of information from. I didnt know that these TEFL courses also give some of the fundamental basics of English that Ive forgotten! Im curious though, the 'on land' courses are internationally recognized and accreditated. What about the online course youre are taking?

[VanIslander]

I am very skeptical about the value of many online courses.

But at that price you're getting your money's worth.

Who cares about the worth of a certificate when one is getting an education that enriches one's experience as a teacher. And, in Korea, the certificate would be worth something, maybe even on par with the CELTA in the eyes of those who know little to nothing about ESL training options anyways!

Sounds like you're getting the most of it.

For those who want an online course which is respected by those in the know (especially in Canada and in the academic world) then consider the 6-month-long heavy workload of the program via distance at The University of Saskatchewan. It is considered on par with the CELTA in terms of getting you the certification needed to teach ESL in that country. It looks like it covers almost as much as some master's programs, but it's only considered to be an advanced certificate. I've been tempted in the past to take it. It seems to be thorough.

[Gollum]

[astroboyfan]

I was going to take that one, but sending my money to foreign country Latvia sp?) seemed a bit doggy, so I am taking this one. It is a bit more, but the bank was in Canada

http://www.canadian-englishcenter.com/

[Gollum]

[deessell]

I must say that when I was studying for my CELTA there was no way that I had enough time to be writing so much on Daves ESL cafe.......get back to work!!!!!

[astroboyfan]

[Gollum]