TEFL (teaching English as a foreign Language) - TravelPUNK Backpacker College Student Budget Travel Message Boards!

rjt98 · 06-14-2005, 02:15 AM

Does anyone know of a good program to get my TEFL certificate. I remember I found a place that had a couple month course and cost $800 to get my cert. Im just looking to possibly get my TEFL so I can travel around SEasia for a while and work as I go.

Rt

**TimmyJames1976** · 06-14-2005, 05:02 PM

well.....do u have a degree?

even if you do, be careful w/online courses...they dont get much respect if any at all.

check out Dave's ESL Cafe

anord · 09-08-2005, 03:27 PM

Has anyone recieved TEFL certification through the following course?

http://www.teflcourse.net/

I'm about to make a deposit to take it in Barcelona next summer, and I'd like some opinions before I commit myself financially.

**omisan** · 09-08-2005, 03:43 PM

The site's going really slow for me right now, but I believe they have a lot of discussion and resources at Dave's ESL Cafe.

**kingcrazylegs** · 09-08-2005, 03:52 PM

I know that it was huge in Malta - and many europeans would take the course on their summer vacation on the island.

rjt98 · 09-08-2005, 09:23 PM

Im going to be taking a TEFL cert. course in about a month. It seems to have the same course outline as that one does, but it cost only $795. They only offer it in California and new york I think.

-rt

**TimmyJames1976** · 09-08-2005, 10:08 PM

be careful of those budget TEFL coures. many will not be recognized. also, if u plan on teaching for awhile, especially anywhere besides SE Asia, just go for a CELTA. It is a little more pricy, but is is the most respected cert out there. I dont have a thing except my BA, and that is ok in Asia. but seriously, if you want to bounce around the world for a few years, go for a CELTA.

**space virgin** · 09-09-2005, 01:42 AM

Another thing to consider (at least as far as Europe is concerned): Many ESL teaching jobs are being given to UK citizens only as they are able to work legally in the EU.

**beergal** · 09-09-2005, 02:43 AM

Quote:

Another thing to consider (at least as far as Europe is concerned): Many ESL teaching jobs are being given to UK citizens only as they are able to work legally in the EU.

all the better for me!! Selfish cow am i not!

**TimmyJames1976** · 09-09-2005, 06:44 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by space virgin@Sep 9 2005, 01:42 AM
Another thing to consider (at least as far as Europe is concerned): Many ESL teaching jobs are being given to UK citizens only as they are able to work legally in the EU.*

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very very good point....and i am not pleased with that situation either!

Doog, L'Animale · 09-09-2005, 12:51 PM

I'm looking into taking one of these classes in the New York city area and i'm curious to learn more about them. Someone said that CERTA is the most highly regarded (and most expensive) but i'm curious to know more about the 'teaching english abroad' scene in general. What are the different classes, what is the general cost of these classes, and are they even neccesary? What websites can i visit for more info?

My ambition is to be living in Paris within 3 years, working as an Artist, but having one of these certificates under my belt just in case- i'm sure i'll need something to suplement my income. I'm also in the process of securing italian citizenship so i'm not worrying myself with work visa's at the moment. I also fancy a trip around the world at some point so i'm assuming it could be good to have it for that too.

I appreciate any help or advice,
Doog, L'animale

**bluepea** · 09-09-2005, 01:53 PM

I really only know about SE Asia and doing the TESL/TEFL thing. I'm not sure about Europe. It just depends on how exactly you're going to be doing this - if you're looking for an actual job teaching English, a BA/BS and some sort of ESL certification would probably be required.

What you could do is place an ad in the paper offering to teach English. Again, not sure if it's the same in Europe, but you usually see more money if you do it independently, then things such as visas (not like you'll need to worry about it if you have your It. citi) won't be as much as an issue. Also, since it won't be required for paperwork, having an ESL certification would probably be more for the family than anything else.

You can also look through universities to see if you can get set up with a job. When my brother studied in Lyon for a year, he taught English on the side (no certifications or anything).

There are tons of sites with information regarding the difference certifications and different costs/methods of teaching. You may just want to look that one up since it's easy to find and you're the one that knows what area you're looking at, etc.

Good luck.

**TheJake** · 09-09-2005, 02:20 PM

CELTA is Cambridge Universities version of the TEFL and it is, from what I have seen, the most highly respected because of the rigorous testing and constant check-ups they have do with cambridge.

So as far as I know CELTA is the most prestigous and TEFL courses other than CELTA are a dime a dozen.

rjt98 · 09-10-2005, 01:47 PM

Rumor has it that a degree from this site may actually work in East europe, and asia... What do you guys think.

http://www.ashwooduniversity.net/

They claim they can give you a degree for your life experience's. I sent them a resume showing that I have played music for 8 years, and have obtained private lessons, and learned how to read music fluently. And they replied saying that I qualify for a degree.
It sounds pretty stupid to me, but most tefl schools say they are looking for people with any college degree. Maybe some would accept a degree like this.

-rt

Calliopaeia · 01-30-2006, 08:51 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by rjt98@Jun 14 2005, 01:15 AM
Does anyone know of a good program to get my TEFL certificate. I remember I found a place that had a couple month course and cost $800 to get my cert. Im just looking to possibly get my TEFL so I can travel around SEasia for a while and work as I go.

Rt

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Dave's ESL Cafe is "ok".. but I find its for people who make a career of teaching and sometimes they get a bit upset when you post/do/say something that is against their wishes. My personal opinion.

The main idea you should be looking for is a TEFL course that teaches IN CLASS. Some schools WILL NOT recognize your certificate unless you have had in class experience. Which only makes sense.. you can only learn so much on the net.

I recommend getting in contact with your local colleges and see if they offer courses. Dave's ESL cafe would be great for finding out how long your course should be but don't tell them you plan to actually travel while teaching.. they don't like that

**beergal** · 02-23-2006, 07:36 AM

has anyone heard of or tried i-i? A few of my friends are looking into doing this in Korea

Any info greatly appreciated

p80 · 06-30-2006, 04:10 AM

My brother has been teaching english in japan for the past 12 or so years, and when I started looking into it myself, I found out he has no certification at all. He just had a BA when he started. He got started through a programe called JET

Whats the word on experience vs. certification? I was thinking a year or two teaching experience through a progrograme like that might help more than any certification. Of course I have no real idea if this is the case.

**expatben** · 06-30-2006, 08:15 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by beergal@Feb 23 2006, 07:36 AM
has anyone heard of or tried i-i? A few of my friends are looking into doing this in Korea

Any info greatly appreciated

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Yeah i-to-i is known through the esl community. Some people like it others are not so sure. Sorry to be negative but I fall into the latter catagory. Basically its mostly done through the internet with like, a weekend training. I was just on their website now and find it a but strange how they can teach the skills without class time.
When I got my TESOL I went the more traditional route and am glad I did.

Yeah the folks on Dave's can be a little rude sometimes although they do have a lot of knowledge on teaching ESL.

scottishbhoy · 07-03-2006, 06:20 PM

Im looking at doing my course in Barcelona aswell, the TELF. Looking at going next Feb to do it.
http://www.teflcourse.net
is the one im looking at aswell but cant find any reviews as such from people who have been there. Looks a good thing to do, i love Barcelona and have been a good few times now - would love to do it there but how do i find out if this is a good place to do it?

**IDDQD** · 07-03-2006, 07:47 PM

I start my course this coming saturday through Oxford Seminars
A friend of mine took it before going to S. Korea. No problems there, fully recognized and they offer 6 months of free assistance to get help get placement.
$960 for 60 hours in class.

Ive talked to people that teach in Asia though, and many have told me if you go over with no certificate or degree you can still get work in 24 hours, they need people that bad. Im not takin that route though, I want a contract before I go over.