ESL Jobs Forum

[mollyc]

Hello:

I am in the process of researching TEFL/TESL certification programs, and I was wondering if anyone could recommend a good program tht is recognized globally. I would really appreciate any help you can offer. Also, is there a legitimate online certification course?

Thanks,
Molly

[HenryTeach]

No single cert is recognised globally. The CELTA is probably the most widely recognised but even then some schools won't accept it.

As for online, ICAL and i-to-i are the best; personally I think ICAL's course is better but check them both out.

I recommend you contact the kind of school where you'd like to work beforehand to see what qualifications they require (or look at ads for schools in the country you're heading off to in order to get an idea of what's required).

Where are you headed?

[mollyc]

Thank you so much for the helpful information. I was already considering i-to-i and now I'm going to research CELTA as well.

As for which country? - it's so hard to determine where we want to go first. i-to-i offers an opportunity to teach monks in Nepal. That one is high on our list. I was wondering if you could recommend any countries/programs that are good for the "first-timer". I teach TEFL here in Pennsylvania to some students, but the certification is only recognized within that organization. It is a very relaxed program, in that I teach in my home or at a library, and we meet once a week at a set time, but it is flexible if someone needs to reschedule.

We want to see the world, so it is very hard for us to decide. We also want to consider safety and stay away from "hot" areas, but we certainly will not let fear dictate our choice. I would love to hear about anyone's experiences. We are like sponges, trying to absorb all of the advice and knowledge that we can, concerning this matter.

Thank you again for taking the time to respond.

[HenryTeach]

If you don't want a 'hot' country then I'd steer clear of Nepal. I believe they've just had a takeover and declared marshal law with breaches of human rights reported and suchlike.

A lot more established for first timers would be somewhere like Korea, Greece or Japan. Plenty of places also in China.

As I said before, those programs are decent for first timers (I personally think that CELTA is better for teachers with a year or more experience under their belt).

[rmarqua2921]

Well If you are interested in Mexico, there are a lot of jobs available here. CD Guzman is a new school, and just received certification from Via Lingua. In fact, they are the only Via Lingua certified school for TESL/TEFL in all of North America. Check them out on www.vialingua.com and soon www.ictc-efl.com.
If you want to experience the latin culture and at the same time get your certificate to teach this is a great option for you. [/b]

[Wocca]

A few years ago, I did TEFL training at
the Text 'n' Talk Academy in Thailand

The guys there even helped me rent
a nearby apartment in suburban Bkk.

I've seen the T' n 'T ad on this site. I'd
definitely recommend them. They will
also assist you with visa information.


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Si hoc legere scis, nimium erudtionis habes

[ruth1966]

I took the Text and Talk certificate in Thailand too. That was in 2002 and they are still helping me with job contacts and advice !
Good people.

[Nead]

I did both and only the CELTA got me the jobs. i to i was easy. I took the certificate to a few job interviews and was laughed at. DO THE CELTA instead. Labour intensive, but you will learn so much and you will have the respect of peers and schools with it. Don't waste your time with an online certificate. It is a good introduction but the CELTA will take you further. Well respected by everyone.
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Nead Doon