TEFL
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Discussion

Xaero

Original Poster:

4,063 posts

244 months

Tuesday 16th December 2008
quotequote all
Has anyone done a TEFL course here? (teaching English as a foreign language).

What did you do? There seems to be a few varients so I'm not sure what to go for.

20hour weekend intensive followed by 80 or 140hour learn at home coursework?


crofty1984

17,064 posts

233 months

Tuesday 16th December 2008
quotequote all
I think there's a few adverts for things like that in the back of the big issue. Plus you're helping someone out when you buy it. [/GROLIES]

Aside from that I'm not sure. I know you don't have to speak the host countries language well, but it's useful incase someone asks what this word means, etc.

chunkymonkey71

13,168 posts

227 months

Tuesday 16th December 2008
quotequote all
www.langside.ac.uk

Intensive TESOL training course held in Malta.


Xaero

Original Poster:

4,063 posts

244 months

Tuesday 16th December 2008
quotequote all
I was thinking more south coast in the UK then Malta hehe

Southampton and Brighton have courses, just not sure if one is different from the other.

Nolar Dog

8,786 posts

224 months

Tuesday 16th December 2008
quotequote all
Xaero said:
Has anyone done a TEFL course here? (teaching English as a foreign language).

What did you do? There seems to be a few varients so I'm not sure what to go for.

20hour weekend intensive followed by 80 or 140hour learn at home coursework?
Not sure on course location but I have found this site to be very useful for TEFL info.

It's obviously based on Thailand TEFL experiences/info but I'm sure there will be relevant links to courses and/or further info.
They have a very good, active discussion forum too.


Ajarn
Hope it helps.

Xaero

Original Poster:

4,063 posts

244 months

Wednesday 17th December 2008
quotequote all
Thanks, it looks useful.

I just wondered about accreditted exam bodies, is there any difference in certificates between 40hour course and 120hour course, etc. That sort of thing.

Le TVR

3,097 posts

280 months

Wednesday 17th December 2008
quotequote all
Madame has a TEFL cert A grade and I asked her what she thought.

The only 'real' qualification in TEFL is the RSA/Cambridge Uni certificate . This is normally a 1 month intensive course. By intensive I mean that she did 9-5 days, worked every night until the small hours and I only ever saw her when I put a dinner plate on her desk.

As you're looking around the south coast, she did her Cert at Hilderstone College in Broadstairs. (0843 69171 IIRC) If they arent close enough I'm sure they wont mind if you call and ask for other RSA/Cambridge approved colleges in the area.

There is really no way that you could do a RSA cert as home study as the essential part of the course and examination is based on how you actually teach real students. Cambridge examiners will come and observe you teach the courses that you have prepared.

Xaero

Original Poster:

4,063 posts

244 months

Wednesday 17th December 2008
quotequote all
Think I know the type you mention, they are a couple of grand though, and I don't have that sort of money for a qualification. Just want enough of a certificate to get me a few jobs here and there to keep my finances up and boosted when needed during travelling.

Le TVR

3,097 posts

280 months

Wednesday 17th December 2008
quotequote all
I think you'll find that there are quite a few english schools that will take native speakers with minimal qualification (or none even) but in France for example the pay will be 'legal minimum wage'.

Have seen quite often that these schools are employing the wives of ex-pats who cant find anything else and are bored sitting at home. Theyre not doing it for the money so the schools get away with offering so little.

Good luck though. If your travels take you as far as Japan you will find that TEFL teachers can make serious money yes

Bec

194 posts

227 months

Wednesday 17th December 2008
quotequote all
Are you a native English speaker? I lived in Spain for 6 months, and language schools there were prepared to employ me to teach conversation classes without a single qualification

Xaero

Original Poster:

4,063 posts

244 months

Wednesday 17th December 2008
quotequote all
Yes I am a native English speaker, apart from a little French I don't speak anything else (a lot of these schools offer free language course in the local language as part of the deal for teaching English there which is part of the appeal I can learn another language for free). Don't expect to make a career/big money out of it, just a way to get by smile

Think I'll go with this place as they have a course in Southampton which is closest to me: www.tefl.co.uk