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TEFL/CELTA/CELT answers...

12467…14

Comments

  • #152
    red_bairn
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,343 ✭✭✭red_bairn


    Did the Weekend Course in Dublin with i-to-i and currently studying the online work. Have arranged stuff with i-to-i to get a job placement in South Korea in May. Awaiting further details when I receive my contract in the next few weeks. :)


  • #153
    cloneslad
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,583 ✭✭✭cloneslad


    red_bairn wrote: »
    Did the Weekend Course in Dublin with i-to-i and currently studying the online work. Have arranged stuff with i-to-i to get a job placement in South Korea in May. Awaiting further details when I receive my contract in the next few weeks. :)

    you aren't paying them to find you a job are you? recruiters get paid from the school, you shouldn't have to pay them.


  • #154
    red_bairn
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,343 ✭✭✭red_bairn


    cloneslad wrote: »
    you aren't paying them to find you a job are you? recruiters get paid from the school, you shouldn't have to pay them.

    You pay for a 100/120hr course and get a free job placement setup If you wish (so it's included within the price).


  • #155
    cloneslad
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,583 ✭✭✭cloneslad


    red_bairn wrote: »
    You pay for a 100/120hr course and get a free job placement setup If you wish (so it's included within the price).


    That's nice of them, they charge you to do the course then they tell you they will find you a job, thus stopping you from looking elsewhere for one and making more money from you when they get you a job somewhere.

    Don't just rely on them to find you one, try some of the other recruiters, tiger english, footprints, etc etcthe more recruiters you have looking for you the better chance of getting a job and a good one at that.

    Oh but don't let several recruiters apply to smoe or epik for you or they will reject you for multiple applications!


  • #156
    red_bairn
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,343 ✭✭✭red_bairn


    cloneslad wrote: »
    That's nice of them, they charge you to do the course then they tell you they will find you a job, thus stopping you from looking elsewhere for one and making more money from you when they get you a job somewhere.

    Don't just rely on them to find you one, try some of the other recruiters, tiger english, footprints, etc etcthe more recruiters you have looking for you the better chance of getting a job and a good one at that.

    Oh but don't let several recruiters apply to smoe or epik for you or they will reject you for multiple applications!

    whoa! Whats the deal with boardsies hating i-to-i? No. I asked in Janurary ahd they any job placements in Japan for March, which they did not. They were very helpful in giving me a few websites where I could go job searching as I asked them for some directions.

    I went and applied for a good few jobs. I applied to various jobs in about 4/5 websites but was getting worried as I wasn't getting any reply from them after a few weeks. I decided to contact i-to-i in regards to South Korea, Hong Kong and other places in that general direction for a placement much sooner than August.

    I decided to go for South Korea in May of this year. I'm currently waiting for my transcript breakdown from college, which I will soon send on to the i-to-i representative in S.Korea and the vetting form which I received only less than a week after applying for it.

    These will be sent from the rep on to the chosen school or institute that I will be placed with.

    To be honest, I tried looking for money off the course or no payment by going through FAS as I'm only a casual worker as such. The guy there said, "nah, nothing in that line of biz" and shrugged it off, basically saying I wasn't getting a penny from FAS to do the course (d***s).

    A friend from college had already got the course covered by FAS in the Kilkenny district. Pretty awesome that up in Wicklow they are keeping the money hidden...maybe saving up for another flight over to America for the auld FAS executives...


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  • #157
    blackrovers
    Registered Users Posts: 88 ✭✭blackrovers


    cloneslad wrote: »
    what part of asia are you interested in?

    I taught in Korea for 18months until july 2008 and I am going back out again on sunday for another 12 months.

    My school pays for my flights to korea and also back home after my 12 month stint, they also pay for my accomodation, although I pay gas, elec, phone, internet.

    After that I also receive my salary, even with going out nd enjoying myself, I should save around €10grand in the 12 months.

    All schools will (should) offer to pay your flights and accomodation plus a one month bonus at the end of the 12 months. salary is dependent on the school plus your experience but I wouldn't work in a private school for less than 2.2 million won per month


    ya korea is the place i was thinkin of. is there a difference in pay between teachin in a busy city to teachin on an island?! Also what hours would i be teachin per week.

    lastly would my teachin experience over there be recognised when i come back to ireland on the incremental pay scale here?

    what think of pay could i expect with a BA Degree and a Higher Diploma in Education?!

    Thanks for all the info so far.


  • #158
    TheColl
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 321 ✭✭TheColl


    Hi...

    Does anyone have an answer for me...

    I'm a fully qualified Primary School Teacher with experience and I'm considering doing a 100 hour weekend TEFL course.

    My question is will the 100 hour course be enough, along with my teaching qualification and experience, to get summer work in Ireland and/or abroad?

    Any answers you might have are appreciated, thanks!


  • #159
    cloneslad
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,583 ✭✭✭cloneslad


    blackrovers wrote: »
    ya korea is the place i was thinkin of. is there a difference in pay between teachin in a busy city to teachin on an island?! .

    Public schools pay more for living away from the city, you don't get a 'city allowance' like you would get for working in Dublin or London where expenses are greater, rather you lose money as more people want to work in the cities than away from them.
    blackrovers wrote: »
    Also what hours would i be teachin per week.

    It's all dependant on what gig you get! Public schools are usually 9:00 till 4:00 or 4:30, private schools (hagwons) vary in opening times, some places will be 9 - 6 (teaching kindergarten till 12 or 1 with a 60-90 minute break until the elementary school kids come in.)

    My hours are as follows: 3:45 - 9:00 mon/wed/fri and 3:30-7:10 tues/thurs

    I have 40 minute classes with 5 minute breaks in between.

    blackrovers wrote: »
    lastly would my teachin experience over there be recognised when i come back to ireland on the incremental pay scale here?

    what think of pay could i expect with a BA Degree and a Higher Diploma in Education?!

    Thanks for all the info so far.

    If you go to a public school then the hours may count towards it, I honestly have no idea. The pay scale in public schools follows a list of criteria you must match to move up their payment scale. you will have to check that out to find out what you will be likely to earn.

    As far as hagwons are concerned, they don't really care too much what you have as long as you have your degree, you might be able to negotiate slightly higher wages but it's down to your negotiating skills and your potential boss.

    Honestly, if I was you, I wouldn't settle for any less than 2.3 million won a month.


  • #160
    cloneslad
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,583 ✭✭✭cloneslad


    TheColl wrote: »
    Hi...

    Does anyone have an answer for me...

    I'm a fully qualified Primary School Teacher with experience and I'm considering doing a 100 hour weekend TEFL course.

    My question is will the 100 hour course be enough, along with my teaching qualification and experience, to get summer work in Ireland and/or abroad?

    Any answers you might have are appreciated, thanks!


    AFAIK you need to have the one month qualification to be qualified to teach esl in Ireland. My mate had the 120 hour but was made do the one month course to get work in the cork / kerry area even though he had a year's experience teaching over here in korea.


  • #161
    TheColl
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 321 ✭✭TheColl


    cloneslad wrote: »
    AFAIK you need to have the one month qualification to be qualified to teach esl in Ireland. My mate had the 120 hour but was made do the one month course to get work in the cork / kerry area even though he had a year's experience teaching over here in korea.


    Thanks for the info, appreciate it.


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  • #162
    clarelad
    Closed Accounts Posts: 171 ✭✭clarelad


    Would the CELT course be good enough to teach in Australia or NZ does anyone know or would the CELTA be better?


  • #163
    dapto1
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 603 ✭✭✭dapto1


    clarelad wrote: »
    Would the CELT course be good enough to teach in Australia or NZ does anyone know or would the CELTA be better?

    http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2055885364


  • #164
    cloneslad
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,583 ✭✭✭cloneslad


    dapto1 wrote: »
    http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2055885364


    i hope the person who posted the question doesn't think you are taking the pi$$ when they see it is about tefl / celta in austria rather than australia :)

    The thread linked does provide lots of information about the diff kinds of certification available.


  • #165
    clarelad
    Closed Accounts Posts: 171 ✭✭clarelad


    nah it still answers the question,cheers:)


  • #166
    Essexboy
    Closed Accounts Posts: 778 ✭✭✭Essexboy


    Can someone tell me what is wrong with i-to-i, please?

    A friend recently obtained a TEFL certificate from them, fees paid by FÁS, but says that the qualification is recognised in the UK but not in Ireland. Why?

    Is it an inferior qualification or is this some form of academic closed shop? If FÁS are prepared to send people on the course, I would have assumed that i-to-i was a reputable organisation but I know nothing about EFL or ESOL (never understood the difference between the two!).

    Thanks.


  • #167
    red_bairn
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,343 ✭✭✭red_bairn


    Essexboy wrote: »
    Can someone tell me what is wrong with i-to-i, please?

    A friend recently obtained a TEFL certificate from them, fees paid by FÁS, but says that the qualification is recognised in the UK but not in Ireland. Why?

    Is it an inferior qualification or is this some form of academic closed shop? If FÁS are prepared to send people on the course, I would have assumed that i-to-i was a reputable organisation but I know nothing about EFL or ESOL (never understood the difference between the two!).

    Thanks.


    Nothing. Nothing is wrong with them as far as I know.

    I tried to get the fees paid for by FÁS but a guy in Bray said they don't pay for them anymore as they see that i-to-i doesn't get you jobs anymore...funny that...me typing this message in South Korea...(there's FÁS for ya...going off on world trips and the executives getting away with **** and here I am looking for a small amount off the course).

    In regards to it not being recognised in Ireland is another laughable thing. My friend was working in a language school in Kilkenny during our final year of college. She was using the i-to-i certificate as her path to that job.


  • #168
    john-joe
    Closed Accounts Posts: 797 ✭✭✭john-joe


    Hi, I recently lost my job and am looking at doing a TEFL course in order to teach abroad.

    I am a little confused by which course to take??

    I have no degree or leaving cert (only the junior cert) but I am willing to work hard and don't mind putting in the hours etc..

    Can anybody advise me as to what is the difference is between ; TEFL/CELTA/CELT please?

    Is it possible to get funding for any of the courses?

    Please & Thanks,

    JJ


  • #169
    Morzadec
    Registered Users Posts: 5,952 ✭✭✭Morzadec


    john-joe wrote: »
    Hi, I recently lost my job and am looking at doing a TEFL course in order to teach abroad.

    I am a little confused by which course to take??

    I have no degree or leaving cert (only the junior cert) but I am willing to work hard and don't mind putting in the hours etc..

    Can anybody advise me as to what is the difference is between ; TEFL/CELTA/CELT please?

    Is it possible to get funding for any of the courses?

    Please & Thanks,

    JJ

    Where you planning on teaching? Not to be the bearer of bad news but you will find it pretty much impossible to get a TEFL job in Ireland without a degree. The Department of Education won't award a proper CELT qualification if you don't have a degree, and any recognised language school in Ireland will only hire those with this qualification afaik.

    I also think you will find this problem in most of the EU.

    Outside the EU they will be less fussy and you could easily get a job in Korea for example.

    I'm no expert and I'm open to correction but this is the situation as far as I know it.


  • #170
    Deadsnott
    Registered Users Posts: 9 ✭Deadsnott


    Hi JJ,

    I just finished the CELT course last week and there was someone on the course like yourself (that didn't have a degree). I think they take into account your age and life experience when accepting people onto the course.

    There are certain countries that it will be more difficult to find work in without a degree but the CELT is recognised in a lot of places. I can only speak from my own experience but I would definitely go for the CELT over a weekend TEFL course. It includes 6 hours of teaching practice (with actual foriegn students in the place I did it) and one-on-one tutor feedback and guidance.

    I think CELTA is pretty much the same but more expensive and less places actually run it in Ireland.

    Hope this helps.


  • #171
    Ponster
    Moderators, Recreation & Hobbies Moderators Posts: 10,912 Mod ✭✭✭✭Ponster


    john-joe wrote: »
    I have no degree or leaving cert (only the junior cert) but I am willing to work hard and don't mind putting in the hours etc..

    Can I direct you to my wife's reply in this same thread from 2008 (she's a CELTA tutor)?

    http://boards.ie/vbulletin/showpost.php?p=56726802&postcount=21


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  • #172
    john-joe
    Closed Accounts Posts: 797 ✭✭✭john-joe


    Ponster wrote: »
    Can I direct you to my wife's reply in this same thread from 2008 (she's a CELTA tutor)?

    http://boards.ie/vbulletin/showpost.php?p=56726802&postcount=21

    Most helpful,

    Thank you :)


  • #173
    Carlos_Ray
    Closed Accounts Posts: 685 ✭✭✭Carlos_Ray


    red_bairn wrote: »
    Nothing. Nothing is wrong with them as far as I know.

    I tried to get the fees paid for by FÁS but a guy in Bray said they don't pay for them anymore as they see that i-to-i doesn't get you jobs anymore...funny that...me typing this message in South Korea...(there's FÁS for ya...going off on world trips and the executives getting away with **** and here I am looking for a small amount off the course).

    In regards to it not being recognised in Ireland is another laughable thing. My friend was working in a language school in Kilkenny during our final year of college. She was using the i-to-i certificate as her path to that job.



    Any genuine English language school (one that is regulated) will require its teaching staff to hold an ACELS accrdited qualification. This is 120 hour course with (I think) 7 hours of observed teaching practice. Any of the one off weekend/online courses etc are fine if you only intend to teach abroad, but not in Ireland.


  • #174
    cloneslad
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,583 ✭✭✭cloneslad


    Morzadec wrote: »


    Outside the EU they will be less fussy and you could easily get a job in Korea for example.

    No, no he couldn't.

    To get a job in korea you need to obtain an E2 visa. To obtain an E2 visa you need to have a bachelors degree from an accredited university / college. You must also have completed your high school / secondary school education. (although if you have a degree this will be assumed to have been completed)

    When obtaining your degree you will have to submit your degree or a notarized copy of it, criminal background check, transcripts of your yearly results throughout your degree (all stamped and sealed by your college / uni).

    No school will pay your flight to come over to Korea to work without the certainty of providing you with an E2 visa, why would they take the risk when they can hire people with proper qualifications to obtain one?

    If you made your way over to korea on your own, then you might be able to apply to work in some dodgy schools, but you would be illegal, have no visa, your boss could make you work and then just not pay you......who can you complain to? you shouldn't be working anyway!!

    If you want to get a good job in ESl then you really need to go back to education, some colleges may allow you to enrol in their degree courses based on experience, even though you don't have a leaving certificate.


  • #175
    El2010
    Registered Users Posts: 3 ✭El2010


    Hi,
    I'm 23 and have a psych degree. I'm thinking of doing a tefl qualification. I am interested in working in Europe. I would also be interested in working in China or South Korea. I was looking at a course with tefl ireland. They have a China internship option for little over 1,000 euro. You complete a 120 hour tefl course and are then placed in China for 4.5 months. With some say over where and what age range you teach. There is no criteria for going to China e.g you don't have to get a certain grade in the course or anything. I was told that the working week is 35 hours average inc lesson planningThey look after everything and you earn 1,200 in return. I know this isn't much compared to what you can get independently. However not sure if tefl is totally for me and don't want to be up the creek without a paddle so to speak. Although to me it sounds a bit fishy but is this type of internship common?.

    Has anyone heard/done/doing this option? would it be a good idea compared to other tefl courses?

    I know that CELTA or CELT are needed for Ireland and U.K jobs but could I work in Italy, France etc with a 120 hour tefl qualification from tefl ireland? Similarly what are job opportunities like in these countries compared to Asia?

    Thank you in advance. Apologies for long winded post :)


  • #176
    See Ye
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 206 ✭✭See Ye


    Once you've got a good chunk of teaching experience under your belt finding work will be easier however in most places (Europe & elsewhere) the more reputable, established schools will want a CELTA. It's an easy way for them to sort CVs tbh. In addition some people may assume that China being desperate for ELT teachers the quailty of your certificate isn't guaranteed.

    I don't think it's "fishy" exactly. When I did my, non-CELTA, certificate I got a 3 month job out in Estonia through them - the school in Estonia accepted teachers with no experience and the university dept. running the teaching courses sent out books and helped in other ways. Double check the contract details - what happens if you had to leave early etc. and think about yourself, how much culture shock could you put up with for 4.5 months ?


  • #177
    amz5
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 227 ✭✭amz5


    TheColl wrote: »
    Thanks for the info, appreciate it.

    Hi thecoll,
    There are one week ACELS courses for qualified teachers (primary or secondary) that qualify you to teach English at summer camps in Ireland. You can teach teenagers with that qualification. I'm not sure how easy it is to use it abroad, but I used it in my CV when I applied to teach at a summer camp in Spain one year, however, I think they'd have accepted me even if I hadn't done that course. I did the course in Bray (think it was Bray language centre) over Easter, but I think a few places do the course during the summer. It mightn't do you much good abroad, but it definitely qualifies you to teach in the language schools in Ireland and they pretty much give you a job if you do the course. Good for your CV too if you want to get into language support.


  • #178
    nayroul
    Closed Accounts Posts: 13 ✭nayroul


    Anyone know what are the job prospects are like in Saudi at the moment?


  • #179
    RecentGrad2010
    Closed Accounts Posts: 3 ✭RecentGrad2010


    I know this is a few months late, but for anyone who's still interested, IH Krakow is no longer running. Their teacher trainers, Magda Markiewicz, Declan Cooley and Basia have moved on to British Council (BC) in Krakow. I really can't sing their praises enough. These individuals are completely committed to their work: training teachers to be the best possible versions of themselves. I learned more in one month under their tutelage than I could have possibly anticipated. They were supportive, insightful and so very considerate. I would take a course with them regardless of the centre that's offering it.

    I personally didn't realize when I signed up for the course how the entire program relied on the command of exemplary tutors. In hindsight I can easily say 95% of your CELTA experience is who your tutors are. The price is right, the location is fabulous, and the people are so thoughtful and fun. These are tutors who could make learning about phonemes and "guided discovery" enjoyable! Everyone I knew from other centres talked about the stresses of a CELTA course, but I can honestly say I had a terrific time and was heartbroken to see it end!

    From what I've read BC's facilities are much better than IH's were, their accommodations are much more taken care of, and the admin is more responsive. So, anything you've probably read that was negative about IH Krakow has been changed, but the positives (the tutors, the course itself) remain the same. Not to mention that BC has the best location in Krakow (in the gorgeous, main square). Here's the info: http://www.britishcouncil.org/poland-celta-krakow.htm

    I know everyone's talking about what's cheapest, and the cost of living in Krakow is tough to beat! Every time I went grocery shopping or out to lunch, I was surprised how low the prices were.


  • #180
    cloneslad
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,583 ✭✭✭cloneslad


    RecentGrad2010 wrote: »
    I know this is a few months late, but for anyone who's still interested, IH Krakow is no longer running. Their teacher trainers, Magda Markiewicz, Declan Cooley and Basia have moved on to British Council (BC) in Krakow. I really can't sing their praises enough. These individuals are completely committed to their work: training teachers to be the best possible versions of themselves. I learned more in one month under their tutelage than I could have possibly anticipated. They were supportive, insightful and so very considerate. I would take a course with them regardless of the centre that's offering it.

    I personally didn't realize when I signed up for the course how the entire program relied on the command of exemplary tutors. In hindsight I can easily say 95% of your CELTA experience is who your tutors are. The price is right, the location is fabulous, and the people are so thoughtful and fun. These are tutors who could make learning about phonemes and "guided discovery" enjoyable! Everyone I knew from other centres talked about the stresses of a CELTA course, but I can honestly say I had a terrific time and was heartbroken to see it end!

    From what I've read BC's facilities are much better than IH's were, their accommodations are much more taken care of, and the admin is more responsive. So, anything you've probably read that was negative about IH Krakow has been changed, but the positives (the tutors, the course itself) remain the same. Not to mention that BC has the best location in Krakow (in the gorgeous, main square). Here's the info: http://www.britishcouncil.org/poland-celta-krakow.htm

    I know everyone's talking about what's cheapest, and the cost of living in Krakow is tough to beat! Every time I went grocery shopping or out to lunch, I was surprised how low the prices were.

    only one post and you are advertising a site, as a user of their services?

    I find it highly suspicious to be honeest


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  • #181
    RecentGrad2010
    Closed Accounts Posts: 3 ✭RecentGrad2010


    cloneslad wrote: »
    only one post and you are advertising a site, as a user of their services?

    I find it highly suspicious to be honeest

    Hahaha, I understand your suspicion, but to be honest, IH Krakow was torn to shreds on all the forums I saw before going. In fact, several close friends and my parents warned me that it was probably a scam since it was handled so poorly, and the pre-course admin was unresponsive. I was pleasantly surprised with the experience.

    And to be fair, I'm not really a "user of their services" because I went to IH Krakow, which has been disaffiliated and no longer exists, and I'm recommending people use British Council Krakow (the thread between the two being the tutors and the course).

    I felt like someone needed to explain that the course itself, that is the teacher training, was incredible. The administration... was another issue-- one that no longer exists! In all seriousness, if the course was bad in any way, I'm the kind of person who would whip up a PR maelstrom the likes of which they could not fathom. But I had such a good time, and I really want others to receive the benefits I gained from enrolling. Now that the tutors have moved to a brand new and properly run school, there's nothing negative that can be said. It doesn't seem right that people only think to comment when they're aggravated, and not when they are gratified! :) If you still think I'm suspicious, I'm not sure what the remedy is. I don't see the point in going on about all the challenges I encountered with IH Krakow admin because its been dissolved. Am I not supposed to rave about happy memories? :D


  • #182
    cloneslad
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,583 ✭✭✭cloneslad


    RecentGrad2010 wrote: »
    It doesn't seem right that people only think to comment when they're aggravated, and not when they are gratified! :)

    people often comment when satisfied with something and that's great. It was because you made one post, ever, and it included website information, it was almost like a user testomonial found on a company website promoting them.


  • #183
    RecentGrad2010
    Closed Accounts Posts: 3 ✭RecentGrad2010


    cloneslad wrote: »
    people often comment when satisfied with something and that's great. It was because you made one post, ever, and it included website information, it was almost like a user testomonial found on a company website promoting them.

    Mmm k. Well I just got my CELTA this week.... so I couldn't really comment until that point... So I think it'd be logical that my first post would be a review? Can I reiterate that I had a great time and was thrilled? :D Hahaha, seriously, maybe we've become a little too cynical as a group if that seems ridiculous.

    I included the website to make it easier for people who were interested; it took me ten seconds to Google. I hope it makes someone's decision easier, because I know I spent hours trolling forums and message boards before I decided on the program I took. I think you can appreciate that ;)


  • #184
    Roper56
    Closed Accounts Posts: 1 ✭Roper56


    hey guys

    has anybody any advice on doing the EBC tefl courses in Buenos Aries, Argentina???????thinking of doing it just after this summer, any advice would be appreciated.


  • #185
    backrow67n8
    Closed Accounts Posts: 103 ✭✭backrow67n8


    Hi I'm a 24yo male, who is an unemployed carpenter, I have completed the leaving cert although my results weren't up to much. Recently I have given serious thought to travelling abroad and I have been pointed in the direction of teaching English as a foreign language in places like eastern europe and asia etc... Has anyone any info on what course to do? how hard it would be to get a job abroad? any info would be hugely appreciated. I have been on TEFLIreland's website and their advertising a 120 hour course for roughly 5-600 euro and saying that with that qualification you could teach abroad. I'd love to go to the Czech Republic and I love helping people better themselves as I'm a sports coach (I know its not the same as teaching a language) but it all seems a bit too good to be true?? Any advice? Thanks


  • #186
    cloneslad
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,583 ✭✭✭cloneslad


    backrow67n8 wrote: »
    Hi I'm a 24yo male, who is an unemployed carpenter, I have completed the leaving cert although my results weren't up to much. Recently I have given serious thought to travelling abroad and I have been pointed in the direction of teaching English as a foreign language in places like eastern europe and asia etc... Has anyone any info on what course to do? how hard it would be to get a job abroad? any info would be hugely appreciated. I have been on TEFLIreland's website and their advertising a 120 hour course for roughly 5-600 euro and saying that with that qualification you could teach abroad. I'd love to go to the Czech Republic and I love helping people better themselves as I'm a sports coach (I know its not the same as teaching a language) but it all seems a bit too good to be true?? Any advice? Thanks


    not having a degree is going to harm your chances of securing many jobs.

    Also if you don't have any experience it's going to stand against whatever jobs you may have gotten without the degree.

    As far as the 120 hour course. I wouldn't waste my money on it if I was you. It's not worth it as most places won't hire you for having one. They are used more to supplement the c.v of someone with a degree as it shows they have some experience and knowledge of teaching the language but tbh they are not much good to add as a qualification to secure employment.

    This is not a dig at any of the organisations offering it before anyone jumps on me for what I said.

    On a side note: you are young. Have you thought of applying to some degree courses related to carpentry, such as construction studies or construction management etc etc.

    Your experience and the fact you have completed an apprenticehip (I'm assuming you have) will show to the college that you have the ability to work hard and already have a knowledge of some of the areas you will have to study.

    I know this would mean you would be 27-28 before you could go teaching English abroad, but you would have another qualification and should you decide you don't want to teach abroad you could get more work in Ireland


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  • #187
    squeakyduck
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,766 ✭✭✭squeakyduck


    Just come across this thread. I've read the OP several times and I'm just none the wiser, too many letters are confusing me and I just can't keep them in my head!

    I'm hoping to skip the country in maybe Feb time next year. At the moment I'm writing my thesis to complete my MA. I want to teach english to children or maybe business people in Korea/Japan or somewhere. I know already that a degree will help me big time. My MA certainly won't do no harm. I'm working part time(ish) at the moment until I get my TEFL (I want to save loads of money). I'm wondering what my best bet would be. I've seen weekend TEFL courses. Are they worth my while? I don't know if I could keep going with a part time TELF on the side of work especially after writing a thesis! :( I certainly wouldn't be able to give up my job and do a full time one!

    Any words of wisdom to little me???


  • #188
    cloneslad
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,583 ✭✭✭cloneslad


    squeakyduck wrote: »
    Just come across this thread. I've read the OP several times and I'm just none the wiser, too many letters are confusing me and I just can't keep them in my head!

    I'm hoping to skip the country in maybe Feb time next year. At the moment I'm writing my thesis to complete my MA. I want to teach english to children or maybe business people in Korea/Japan or somewhere. I know already that a degree will help me big time. My MA certainly won't do no harm. I'm working part time(ish) at the moment until I get my TEFL (I want to save loads of money). I'm wondering what my best bet would be. I've seen weekend TEFL courses. Are they worth my while? I don't know if I could keep going with a part time TELF on the side of work especially after writing a thesis! :( I certainly wouldn't be able to give up my job and do a full time one!

    Any words of wisdom to little me???

    You don't need a TEFL to get a job teaching in Korea. Sure it will help you with your teaching ability but it's the degree they want from you. It's what's needed to get the visa.

    If you were to go to a public school then coming over at the end of feb/start of march is perfect as that's the main hiring season. The TEFL would get you a bump in pay (120hrs course or more I believe is needed to get the pay rise) Your MA would also get you a payrise with a public school.

    If you just wanted to work in a hagwon (private school) and you feel confident in your ability to teach and have a good knoweldge of English grammar etc etc then I would suggest saving your money with the TEFL and just apply to lots of recruiters and they will get you a job over here.

    In short, a TEFL is not required, it prob boosts your employability chances at a public school and will get you a bit of a pay rise each month but in a private school, (most - not all), just want someone with a degree.


  • #189
    Snowshoe Sam
    Registered Users Posts: 40 ✭Snowshoe Sam


    Hi,

    I'm interested in obtaining a TEFL qualification and using it to work abroad for a while, possibly in Italy or Spain, then perhaps the UK?

    I don't have a Bachelors Degree but I do have the ACCA (chartered certified accountant) qualification. This is recognised as equivalent to a post graduate qualification (Level 9 on the NQF).

    What are my chances of teaching in Europe with this qualification? I notice that many of the European jobs on tefl.com require a university degree. Will they accept my ACCA qualification, as it is technically a higher level than a Bachelors Degree?

    Anyone any experience or thoughts?

    Sam


  • #190
    See Ye
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 206 ✭✭See Ye


    Essentially they put university degree as a basic label - you may even have added value for some employers with such a specific qualification. The guidelines for the CELTA course state that the applicant must have "a level of education which would allow them entry into higher education in their country". Once you have an EFL qualification that should put you ahead of people who just have a degree.


  • #191
    Snowshoe Sam
    Registered Users Posts: 40 ✭Snowshoe Sam


    Thanks for your reply, See Ye.

    Next step to choose a CELTA course then!

    :)


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  • #192
    [Deleted User]
    Posts: 17,378 ✭✭✭✭ [Deleted User]


    Hey all, i've a degree in commerce and two years accounting experience since then. I'm thinking of moving to edinburgh to get some more experience at accounting and then do tefl/celta over.
    Considering I don't intend on teaching past the next five years, would it be a bad idea to spend so much on the celta? I plan on teaching in Japan and Korea and would like to get some classroom experience before I'd head off. Is celta the only one to offer this?

    I'm stuck without a laptop for a few days so finding info on this isn't the easiest on a mobile phone.. Thanks.


  • #193
    cloneslad
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,583 ✭✭✭cloneslad


    Deleted User wrote: »
    Hey all, i've a degree in commerce and two years accounting experience since then. I'm thinking of moving to edinburgh to get some more experience at accounting and then do tefl/celta over.
    Considering I don't intend on teaching past the next five years, would it be a bad idea to spend so much on the celta? I plan on teaching in Japan and Korea and would like to get some classroom experience before I'd head off. Is celta the only one to offer this?

    I'm stuck without a laptop for a few days so finding info on this isn't the easiest on a mobile phone.. Thanks.

    Although a tefl/celta is a good way at improving your grammar and teaching skills. If you don't intend making a longterm career at it and just fancy making a bit of money while you travel then you could easily get a job in Korea with just your degree,

    I'm not saying don't do one, as it will be beneficial but you will get a job without one and if you work in a private school, chance are it's not even going to get you a pay rise or any appreciation or recognition by your boss.


  • #194
    See Ye
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 206 ✭✭See Ye


    Well I'd always say get a qualification would you want to work as an electrician for five years with no qualification ? But I do take on board that it is a hefty investment and not always a requirement. You could perhaps think about JET as an initial step into teaching, you'd certainly get classroom experience.


  • #195
    nice_day
    Registered Users Posts: 28 ✭nice_day


    hi

    I have a BA degree, and i will be doing a hdip in september, teaching english in secondary schools. i wouldn't mind brishing up on my grammer now with an online TEFL course. would i be right in thinking that even a cheap online TEFL would look good on the CV? And would the practical teaching element of the hdip counter the lack of practical teaching experience in an online TEFL course? and finally, in china or korea or somewhere, would a hdip in english, and an online TEFL course stand me in good stead for employment?

    thanks for any replies.


  • #196
    cloneslad
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,583 ✭✭✭cloneslad


    nice_day wrote: »
    hi

    I have a BA degree, and i will be doing a hdip in september, teaching english in secondary schools. i wouldn't mind brishing up on my grammer now with an online TEFL course. would i be right in thinking that even a cheap online TEFL would look good on the CV? And would the practical teaching element of the hdip counter the lack of practical teaching experience in an online TEFL course? and finally, in china or korea or somewhere, would a hdip in english, and an online TEFL course stand me in good stead for employment?

    thanks for any replies.

    The H.dip / PGDE / PGCE would all look good. You would probably get more respect from your co-workers in a public school as they would know that you are actually a qualified teacher. Apart from those things, I think the fact that you are white and speak English as a native is what gets most people hired.

    Alot of us out here in Korea have masters degrees, TEFL qualifications and much more. Although I think the vast majority of first timers are usually just holders of a degree when they come out, some might have a TEFl ? CELTA qualification.

    If I was you, I would simply buy some grammar books and have a good read of them. The cheap TEFL course online (60hours etc) give very few details on grammar and are not particularly helpful, trust me, I paid for one about 4 years ago.

    Instead of spending about €200 on a low level TEFL course, go to the library / local school or book shop (amazon) and grab some grammar books and study them at your convenience.

    I also use the interent as a resource to help improve my grammar and to use in work sheets and information handouts for my students.


  • #197
    nice_day
    Registered Users Posts: 28 ✭nice_day


    thanks cloneslad for that. i will take your advice.


  • #198
    cloneslad
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,583 ✭✭✭cloneslad


    nice_day wrote: »
    thanks cloneslad for that. i will take your advice.

    goodluck with it.


  • #199
    livinginkorea
    Registered Users Posts: 5,438 ✭✭✭livinginkorea


    cloneslad wrote: »
    If I was you, I would simply buy some grammar books and have a good read of them. The cheap TEFL course online (60hours etc) give very few details on grammar and are not particularly helpful, trust me, I paid for one about 4 years ago.

    Instead of spending about €200 on a low level TEFL course, go to the library / local school or book shop (amazon) and grab some grammar books and study them at your convenience.

    I also use the interent as a resource to help improve my grammar and to use in work sheets and information handouts for my students.

    Cloneslad is spot on (as usual! :D) , don't waste your money getting a pretty useless qualification (some managers are realising these days that they are a useless piece of paper meaning you took some class which explained the bare basics with no practical experience) when you can get a decent post-graduate which will make your career very strong in Korea. With a MA you can work pretty much anyway for decent pay even with little to no experience (that's how valuable MAs are these days).

    I had two co-workers in a previous university job who both had MAs (one in arts, another in computer science - both not related to teaching, right?) and with one year teaching experience (one at a kindergarden, the other at an Englsh village - both not related to teaching adults or university students, right?) they got a nice cushy 15 hour a week, 4 months vacation a year, 3.1 million won a month job in university. That is the power of the MA. It looks good to universities and boost their reputation when they have lots of MAs or Phds, even though they are not qualified teachers!

    People could also come to Korea and study your MA here while you are working. Some of my students (I teach an MA in TESOL course) are doing that and find it really helpful to apply what they learn directly to their classrooms.


  • #200
    [Deleted User]
    Posts: 17,378 ✭✭✭✭ [Deleted User]


    cloneslad wrote: »
    Although a tefl/celta is a good way at improving your grammar and teaching skills. If you don't intend making a longterm career at it and just fancy making a bit of money while you travel then you could easily get a job in Korea with just your degree,

    I'm not saying don't do one, as it will be beneficial but you will get a job without one and if you work in a private school, chance are it's not even going to get you a pay rise or any appreciation or recognition by your boss.

    Thanks for the reply.. I'm just hopin that my degree and two years of working since will help me get a job in S.Korea at some point. I got my voluntary redundancy confirmed there yesterday and am finishing up at the end of August.. Heading to Thailand in September/October now. I've enough money to do nothing there for a couple of months but could I teach there without tefl? or should I do a course while there?
    That's if I want to stay in thailand.. I could be happy enough to move on over to korea.


  • #201
    SPC87
    Closed Accounts Posts: 4 ✭SPC87


    I am a recent BA graduate and am hoping to do TEFL sometime soon. The main advice I get from people regarding TEFL is always "Talk to someone who has done it where you want to do it".

    I want to go to Mexico or somewhere in South America but Mexico would be my first preference.

    Could anyone offer any advice regarding what qualifications are required for Mexico and if there are any 'dos' or 'donts' I would really appreciate it.

    Thanks


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