Grants for TEFL courses

Pin_Cushion

Just throwing this out there. I graduated with a degree in History from NUI Maynooth two years ago. Shortly after I graduated, I came down with a serious illness so was unfit to work until recently. At the moment I am living on disability allowance and claiming rent supplement, it's been my only option really.

So I was looking at the possibilities of doing a TEFL course. I would like to do one that's approved by the ACELS so that if a possibility or work arises in Ireland, I'd be qualified. Primarily though, I would like to travel a bit and teach elsewhere.

My main question though is about grants. The course I would like to do is http://www.galwaylanguage.com/teacher.asp (if anyone has any feedback on whether this course is good/bad please let me know).

Now the fee for the course is €850. I'm sure if I tightened my belt even more and cut out a new notch in it, I could scrape by. But it's not ideal.

Just wondering if anyone has an info on possible sources of funding for someone in my position. If there are/aren't grants available, or where I stand with the Departments that look after my disability payments.

Cheers

gerardo1982

I did the CELT TEFL course a few years ago in Dorset College.
I was unemployed at the time, so I asked FAS to pay for the course - they agreed. The course fee was 1200 euros.

Basically everyone who is unemployed is entitled to training that can improve their chances of finding employment. If you go to your local FAS office bring any paper work relating to the course, this will show them you are a serious candidate.

Just one warning, with the current economic climate funds may be low but I would give it a try anyway, good luck.

Pin_Cushion

Thanks for the reply. That sounds like a very good idea, definitely worth a shot.

How did you fare out with the course? Was it fun/informing and did it benefit you in getting employment?

gerardo1982

Pin_Cushion wrote: »

Thanks for the reply. That sounds like a very good idea, definitely worth a shot.

How did you fare out with the course? Was it fun/informing and did it benefit you in getting employment?

The course was very enjoyable and a real confidence boost, the other students on the course were great and we all helped each other get through the course. The course was very informative and our tutor had some very good insights.

English grammar is usually a significant part of the course, everyone was pretty weak on this at the start of the course - it would be no harm to do some work on this before the course starts.

I was quite nervous before each hour of teaching practice but once the class started I really enjoyed it. The key is to have a clear lesson plan on paper and in your head - this takes the pressure off when you are teaching.

I did find work in TEFL after the course but I am currently working in a different area. As far as I know there is plenty of work in Asia, TigerEnglish seems to organise a lot of work there http://www.tigerenglish.com

eirampun

Sorry I know this is an old thread, but just wondering which Fas office you went to? Have you heard of anyone else having success with this? I asked Galway Office and they said FAS have never paid for tefl courses and its just not something they cover or have ever covered.

YolkFace

I had the same problem with FAS in Galway recently but luckily the Back to Education department will pay 75% of your TEFL fee of up to 750-800 euro,
provided you can supply proof that you will definitely get a job with it.
I haven't tried yet so I don't know what kind of 'proof' they need but it shouldn't be too hard as there are 100's of TEFL jobs out there.
Hope this helps.
BTEA are located on the floor above the dole office in Galway.

simonsez

gerardo1982 wrote: »

I did the CELT TEFL course a few years ago in Dorset College.
I was unemployed at the time, so I asked FAS to pay for the course - they agreed. The course fee was 1200 euros.

Basically everyone who is unemployed is entitled to training that can improve their chances of finding employment. If you go to your local FAS office bring any paper work relating to the course, this will show them you are a serious candidate.

Just one warning, with the current economic climate funds may be low but I would give it a try anyway, good luck.

Hi is this true?

SS:)

RoyalMarine

that was posted back in may last year. its possible the information is still accurate, but not confirmed.

simonsez

thanks

ss:)

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