Topic: Which Course

[vna]

Hi,

I am new to TEFL watch. I am an Indian and I have almost four years of experience Teaching English.

I am planning to take an online TEFL course and I am confused. There are so many courses out there!!

Here is a list of courses that I have been thinking of ...

http://icalweb.com/courses.asp
I read the review for this course at TEFL Watch and this seems to be the best so far

http://www.asian-efl-journal.com/TESOL_Certificate.php
This is an asian course, I am worried that this will limit my job possibilities to Asian countries. I wonder if European and Latin American countries would frown on this certificate.

http://www.teflcorp.com/ol-home.htm
I wrote to teflcorp and they say that they offer a 4-week intensive TEFL International course and they are a part of the TEFL International network, which makes me apprehensive. But they do promise to help me get a job.

Do I go with my instinct and enrol with ICAL?
Any ideas/suggestions/feedback??

Regards,
Veena Kulkarni

[Topper]

Hi vna!

Welcome to TeflWatch!!!!!

I would be careful about the certification the course offers.  Trinity and CELTA are the most recognized certifications throughout the world.

Additionally, the big problem with online courses is that little or no actual observation of you in a classroom is offered.  Would you trust a TEFL certification that didn't include being observed in an actual class?  How can the people certify you when they have never seen you teach?

But thats just my opinion.  There are teachers here with more experience in this area than me and I'm sure they'll pass along their comments!

Once again, welcome to the forum!

Topper

[hero]

I agree with what Topper pointed out, however I was quite impressed by the online sites that I reviewed (if that's the right word - I only took a quick look from the outside) for Teflwatch.

Importantly, whichever course you go for - it would be great if you would come back here and give us a "proper" review after you finish the course.

[ICAL_Pete]

Just for your reference, aside from the ICAL 100hrs TESL/TEFL Certification which is our most popular course, we also offer the ICAL TESL/TEFL Certification with observed Teaching Practice.

[Nemesis]

About Asian EFL journal, I heard somewhere that the page is old and they are not actively offering the course anymore, but it's just a rumor I heard.

[vna]

Thank you for your suggestions ... I will definitely post a "proper" review of the course that I enrol for 

the big problem with online courses is that little or no actual observation of you in a classroom is offered.  Would you trust a TEFL certification that didn't include being observed in an actual class?  How can the people certify you when they have never seen you teach?

Topper, I understand what you are saying, but I am employed right now and cannot afford a TRINITY or CELTA. Also, I have around four years teaching experience. Wouldn't that count?

Regards,
Vna.

[Nemesis]

That should be al that counts. It sounds like you were interviewed by dickheads who didn't know a thing about TEFL certificates.   Or what it takes to be a TEFL teacher. I personally would rather have a teacher with 6 months of experience who can do a good demo class than some fresh TEFL grad.

[bomha]

Not to disagree with Nemesis, that four years of teaching EFL counts a lot.  But without prior training, you may have fossilized certain teaching errors into your routine.  Employers like to see formal training certification.  Again, a demo class would show your classroom skills.  Good luck with your professional development.

[Nemesis]

Exactly, bomha, exactly. But fossilized can occur among those with CELTA grads as well. That's why it is so important to have continual professional development and feedback.

At a former school, I help to implement a program where teachers would sit in with other teachers to learn new techniques. Also feedback was given by a head teacher gave constructive criticism. Unfortunately there aren't very many head foreign teachers who can give the right feedback.

[vna]

I came across the Innovative-English site as well and it seems interesting, and the idea of living in Mexico is irresistible.

But here’s the problem, I am considered a non-native speaker. I know this issue has been dealt with too many times. However, I need somebody to be realistic and tell me if this is something that I should consider.

The reason I will be taking up this course is because they are based out of Latin-America.

[ICAL_Pete]

But here’s the problem, I am considered a non-native speaker. I know this issue has been dealt with too many times. However, I need somebody to be realistic and tell me if this is something that I should consider.

Non English native speakers looking for work outside their own country encounter more challenges as they are often in direct competition with native English speakers. In other words, if you were on shortlist with a native English speaker who had very similar qualifications and background to yours then the post would be more likely to be given to the native English speaker. However, if the native English speaker was under qualified or had no experience you would stand a very good chance of getting the job despite not being a native English speaker.

My advice would be to try and speak to the school owners before sending your written resume. Hopefully by hearing you speak they’ll get a good idea of your command of the English language and that section in your résumé that shows you are not a native English speaker will have less of an impact.
 
Good luck!