advice on which tefl course to take!? Anyone?

[kostakimou]

was wondering if anyone ou there in the community (europe knows can advise on what course i should take to teach english??? thanks kman.

[Margy]

What are you trying to ask? Do you want to know about TEFL / TESL etc.. courses? There is a comprehensive list at http://www.aacircle.com.au/tesl_tefl.htm.

[kostakimou]

Well, I am currently based in Greece. I would like to complete a Tefl course at the right price that is also recognised by by the European Union.
I have surfed the net and I am finding alot of different courses. I am not looking for advanced courses, just a basic fundamental course that would give me various lesson scheduling and a certificate that would give me the option to teach in all of Europe. They say that they are all recognised but some cost $1500 Euros and some cost $400 Euros.

Thanks Margie.

[Margy]

When you say recognised by the EU, then you wont find one. Anyone can run a TEFL course. What matters is if the school you choose has a good name behind it. So basically you are looking for a good reputable school.

The below is quoted from Wikipedia:

There are numerous organisations that issue certificates which vary widely in acceptance. There is no international independent accrediting organisation overseeing the issuing of qualifications in general, although there are national ones, e.g. in Britain, which carry weight in many countries.

Obviously the more expensive the course, it would mean it's an intensive classroom based rather than online. I hope it would mean this rather than meaning it's scamming you.

Stick with the main ones and you will be fine.

[ICAL_Pete]

Unfortunately there is no Independent Board of Accreditation for TESL/TEFL Certificates and Diplomas. This means that each institute, school, or organization recognizes their own Certificate and accreditation comes from good practice, professional standards and reputation.

Bear in mind that requirements vary from school to school and country to country. So if you are concerned about the validity of a particular certificate, then the only sure way to find out is to talk to the school(s) where you'd like to work. They will have their own preferences.

[EF English First]

The ELT market in Europe is heavily influenced by the UK and unfortunately the British Council has refused to recognise that the market is changing. At the time of writing the British Council will only recognise courses accredited by Cambridge ESOL or Trinity College London i.e. the CELTA or the Trinity Cert. TESOL.

Much as there are several great quality courses out there such as those run by large organisations like TEFL International and smaller ones like The Language House - Prague, I would still have to advise you to take the traditional CELTA or Trinity Cert. TESOL courses to ensure that all employers in Europe would consider your application.

I hope this helps

[ndgndg]

Thanks, EF - that helps a lot.

[evercurious21]

The university I attend offers a TESL certificate program in a foreign country. It includes 18 semester hours of course work including 6 credit hours of teaching practice. I'm thinking of taking it as part of my requirements for graduation. Would that work?

[Margy]

If it's part of your uni course and ties in with some TESL teaching experience / learning, then you'd be crazy not to go for it.

[evercurious21]

I need exactly 18 upper level electives, so this seems like the thing to do-and be able to spend 11 weeks in Europe!