choosing a course and a provider

[sues]

Hey everyone,

I have been searching for a english teaching course and seem a bit confused between the difference of TESOL,TEFL, and ESL?
In addition, i want to work in Lebanon but i dont have a degree, only a high school diploma,and a cert. in retail operations. Can i still find work in i complete a cert. or diploma in TEFL/TESOL/ESL?

I promise this is the last question; What is the best online provider i can do this course through? I have heard of Global TESOL, the course i was looking at was professional TESOL cert. that includes 4 speicalizations for $AU1795.

I have also visited the online TEFL i think its called.Its about $AU550 for a TEFL diploma.Does anyone know what the difference is? Which is a better choice?Sorry for asking so many questions, i am soooo confused.

Thanks, Sues

[english grammar man]

Originally Posted by sues

I have been searching for a english teaching course and seem a bit confused between the difference of TESOL, TEFL, and ESL?

They pretty much mean all the same thing. Will just depend on the issuing country and institution.

According to Wikipedia:

TESL is the teaching of English as a second language. In the UK, Ireland and New Zealand, the term ESL has been replaced by ESOL (English for speakers of other languages). In these countries TESOL (teaching English to speakers of other languages) is sometimes used to refer to teaching English only to this group. In the UK, the term EAL (English as an additional language), rather than ESOL, is usually used when talking about the schools sector. In the United States, the term English language learner (ELL) is used by governments and school systems. It differs from the other terms above because it refers to learners rather than the language.

Originally Posted by sues

In addition, i want to work in Lebanon but i dont have a degree, only a high school diploma, and a cert. in retail operations. Can i still find work in i complete a cert. or diploma in TEFL/TESOL/ESL?

If you want to teach in Lebanon, then you need to enter on a work visa. If you enter on a tourist visa, then you will need to leave the country again. I would suggest entering on a tourist visa and try to line up work before making a short trip out of the country.

There is high unemployment currently in Lebanon. As long as you can prove to the visa authorities that the job you are doing cannot be done by the locals, then you should be able to get your work visa. A degree is not mandatory, but does help. Definitely get your TEFL certificate though. I would suggest contacting schools now in Lebanon and ask about their hiring procedures.

Originally Posted by sues

I promise this is the last question; What is the best online provider i can do this course through? I have heard of Global TESOL, the course i was looking at was professional TESOL cert. that includes 4 speicalizations for $AU1795.

I would suggest doing a Diploma course since you don't have a degree. Most of the TESL providers only offer certificate level courses. I know the i-to-i course does have a very good Diploma course. Checkout the recent TESL blog entry.

A list of TESL providers can be found at http://www.aacircle.com.au/tesl_tefl.htm

Hope things work out for you.

[sues]

Thanks for replying english grammer man. About a work visa.I dont need one because iam a permanant resident of Lebanon. Do you think that would better my chance in finding a job there?

Regards, Sues

[gfell]

May go against you having permanent residency in Lebanon. Reason being is that the schools may look to you as being a local. I don't know how many years you have lived in Lebanon or how your accent is, but you need to stress the fact that you are as close to a native speaker as possible.

[sues]

hey gfell thanks for replying.i know the subject is a bit grey; i dont have an accent at all. i have live most of my life overseas between the US and Australia. i am hoping that makes a difference!!??