Course selection and job prospects

[brooksy1]

Hello all

I hope someone can offer me advice. I am (as others are) researching TESOL courses and have come across a large number and it is very confusing. I have looked at Teach International, ECT etc. Can anyone tell me if they undertook their course through either of these institutions and what their experience was like?

Also, I'm wondering what certificate level most job placements accept. They ask for certification, but do not necessarily indicate the level (and some institutions offer foundation courses, cert II, III and IV etc). Also, I've noticed that in many cases employers ask for a degree also and so I'm concerned that a TESOL course in itself will not be sufficient anyway. So, does one pay the money for a TESOL course that appears to be basically useless on its own (without a degree) when applying for positions?

What are other peoples experience of this - those without a degree and what level TESOL did you do?

Thank you. I look forward to and appreciate your advice.

[Antonio]

Some schools will accept you if you don't have a Bachelor degree BUT only on the proviso you hold a TESOL certificate or equivalent. Other schools will pay you more if you hold a TESOL AND a Bachelor degree.

When schools make mention they require a teaching certificate, they are mostly referring to TESOL, TEFL, TESL etc. One of these certificates on it's own will only scrape you across the line to getting a teaching job. You will need to go through the numbers in applying before being accepted.

I have never heard of Teach International. I suggest sticking to the mainstream schools that have been around a while. Just take a look at www.aacircle.com.au/tesl_tefl.htm.

[brooksy1]

Thanks for your advice and link Antonio. What level Certificate do they mean? I've seen Foundation courses, Certs II, III and IV.

By the sound of it you are saying I should be doing multiple courses e.g. TESOL and TEFL for instance. I gathered they were all basically the same thing.

[Antonio]

Don't do multiple courses. Just choose a non-foundation course and go for it. Usually the varying levels of English Teacher courses are for Trinity, University programs, Cambridge etc., where they offer a full-spectrum.

If you want to get into teaching asap, then I suggest a general TEFL online course or weekend / 4 week course. Depending on your budget and time restrictions.

If you want to make a long and solid career out of teaching, then I suggest starting a Masters or Bachelor's in Education part-time or start working yourself through the levels of Trinity or Cambridge.