Anyone know about the TEFL courses?

Answer 1

I trained as a TEFL teacher at City College Manchester, it's near Didsbury. My course was 2 weeks at the Fielden Centre for theory and methodology, then 2 weeks practice in Zagreb. It was hard work, I changed my career completely to do it, and have never regretted it since I completed it in 1998. I've been living and working in Poland, managed to teach all ages and all levels, learned to become resourceful and have built up a lot of respect in the area I'm based. I now teach proficiency level writing and conversation for trainee teachers at a college near Opole in the south west. Other people chose to use it as a passport to travel, this was my inention but somehow I stayed put, for now at least. Many of my TEFL friends have worked all around the world - Japan, Saudi, Europe, South America... You'll soon find out if you're cut out for it. IH is a good organisation to start with - good reputation, many schools around the world, but there's no harm in taking a few risks and trying smaller local businesses, sometimes they'll put themselves out for a native speaker and you'll learn more by integrating into the culture rather than sticking with other natives the whole time :) IH also take newly trained TEFL teachers at their summer schools. I did a few summers in Rickmansworth, again hard work but fun. Also contact the British Council, they'll give you a list of training centres and costs and the full low-down on possibilities once you've qualified. Good luck!!

Answer 2

Yep.
They last a month full time or a school year part time.
They cost around a thousand Pounds sterling, depending on where you do it.
One cheaper alternative is to do it in a cheaper country, for example in Egypt, or Eastern Europe. You'll do the same course, with the same people, but it'll be cheaper, and you get a "holiday" out of it at the same time.
A Tefl course is real hard work ! You'll have loads of theory during the day, and classes to prepare at night. Not for the lazy !
On the course, you'l meet loads of fun people and will want to go out every night, but this is not a good idea, given the amount of work you'll have to do !
One of the best organisations that puts on the courses (In Europe) is International House.

http://www.ihworld.com/

Answer 3

TEFL = Teaching English as a Foreign Language.

http://www.tefl.co.uk/ might be a good website to look at.

Answer 4

Tsavills advice is good, i did an IH course in Egypt and combined it with sight seeing, getting lessons in Arabic and a lot of socialising!

It is hard work though and i'd add one more thing - they will expect you to have a good grasp of English language and grammar. You might think 'well of course i have' but there is a world of difference between speaking English and actually being able to explain what a gerund is and why you say 'prettier' but not 'beautifuller!'

You can just get a good book or two though and swot up on it.

Answer 5

Make sure you choose a reputable course - either Trinity TESOL or Cambridge CELTA - as you could have trouble finding work with a lesser qualification.

I'd also recommend doing the course abroad - I did mine in Barcelona - apart from anything it's more fun!!!

Good luck!

Answer 6

Expensive

Answer 7

I had a couple of friends who went on it years ago and had really positive experiences.... one guy went out to Japan and spent a year in a village near Kyoto - he had an amazing time.

Answer 8

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