Going travelling next year and want to teach as I travel to supplement my budget. I already have a primary education degree and was wondering if its worth getting a TEFL teach english foreign language, or just using my degree? Is it worth the money and will it be of use? I mainly hope to teach in Thailand. Thanks!
2007-01-12 02:14:49 · 6 answers · asked by chrismyarse 2 in Education & Reference ➔ Teaching
Yes, it is definitely worth it.
You will have more opportunity of landing a job at a reputable school; in some countries it is a legal requirement; and you will benefit from the course and build up contacts for the future.
In the first year of teaching all new teachers find the grammar difficult (eg: What is the difference between "going to" future and "present continuous for future"?) the course will help with this as well as giving you ideas for activities etc.
I did a B.Ed but am glad to have also done a TEFL cert. It's definitely worth the money.
Good luck and enjoy it!
2007-01-12 02:28:09 · answer #1 · answered by fidget 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
It's worth the money. I have a Bachelor of Arts degree and a Bachelor of Education degree, and neither covered the things I learned during the CELTA. The CELTA is internationally recognized and you can do it in a fast and easy four weeks anywhere (although it's best to do it in the country where you want to teach). You'll learn a lot about how to teach to an entire class of people who don't speak English (and who potentially don't speak a common language). You'll also get a good brush-up on English grammar, like:
I ate the cake
I have eaten the cake
I had eaten the cake
I will eat the cake
I am going to eat the cake
and the differences between the meaning and form of each of those sentences. You may also learn the phonetic script and how to draw tongue diagrams to help you teach pronunciation. Most important, you'll do some observed teaching practice with real ESL students, and if you already have a teaching degree then you'll surely do well and get a fantastic reference letter.
2007-01-12 15:41:25 · answer #2 · answered by Jetgirly 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I would suggest that you think of your Teaching Degree as your foundation knowledge in how to teach effectively - the TEFL course is continuing professional development into a more specialised area.
The TEFL cert. gives you the specific preparation for teaching English to speakers of other languages and, as another person rightly says, it is a minimum requirement at many language schools.
I've got a PGCE and 10 years' experience in teaching and training but I would still do the TEFL cert if I were in your situation.
Have a great time travelling and enjoy the TEFL!
2007-01-12 11:42:49 · answer #3 · answered by muppetofkent 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
It's a short course and it opens up many doors. If you are planning to teach abroad anyway, it will be a good investment. If you are unemployed when you start the course, you may not have to pay for it.
2007-01-12 10:39:16 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Not if you already got a PGSE in English.
2007-01-12 10:23:49 · answer #5 · answered by ladysorrow 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
yes if you have the time before you go; it is a seperate/different qualification.
2007-01-12 11:29:57 · answer #6 · answered by D B 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋