Tefl courses

  • Thread starter conan doyle
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conan doyle

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Hi,

Looking for a bit of help. Been thinking of doing TEFL course in Cork. What I'm wondering is are they worth it? Has anyone done one and if so are they difficult?

Would appreciate any info or suggestions.
 
I did one in Dublin about 10 years ago. It was a 10 week course with 2 lessons of 2 hours twice a week. It wasn't difficult but just fairly intensive - I didn't really work at it but still got a C in the exam at the end - some people studied only a little and got Bs or As.
 
I've been researching this recently myself. The conclusion I've come to is that it's a waste of money doing a TEFL course unless it's recognised throughout the world.
The best recognised courses are the CELTA and the Trinity TESOL.
A lot of countries won't allow you to work unless you have a Primary Degree.
You need to make sure that your course gives you real teaching practice and is at least 4 wks long.
If you do a course in Ireland make sure it is ACELS accredited.
The courses are very intensive and quite hard work from what I hear.

Good luck. I really fancied doing this myself but got cold feet about taking a career break in the present climate. You do know you can study abroad? I fancied this idea as you could test the water as you learned so to speak. http://europetefl.com/ Have a look at this website. I've no affiliations with them, I just found them helpful answering my numerous questions.
 
Yeah, I should have mentioned all that myself really. :eek:

The course I did was internationally recognised - they were based in Merrion Sq - I forget the name of the place.

I was advised at the time though that to teach EFL in Ireland you need a primary degree but not so for teaching abroad? maybe this has changed however. I really wouldn't call it hard work though - it's tiring/intense but not difficult IME. But I have an English related degree and an interest so that probably helped.
 
The need for a primary degree varies from country to country.Most of the better paying places which are in Asia do require it eg China, Korea & Japan.
Depends I suppose on if you see it as a career or as a way to support yourself while travelling.
I'm sure your English related degree did help !
 
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