I want to get the tefl certification (teching english as a second language) which is good in most non-US countries and added bonus to degree. One place a friend and I looked we think either is closing down or might be scam even though he did already get his from there. So any recommendations for distance learning progam that inexpensive? Please post cost along with response if you know.

I don't think distance learning works very well when it comes to teaching english. Better to go to an actual school where you will get the chance to practice teaching in a classroom.

It looks to me that all those English teaching certificates are useless. If you have a college degree, I doubt anyone is going to care about a certificate that you buy online. I taught English in China a few times, and to be honest, they really only care if you are white.

I've made a test in Chiang Mai...should be possible in BKK too...

Just buy some practising books with cd's... these are helpful.. for instance

http://www.amazon.com/Toefl-Practice-Tests-TOEFL/dp/0446396559

bd that's true but it helps with more major place that are more established then china which is so desparate for english teachers.

Free.. what do you mean you made a test?

Jacky.. I'm certified technical trainer already and have taught/trained with other professions so it's just for more barginning power over salary and also many give assitance after finishing for job hunting, reloation info, and class room related items

First of all don't listen to that guy up above who says by your own books. I actually just got my TEFL certificate not to long ago and my mother is a TEFL teacher of 20 years. To be a good teacher you need a good education PERIOD! I would recommend going to a good quality university or language school to learn how to teach english. Stay away from the cheap online courses, books, or weekend things, they are not worth it in the long run. My TEFL class was a month long, and i learned so much about teaching english, it was amazing. There are so many crapy teachers in asia right now, who are basically backpackers who got there certification at some cheap place in asia or online. I can tell you right now that i would blow them out of the water with my teaching style. If you go the cheap route in learning this stuff you are not gonna make it far in this industry. So do some research yourself, go to google and type in: TEFL/TESL/CELTA/TESOL (all these certificates are the same) and type in your city, im sure you will get a lot of places you can go to get one. Good luck!!!

You want to become a tefl teacher? Sorry.. I was of topic then.. haha

When I worked in a school in Chiang Rai, the board of that school wanted teachers to show that they had a TOEFL test 550+ score... Nevermind...

hehe....yuri

Paul,

ChrisfromUSA has got it right. Believe me take his advice, especially if you want to get the better and more rewarding jobs and I don't mean $$ wise either. Find one that is accredited. UCLES RSA, Trinity College (UK not elsewhere) or a good university would be the first places to look at.

This belongs in the forums, probably is there already

I have one of those online TEFL's, which helped me in some instances, but mostly, if it is your ONLY level of certification, will not carry any weight at all in an application process.

If you have a college degree in anything getting a TEFL will help you because the examples they give you towards being able to lead a class, is extremely important.

As you can imagine, a 120hour hands on one is going to be better for you, but if all your are trying to do is get your foot in the door, than a cheap (about $200) online course might be for you. I had been teaching English for 2 years before i did my online TEFL, and found it very helpful. If i am not mistaken, the 120 hour hands on course is going to run you about 800-1000 USD including materials.

Made this too long but just know that I, with a non KSR college degree (some places are verifying now) and a bit of enthusiasm, was offered so many jobs throughout Thailand that I was able to pick and choose which one i wanted.

-RILInJuH!

someone said that "all they care about is that you are white"

and that is true many places, and funny. But you can be pretty assured that you are not going to want that job

-RIliNjuH!

ChrisfromUSA is not strictly correct...all the certificates are not the same, and those issued by Cambridge (CELTA) or Trinity (Cert TESOL) are the most desirable (and need the most work). Online courses are a waste of time unless you simply want the piece of paper. Depends how seriously you take the training. Most people here just get the bare minimum to do the job. That's kind of why it's not really a very professional business in Thailand (but of course there are many exceptions to this).

good luck,Paul

LOL @ Joeri