The Tefl Institute Silom Plaza

[annree]

I have read the comments on Text-and-Talk Academy, but would welcome any comments on The TEFL Institute in Silom Plaza, as I am comparing these two institutions for taking a TEFL course.

[Ijustwannateach]

It would help if you asked specific questions. No one's going to be able to tell you the specific differences in taking the courses, results, etc. because very few people would bother to take TWO TEFL courses; there's just no need for it. Then again, if you want to find out if each one has a certain feature, the best way would be to ask the two course providers directly about that feature... so how can we help? I do happen to know there are posters on this forum who've taken TnT's course; I don't recall at the moment anyone posting who's taken the Silom course but that doesn't mean they aren't here.

"Steven"

[annree]

Thanks for you reply.

I was specific in my question. I'm interested in comments on The TEFL Institute, as I have already read the Text-and-Talk ones.

Ann

[abc123]

i took the tefl course at silom plaza last july and would be happy to recommend it to anyone. it was great. they are now affiliated with SUNY (state university of new york). it's a real course teaching what you have to know about working and living in thailand. they're not high pressure sales people and if you want, you can sit in on some classes at no charge to get a good idea of what they offer.

good luck.

[kenkannif]

They're not certified by the Ministry of Education and the course is illegally conducted here!

They also pass people that cannot speak English, I've witnessed this myself. So if you wish to hold a certificate that is also held by people that can't speak English....go for it.

They also allow people to pay 10,000 Baht, take one exam and then receive their certificate which is also not very good!

They make no mention of affiliation on their website and going by past experience it wouldn't surprise me if they were lying about this as well. The Bangkok Post had to remove their advert before as it was misleading people by saying they were certified by the MoE...they weren't then, and they aren't now!

Avoid like the plague and take a reputable TEFL course from on the many providers here in Thailand!

[kenkannif]

Info here: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/index.php?ac...584&qpid=164843

And quote:

Buddy of mine went to a place called the TEFL INSTITUTE. Apparently, it turned out to be a dodgy joint.

Have to ask these guys, but maybe there is a way to check with the government about these programs.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

ABC sorry to be the bearer of bad news but you really need to check the programs out fully, and not just listen to what the salesmen tell you, as often it's not true!

[Ijustwannateach]

What, no more questions?

[jerry921]

kenkannif: 824
abc123:      2

[PeaceBlondie]

Annree, your questions weren't very specific, such as:

a) How long have their instructors taught TEFL, and do they all have DELTA certification?

Does the course prepare you to teach children, and especially students in Thailand?

c) Did the instructors seem competent, professional, well-prepared, friendly but not too much, punctual?

d) Was the workload too much, too little, or just right?

e) Were the other students at the same level as you were?

f) When you actually went out and taught in Thailand, did the course prepare you fairly well?

I went to the Text'n'Talk course, after sitting in briefly on a prior course. They are very open to the idea of letting you sit in for a day or two before you sign up. I would answer all but one of those questions, above, positively (the instructor wasn't always punctual, etc., but he's a motorcyclist).

Does that help, Ann?

[geordie]

I have read the comments on Text-and-Talk Academy, but would welcome any comments on The TEFL Institute in Silom Plaza, as I am comparing these two institutions for taking a TEFL course.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Not sure what course you want to take, but if it is for teaching English why not look at this website www.onlinetefl.com you can do the teaching course online and get the diploma. It is a 60 hour course and the cost is about 230 pound sterling. I am doing it at the moment i do not want to teach, well not yet anyway maybe later if work drys up.

Geordie

[kenkannif]

I don't think it would be a diploma mate? Not for a 60 hour course.

My personal opinion is: you don't teach students English online so how can you learn to teach online? Better than nothing though....just!