Hello,

I have recently completed my TEFL course on-line with i-i, although i am currently doing some specialist certificates i.e. TEFL for young learners and teaching business English, i have a couple of questions which I'm hoping you can help me with.

Has anyone else done the on-line version? It slightly worries me that although i have passed, i have no experience of actually standing up and teaching, will this be seen less favourably by potential employers?

I am currently living in Chiang Mai on a non immigration O visa, which obviously means i can't work, how easy is it to get this changed if i were to be successful in finding a job, actually can i look for work when I'm on an O visa??)

Any advice from anyone teaching in Chiang Mai or indeed anywhere in Thailand gratefully received!!!

I am going back to the UK for a couple of weeks at the end of January, but on my return i really need to get a job!!

Thanks

Tim

Hopefully some of the CM folks will come along and help you out. It's a little difficult to find work at this time of the year, but best of luck.

School year starts in May. Online course is better than nothing.

I also did the online course before coming out here and you are correct to be concerned about having no 'face' time with any students. You've learned the theory but not put it into practice as yet which is hugely different and can be very intimidating.

Knowing myself, I decided to come out here and have some additional training (the Certificate course here: http://www.chichester.ac.th/) which backs up everything I had already learned but also gives practical training about preparing lesson plans and allows you to teach some classes in front of real students. Worth looking into if you are concerned with not actually having taught before.

In terms of actually getting a job, it probably won't make much difference, but it certainly does give the self-confidence a boost to know you've learned the theory AND put it into practice and survived (hopefully!)

Good luck!

Tats

Teaching is a practical skill

"I am currently living in Chiang Mai on a non immigration O visa, which obviously means i can't work, how easy is it to get this changed if i were to be successful in finding a job, actually can i look for work when I'm on an O visa??)"

You can legally work on a Non - O visa, IF you also have a work permit.

^Yes, I have a non-O (Marriage) with a Work Permit and I know a number of other people who are in the same position. In fact, the O type visa is better, because it is based on marriage & income instead of just your job. In theory, you can change jobs without having to leave the country with an O visa, whereas you are supposed to leave the country the same day you leave your job with a B visa.

As for the online TEFL cert, it's better than nothing, but it's no substitute for experience. The biggest shortcoming of that class is that it focuses on teaching small groups of adults, while most Thailand TEFLers work with large groups of children. Don't worry about teaching techniques so much, worry more about classroom management!

Thanks everyone for your advice and tips I think i'll try and get some practical experience.

Tim,

I have sent you a PM.

Frank

I find myself repeating this statement a lot, but because it's the most sound advice I was given.

Once you get a job observe your co-workers, Thai and Foreign. Observe anyone and everyone and see what works and what doesn't. Now of course you will have different ball games when comparing Thai Vs others, but that doesn't mean you can't learn a thing or two that will work wonders in your own class. For one, i started out my classes the exact same way my Thai partner did, so there was a familiarity, rather than "YAY! it's the Farang, this means fun and games only!" which many Thai kids seem to believe.

Other than that, relax and I am sure you will do fine.