Choosing A Tefl Course

[MontyB]

I'm interested going toTthailand to teach english and have been searching the internet researching the various courses available.

I'm looking to do the TEFL course in Phuket if possible but i am having trouble choosing the best course as there are so many.

Which TEFL courses are best?

Can anyone offer any help or advise based on experience

[Scott]

Just a word of caution: We don't allow naming and shaming, but if you have suggestions, please feel free to post them, especially good experiences.

In the end, the OP will have to decide for himself. Most people have only taken the course once, so it's a little hard to compare schools you haven't attended.

[Wallaby]

I asked a similar question in another thread and was advised to do the course in my home country as it would carry more 'weight'.

There are plenty of threads about teaching in Thailand, just do a search.

[Wallaby]

Oh, and first post.........welcome.

[Ijustwannateach]

It's quite hard to do a comparative TEFL course thread because few people have actually taken more than one course- it's usually not necessary. Do a search within this subforum for a number of TEFL course threads. We don't allow rampant unsubstantiated rumours on this kind of topic due to frequent past 'issues' with online flame wars, so don't expect a shouting match.

Oh, and why not check out our sponsors? Take a look at the banner ads. Of course, do your homework, ask a lot of questions, shop around, compare, etc.

[PokerFace]

Take a look at the American University Association (AUA). Very good program.

[Yelly]

I don't know about Phuket, but I can recommend a website that reviews various TEFL schools around the world. A large chunk of them are in Thailand. It assisted me in picking out my course in the North.

http://www.teflcoursereview.com/

What you need to be aware of, however, is that no one does a TEFL course at multiple locations, so they have no way to compare and contrast two separate courses. Happy hunting!

[wolf5370]

Hi,

first off - as far as I have been told its better to get your TEFL here if you want to teach here - and at home if you want to teach everywhere.

I did the SEE TEFL course coming up two years ago. Its is the only ISO9001 approved TEFL language course in Thailand (and has the ISO label on the cert.). Accredited by UKAS. Small classes (with air con) - includes 6 hours of teaching from KG through to college, and a private 1 on 1. Included cultural day and awaenes - and covers a week of basic Thai language also. SEE TEFL. Run by an English guy and his Thai wife, John and Ying Quinn - who are easy going, nice and professional. They also cover getting a job and give out addresses etc at the end of the course. Classes are relaxed, but will involve four weeks of solid graft - no easing through and turning up when you and if you feel like it on this course! Very popular course. They can arrange local accomodation too I believe.

//Edit: Forgot to say - its in Chiang Mai //

[johnmtjames]

you are better to do a course in your own country I have done T.E.S.O.L cert IV in Australia at at a Government College Chisholm and there isn't any chance of being "ripped off" and the qualification has more authenticity. There are so many courses to have in Thailand but I think the one in Changmai maybe the better one. Anyhow your choice just research carefully

[johnmtjames]

By the way you need to do min 120hrs 140hrs is better + class room

[tally]

I have just finished my TEFL course at EBC International in Phuket and I cannot speak highly enough of this school.

Very hard work but it's definitely worth it.

[quandow]

I personally did the 120-hour course at TEFL International in Phuket and cannot speak highly enough of their program. I then went on to active teaching in several schools, and each time the course more than paid for itself.

[brewsterbudgen]

The ECC CELTA is excellent and they certainly used to run them in Bangkok, Phuket and Chiang Mai. CELTA concentrates on teaching adults, but I found it useful for teaching all ages in Thailand and it certainly opens many doors.

[NormanW]

This is where I did mine ihnewcastle.com/

All depends on your aspirations for a career in teaching really.

If you would like to further develop your career (and wages) here or abroad then, doing it in England is seen by many employers as favourable.

Other industry qualifications are also necessary. MEd, BEd, BSc, BA, PGCE etc.

If you want to stay here and live a comfortable life here then by all means do the best course you can here.

All the best.

NormanW

[Scott]

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