Heeeelp

[clarkey]

Gidday folks.. Im probably about to beat a dead horse, but this is my first time in forum so take it easy on me O.K.

I'm an Aussie with a background in Travel Consulting (4 years) Retail Training/Marketing for Supermarkets (5 years) , Sales/ Marketing and Training Motor Vehicle Industry (5 years), yes a USED CAR SALESMAN!!!, and also a few labouring (Leading Hand) positions in construction . I have a Certificate 3 in Environmental Science (from Uni N.T. Aussie) and worked as an Environmental Interpreter with National Parks and Wildlife Service, Aussie (2 years) .

Am I o.k to attempt my Diploma in TEFL straight off, or should I start at Certificate level???

I have scanned and studied most web sites regarding on-line and practicle placement courses.

Most people I talk to (o.k only 4 people so far) all suggest doing the practicle course as I will learn how to handle myself in front of a crowd of people. I beleive (think) I have this quality already from previous jobs.

I am keen to be as well prepared as possible before I unleash my character on unsuspecting students.

I am sooooo confused as to the difference3 in costs for various on-line set ups, and also practicle courses..

Any tips, suggestions, ideas, baggings, floggings or kickings are welcome (my skin is as thick as, well its thick, so go for it).

Thanks Clarkey

[Ijustwannateach]

May I suggest that you tell us what your goals are before asking us for advice? If you simply want to get any old TEFL job, then a DELTA would be tremendous overkill. Even the shortest, simplest, TEFLs will qualify you for a 25K a month public school job in the boonies.

I'd also point out that I don't know what a "cert. 3 from Aus. uni" means. Is this the same as a full undergraduate college degree in Australia? If so, the better jobs in Bangkok may eventually be available to you (though I will jump the gun on others and suggest that you will need to become a bit more of a stickler about your written English in your classes than you were on your OP); if not, then not (although nothing can be predicted 100% in Thailand).

I think if you look around you will find various threads on the various different TEFL programs. As has been mentioned before, few people actually take more than one of the programs, so you're not going to find many people who can do a "compare and constrast" report; neither are you going to find many people who don't have vested interests of one sort or another in what they post about TEFL. Would recommend you be a cautious and careful customer and shop around. Furthermore, if you've identified those goals I mention above, you might call the schools you'd like to work for and ask THEM what THEY like.

"Steven"

[clarkey]

Excuse me, did'nt know or relise I had to be word perfect.

Perhaps there are Australians out there who would maybe understand the slang, etc, etc.

Of course one would never, ever use slang in a classroom, but I did'nt think I was in one???

Thanks anyway.

Pete.

[PeaceBlondie]

I don't know that that was the point. "Cert 3 from Aus uni" may not be decipherable to a potential EMPLOYER in Thailand. Many of us who aren't Australian don't know if you have a DEGREE, as in Bacheor's Degree. Did you graduate with a degree?

[Ijustwannateach]

You asked for advice, I gave it- accurate advice, too. Seems to me someone who asks for "floggings and kickings" can put up with some mild constructive criticism, but I guess not....

"Steven"

P.S. Oh, and yes, do you have a degree?