TEFL support thread

Thanks for this Liz. That is really interesting. So presumably you are a second/third year student studying languages, but rather than waiting till you finish you did a TEFL this Summer, so you can go and teach in Italy/France next Summer, does that sound about right?

So this TEFL Scotland you mention. You see I thought that there was a clear difference between doing at a center and doing it online, I didn't realise you could still do the qualification online and get to go and do some teaching experience in a classroom. So given that you've had the teaching experience, presumably your TEFL will be worth a lot more than just online ones and you will be able to go and teach pretty much anywhere you want?

You've obviously got your head screwed on. You see I am here at the University of York, first year student so I just got here. But already I am thinking that I would like to teach abroad for at least one/two years. So perhaps I would be better off doing a TEFL next Summer, instead of waiting till I finish my degree so I will be able to start straight away after uni, or the following Summer I will be able to go and teach abroad. You said you had teaching jobs for next Summer, how is that? I thought they were all only 12 month placements minimum?

Japan, South Korea and possibly China (although I've heard there are a few scams in China regarding this, so I'd be less keen to go there)

Well I'm a first year university student so not right now. I was just wondering how it all worked.

I know that some companies sort you out fully furnished accommodation. Is this something you do? And how does the classrooms work, do you have certain schools people can go to to teach?

Hey guys i'm wondering if anyone can help me with my scenario. I've recently heard about TEFL and i'm extremely interested but there's a few questions I have, i'll just tell you a little about me and see whether you can help

I'm about to graduate in May and i'm very interested in beginning my TEFL either late this year or early 2014. Basically, I just don't understand how you pick an organisation? I've seen a 140 hour course on i-to-i would that be any good? I will have a BA degree by the time I take this so i'm not sure if that affects anything

Also, i'm interested in teaching in Asia mostly. I'm going to be taking Japanese classes part-time from October of this year and then i'm volunteering with my Uni to teach English in India during December. My Japanese tutor has told me I should apply for the JET program (Teaching English in Japan).. But that wouldn't be for a long while until i'd go on that tbh if I did...

Basically what i'm asking is, do you think i'll be able to study for my TEFL qualification whilst taking a part time language course? And do you think I should do a TEFL? I know I want to teach English abroad so do you think this will be my best option? I should also point out.. I don't have much money to fund it. I'd need something that was definately under £500. If you take a short course are there still job possibilities?

Sorry it's so long! But thanks anyone who responds x

Hi, I am wondering if anyone can help me. I am a second year student at Sixth Form and I am planning to take a gap year next year and do a 120 hour TEFL course. I have looked at the company TEFL England - I was just wondering if anyone has had any experience with this company, reviews and stuff? Thanks in advance

I have just graduated and as the job market is so fierce at the minute, do you think doing a TEFL course would make my CV stand out?

Ive been looking into doing the paid teaching internship in China, has anyone been? recommend it? do's and don'ts??

thanks

Difficult in an understatement .
I'm currently a language assistant in a French school and very much learning on the job. It was very daunting at first having a group a class of 18 year old students not knowing what kind of activities worked well or even how to control a class.

My advice would be, always be prepared. You can't really wing lessons: if you haven't prepared anything your students WILL realise and they won't co-operate. It's hard enough getting them to focus and actually speak English at the best of times, even more so when you haven't got an actual plan for the lesson. In terms of actually doing a TEFL course, I think it would be a good idea but it isn't really necessary, especially if you're doing the British Council Language Assistant scheme. I've only been doing my job for a month but have already learnt so much.

Secondly you've GOT to be confident. If you're shy or intimidated then again, your students will realise and then will walk all over you. I'm lucky in the sense that I'm good with public speaking and have the confidence to give as good back if my students give me any hassle but it can be very hard at first.

Being a language assistant/TEFL is hard work, much harder then I originally thought but it's also very rewarding and a lot of fun. I'd recommend anyone to go for it.