TEFL Training: Online versus in-Classroom

Another wise reader recently asked:

do you think it matters whether the certification is done online or in a classroom setting?

This comes up a lot, so it is worth talking about. And it is an important decision.

My answer is: YES, it does matter if you take an online course versus an in-classroom course.

In my opinion – it will always be better to take a full four-to-six week in-classroom course. Period.

Do most employers care? Probably not. The two biggest employers of teachers of English – China and Korea – both will accept online training. Many jobs in both countries don’t require TEFL Training, but they are happy that you at least got SOME training. Some countries won’t accept online, such as Indonesia – but that is the only country I am fairly sure about. Some employers care, but again, the employers in China and Korea – in my experience – will accept both.

But – the question was: do you think it matters

You will get a better training experience with an in-classroom course. Plus, some online courses do not offer observed teaching practice (many do these days) and that will also help you a lot. If money is NOT a factor – get the in-classroom course. Even what you learn from your fellow teacher-trainees is helpful.

However, many people can not afford the four to six weeks of full time attendance at a course PLUS the expensive tuition of US$1500-2500++ depending on where a course is offered. In that case, my opinion has always been that some training is always better than no training and an online course can help you get the basics of teaching and correct many a newbie teacher’s misconceptions about how to teach English.

So – bottom line – if you can afford a full Monty of a course, absolutely go get one. If you can not, online is a good option.

If training is NOT required where you intend to go and you wish only to teach for a year or two -then online is also fine. If you are not sure how long you might want to teach, start with an online course, teach for a year or two and if you – like so many of us – decide to continue exploring the world long term – then go back and get a good 4-6 week course to help you polish your skills.

TED’s Tips™ #1: Take an in-classroom course if you can. If you can’t, an online course is better than no training at all.

The BEST EFL Teaching Jobs in China: Government Colleges, Universities and Secondary Schools offer the most reliable and worry-free jobs in China. Click on the Link if you would like to Teach English in China

Is Living and Working Abroad Appropriate for Me?

Am I Cut Out for Life Overseas?

You might be. Only you can decide if a career in TEFL – teaching English overseas – is the right path for your life at this time.

What are the things to consider?

Do you have a family that you are responsible for? How would they feel about moving overseas and living in a foreign land?

Do you have a spouse? How would s/he feel about giving up their job? Will she be able to find work overseas? Is she interested in teaching English also?

Do you have children? How will you educate them while overseas? How might they feel about giving up their friends?

Do you have debts that must be paid while you are overseas?

Are there special medical issues for you or your family that must be considered?

Do you have the financial reserves to return to your home country and re-establish yourself if things don’t work out?

Have you ever taught before? Do you have any reason to believe that you might enjoy teaching English?

Have you ever traveled or lived overseas before? Did you enjoy it?

Would you find the daily problems of living and working overseas frustrating or a refreshing challenge?

This list is only a beginning. As individual as each person is so are the questions that need to be answered in making this decision.

What qualities are needed to succeed?

My observation has been that people who succeed in TEFL overseas have the following characteristics and knowledge:
* They have reasonable expectations about their new occupation and what it can and cannot provide for them
* They understand that their new country is not like their home country. Solutions to problems that work at home often don’t work overseas
* They realize that problems they had at home will probably also exist overseas.
* They know they will have good days and bad days – just like back home
* They know they may experience good bosses, bad bosses, good jobs and bad jobs – just like back home
* They are flexible people who can roll with surprises and “punches”
* They are willing to work under different cultural expectations and are willing to follow different cultural work rules
* They are resilient and can bounce back from a bad situation
* They are not generally moody or depressed
* They view their success as a personal challenge
* They spent a considerable amount of time researching their move, before they moved.

Does that fit you? If so, get on board!

TED’s Tips™ #1: Before you head overseas, do an honest assessment of yourself.

The BEST EFL Teaching Jobs in China: Government Colleges, Universities and Secondary Schools offer the most reliable and worry-free jobs in China. Click on the Link if you would like to Teach English in China