How important is a TEFL certificate?

Work Teaching English in Taiwan
1

I just want to ask how important is it to have a TEFL certificate for getting jobs out there? I understand I would have a better chance with it, but are the chances still ok to get a job without it and just with my degree on its own? Or would you recommend that I take a course before I get to Taipei?

As well as that, if you think I should take a course, is CELTA the best one? Some guy I called recommended that I should take a CELTA intensive course before I leave the UK.

I do understand they have to ask for it, because all jobs want the best qualified people.

2

[quote=“Shearersheed”]I just want to ask how important is it to have a TEFL certificate for getting jobs out there? I understand I would have a better chance with it, but are the chances still ok to get a job without it and just with my degree on its own? Or would you recommend that I take a course before I get to Taipei?

As well as that, if you think I should take a course, is CELTA the best one? Some guy I called recommended that I should take a CELTA intensive course before I leave the UK.

I do understand they have to ask for it, because all jobs want the best qualified people.[/quote]

I’m going to answer this, but take it with a grain of salt as I’ve been away for a few years.

When I left, there were just a very few places starting to look for things like a CELTA or TEFL cert, but NO places ever turned me down for not having one. I don’t know what your degree is in, but I doubt that very many places are actually going to turn you down without such a cert, if that’s what you’re asking. More than actual TEACHERS, Taiwan is looking for the appearance of teachers.

If you think you might want to go to some other countries to teach at some point, then you might consider that you need one of these things, as I’ve heard that other places do actually prefere them strongly.

To me, the importance of this type of piece of paper is not whether or not your future job prospects might require one, but that they’re designed to give you some semblance of an idea WHAT TO ACTUALLY DO in a classroom. What you learn in the course may or may not apply very well to what you end up doing in a classroom in Taiwan, but at least you’ll have some idea. Most FOBs are just thrown in to figure it out for themselves. Many never do and thus really hate their jobs.

Also, IMO, your own education, of any kind, is one of the most important investments you’ll ever make in your life, so it’s (almost) always worth getting as much as you can get while you can get it. Even if you never work at a job that REQUIRES the CELTA, you’re very unlikely to regret that you spent the time and money to learn what you could in the pursuit of one.

Yes, I did say CELTA. I don’t have either of these, remember, (I have an education degree) but from what I’ve heard about them, the CELTA is much more valuable that the TEFL. If you’re going to spend the time and money, then get the best value for your investment.

Momma Housecat

(My font and spacing may be off half way through the post because I’ve had to type half this in word and then paste it into the box because that little problem still exists that will not let me see what I’m typing here.)

3

thanks for the quick reply, could it be because I am not in the country so it is easier for them to ask for it? I have heard it is easier when I am there to get work.

My degree is in youth and community work, I work with kids all the time, and have worked with kids in 3 different countries, but I accept it is in a different setting to a classroom.

I called the place in Newcastle that do the CELTA course and there is no way I can take it because it is fully booked until after my flight to Taiwan, all I can think of is going to my mates in Bristol and sleeping on his floor for 4 weeks to do it! ha he would love that!

4

[quote=“housecat”][quote=“Shearersheed”]I just want to ask how important is it to have a TEFL certificate for getting jobs out there? I understand I would have a better chance with it, but are the chances still ok to get a job without it and just with my degree on its own? Or would you recommend that I take a course before I get to Taipei?

As well as that, if you think I should take a course, is CELTA the best one? Some guy I called recommended that I should take a CELTA intensive course before I leave the UK.

I do understand they have to ask for it, because all jobs want the best qualified people.[/quote]

I’m going to answer this, but take it with a grain of salt as I’ve been away for a few years.

When I left, there were just a very few places starting to look for things like a CELTA or TEFL cert, but NO places ever turned me down for not having one. I don’t know what your degree is in, but I doubt that very many places are actually going to turn you down without such a cert, if that’s what you’re asking. More than actual TEACHERS, Taiwan is looking for the appearance of teachers.

If you think you might want to go to some other countries to teach at some point, then you might consider that you need one of these things, as I’ve heard that other places do actually prefere them strongly.

To me, the importance of this type of piece of paper is not whether or not your future job prospects might require one, but that they’re designed to give you some semblance of an idea WHAT TO ACTUALLY DO in a classroom. What you learn in the course may or may not apply very well to what you end up doing in a classroom in Taiwan, but at least you’ll have some idea. Most FOBs are just thrown in to figure it out for themselves. Many never do and thus really hate their jobs.

Also, IMO, your own education, of any kind, is one of the most important investments you’ll ever make in your life, so it’s (almost) always worth getting as much as you can get while you can get it. Even if you never work at a job that REQUIRES the CELTA, you’re very unlikely to regret that you spent the time and money to learn what you could in the pursuit of one.

Yes, I did say CELTA. I don’t have either of these, remember, (I have an education degree) but from what I’ve heard about them, the CELTA is much more valuable that the TEFL. If you’re going to spend the time and money, then get the best value for your investment.

Momma Housecat

(My font and spacing may be off half way through the post because I’ve had to type half this in word and then paste it into the box because that little problem still exists that will not let me see what I’m typing here.)[/quote]

Did you have any teaching experience before you left your native country?

5

I graduated with a BA in English in '97 and first worked in S. Korea. Returned to the States, worked in resturant management, coorperate accounting (!), and a couple other things that made me want to “go postal,” and then began helping some Taiwanese graduate students at my former university brush up their English. When they graduated, I moved to Taiwan with them. The only teaching experience I has was what I did in S. Korea.

I’ve since earned a graduate degree in Education.

6

I would never discount the value of training and education. Every tool in the tool chest helps you do a better job. This debate has been had many times on the forum. Do a search and you can see more opinions.

In practice, and in my own humble opinion and limited experience, what has served me well in Taiwan is personality, appearance and customer service skills. At the end of the day, the cram schools and even the private elementary and jr/sr high schools are money-making businesses. A happy, satisfied customer is a repeat customer, which means a happy boss and a renewed employment contract. In my observation of various colleagues over the past 5 years, those who had a credential or certificate didn’t do any better than those who didn’t. People skills seemed to be a better determinant of success. Teaching techniques can be learned whereas people skills are not so quickly picked up. Besides, I’ve read some of the techniques learned in some of the TEFL/TESL programs don’t always match learning styles in Asia, or Taiwan specifically.

You have experience working with kids in 3 different countries. You get here and learn the particulars of working with Taiwanese kids and you go with it. You should also come in with an open mind to adjust to how things work in Taiwan, how to navigate the system and what the bosses expect. These life skills will serve you well.

DISCLAIMER: I don’t have any teaching cert or credential. I studied French and Japanese in college, learned Spanish living in Miami for 10 years and picked up some Portuguese dating a DJ in Rio de Janeiro for 6 months. I also took some courses on language acquisition theory in college. I have 25 years experience in sales and marketing, with some gigs here and there as a trainer in that industry. Having been a language learner myself and having experience working with people, I’ve done OK in the language business in Taiwan.

7

[quote=“CraigTPE”]I would never discount the value of training and education. Every tool in the tool chest helps you do a better job. This debate has been had many times on the forum. Do a search and you can see more opinions.

In practice, and in my own humble opinion and limited experience, what has served me well in Taiwan is personality, appearance and customer service skills. At the end of the day, the cram schools and even the private elementary and jr/sr high schools are money-making businesses. A happy, satisfied customer is a repeat customer, which means a happy boss and a renewed employment contract. In my observation of various colleagues over the past 5 years, those who had a credential or certificate didn’t do any better than those who didn’t. People skills seemed to be a better determinant of success. Teaching techniques can be learned whereas people skills are not so quickly picked up. Besides, I’ve read some of the techniques learned in some of the TEFL/TESL programs don’t always match learning styles in Asia, or Taiwan specifically.

You have experience working with kids in 3 different countries. You get here and learn the particulars of working with Taiwanese kids and you go with it. You should also come in with an open mind to adjust to how things work in Taiwan, how to navigate the system and what the bosses expect. These life skills will serve you well.

DISCLAIMER: I don’t have any teaching cert or credential. I studied French and Japanese in college, learned Spanish living in Miami for 10 years and picked up some Portuguese dating a DJ in Rio de Janeiro for 6 months. I also took some courses on language acquisition theory in college. I have 25 years experience in sales and marketing, with some gigs here and there as a trainer in that industry. Having been a language learner myself and having experience working with people, I’ve done OK in the language business in Taiwan.[/quote]

Thanks for the reply. I have decided i’m just going to turn up and look for jobs. Jobs are hard to find every where at the moment not just there or here.

Nice to know people skills are important there everyone always tells me i’m better with people than I am with more theoretical sides of the work.

For the times I dont have enough work in youth work (the contracts are pretty bad, 2 hours here, 3 hours there, which makes think could be good practice for there from what I am reading) I have made up hours by working in factories, fast food places, bars, removals, labouring on building sites, delivering junk mail, etc etc, which has made me learn how to deal, and how not to deal with shit and good managers in shit dead end jobs.

I also know the basics of Chinese, I took a language course at uni that they offered for free.

I guess what I have researched must be true and it really is easier when there to just hit the streets and roll with it.

I am really glad I found this website anyway it helps a lot.

8

You THINK you’ve dealt with difficult bosses. Wait till you get here. Taiwanese management practices are pretty unique. Do what you’re told, don’t question authority and don’t rock the boat. (Thats not necessarily my advice, but what is expected. )

9

It all boils down to whether you regard TEFL as a career, at least for the forseeable future. If you do, having a CELTA under your belt will definitely help you if you apply for an English run school.

10

Hello to all,

I am contemplating in taking a TESOL course in Taiwan as I am based in Taipei for work. The rationale is to allocate some of my free time to the education industry as I have a strong interests in doing so.

I enquired from one of the centre that provides the course and I received the following details (non-edited).

The centre provides International TESOL Certificate which allows the graduand to teach around the world. After the course, you can get Advanced TESOL certificate from American TESOL institute. Many native speakers got their TESOL Cert. through us and got excellent teaching job here in Taiwan.

Our TESOL course is combine 30hrs in class and 60hrs online course. You need to finish both of it to get the TESOL Certificate. There is certain class time for inclass part which you need to come to our center(In Taipei, Taiwan) to complete the course. As for 60hrs online part, you can learn at your home flexibly on your own pace.

Tuition Fee: Origianl price: 36000 NTD (Promotional price NTD31,000 if enrol by end of this week)

I have the following questions:

  • Is TESOL a better qualification to teach in Asia than CELTA?
  • Is NTD31,000 a reasonable price to pay?
  • Is there a centre in Taiwan that offers CELTA? I did a search via yahoo but to no avail.
  • Is American TESOL institute (ATI) a reputable institution to award TESOL certificate?

I hope to hear from people on the above as the class will commence on early next week.

11

[quote=“Desperado1999”]Hello to all,

I am contemplating in taking a TESOL course in Taiwan as I am based in Taipei for work. The rationale is to allocate some of my free time to the education industry as I have a strong interests in doing so.

I enquired from one of the centre that provides the course and I received the following details (non-edited).

The centre provides International TESOL Certificate which allows the graduand to teach around the world. After the course, you can get Advanced TESOL certificate from American TESOL institute. Many native speakers got their TESOL Cert. through us and got excellent teaching job here in Taiwan.

Our TESOL course is combine 30hrs in class and 60hrs online course. You need to finish both of it to get the TESOL Certificate. There is certain class time for inclass part which you need to come to our center(In Taipei, Taiwan) to complete the course. As for 60hrs online part, you can learn at your home flexibly on your own pace.

Tuition Fee: Origianl price: 36000 NTD (Promotional price NTD31,000 if enrol by end of this week)

I have the following questions:

  • Is TESOL a better qualification to teach in Asia than CELTA?
  • Is NTD31,000 a reasonable price to pay?
  • Is there a centre in Taiwan that offers CELTA? I did a search via yahoo but to no avail.
  • Is American TESOL institute (ATI) a reputable institution to award TESOL certificate?

I hope to hear from people on the above as the class will commence on early next week.[/quote]

  • I know nothing about this particular program that you’re talking about. *

The price is roughly 1000 US $, a little less. 60 online hrs. and 30 in Taipei. IMO, this doesn’t sound like it’s going to do much for you and may not be worth the price. IMO (How long is it supposed to take to complete these housr? 30 college credit hours would be roughly 10 college classes; I can’t imagine that this program will be equal to 30 universtiy classes. (Roughly a BA))

I’ve never heard of the ATI.

12

[quote=“housecat”]

  • I know nothing about this particular program that you’re talking about. *

The price is roughly 1000 US $, a little less. 60 online hrs. and 30 in Taipei. IMO, this doesn’t sound like it’s going to do much for you and may not be worth the price. IMO (How long is it supposed to take to complete these housr? 30 college credit hours would be roughly 10 college classes; I can’t imagine that this program will be equal to 30 universtiy classes. (Roughly a BA))

I’ve never heard of the ATI.[/quote]

When you said you know nothing about this particular program, meaning you weren’t aware of TESOL or TESOL’s contents in detail?

The centre told me I can opt to undertake the 30 hours classes in the following manner:

Weekend Class: Every Sat. 10:30am~17:30pm for six classes
Weekday Class: Everyday 10:00am~17:00pm for five consecutive weekdays

You may visit the website of ATI at americantesolinstitute.com/

I would like to seek more advice on the above …

13

This course is not officially recognized as far as I know. It’s just another mickey mouse TEFL course. If it’s the one I think it is, the trainers are not TESOL/CELTA recognised trainers. If I were you, I would pay the extra cash to get a globally recognised cert and be trained by professional tutors. However, it would mean doing it outside of Taiwan (Mayalsia, Japan, etc). I don’t know of any official TEFL/CELTA courses in Taiwan because there isn’t really a big market for it unfortunately, and I only know of a handful of qualified CELTA tutors here. Basically, it depends on how serious you regard your teaching. If you’re serious, pay a bit more dosh. If you’re not, you can pick up a teaching job in taiwan without a teaching cert if you are confident and have some exp. :2cents:

14

Sound advice.
That one you posted about sounds to me like it could be a scam. As far as I know, there is no local “International TESOL Certificate which allow the graduand to teach around the world.”
An English-teaching certificate provided by fucking dorks who can’t actually write in English? Alarm bells should be going off. :roflmao:

15

Thank you both for the valuable inputs and advices. I wasn’t really sure, fortunately, I asked … as I recalled few years ago, I tumbled a centre that provides TESOL course with 4 weeks of full-time in-house training at countries like Thailand, China, Japan, etc. Hence, I was very suspicious about this centre doing it in just 30 hours plus 60 hours online and it costs as much as the former.

I am willing to fork out extra cash and time to pursue a globally recognised certificate, taught by professional trainers. Can someone advises me a good centre (can be out of Taiwan but preferably in Asia) that can help me accomplish this?

What about at tesolcourse.com/our-tesol-courses.php

16

The one the teachers seem to hold in highest regard in terms of usefulness is the CELTA. There seems to be little regard for the usefulness of TEFL/TESOL, etc.

17

[quote=“Desperado1999”]Can someone advises me a good centre (can be out of Taiwan but preferably in Asia) that can help me accomplish this?
[/quote]

The ancient university and campus called Universitas Khao San Road. 1000-year old campus, excellent choices of papyrus certificates, and very quick course completion times…they even give…tenure :laughing:

18

ihworld.com/

This is a decent place to get trained up. I did my course in Barcelona… it wasn’t cheap (i did a lot of partying) :discodance: but it was worth it. I think the nearest center in Asia is the one in Bangkok.

19

When you said you know nothing about this particular program, meaning you weren’t aware of TESOL or TESOL’s contents in detail?

…[/quote]

I meant that I’d never heard of ATI.

Listen, you’re going to be an educator, right? That’s why you want a certification. Here’s Critical Thinking 101, lesson one: If you were teaching a thirty hour course, would you want to do it in eight hour blocks? Would your students get much out of such a course? Would you be happy with such a schedule and doing your best work?

As a student in this program, would you actually take the sixty online hours of the course seriously, or would you sit in front of your computer and race through everything?

And finally, how practical and worthwhile is a teaching certification that offers no (at least none that you’ve mentioned) classroom experience?

The answers to these questions should be all you need to assess the program and make your decision.

Of course, if you don’t actually want to be an educator, but are just looking for a way to support your Asian Adventures, then I don’t know why you couldn’t just print up your own nice lookin certificate after googling “teaching” and reading whatever’s at the top of the list. You could save yourself a grand and still get as much out of it as what “ATI” sounds like they’re offering you.

20

Thank you all for your kind inputs, I’ve decided not to take up the program despite several persuasive talks from the centre. :bravo:

Housecat, thank you for your advice. The reason for me to take up teaching on a part-time basis, as mentioned earlier, is to kill time and to expand my social network while I’m here in Taipei. And I thought possessing relevant certfiication would help me tind something desirable. I also totally agree with you and doubt the usefulness of the course without much classroom and practical exposure.

I am not seriously into being an educator. I would prefer being a Consultant or a Business Trainer in view of my current profession, transferring my knoweldge and skills in my specialist fields to adults. This is what I am most keen to do just prior to my retirement though it’s about two decades before time, but I’ve already started to countdown.