My son wants a break from college. He would love to teach English in Spain, as he is fairly fluent in Spanish. I think he would consider South America, if nothing is available in Spain. Do you recommend taking the class here or abroard? Who are the reputable companies that offer certification? Can they be relied on to help find jobs? Have your kids done this? I know they don’t make much money, but was it worthwhile?
My son has been in Seoul for 5 years now - went almost directly out of college. He got TEFL certified on-line before applying and it did help qualify him for jobs. But - an undergraduate degree was required.
I took a TESOL class through UC Extension in the Bay Area years ago. Liked it a lot. The instructor was an enthusiast. I was the one who reveled in phonemes.
Yes, that will be an obstacle with some companies.
Toledo, I sent you a PM.
I’m pretty sure you usually need a degree to do a TEFL program. I do know of a program in Spain, https://www.mecd.gob.es/eeuu/convocatorias-programas/convocatorias-eeuu/auxiliares-conversacion-eeuu.html where American college students/graduates can be teaching assistants. The website is confusing, but it’s run by the Spanish government. Applications just opened, and I believe they accept all qualified applicants on a first come, first serve basis
I found this blog from a former assistant when I was researching the program, it might be helpful: http://www.trevorhuxham.com/p/auxiliares.html
jazz, that’s the program patsmom just pm’d me about. Thanks!
jazzcatastrophe, thanks for the link to that blog. It’s terrific!
That blog is making ME want to teach English in Spain.
CELTA http://www.cambridgeenglish.org/teaching-english/teaching-qualifications/celta/ is not cheap, and by all accounts the course is challenging, but it is recognized world-wide. Some training sites are associated with language schools. Send a PM to fiona_ and ask about her experience. She completed a CELTA several years ago during a gap year.
Dave’s ESL Cafe http://www.eslcafe.com/ is a good source of information about the industry. Spend some time reading the links there.