TEFL Thailand FAQ
1. What is the difference between the TEFL and TESOL certificate?
2. What do these acronyms mean?
3. What are
the prospects of teaching English Abroad?
4. What are the eligibility criterions for the American TESOL Program?
5. Do I
need teaching experience to join the ATI Program?
6. How often do I speak with instructors while taking the online course?
7. Why should I take
a TESOL course from ATI?
8. How does American TESOL Institute help the trainees in their job hunt?
9. What is the procedure to be followed by trainees in their job search?
10. Does the American TESOL Institute provide lifetime job placement
support?
11. Can I teach TESOL, ESL inside the USA with your certification?
1. What is the difference between the TEFL and TESOL certificate?
In the world of teaching English abroad, there is a wide variety of terms
and acronyms. For example, you can find references to CELTA, DELTA, TESOL,
TEFL, EFL, ESL, ELT, ESOL, EAL, TEAL, and TESL. These similar sounding terms
are often confusing for those who are considering a career in teaching
English abroad. However, the simple truth is that many of these acronyms are
virtually synonymous with one another. For example TESOL and TEFL are
virtually interchangeable. Practically speaking, having either a TEFL or a
TESOL certification essentially enables native English speakers to teach
English in a variety of foreign countries.
TESOL: Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages.
TEFL: Teaching English as a Foreign Language.
For all intents and purposes the terms mean the same with TESOL being more
common in America and with large state sector colleges in Britain (e.g. the
Institute of Education in London) while TEFL is more common in U.K. Language
Schools and in the U.K. press. There is a slight technical difference since
TESOL refers to all learners whose first language is not English, including
ethnic minorities living in this country whereas TEFL refers only to
"foreign" students. Potentially, therefore, a TESOL course encompasses more
than a more narrowly defined TEFL course.
top
2. What do these acronyms mean?
TEFL - Teaching English as a Foreign Language
This applies where English is learned and taught in an environment where
English is not the official or unofficial first language. Examples: China,
Spain, Laos
TESL - Teaching English as a Second Language
This applies to situations where English is learned and taught in an
environment where English is used on a daily basis as either an official or
unofficial second language. Examples: India, Singapore, U.S. immigrants.
TESOL - Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages
This term is used for both the TEFL and TESL situations, where the mother
tongue of learners is for students is other than English. It is the process
of developing teaching skills among those native-English speakers who aim at
teaching non-English speaking students.
ESL - English as Second Language
This term is now widely used in situations where English is taught to non
native speakers in a native or non-native English speaking country.
Examples: U.S.A., New Zealand, India, Thailand, China, Vietnam, United Arab
Emirates, Spain, Portugal etc.
ELT - English Language Teaching
A general term for the teaching of English in any of the mentioned learning
situations.
ESP- English for Special Purposes
The term is used for the particular English required for special situations.
Examples English required in business situations, for academic purposes, or
in the tourism industry. Some TESOL training courses contain ESP courses.
EYL - English for Young Learners
English language courses that are specially planned and presented for young
learners. The focus here determines the entire handling of the curriculum.
CELTA - Certificate in English Language Teaching for Adults
top
3. What
are the prospects of teaching English Abroad?
English teaching jobs for either ESL, English as a second language, or TEFL
Teaching English as a Foreign Language are in the highest demand to date. We
have connections with teaching institutions all over the world including
Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and Latin America. The educational
requirements do vary from country to country, but apart from differences in
requirements, we can help you find a position teaching English in a variety
of countries worldwide.
Teaching English abroad can be one of the most rewarding experiences a
person will ever have. Not only is there a magic to traveling and working,
but the school schedule allows a person time for their own cultural
exploration and learning. For a recent college graduate, it is the ideal way
to get work experience, earn money and travel all at once.
Obtaining a certificate to teach English abroad is simple, fast and
affordable with the programs offered at the American TESOL Institute.
Whether in a classroom setting or online, you can have your TESOL
certificate in two weeks. Following this short period, ATI will help place
you in a job. You will negotiate directly with your new employer to work out
pay, travel and lodging, but ATI will be available to help you with this
process.
top
4. What are the eligibility criterions for the American TESOL Program?
The requirements for the American TESOL online and in class courses are:
1. High school Diploma or equivalent
Fluency of the English Language.
Ability to obtain a passport for job placement.
Background check for post certification job placement
The requirements for the American TESOL online and in class courses for
international students are:
High school Diploma or equivalent
Fluency of the English Language.
Ability to legally work, or obtain a working visa, for the country of
employment as a teacher.
Background check for post certification job placement
American TESOL recommends that non native English speakers have a 550 TOEFL
score (220 CBT) or an IELTS 6.0 to enable you to successfully complete an
online or in class American TESOL certification course.
top
5. Do
I need teaching experience to join the ATI Program?
No prior teaching experience is required to join the ATI program.
ATI online and in class programs provide the tools and lesson plans for you
to successfully be an English teacher. ATI also provides optional
volunteer/observation ESL teaching for its graduates in the USA. Potential
teachers with no prior class room hours have the opportunity to gain
classroom experience in the USA before beginning a teaching job abroad.
top
6. How often do I speak with instructors while taking the online course?
Students and graduates chat online, by email, video, or telephone with
American TESOL instructors. American TESOL Instructors are online twelve
hours per day, giving ample opportunity for students to interact.
Certification is granted based on an evaluation of your assignments and
TESOL lesson plans.
top
7. Why should I
take a TESOL course from ATI?
American TESOL Institute (ATI) is an internationally recognized teacher
training organization with educational quality control mechanisms that
ensure ATI trained English teachers are of the highest standard. They have
been training students to teach English overseas since 2002.
American TESOL certification, and a Bachelors or High School Degree, are the
standard requirements for teaching English abroad, and with a certificate,
you can teach virtually anywhere in the world. Some of the most interesting
teaching opportunities currently include, but are certainly not limited to
China, Taiwan, South Korea, Japan, Turkey, Vietnam, Thailand, Latin America,
Eastern and Western Europe, and the Middle East.
ATI offers TESOL courses to suit every individual’s learning needs and
objectives. The numerous programs are perhaps one of the most varied in this
field.
American TESOL Institute presents a whole range of in Class and Online TESOL
Programs that are designed to teach all age groups – from young learners to
adult business professionals.
The ATI courses are interactive and involve students in a broad range of
practical activities.
The American TESOL Institute is accredited by and affiliated to
organizations like AAIEP, iEARN, SAFEA, USETTA, USDLA, Interpark
Communications’ & Talkbean.
Upon successfully graduating from American TESOL Institute, the company
assists you in obtaining a teaching job.
top
8. How does American TESOL Institute help the trainees in their job hunt?
At American TESOL Institute, we will provide assistance at every stages of
job search, and will work diligently to place you in the country of your
choice. American TESOL Institute provides teacher placement in Asia, Latin
America, The Middle East, Europe, or online after completing TESOL
certification. Different countries like China, Poland, Spain, Greece, Korea,
and Japan have slightly different requirements regarding background
education, and knowing which countries you will have the best opportunity of
finding employment can be an invaluable asset. We are extremely
knowledgeable when it comes to job placement, and cater your job search to
whichever country you would like to teach English.
top
9. What is the procedure to be followed by trainees in their job search?
There are 3 stages to be followed:
For job placement you have the option to post your resume online for schools
and Universities worldwide to view.
Next, your resume and picture are published in an email. American TESOL then
represents you, submits your resume to employers in the country of your
choice, and forwards you a variety of teaching options to choose from.
Finally, you have the option to publish your video resume on TESOL Café for
thousands of TESOL employers to view worldwide.
top
10. Does the American TESOL Institute provide lifetime job placement
support?
With your certification from American TESOL, you will also receive the
benefit of a lifelong job placement service. ATI knows all the various ins
and outs of teaching English in a wide variety of countries, and they work
hard to get you placed in the country of your choice. Getting an American
TESOL certification is ultimately the first step in an adventure that will
change your life.
top
11. Can I teach TESOL, ESL inside the USA with your certification?
American TESOL Institute currently provides volunteer, internship, or online
ESL positions inside the USA.
Each state in the Union has different requirement regarding teaching ESL
inside the public school system. Other qualifications such as Bachelors or
Masters Degrees, and specific requirements for teaching in a particular
state, will be the final determining factor for employment inside the USA.
TESOL graduates can also teach ESL inside the United States of America.
If you want to give something back to the world community, and you love
working with students of all ages, you can find a job teaching English as a
second language. TESOL jobs are available in communities all over the world.
top
