TEFL Training Options:
If the Traditional TEFL Training Model doesn’t Work for You
Okay, TEFL schools cost a bit of money and at least four weeks of your time – and time is money.
While it is nice to “Do it right”, not everyone has the money in savings or the ability to beg or borrow the money needed — or even the four-weeks vacation time that is required.
If you really think you can’t afford it, look into taking the course in countries where the course is cheaper. Don’t price it in your home country. It will be much more expensive there and ideally, you should take your training in the country where you intend to teach.
Why?
Because you will do your practice teaching with students similar to your real students when you go to work. It will also give you time to network a bit and find the best places to work.
Usually your TEFL instructors will have lots of experience in that country and region and can help set you off on the right path. Don’t miss all of that valuable experience and help.
Still not sold?
Okay, look into programs like Literacy Volunteers of America, who will provide you with some training before you start volunteering.
Here is a link to their mother organization called ProLiteracy: Literacy Volunteers in the USA and here is a link for volunteering with them outside the USA: Literacy Volunteers.
Also—take a look at some free online TEFL training at TEFL Boot Camp. It really is free [no catch, no fine print!] and has almost all the content of a full-blown TEFL course – but no tutoring or assistance is provided, nor is a certification provided.
Another option, try the TEFL Training for New Teachers eBook - which has essentially the same content as the TEFL Boot Camp website but comes with some great free bonuses: Two Peace Corps TEFL Training Manuals – designed for EFL teachers with no experience and the well known Fast Track Grammar Review for EFL Teachers. Usually the whole package is less than US$10. This is probably your best option if a real full-blown TEFL course is just not possible for you.
TED’s Tips™ #1: Any kind of training is always better than no training. Walking away from a lousy first class is not a good way to start your journey abroad. Give yourself a leg up by learning what to do, how to do it and when to do it.
TED’s Tips™ #1: If you can, do some real teaching, even if only on a volunteer level before you head overseas. It will make a big difference in your confidence level when standing in front of your first large class.
Interested in working in China? Learn what kind of jobs are on offer if would like to Teach English in China
How to Teach English Overseas and Secrets to Success Abroad
TEFL eBooks is offering a free download of their new publication Seven Secrets of Success Abroad - and along with it comes a bi-weekly installment and revision of their eBook called How to Teach English Overseas.
Great reviews for the Secrets of Success eBook – in spite of the hokey name – and the How to Teach English eBook is being updated and rewritten and sent out in installments as it is ready.
Here they are – click on the eBooks to get your FREE copies! Great information and the price is right, from our friends at TEFLeBooks.
Please let me know what you think of the ebooks – use the comments section below.
I confess both eBooks are written by yours truly – hoping to inspire others to head overseas and live life BIG out in the real world. I would value your feedback!
Tags: TEFL Training Alternatives, TEFL Training Options
Uncategorized | Ted | 
December 8, 2009 12:00 am
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