Go on then my first questions. . .

[Tails]

. . . of many.

So thinking about doing a TEFL type course I have done some reading which points to Cambridge and Trinity as the market leaders. I live 20 mins from Cambridge city, do they have an office I could drop into? I do realise the qualification is offered worldwide not just in Cambs.

Would I be wise doing the course in the UK as I could study anywhere?

The industry appears awash with con artists (although you only report bad news) is there a good way of avoiding this?

How long would people recommend studying for and are the TEFL teachers helpful in getting their students gainful employment, or would I be responsible for that myself?

After completing a course am I really going to be able to express myself and the English language to a high enough standard that both children and adults can learn from me. The last thing I want to do is end up half way around the world and let people down.

Are there any other good TEFL forums?

That will do for starters I have many questions.

Thanks for any help Andy

[Jo]

So thinking about doing a TEFL type course I have done some reading which points to Cambridge and Trinity as the market leaders. I live 20 mins from Cambridge city, do they have an office I could drop into? I do realise the qualification is offered worldwide not just in Cambs.

You can find Cambridge ESOL's contact arrangements, as well as their course locations, here. Though whether you live 20 minutes from Cambridge or in the South Pacific I don't think they'll be waiting for you to drop in. There are, however, four course centres in Cambridge and you could normally phone them up and make an appointment.

Would I be wise doing the course in the UK as I could study anywhere?

That is not really an issue of wisdom, though personally I would say yes. You could do a course on a tropical beach somewhere, but you would be unlikely to gain any experience in teaching students from several different nationalities that way.

The industry appears awash with con artists (although you only report bad news) is there a good way of avoiding this?

You seem to have answered this in your opening sentence.

How long would people recommend studying for?

You can do a weekend intro course to put your toe in the water but any serious certificate-level course is about one month full-time.

are the TEFL teachers helpful in getting their students gainful employment, or would I be responsible for that myself?

If you have any self-dependence - and to be a serious TEFL teacher you'll need it - you will not want to tie yourself to a course that "guarantees" employment after completion of their course. On the other hand, if you do need to have your hand held, there are hundreds of courses that are falling over themselves to offer you lifelong employment at fabulous salaries in exotic places.

After completing a course am I really going to be able to express myself and the English language to a high enough standard that both children and adults can learn from me.

That depends a) on you and b) on the course. But in a word, yes.

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Thanks for your help Josef, I found the ESOL Cambridge yesterday and contacted Anglia Ruskin to enquire. Whilst I would normally find my own work, but as the industry is unregulated I would like some advice in regards to employment. Be that through a CELTA course or using a forum.

[Jo]

You may well find that teachers/trainers on a good course will give you some advice about finding employment etc, but that is very different to "getting their students gainful employment", which was your question. And indeed, as intimated, there are courses that "guarantee" to find you employment. Personally I don't see the connection between a good, objective training operation and a recruitment agency. But perhaps I'm old-fashioned. Perhaps if it's a gap-year thing or just a bit of a lark it all makes perfect sense. (Apologies if my cynicism is showing.)

However, you are certainly wise to seek advice in this "unregulated" industry and I am sure that Anglia Ruskin will be able to help you.

[systematic]

Just a few of the larger, genuine, providers of Cambridge CELTA courses also operate large chains of branches of high street language institutes and cram schools (especially in Thailand). They will offer their CELTA graduates employment in those schools, or in some nearby state mainstream schools. It can be a worthwhile career starter because those larger organisations are generally quite supportive.

Providers of other TESOL courses (non genuine CELTA courses) are often little more than job placement agencies, and offering teacher training courses and TESOL certificates is just a means to an end. Some won't even hand you your certificate until you have done at least a full term teaching for a low salary in one of their customer's schools.

Bottom line is, beware of any TESOL course providers who offer 'guaranteed employment on completion of course'.

If you are working as a teacher, you will never be expected to find employment for your students. It's not part of your job description, and it's an entirely different industry.