HELP! Florence, Italy TEFL?

[k_elisabeth]

Wow. There is SO much information out there, and I've heard some scary stuff about TEFL scams.

Anyway. My name is Kat, I'm looking to take an onsite TEFL certification in Florence, Italy in January or February. As I said, there is almost too much information out there, and it's hard to know which programs are valid and which programs are just waiting to take my money and run * shudder * Does anyone have recommendations of good programs to check out and/or programs to stay away from at all costs? ANY and ALL advice is appreciated, I'm almost entirely lost here.

[ICAL_Pete]

You could start by looking at sites like TEFLWatch and the TEFL blacklist to see if the course provider has received bad reviews by people who have taken their course. I know some of the British Schools in Italy have received a lot of bad press see http://teflblacklist.blogspot.com/2007/ ... ly_04.html

Have you already found out which English language schools in Florence offer onsite teacher training programs? It would be useful if you could come up with a shortlist.

[k_elisabeth]

I did find that TEFL blacklist site as well as TEFL watch and couple others, thanks. They've been very helpful but there are no websites recommending GOOD schools, which is making things a little more difficult.
A few that I have been looking at that seem like legit, decent programs however:

EuroTEFL: http://www.eurotefl.com ... however, after a bit of further research to not look like a dummy while posting this, it seems that they're at the same address as TEFL International's Florence base - and TEFL International is DEFINITELY on the TEFL Blacklist site. Anyone have any more info about EuroTEFL though, because neither EuroTEFL or TEFL Int'l are on the Italy section of TEFL blacklist. I'm still wary, but would like to know if I don't need to be.

Language Corps http://www.languagecorps.com/loc_italy.php seems pretty legit, and claims to be affiliated with SIT and Bridge-Linguatec. Anyone know anything about this program?

Via Lingua also seems okay. http://www.cteflflorence.com/ Main Via Lingua website: http://www.vialingua.org/tefl-florence.asp

I would also prefer a program more centrally located in the city - the EuroTEFL program, which I'm wary of anyway, is way the hell out in the San Jacopino zone, while Language Corps says that they are located in Piazza della Repubblica (no specific address given) and Via Lingua gives a contact address c/o of the American Language Center, Via Brunelleschi, 1. Both of these are locations that I am more comfortable with.

If anyone knows anything about these programs or others (hopefully located more in the center of Fi.), I'd really appreciate some feedback!

[k_elisabeth]

Also:
While the British schools in Italy have received bad press there is nothing specifically said about the British Institute Florence. http://www.britishinstitute.it/
Looking at them because their language centre is located in Palazzo Strozzino - I've actually taken a class with another school located in that same building before (there are several floors and a different organization on each floor). Great location, and their website seems fairly legit. TEFL Blacklist only specifically identifies the British Institutes in Vicenza, Arona, and Taranto as schools to be wary of. Anyone have any info on British Institute Florence?
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[ElizabethA]

Hi,
I realize this post is from a few years ago. But I'm also interested in doing a TEFL certification program in Florence. I've read a few negative reviews of TEFL International. I'm also looking into BridgeTEFL, Via Lingua, and Language Corps. Does anyone know about these programs or any others in Florence? Job prospects? Accommodations during the program?
Thanks!