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Mature study and retraining

Talk to other Mumsnetters who are considering a career change or are mature students.

Original poster

TEFL

32 replies

PrettyPrim · 31/08/2022 13:00

Hello there. Apologies if this has already been posted but I couldn't find anything about TEFL training. It's something I want to do but when researching there seem to be different levels and options available which has left me feeling a bit confused. I already have a degree if that helps. Has anybody done a TEFL course and can advise on what level I should go for? Thank you so much in advance.

OP posts:
w0rkschmurk · 01/09/2022 16:09

Probably best to go for CELTA or Trinity CertTESOL as they are accredited and well recognised. There are plenty of other TEFL/TESOL courses out there but they may be less widely recognised. Depends in what country and in what sort of institution you want to teach as well.

Original poster
PrettyPrim · 01/09/2022 18:56

Ah thank you that's helpful. I'm looking to teach in Italy or Spain

OP posts:
MuddlerInLaw · 27/09/2022 08:41

Have you looked at the National Careers Service website? They cover most careers - and also offer real person telephone conversations.

nationalcareers.service.gov.uk

RhymesWithBouquet · 28/09/2022 23:39

Hi, I agree with going for CELTA or Trinity. There are cheaper courses out there, but quality schools will ask for these qualifications and you can charge more. I did the CELTA in 2011 and was charging 35€/hour as a freelancer in Paris a few years ago (back in Blighty now)

Original poster
PrettyPrim · 29/09/2022 17:19

Thank you all for your suggestions. I've got onto a CELTA course... really excited!

OP posts:
Brefugee · 29/09/2022 17:21

good luck - which version are you doing? i did the 4 week, full time - and i'm not going to lie, it was tough going at times. Very tough.
But it was brilliant and I'm very glad i did it.

MuddlerInLaw · 29/09/2022 17:36

Congratulations & good luck!

Original poster
PrettyPrim · 29/09/2022 19:10

Thank you! I'm doing semi intensive... 2 days a week for 10 weeks 👍

OP posts:
Brefugee · 29/09/2022 19:17

good luck.
Always rember: reduce your Teacher Talking Time as much as possible :)

Original poster
PrettyPrim · 29/09/2022 20:14

Thanks @Brefugee I'll try to remember that!!

OP posts:
Brefugee · 29/09/2022 20:15

oh don't worry - you won't have a chance to forget. They drum that one right into you!

Incrediblebuttrue · 02/10/2022 14:05

Good luck! I'm a TEFL teacher in Italy and CELTA is widely recognised.

Original poster
PrettyPrim · 02/10/2022 18:25

@Incrediblebuttrue oh wow!! Are you enjoying it? It's Italy that I ideally want to end up in!!

OP posts:
Incrediblebuttrue · 02/10/2022 21:47

Yes and no tbh. I have been here for decades and would quite like to do something else now but don't know what.

Original poster
PrettyPrim · 02/10/2022 22:03

Ah I see. That's understandable if you've been doing it a long time

OP posts:
PrunellaMcTat · 02/10/2022 22:04

How exciting. CELTA was bloody tough but so worth doing.

Original poster
PrettyPrim · 02/10/2022 22:08

I'm even finding the pre course task tough!!

OP posts:
beneathhereyes · 09/10/2022 17:36

I did the CELTA years ago but haven't taught for a long time so need to brush up. Any ESL teachers on YouTube anyone could recommend?

Wheresmemum · 14/11/2023 00:21

Hi @PrettyPrim I'm wondering how you got on with the Tesol course. It's something I'm thinking of doing. I'm in my early 50s and wondering whether it's too late for me to live and teach abroad. I wonder whether I'm being unrealistic. I noticed the title on this thread says mature study, so was curious to know whether you're a similar age to me and how you got on with the Tesol course.

Original poster
PrettyPrim · 17/11/2023 21:11

Hi @Wheresmemum yes I completed the course. God it was tough. Found the assignments extremely difficult but then so did everyone else. All 12 of us failed the first one and most of us the second. But I got there in the end. I am now teaching abroad and it's my first international teaching job and I'm mid 50's so no you are definitely not too old. Go for it!!

OP posts:
Brefugee · 17/11/2023 21:50

What a great update!

Wheresmemum · 17/11/2023 22:49

Thanks for your reply @PrettyPrim it's reassuring to read your experience. It's fantastic to hear you're in your mid 50s and you're working in your first international teaching job! I really hope you're enjoying it and well done you that's amazing! 💐I actually enrolled onto the CertTesol yesterday and I'm so excited! I'm really looking forward to it! 🎉

Original poster
PrettyPrim · 18/11/2023 05:19

Aw @Wheresmemum that's fab news.. good for you!! Best of luck xx

OP posts:
Sourisblanche · 18/11/2023 06:16

I’ve also enrolled with TEFL. Moving to France next year. I’m enjoying it so far.

Wheresmemum · 18/11/2023 11:55

Thanks @PrettyPrim because of work commitments I chose the April start date so I've got a while to wait. But it's great having it to look forward to! Hopefully this time next year I'll be in the process of looking for jobs abroad! I hope its okay to message on this thread @PrettyPrim and @Sourisblanche as well as the others, just every now again to check in to see how you're getting on and for some advice if needed. @Sourisblanche please do let me know how you're getting on with the TEFL and your plans to move to France, good luck with it! 💐
@PrettyPrim when you get the chance, could you let me know what it was like moving to a new country and working etc. Are you feeling settled there? 💐xx

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