» TESOL? TEFL? TESL? TEAL? ELT? TESL? What’s the difference?
They are essentially all the same thing. They are terms used to describe the teaching of the English Language by native English speakers to those that do not speak the language. The main difference is the country where the teaching takes place. TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Second or Other Languages) and TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) are standard terms for English language teaching in non-English speaking countries. TESL (Teaching English as a Second Language) and TEAL (Teaching English as an Additional Language) are normally related to English teaching among immigrant and refugee communities in English-speaking countries. TEFL and TESL are more frequently used in Europe as acronyms while TESOL and TEAL are more commonly used in North America.
» Why INTESOL TURKEY and not one of the other numerous certification courses?
If you want to teach English abroad, this is the program to choose. INTESOL offers an accredited certification upon successful completion of the course. The certificate awarded on successful completion of the course is recognized by the largest TEFL organization in the world; the British Council. INTESOL Turkey's family of trainers hold high qualifications in TEFL training and years of experience. The course provides candidates with plenty of practical teaching hours teaching real students. The course is competitively priced and each student receives personalized attention.
»Can I get a job without a TESOL certificate?
It is possible in a few countries to secure teaching jobs without the certificate, but this is becoming more and more obsolete as more people want to teach and are acquiring certification. The positions that one may receive without the certificate are on average paid less.
» Does INTESOL provide trainees with an internationally recognized qualification upon successful completion of the course?
Yes, INTESOL WORLDWIDE is registered as an "Approved OCNW ( soon to be known as Ascentis) Centre. Employers worldwide pro-actively seek to employ INTESOL graduates
» Do I need to have a university degree ?
It is not required, but it is recommended to teach abroad. You should, however, hold qualifications for entry to higher education (tertiary level) in your home country. The course will accurately prepare you for teaching English, but due to the competitive nature of the business, a bachelor’s degree is looked upon favourably.
» Do I need to know the language of the country planning to teach in?
No. The INTESOL program trains teachers with the universally accepted Communicative Approach. Within this approach, English is spoken while taught in the classroom at all levels.
» Do I need to be a native speaker to take the course ?
No. Those applicants for whom English is a second language or foreign language must demonstrate competence in all skills in order to attend the course. There are some schools that prefer native English speakers, but not all.
» Do I need to have previous teaching exprience ?
No. INTESOL Turkey provides each trainee with multiple chances to teach in front of real students and gain experience throughout the training.
» Do I need to have knowledge of grammar ?
The course does cater to those that lack knowledge of grammar. There are grammar books that are recommended reading as well as a pre-course task. During the course we offer a high number of grammar input sessions.
» Do I need to have a visa or work permit ?
INTESOL Turkey encourages those that plan to teach abroad to check with the Embassy or Consulate of the country they wish to work in. The following website is recommended: www.embassyworld.com
» How much work is involved with the course ?
The course is very intensive and requires a strong commitment by the student. One can expect to be in class for about eight hours a day along with a few hours of work at home. INTESOL recommends that trainees have no other personal or professional commitments outside the course during those four weeks of training.
» Who are the practice students ?
The students are normally Turkish speakers that attend these free classes of English with complete awareness that they will be taught by novice teachers. The class sizes vary, but will never exceed 12.
» Who are the trainers ?
Your course director will be supported by a team of 2 - 4 trainers. They will be responsible for leading input sessions and observing and supporting you through teaching practice. Trainers are all qualified to at least Diploma level and with experience in teaching and teacher training.
» How will I be assessed ?
The theoretical side of the course is module-based, each of which is graded and returned with comments. The modules submitted are continually assessed; there are no written examinations. Assessment on teaching practice is also continuous. On completion of the course, successful candidates are awarded certificates graded as follows:
A1 - Distinction
A2 - Excellent
B1 - Very good
B2 - Good
C - Pass
