TEFL question: Anyone attended i-to-i training courses in HK (or else where)?

[puppe]

I am now in HK and would like to attain a TEFL Certification.

I have just checked out here ( TEFL Courses and TEFL Certificates from i-to-i ) an education centre called i-to-i having the courses.

I would like to see how it is, like if it's trustworthy as a real-exist company~~~

Thanks so much!

Scarlett

[M Khan]

There have been several discussions on these boards regarding TEFL training courses and you would do well to perform a quick search for those.

In brief, while it can to some extent depend on your ultimate goals, the general weight of opinion is that the Trinity CertTESOL course offered by English for Asia (at a not inconsiderable price of HKD25k) trumps the competition as it is by far the most globally recognised and accepted TEFL qualification you can take in Hong Kong.

[justjoe86]

The CELTA is equally if not more prestigious but I'm not sure if you can take it in HK. I did it in Beijing... A month intensive course and a very cheap cost of living whilst studying.

Had fun too

Edit: Cheaper too... more like 14k hkd when I did it about 2 years ago

[M Khan]

A CELTA course used to be offered in Hong Kong by the British Council, but not any more. The Trinity course in Sheung Wan is the only option left for the serious TEFL student.

[bryant.english]

I am now in HK and would like to attain a TEFL Certification.

I have just checked out here ( TEFL Courses and TEFL Certificates from i-to-i ) an education centre called i-to-i having the courses.

I would like to see how it is, like if it's trustworthy as a real-exist company~~~

Thanks so much!

Scarlett

whatever..

[justjoe86]

I would like to see how it is, like if it's trustworthy as a real-exist company~~~

Scarlett

Just to confirm.. are you a native English speaker (or to that level?) because that is a requirement for the course.

[bryant.english]

Just to confirm.. are you a native English speaker (or to that level?) because that is a requirement for the course.

It's a requirement for the 'good' courses, I can tell you that, from what I saw in Sydney, i-to-i will take and pass anyone with the course fee. I can't say the course is useless but IMO is suitable only for experienced teachers who are suddenly forced to get a TEFL qualification, any qualification and quickly, or as a taster course for people who just want to find out what TEFL is about. The i-to-i courses are not suitable training for teaching.

[justjoe86]

Yeah I just went for the celta immediately, even before I started teaching, because I noticed some jobs pay more according to "post celta experience" so I didn't see the point in getting pre celta experience.

I was in Beijing 3/4 of the way through my celta, watching my degree ceremony on a webcam feed... that's what I call efficiency!

[anothercanuck]

the quickie TESL/TEFL online courses with NO practicum are only useful if you envision a lifetime of cram school teaching and illegal tutoring to make your future living. No reputable school, and likely NOT the EMB, will recognize this bought piece of paper...do yourself and your future students a favor and spend the money on a proper Cert from Trinity as mentioned, or you might try, if your really serious about a career in teaching, the double degree BLS(E)/PGDE from OUHK, which can be done part time evenings over approx 3 years.

[imparanoic]

My friend has done it in UK, he taught in HK for 3 years within a tutoring centre, eventually did a PDGE, now fully fledge NET. it's great as a starting point into teaching and it's pretty affordable, it's also accreditated by various places.