While I realize, given the economic situation, that taking an on-line course is tempting because of its dramatically low price it should still be avoided. Why is it so low in the first place? You get what you pay for.
I can't speak for Asia, however in Europe, Turkey and North Africa, English institutions that hire look for a certificate that provided "Observed Teacher Practice" no exceptions. On-line courses can't do that. But there are other reasons as well. Below are the advantages of taking the TESOL/TEFL Certificate (full- time, 4 week course)in the country/region of your choice.
1. You can get acclimated gradually in the country/culture while you still have a support system (training centres usually provide services such as airport pickup, arrange housing during the course, and provide local orientation). Its easier then, to extend housing or even find cheaper housing during the month you're taking the course inorder to remain after the course is finished
2. You can be sure your certificate will be recognized by local employers and the training centre can give you invaluable contacts and advice regarding reputable local
employers as well as those who pay the best.
3. A standard certificate for Europe is 120 hours on-site, including at least 6 hours of supervised practice teaching on real students (not peer trainees). Online programs aren't well-accepted by reputable employers.
4. Your "teacher practice" will be composed of native/local students which will be representative of those you’ll be working with when you start your job.
5. Finally, jobs in Europe and North Africa aren't normally found from abroad. You really need to be here with a cell phone and C.V.s in person to get interviews. There are rarely if ever exceptions to this.
Ultimately, if you want to live abroad, you have to come on over. So why not get started by taking a TESOL course in the country/region of your choice and take advantage of that time to make the transition. I know that showing up to a foreign country can be daunting but if you want something you've never had, you have to do some things you've never done.
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