Preparing for your TEFL Course

So you've registered for your on-site TEFL training. You've got your plane tickets and housing is arranged. Now what? You think you're finished? No, you havent even begun. You still have to take the course which is actually work. So here are some things you can do to prepare yourself for the course. 1. All TEFL, TESOL, CELTA programs have a healthy dose of English grammar. This is because your students will have grammar questions and they will expect you, the English expert, to answer them. Technically, you don't really need to study grammar before you arrive to the course as everything should be provided. However, if the thought of grammar terrifies you then you should, at least mentally prepare yourself for these sessions. The best advice I can give for this is purchasing either: Jeremy Harmer (2001) The Practice of English Language Teaching 3rd edition (Longman) or Scott Thornbury (1997) About Language (CUP) Read at least one of them just to get your head around the idea of English grammar. 2. You will be expected to read and write in English. There will be many opportunities where you must write correctly in English:)) After all, if you want to teach English then you must have mastered it, in theory anyway. Be prepared to write often during the course. 3. Any reputable program has teaching practice. This means, you must plan lessons and then stand up and teach them in front of students. That also implies that you will be expected to present and execute your lesson plan in the hopes that some of your students will learn some English at least some of the time during your class. Teacher practice is usually one of the most valued segments for TEFL graduates of our courses so I recommend you look forward to it and embrace it. Most often the students of English who participate as volunteers are very appreciative and look forward to the lessons prepared. 4. While most TEFL courses should be able to provide job advice, I suggest before you arrive, that you have a rough idea of where you would like to teach and starting when. Have a plan before the course. The more detailed your plan is, the more resources you'll be able to access. This also makes it easier for the trainers at your center to help you and get you started. 5. At the start, plan to have an open mind and be flexible. You are about to embark on a fantastic experience and the more open you are, the more likely you will be prepared to receive all the possibly wonderful opportunities that surround you abroad. G.G.