TEFL Trinity CertTESOL

A Closer Look

John Hughes is Manager of Teacher Training and Recruitment at Inlingua in Cheltenham. This international group of some 300 schools in around 25 countries is renowned for its high standards, and its excellent reputation in teaching business English.

The Cheltenham centre offers the Trinity TESOL qualification and the London Chamber of Commerce FCTBE- so we asked more about these, and of course, how the TESOL compares with the CELTA.

How would you say worldwide recognition of the TESOL compares with that of the CELTA and other qualifications?

The TESOL is structured in much the same way as the CELTA. You have to do a minimum of six hours observed teaching and each course is checked and assessed by a visiting moderator. TESOL has a greater emphasis on project work with journals that are kept for reflection on teaching and materials design. TESOL also includes more intensive work on pronunciation.

As well as offering Certificate TESOL courses we are also involved in recruitment of teachers for schools overseas. I've never yet had a school request the CELTA over and above the TESOL or vice versa. Even schools, such as International House who were instrumental in setting up the CELTA, have happily recruited trainees with Trinity Cert. TESOL. The British Council who accredit UK schools look for one or the other and regard them equally.

Is the TESOL available on-line?

No. As with the CELTA, trainees must do teaching practice on the course which is observed. On-line training would be inappropriate for a practical preparation for teaching. People considering on-line courses should seriously consider this fact before paying out money.

Is the 4-week intensive course really that tough?

YES! The learning curve in week one is very steep and trainees will sometimes wonder what on earth are they doing on such a course! But the end feedback is usually that it was one of the toughest experiences people have ever had but one of the most rewarding.

To what extent does the quality of a TESOL vary from centre to centre?

TESOL courses must follow strict guidelines issued by Trinity College London. Any course provider is checked and receives a report after every course in order to ensure standards are met. Therefore variation is possible in terms of approach but the basic requirements must be met.

What are the main things to look out for when choosing a TESOL course?

As standards are the same with all course providers any TESOL course being offered must be essentially the same. Nevertheless there may be some differences. For example most providers (as with the CELTA) run full time courses in four weeks whereas we run it in five weeks. Our course is targeted at people who want a little more time to complete the course, are not simply interested in the certificate but having more time to reflect on their own progress. We also usually ensure trainees receive more opportunity to teach than the minimum six hours.

Where do the TESOL trainees studying in Cheltenham come from?

All over Britain though since we are based in the South West of England the majority of trainees come from the region. We can help organise accommodation and about 10% of our trainees are non-native speakers from abroad.

What are the main advantages of studying in Cheltenham?

Cheltenham offers a relaxed atmosphere to help balance what can be an intensive and sometimes stressful course. It offers an alternative to the bulk of courses which take place in London which has all the inherent problems of commuting and the city. Our courses tend to have a higher average age group. We attract more candidates who are looking for a career change and not only graduates straight out of University. This means that courses here contain a wider spread of people from different backgrounds and experience.

Do you provide accommodation for trainees coming from further afield? What sort of accommodation do you recommend - full board host family? Self catering? Are they close to the school?

Most trainees choose the self catering option. This means you have a bedroom with desk and use of a kitchen, bathroom etc.

What are the job prospects like after the course. How can inlingua help?

It depends on the time of year. Our busiest period is September with schools in Europe (especially Poland, Russia, Italy and Spain) looking for teachers. We have a network of 300 Inlingua schools around the world and also maintain strong links with other schools who have recruited directly off our course. We don't guarantee a job but if a trainee is willing to be flexible and adventurous and consider different destinations it is fairly easy to find work.