Q: Why Teach English?

A: Teaching English is a challenging and rewarding opportunity in itself. It gives you the opportunity to work and live overseas and is a skill that can be used to attain employment in almost any country.
In many cases you also have the opportunity to return something to the community that you are working in. You will often experience a local culture first hand, gaining more an insight into the culture than you would if you were simply passing through.

Q: I'm confused by all these terms: ESL, EFL, TEFL, TESL, and TESOL. What do they mean? How are they different?

A: All of these terms refer to teaching English to individuals who are not native speakers of the language.

• ESL stands for English as a Second Language.
• TESL stands for Teaching English as a Second Language.
• EFL refers to English as a Foreign Language, and TEFL, as you would expect, to Teaching EFL.

In general, ESL is used to refer to teaching English in an English-speaking country, and EFL to teaching English in a country whose official language is not English.

TESOL, which stands for Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages, is becoming more commonly used because it encompasses both TEFL and TESL. Most EFL/ESL training programs now use the standard label of "TEFL Certificate Program" for their teacher training courses.

Q: Is this program suitable for people over 40?

A: Yes, absolutely. Teachers over 40 who are active and motivated have no problems finding work.

Q: Do I need to know the language of my students?

A: No. Most schools today do not encourage the use of students' native languages in class, even when the students are beginners. Further, in many settings students in the same class may have a variety of native languages.

Q: Do I need a University Degree?

A: In order to attain a work permit in Thailand a university degree is required along with a 120 hour TEFL certificate. Some employers will recruit teachers who don’t have a degree although getting a job without one is becoming increasingly difficult.

Q: IWhat can I expect of the Program? Will it be difficult?

A: You will take part in classes in which full participation is essential. You will also be expected to teach observed and unobserved classes. Practice teaching is always under the guidance of our experienced teacher trainers, who will offer extensive support and feedback to help you improve your skills.

The Insight program is an intensive 120 hour program you should plan to set aside time for homework, including reading, lesson planning and review of the material taught. The process is quite demanding, but when you receive your certificate you will know you have constructed a solid foundation upon which to build your growth as a teacher.

Q: What topics will be covered?

A: The program will prepare you to teach listening, speaking, reading, writing and grammar while using only English in the classroom. You will also complete modules on lesson planning, error correction, cross-cultural issues, pronunciation, teaching Business English and more. You will have the chance to apply your new skills in your practice teaching sessions with real ESL students.

Q: How much can I expect to earn?

A: The rates for teaching in Thailand vary quite a lot and range from full time positions in local schools which pay around 30,000 Baht a month to jobs in international schools that can pay as much as 150,000 Baht month.

There is also a big difference between the cost of living in Bangkok and the rest of Thailand which is reflected in the salaries that schools offer. Bangkok salaries tend to be in the region of 40,000 + which is enough to have a good standard of living.

Q: Do I need to do some preparation before the course starts?

A: We will send you some pre course material which you should read through. There will also be a short pre course assignment for you to complete before the course begins.

Q: Who will be my teachers?

A: We insist that all our trainers are degree qualified and have additional vocational teaching qualifications. They are also very experienced in all levels of education in Asia.

Q: Who will I be teaching?

A: Young learners from 4 years old through to adults. We understand that not everyone will be able to teach all types of student but it is important for you to experience all types of students.

Q: English is not my first language. Can I still take the course?

A: As long as you are competent in all 4 skills (listening, speaking, reading and writing), there is no reason why you should not apply.

Q: Are there any exams?

A: You will be evaluated teaching a student or group of students. We believe you should be tested on the skills you will be using in your job and not on how well you can remember theory.

Q: What is the average number of students on your courses?

A: 6-8 students.

Q: How can I find work after the course?

A: You will be given advice and assistance regarding jobs during the course.

Q: How much should I allow for living expenses?

A: A 1,000 Baht a day to live reasonably comfortably. That would include accommodation, food and transportation.

Q: Is my certificate internationally recognized?

A: You can legally apply and find employment as a TEFL teacher in any country worldwide. There is no official governing body for TEFL meaning that having a certificate will not guarantee you can get a job in any country. Most respectable schools will require you to give a demonstration class. This is something we help you to prepare for during your course.

Q: How do I sign up?

A: Please contact james@insightenglish.com for more information or you can call +66 2 638 3311