[FionaVB]

I did an on-line TEFL certificate course and I found it fantastic. Of course you don't get the classroom experience, but you go into it knowing that that is the case, and that one day you will have to face that first class somehow somewhere. But the theory and grammar were taught pretty thoroughly. I have always had an interest in language and languages, so I found the grammar modules easy, but my husband is currently doing the same course, and is finding it fascinating, useful, and not too easy. The course I did provided a DVD/download of a good teacher/bad teacher class (same teacher in both.) This was my first and admittedly only view of classroom technique until I applied for my first teaching job. [Actually no, come to think of it: I was allowed to sit in on an ESL class before I left my country to come here - which I asked to do in order to see how a class works.] But it was pretty good anyway. Knowing that no matter how bad you are you can't be that bad is good for one's confidence. The first school I applied for took me on knowing I had had no classroom experience. They also provided a DVD of how they expect, or suggest, their classes be taught. And everyone gains in confidence and skills as they go on, anyway. Don't tell me the rest of you weren't nervous in front of your first real class.
An on-line course is a great opportunity for people who want to study while already working. As I say, we know their limitations, but there are ways to compensate for that. Provided schools are prepared to take us on with only a TEFL certificate (as plenty are!), then after 3 or 4 lessons you've had that classroom experience anyway. Yes, it may be a bit unfair on the kids who sit through your first lesson, but the first day on any job is like that, training or no.

[jasonklass]

I think the answer depends on what you plan to do with your certificate. If you're planning to be a career teacher, then an onsite course is definitely the way to go; however, if you just want to go abroad to teach for 6 months to one year and don't plan to make a career out of teaching, then maybe it's not worth the investment for a 4-week course and an online course is a better option. Many employers will give you additional training to supplement what you learned in an online course.

You'll definitely be better prepared with an onsite course that has practice teaching but not everyone can take 4 weeks out of their lives and if you just want to teach short term in a country that accepts them, online courses are a good option.

[CassieG]

Hi Fiona, I am interested in your post as you are (or were at the time) in Vietnam, I have no formal teaching experience and was wondering where you did yours? I am 61 and looking to teach in my retirement, I love languages and thought teaching would be a good thing. Can you give me any advice. Thanks

[FionaVB]

To CassieG, I am still in Vietnam, still teaching at the same school four years after arriving. Re-reading this thread, I still believe that an on-line TEFL course is fine if you want to study while you are still working at another job. There are CELTA and other courses available over here too, if you are prepared to put all your eggs in one basket and come only with the hope of getting a job afterwards. Although, that is not difficult. There are plenty of good respectable schools here, and there are always teachers coming and going. One thing about Vietnam, though, is that they are now cracking down on work permits. In order to get a work permit, it is HUGELY useful to have a degree - of any kind. (It was possible to obtain a work permit without one in the past, but I believe that is more difficult now.) And then you need to make sure that all your paperwork is in order. USA paperwork in particular seems a real pain to get notarised etc.
Back to your situation, lack of experience is not necessarily a barrier (depending on the school), and I believe age isn't either. I know of several teachers in their 60's, and I'm pretty sure one is in his 70's already too.
Good luck with everything!

[CassieG]

Thanks Fiona for your quick response, I'll keep researching the situation as I feel this move would be a good fit for me. thanks again CassieG