Completing a TEFL certificate at SEE TEFL Chiang Mai

I remember researching TEFL courses was quite an arduous affair, there seem to be so many with great offers and conflicting reviews that it was actually a difficult task to decide on a school. There are so many options, doing one at home, completing one online or doing one in Thailand. I had decided on Chiang Mai as my destination, so this narrowed it down. There are plenty of courses in Chiang Mai and eventually I decided with SEE TEFL.

 
The main reason was John, the director of SEE TEFL, his communication was quick and consistently helpful. He was the only person that actually replied to any of my questions and provided me with information that was well informed and personal. The second reason was the offer of a class ‘B’ non immigrant visa that enables multi-entry in and out of Thailand for the next year, this was not offered on any other course and was well worth the money.

When you sign up for the course they have two accommodation options, I didn’t take any of these as they seemed over priced and I wanted a little freedom of choice. Two students on the course stayed in one of these recommended guest houses and were not totally impressed for the money. It’s real easy to just go around Chiang Mai and find a place you like and is always cheaper. I’m paying 3500b compared to the 9000b that the recommended guest houses cost.

Jenni one of the many wonderful staff member at SEE TEFL

I started the course with 10 other students who all had similar stories about deciding upon SEE TEFL, mainly Johns communication with each and every person. The first day we were orientated and the 4 week course was outlined to us, we had all been given a grammar book, notepad, marker pens and ring binder. Immediately we get started with grammar lessons, teaching instruction and an introductory course on Thai language (led by Ying, SEE TEFL manager and Johns wife). I suck at grammar and spelling, so I knew that it would be a struggle for me to teach grammar to students, but the instructors explained it well and I started to learn things about English that I never knew before. The first two weeks concentrate on learning grammar tenses and vocabulary lessons and then applying them to a lesson plan, John really stresses the importance of a good lesson plan to avoid any mistakes in a classroom. We also spent some time building confidence in public speaking by and presenting subjects to the class, people were obviously nervous at the beginning but as the weeks went by confidence grew and people were keen to teach.

Liam the ever excitable Mancunian, top bloke, top Man Utd fan!

The last two weeks are centred around completing the 6 practice lessons in schools in and about Chiang Mai. This is possibly the most valuable aspect of the 4 week course, it really prepares you for joys and horrors that await in a Thai classroom. Over the 6 lesson you will teach kindergarten (optional), primary school, Secondary school, university and a one on one lesson.

Trying out every level of teaching gives you the complete spectrum of education levels and enables you to make an educated choice of where you want to work. Before I did the course I thought that I may enjoy working in Kindergarten but when I did a Kindergarten class I realised I didn’t enjoy it. The level was too basic and the little 4 year old kids really intimidated me, crazy to hear but I was petrified of them. I’ve stood in front of grown men threatening to kill, maim and bludgeon me as a mental health nurse and I’d re-live that experience any day rather than teach 4 year old children again. I think my favourite class to teach in the end was University, but everybody has a favourite by the end.

Ben displaying the effects of teaching Kindergarten, exhausting work!

All in all I was impressed with the course, the staff are friendly, John continues to be supportive throughout the course and it is structured well enough to give you confidence that you will complete the course and not fall behind. For the money it’s pretty good a place, I would recommend it to people travelling to Thailand with the intention of completing a TEFL before they look for a job.

So the last day I didn’t make it to the graduation, I had a huge bender the night before, I’ve still yet to pick up my certificate and I’m in no rush. I’ve got a 1 week break now travelling around northern Thailand on a scooter then I’ll come back to look for a job.

Can you spot the dirty roger!

People have had mixed feelings, some good, some bad. I will not comment on others experiences, but if you have attended SEE TEFL I invite you to comment below leaving you views to help other decide if the course is for them.