Thread: Fake TEFL? Total disaster?

If I had the money, I would register for a TEFL course here in Chiang Mai. I'd spend the requisite four weeks absorbing teaching methods while sipping Thai Tea and smoking a ciggie.

Unfortunately, I have just enough money to eat for the next few weeks.

I'm wondering if I should do the unthinkable (I never thought I would even consider this), and claim that I've completed a TEFL. I've heard that many TEFL courses are a bit of a joke and that most of the modules and techniques taught are easily enough researched alone.

I have: a BA in English, creative writing skills (yes, I know this has nothing to do with teaching), a pretty good brain, and the desire not to make a COMPLETE ass out of myself. More importantly, I cringe at the thought of students and parents wasting money on an English Teacher who is a total flop. This fear is motivation enough for me to try as hard as possible to learn on the job and utilize all possible resources (internet, other teachers, books) to be an effective teacher. Of course, I understand that all the research in the world could be meaningless once I'm actually in the classroom. But I'm willing to try.

And I need to work.

I have been in and out of Thailand since January. Spent the last three months in Pai scraping by without any access to money (ATM card was stolen in June and B of A failed to send me a new one for months and months, causing me to max out my credit card). A series of unlucky events, including hospitalizations, septecemia, lost phones, and lost apartments, resulted in a delay of my plans to find work in Chiang Mai.

I don't exactly have anyone at home sending me money, nor do I have a particularly appealing job market to go back to. Last I checked most of my friends have lost their jobs and several were going on food stamps. California has one of the higher unemployment rates in the U.S. Given that I don't even have a home to go back to, employment in Thailand seems to be the best option for me.

So, back to my original question...fake TEFL or no? If so, do employers regularly ask specifics about TEFL methodology during interviews? Can they verify certificates? I'm assuming that if I were exposed I would not face the same consequences as that unfortunate teacher who had a fake Degree...since the degree is required by the Thai Ministry of Education while the TEFL is not...

Is it probable that I can secure SOME kind of position without listing myself as TEFL certified?

Thanks.

By the way, I'm sorry if I've offended anyone out there. I realize how frusterating it is to be in a profession that is constantly infiltrated by desperate young travelers hoping to stay as long as possible. I considered getting a TEFL before leaving last Winter but decided it would be better to wait. Things have not gone favorably for me, and I'm finding myself in a bad position at the moment.

Oh, I don't think you are for real sweetheart

Just what the Thai newspapers need for sales another Farang in jail for 4 months over lying about qualifications

Foreseeing far far too many potential criticisms for a newbie.

English far too good to be from California.

Utterly unconvincing.

Next.

I'm still confused as to why you think you NEED and TEFL?. I've never had one and never will. You need to take the Thai Culture Course. Then take the exams or get a PGC in teaching profession (60,000 baht). Who needs a tefl?

Meh! go for it mate. You degree is good enough and beside, most of these so called oxy morons with "just" TELF course to their names are knobs! You got nothing to lose. So do it!

IF you are real and IF your BA is real and IF you can prove it is real and IF you can present yourself as real than you probably don't need the TEFL at all

Originally Posted by Cyrille

English far too good to be from California.

I'm diggin it