I called Bridge TEFL (I switched from Via Lingua to Bridge TEFL) today to inquire about their Florence start dates (not listed on the website). I was told that the Florence program is on hiatus for a while, and there aren't any in-the-near future start dates. * grumble grumble*
I, however, chose not to settle for that, because dammit, I'm getting to Italy, one way or another.
A friend had suggested I check out BUNAC. Well, they don't have an Italy program. But they have a work abroad (short term) in England (I would also happily go to Ireland for a bit) program, during which I could take Bridge TEFL's online course (using my thinking cap, hahaha) and then scoot over to Italy, already certified, and, as Bridge TEFL offers job placement, with a job waiting for me. ha ha HA.
And then I researched BUNAC a bit. And there is a lot of information out there from the been there done that crowd... and 90% of it was from people who have had BAD experiences with BUNAC. So, I thought "Maybe..not?" It was a little intimidating. (If anyone has more BUNAC info/experience please let me know)
Plan B: Stay here, in the US, and take the online TEFL course. Again, part 2 of this plan = scoot over to Italy, already certified, with a job waiting for me, and do a happy dance.
Meaning I'd have to stay here for a bit longer still.
Not a really attractive plan.
Plan C: Go to a Bridge TEFL training program at another location (Prague looks like fun. I've been to Prague before, on a short group trip, and really loved it there. I can see myself living there for four weeks. I would also happily go to their London program. Hell, there's even a program in Greece, and I've always wanted to go there...), and when the course is over and job placement time rolls around, ask them to place me in/around Florence, please and thank you.
So, we shall see. With the online program there is the disadvantage of no hands-on training. No physical teaching experience. But it's cheaper. And I can do it from home. And then head to Italy and start teaching right away.
But Prague/London/Greece....any of those three places would be a very nice four-week mini-vacation while I earn my certificate. And those options DO include hands-on experience in the classroom. But they are more expensive. But I would extend my time in Europe, rather than stay here. No extended time in Italy, but in Europe.
BUNAC is still in the back of my mind. If I hear more things about it and better things about it I might still consider it. But we'll just have to see how it all plays out.
Thoughts/opinions/comments/advice VERY welcome.
welcome!
2 comments:
I have been looking into Via Lingua in Florence for CELTA certification, is there any reason in particular you decided to look other places?? I'm trying to get a grasp of whether this is a good program or not, they've been helpful so far, but I'd like input from others!
wow, I was surprised to get a comment on this, I never did make it to Italy and so I've kind of abandoned the blog.
I think Via Lingua is a good program. My choice to look elsewhere, and to look at Bridge TEFL, was, for me, about having options. Going on aesthetics alone, Bridge TEFL's website looked and felt more legitimate to me (after having read about the high possibilities of scams with TEFL and CELTA programs, I was very wary of everything that crossed my computer screen). This is not to say that Via Lingua is not legitimate, I requested more information via snail mail and did a little research and they do check out as a good, legitimate program. To me Bridge TEFL seemed to offer a little bit more, but that's just a matter of personal preference. I say do some research (there is extensive information out there) and decide what fits for you.
Good luck!
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