Frequently Asked Questions

Listed below are the most frequently asked questions with regards to

A. TEFL courses in general
B. The Trinity CertTESOL in Berlin
C. THE EFL job market

A. GENERAL QUESTIONS

1. TESOL? TEFL? TESL? TEAL? TESL? What do they all mean?

Basically they all mean the same. They are terms used to describe the teaching of the English Language to students who are not native speakers of English. The main difference is the country where the teaching takes place. TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Second or Other Languages) and TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) are standard terms for English language teaching in non-English speaking countries. TESL (Teaching English as a Second Language) and TEAL (Teaching English as an Additional Language) are normally related to English teaching among immigrant and refugee communities in English-speaking countries.

2. With so many English teacher training courses advertised how do I know which to apply for?

The explosive growth in English language teaching has led to a corresponding increase in training courses offered. Unfortunately, not all courses are of the same quality or usefulness. While many are professionally managed and have good course content, some are of a dubious standard. Correspondence courses, for example, with no method of observed teaching practice, are very questionable. Also, there are programmes offering one or two week introductory courses. Some of these may be very good at introducing you to teaching, but they cannot offer you as much as an intensive month-long course, and will not result in a recognized certificate which employers expect.

Before deciding on a course, the two most questions to ask yourself are:

How is the quality of the course assessed and validated?

Many courses are validated by the very people who run the course. This does not lead to objective quality control and the maintenance of high standards. Consequently, most employers will have less confidence in these courses.

Is the course internationally recognized?

One of the most important factors to consider when choosing English training courses is whether they lead to an internationally recognized qualification or not. Without one, you might miss out on opportunities to teach English in the country of your choice. This is particularly so in the highly popular teaching locations where competition is much tougher and having a certificate a potential employer knows can make all the difference. If you are considering taking a qualification validated by a body of which you have not heard, you should seek advice from, for example, the British Council.

3. What is the difference between Trinity´s CertTESOL and CELTA?

The most commonly accepted qualifications of intial training for EFL teachers are the Certificate of English Language Teaching to Adults (CELTA) awarded by the University of Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate (UCLES) and the Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (Cert. TESOL) awarded by Trinity College London. Both certificates are accepted by the British Council as initial TESOL qualifications for teachers. Although similar in its content, mode of delivery and assessment, in terms of more specific components and types of moderation and assessment the two courses differ. Trinity lays great emphasis on reflective journal writing, professional development and self-evaluation for trainees

4. Why choose the Trinity CertTESOL ?

The Trinity CertTESOL is one of the most widely recognized and highly regarded initial TESOL qualifications. Any potential employer, if they have any knowledge at all of English as a foreign language, will know the Trinity CertTESOL. In addition, the courses are validated, and syllabus and assessment criteria are fixed, by Trinity College London. This assures quality control in a number of areas. All centres are subject to approval by Trinity College, and have to maintain standards in order to retain this approval. If a centre is failing to meet the required standards, approval to run courses will be withdrawn by Trinity College. Every Trinity CertTESOL course is moderated by an external assessor. Each Trinity CertTESOL trainer has to be approved by Trinity College London (which includes meeting their requirements regarding teaching experience and qualifications) and has to undergo a lengthy induction process. All the above contribute to the excellent reputation that the Trinity CertTESOL enjoys.

5. What kind of people take the course?

Although most course participants are native speakers of English there are sometimes non-native speakers who are fluent in English. A typical course will have several people in their early twenties, some who are recent graduates and want to travel overseas in order to get work experience. Other older trainees may want a career change or be approaching, at, or past retirement age and may want to start another career or earn money while they travel the world. Most trainees have come especially to do the course in their chosen location, while a few are already based there.

6. Is the CertESOL recognised in the US?

As the Trinity CertTESOL is recognised by the British Council for teaching English as a Second Language (ESOL) and English as a Foreign Language (EFL) it is an internationally accepted qualification in both the public and private sectors. In addition the qualification is accredited as Level 4 with the British Government´s Department of Education and is therefore recognised worldwide including the US as an accredited degree level. Many Americans have found employment in North America using the certificate.

7. Do I need a university degree to take the course?

No, you don't have to be a graduate but it is preferred. Whilst the course is essentially practical, it is, however, recommended that applicants should have formal qualifications which would allow entry into higher education in order to cope with the academic side of the course. In some cases, work experience may be accepted in place of qualifications. Your application will ultimately be judged on whether we think you are capable and motivated enough to meet the demands of the course.

8. Does the course cater for people with a lack of grammatical knowledge?

Yes, there are books we recommend you read before the course starts, also there is a pre-course task to complete once you have been accepted onto the course. During the course we have language analysis input sessions to help you. Funkturm

9. Is age a factor?

There is no upper age limit, but all applicants have to be at least 21 years old. While the majority of trainees who take the course are in their 20's and 30's, individuals of all ages teach English. Some employers may have a preference for younger teachers, whilst others tend to prefer more 'mature' teachers who can bring the benefit of business or professional experience to their lessons.

10. Can I do the course if English is not my first language?

Yes, you need not have English as your first language provided that your awareness and competence in written and spoken English enables you to follow the course without hindrance. Your ability to speak and write English accurately and effectively enough to be a teacher of English will be assessed in your application form and interview. Please note that many employers only employ, or have a strong preference for, native speakers.

11. Do I need to be able to speak a foreign language?

No. The TESOL programme uses the universally accepted Communicative Approach in teacher training, where English is the only language used in the classroom for all levels of foreign language students taught.

12. Do I need to have taught before in order to do the course?

No. The TESOL course is designed as a pre-service course for people with no previous teaching experience.

B. The Trinity CertTESOL in Berlin

13. Why do the CertTESOl course at LSI Berlin?

Berlin is not simply one of the world's great cities, it has many advantages as the place to start in TESOL. Safe by most standards, enjoying all of the conveniences of a modern capital city but with a uniquely European character, Berlin offers a secure but exciting environment either as a base or a stepping stone to both Western and Eastern Europe.

LSI´s long-standing position in an established market testifies to our reliability and quality. Reputable employers in the TESOL business are increasingly suspicious of the fly-by-night organisations that appear regularly in newer and less regulated markets such as Russia, The Czech Republic and China. Our association with City College Manchester (public institution) which is one of largest centres of Further and Higher Enducation in the UK ensures a quality delivery of Trinity-validated courses leading to the CertTESOL.

14. Do you offer scholarships?

LSI does do not offer any form of scholarship. However, applicants may want to check the British Council website for any burseries which may be available in particular circumstances or the equivalant cultural institute of their respective countries.

15. What standard of accommodation can I expect?

To make your stay in Berlin easier, or to help with your transition to living here, we can offer you a choice of good quality accommodation in the city. We place a strong and consistent emphasis on selecting rooms and apartments carefully. For further information please go to accomodation.

16. What about visas / insurance?

Visas For Berlin:

EU citizens are not required to have a visa. Non EU citizens can stay up to 3 months as tourists. EU citizens seeking work in Germany will not require a working visa. US Citizens need to apply for a special working visa which is only granted to vertified EFL teachers. In Berlin we can provide advice and information for those wishing to secure work and residence permits after course completion. If you are thinking of staying in Berlin after the course bring your full original birth certificate as it is necessary for your residence permit. Contrary to popular believe therefore US citizens can work in Germany as Tefl teachers though there are some bureaucratic hoops to jump through.

Health insurance:

We recommend that you arrange your own health and travel insurance. EU citizens benefit from a reciprocal arrangement between the German and other EU countries whereby reciprocal emergency health cover is available free of charge, trainees should ensure they bring form E 111 with them.

17. What do I need to bring to Berlin to do the course?

No particular equipment is necessary except the three books as stated in the pre-course pack. While doing your course here at LSI you can make full use of our office equipment. Our Prep room is equipped with a library, a photocopier, a laminating machine, a scanner and all other materials and resources needed for teaching and learning how to teach. There are also four computer places available allowing free access to the printer and the internet. Coffee and tea are provided, and you may use the kitchen for making sandwiches or eating your packed lunches.

C. The EFL Job market

18. How long will it take me to find work?

The vast majority of our graduates either find work almost immediately in Berlin or other parts of Germany or alternatively transfer to another country after being offered a job there. The Tefl industry is more than bouyant in Germany and Eastern Europe seems to have no end to demand for Tefl teachers.

19. How much can a qualified teacher in Berlin expect to earn?

There is quite a wide range of salaries received by TESOL/EFL teachers as the rate of pay tends to depend on the nature of the work involved whereas Business English tends to pay more than General English and many teachers manage to establish private or direct contracts with companies after a short time. However, in the first year most teachers tend to earn 12-18 Euros per hour work. Since the rents in Berlin and the costs of living are surprisingly low most teachers find that they pay no more than 25% of their net income as accommodation costs.

20. When do schools abroad hire?

Most schools' "academic year" is from September to June. Schools are looking for new teachers from around May to replace teachers that are leaving, and/or from the middle of September to the end of October. December and January are also good months to find work, since some teachers leave in December and new courses start. In Germany the market has no particular recruiting month as work is consistent throughout the year. While this is not true for Southern Europe where there is a definite break in July and August. Most teachers in these month from for example Italy will do a Summer School in the UK followed by a well deserved rest.

21. Is career guidance part of the CertTESOl course?

Yes, job search and career guidance is programmed into the course so that trainees will have applications in progress at the end of the course. In addition to this the "LSI Past&Present" evening is an opportunity for current trainees to meet and network with our graduates still in Berlin.