International TEFL Certification on an Island Paradise! Volunteer Packages Available

  Thailand

Koh Samui

Dates: please check website for course dates

Description: Island TEFL is located on the idyllic, sun-drenched island of Koh Samui, Thailand - the perfect environment to gain your internationally recognized TEFL qualification.

Our 4-week TEFL course has a very practical emphasis and deals primarily with the real skills and knowledge needed by teachers in the classroom. In just 4 weeks, you will graduate as a qualified TEFL teacher, equipped with the skills, knowledge and practical teaching experience necessary for you to start your new career, anywhere in the world!

Trainees on our course receive 8 hours of teaching practice and peer observation covering primary, and one-to-one tutoring. Teaching Practices are not undertaken until the 2nd week of the course - the first week is spent ensuring that all trainees are prepared and confident to enter the classroom and deliver effective lessons.

Our classrooms are spacious, comfortable and air-conditioned, providing you with all the resources necessary to complete your TEFL course. The surrounding lush gardens and pool provide a peaceful and extremely pleasant atmosphere for study and group work.

Island TEFL offers 3 separate packages, all at very affordable prices, and all geared towards your future career success. Private accommodation is included in all packages:

* Package A is: 4-week certified TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) course. In just 4 weeks, you will graduate with an internationally recognised TEFL certificate, allowing you to travel and teach in many countries across the globe. Includes 1 month private accommodation.

* Package B is: 4-week TEFL course plus a 2-month Volunteer Placement in a local state primary or secondary school. This option not only improves your resume for future employment opportunities, but allows you to give something back to the local community and immerse yourself in the local Thai culture. Includes 3 months private accommodation.

* Package C is: 4-week TEFL course plus a 1-month Volunteer Placement in a local state primary or secondary school. An authentic teaching experience for those with limited time; and a great way to add practical teaching hours to your resume. Includes 2 months private accommodation.

Duration and Times: Island TEFL's course is conducted over a 4-week period, Monday to Friday of each week. Classes begin at 9 am and conclude at 3 pm each day. This leaves you ample evening and weekend time to enjoy Koh Samui's many attractions, or just chill on the gorgeous beach.

TEFL Course Start Dates:

2008:
6th October - 31st October
10th November - 5th December

2009:
12th January-6th February #
9th February-6th March *
9th March-3rd April *
4th May-29th May
1st June-26th June
6th July-31st July
3rd August-28th August #
7th September-2nd October *
5th October-30th October
9th November-4th December

* = Packages B & C not available due to local schools in holiday session
# = Package B not available due to local schools in holiday session

Highlights:
Make a Difference
As an EFL volunteer with Island TEFL, you can make a difference to the local people of Koh Samui. Not only will you be giving something back to our wonderful community and immersing yourself in the Thai culture of this tropical island paradise, but youll also be making a difference to yourself and broadening your horizons. Due to low budgets, the majority of public schools on Koh Samui have no native-speaking English teachers, so the staff and students are very appreciative of our volunteers, and the generous commitment they make to the schools.

Island Paradise
Koh Samui is undoubtedly one of Thailand's gems! This idyllic island is located in the Gulf of Thailand. Samui has been a backpackers' destination since the late 70's and has been able to retain its relaxed, safe and exotic environment, whilst enjoying a significant increase in tourism in recent years. The natural beauty and charm of the island will captivate you, and like many others, you won't want to leave the tropical beaches fringed with coconut palms.

Samui has many sister islands. Two of the most well known are Koh Tao (one of the best diving/snorkelling islands in Asia ) and Koh Phangan (famous for its Full Moon Parties). Both these islands are a short boat trip from Samui and are great places to take a short break and have some more fun! Both islands offer a range of accommodation, but are geared more to backpackers.

Tropical Fun & Adventure
About one hour from Samui by speedboat is the Ang Thong National Marine Park. This world renowned archipelago of small islands is considered a natural wonder of the world. The snorkelling and diving there is excellent, and the best way to explore the many inlets and reefs around the park is by Sea Kayaking. The park boasts a spectacular inland lake and caves, which makes it perfect for hiking.

Island TEFL works closely with one of Samui's safest and most respected dive companies, 100 Degrees East, to ensure our trainees are in good hands if they choose to get adventurous. The team there provide a range of activities and are able to offer Island TEFL trainees a 10% discount on all bookings.

There is no more beautiful place to earn your diving qualification than on Samui, where sun and fun are unavoidable! Samui is renowned for its white sandy beaches, lush tropical landscape and cool, blue waters.

Samui beaches (and there are plenty of them!) are safe and clean, and the perfect location for relaxing and unwinding. Many bungalow complexes offer a very affordable Thai massage on the beach, just to make sure you're fully relaxed! Of course, Samui also has numerous, more up market Spa complexes dotted around the island. While prices here are more expensive than a beach massage, again, they are a fraction of the price you would expect to pay at home. The standard of these spas is world class, and various options/packages are available for those who want to pamper themselves!

If you're the type of person who needs an adrenalin rush now and then or you just want to get the blood pumping, Samui has many action/adventure activities on offer.

Bungee jumping and canopy riding will give you an exhilarating view of the island, whilst paintball, go-karting, frisbee golf and mountain biking will release some of that tension!

Visa Assistance
Island TEFL will assist you with obtaining the appropriate visa - in most cases, a Non Immigrant O Visa - which will cover the period of the TEFL course and your Volunteer Placement.

Improve your Resume
Many employers understand the value of an employee who has devoted time to volunteering. If you have EFL volunteer teaching experience on your resume/CV it shows that you are flexible, patient and committed, and that you have experienced living and working in a foreign environment.

By volunteering with Island TEFL, you can add up to 100 hours of practical EFL teaching experience to your resume/CV. The Director or Head of English at your host school will provide you with a Letter of Appreciation, indicating the levels taught and the number of teaching hours completed. This will be extremely beneficial to you if you go on to apply for EFL teaching positions in the future.

Employment Opportunities
English teachers are in great demand worldwide. A TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) certificate is the major qualification required by learning institutions to teach abroad. Wherever you decide to teach, your Island TEFL certificate will provide you with the credentials required to work as an EFL teacher abroad or at home.

Travel the world; experience a foreign culture; learn a new language; make a difference and improve the lives of many.

For an EFL teacher with an internationally recognized TEFL certificate job prospects are excellent. The huge desire to learn English in all corners of the globe has resulted in teaching possibilities in almost every country imaginable. There are openings in private language institutes, public schools, universities, business corporations, kindergartens as well as private tutoring and voluntary work.

To maximise your employment opportunities, the more practical experience you can provide to potential employers, the better your chances of getting the job! Hence, Island TEFL offers 3 separate packages, all at very affordable proces, and all geared towards your future career success.

Qualifications:
- 18 years of age or older
- A native or fluent English speaker
- Able to produce work of a high standard
- Possess an awareness of language and a competence in English, both written and spoken, that enables the course to be undertaken successfully.
- In excellent mental and physical health
- Committed and reliable
- No degree or previous teaching experience is required
- Volunteers must obtain a current Criminal Record Check before being placed in a school

Please visit our website to find more information regarding what is included in the cost.

Experience Required: no

This Program is open to American, Australian, Canadian, European, Kiwi and South African Participants.

Participants Travel to Thailand Independently

Typically Participants Work in Groups of 6-10

Application Process Involves:

• Written Application

Post Services Include:

• Job and Internship Network

Island TEFL's Mission Statement: Our mission is to raise the standards of teaching and professionalism in the EFL industry; therefore our priorities are in providing a course of the highest quality, delivered by highly skilled, qualified and experienced trainers. We will provide you with the means to travel, live and work throughout the world.

Year Founded: 2005