TESOL FAQs
1. What does TESOL stand for?
Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages. This term is used for both the TEFL and TESL situations, where the mother tongue of students is not English.
2. What is the difference between TESOL and CELTA?
Both programs offer an international language teacher training program. Eton Institute demonstrates through external inspection that its courses meet the highest of international quality standards in language services. The CELTA qualification is through the University of Cambridge. Both programs offer a theoretical and practical element to the course, with 6 hours of observed teaching practice, meeting international standards. We offer CELTA as an Intensive course and TESOL as Extended or Online courses.
3. What is the difference between TEFL and TESOL?
TEFL stands for Teaching English as a Foreign Language and is used mainly in Britain while TESOL stands for Teaching English to Speakers of Other languages and is used mainly in the United States of America. They are basically the same.
4. What is the difference between TESOL Extended and Online?
TESOL Extended is a part classroom-based course and part self-study, whereas TESOL Online is purely self-study:
Extended = 30 hours class time (including 6 hours of teaching practice and class observation) with a qualified teacher trainer + 90 hours self-study.
Online = 120 hours self-study, with the support of a qualified teacher trainer who will guide you and assess you.
5. What is the difference between the certificate course and the diploma course?
The Certificate course is ideal for those who wish to gain a fast qualification which will provide them with initial survival skills in the classroom. It covers the basic syllabus of the Diploma, but in much less depth and can be completed in a shorter time. We offer the certificate course at Eton Institute.
6. How can I be sure that I can successfully pass the course?
Your tutor will point out any weak areas for development and make suggestions as to how you can improve. You can submit an assignment up to three times at no extra charge. The course has been written and adapted to ensure that students can work their way through the material in their own time and at their own pace.
7. Is the course open to non-native speakers of English?
The course is available to both native and non-native speakers of English. Your tutors would tell you that some of their most successful course members have been non-native speakers. Non-native speakers need to have equivalent level of English as IELTS 6.5 or C1 (Advanced level). If you do not know your level, you may take the FREE Placement Test on our website to find out.
8. What qualification do I receive upon completion of the course?
Upon successful completion of your course, you will receive a TESOL certification awarded by Eton Institute.
9. What does the fee for the program include?
The program fee includes tuition and registration. An additional amount is required for the course material. Airfares, accommodation, and food are not included.
10. How do I pay for the course?
You may pay the entire course fee at the time of registration, or you may just pay a deposit of $500 and pay the balance of the course fee on the day before the course starts. Also available, for the Extended course, is a three-part payment plan; 10% deposit, 40% before or on first day and 50% half way through the course. This is only for payments made at the institute and not for online website bookings.
11. How many students on average are in the program each month?
On average we have about ten trainees enrolled in each course, although this is an average and it may be more or less. The maximum number of students is 15. Most of our participants are from English-speaking countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, or Australia. We do accept non-native speakers of English who have a high proficiency in the English language.
12. What are the teaching practice students and classes like?
We use local non-English-speaking students for the final trainees’ teaching practice. Our students are very keen and enthusiastic and come to classes purely because they want to!
13. Do you provide stationery for the course?
No, we do not provide any form of stationery for student use. We recommend that you bring your own notepads, pencils, pens, etc. as well as your choice of folders and files to store the handout material the tutors may provide.
14. Can I bring my laptop?
You can if you like. However, there are a number of Internet facilities available at the Institute. All computers have Internet access, which you can use to check your email.
15. Will I be able to find a job after passing the course?
The TESOL job market is excellent and finding employment is a fairly straight forward matter. With just a little patience, you will certainly locate work in no time, usually in the area of your choice.
16. What are the job prospects for TESOL teachers ?
English as a foreign language is a huge industry employing hundreds of thousands of teachers in almost every country of the world. Your tutors themselves have trained hundreds of teachers who are currently employed in a wide variety of locations.
17. When do I need to start looking for work? Where do I start?
We suggest you begin setting up interviews and sending resumes in the second or third week of the course after we have covered job-related matters during input sessions.Where to teach is up to you!
18. What will Eton Institute do to help me secure employment?
In addition to job placement subject to performance at the institute for at least one top graduate, Eton Institute also offers career guidance and support throughout your teaching career. We offer free consultation services with experienced teacher trainers and direct access to alumni. We also provide training sessions to help you with preparation of applications, interviews & other relevant needs for job procurement.
19. What is the average salary like?
The average TESOL salary is about AED 100 – AED 150 per hour, though this varies depending on what type of school or company you work for, and whether you work full-time or part-time.
20. Do most schools provide accommodation for their teachers?
Some employers provide accommodation as part of an employment package, those that do not will offer assistance in finding suitable accommodation.
21. Do schools provide work permits?
Your employer should help you secure a work permit and visa.
22. What do I do if I have questions that have not been answered so far?
Contact us and we will do our best to give you a quick and straight forward response to your question.