While the vast majority of ESL language schools are reputable, inevitably there are sleazy employers out there. So how can they be avoided?
Your first option might be to contact the LCC Job Placement Center with the names of the schools who have offered you a contract. We have a lot of experience with different languages schools in various countries and will be able to advise you on whether a particular school has a bad reputation.
- We will also provide you with strategies you can take to ensure that the school you choose to work in for a year is a good one. Let’s take a look at two of these strategies:
- 1. If you are uncertain about a particular school you can ask the school director for the email addresses and phone numbers of three current teachers. The existing teachers at the school will give you an honest picture of their working conditions. If the school director refuses or avoids this request, that school should be crossed off your list.
- 2. Check the web boards that list disreputable schools in various countries. Search the lists for schools you are considering. Post a question to the board and ask if anyone has had problems with the school you are considering.
Here are a few blacklists:
Also, for an overview of a particular country, including common problems, see the teachers' forums at Dave's ESL Cafe, as well as the Tesall's ESL school review.
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Why Get a 100+ Hours TESOL/TEFL CertificaThe unofficial industry standard for TESOL certification is 100+ training hours, why?The unofficial industry standard for TESOL certification is 100+ training hours, why?
100+ hour certification courses allow enough time to learn how to teach; most authoritative ESL organizations recommend it, and most reputable language schools expect it.