Hi,

I am contemplating taking a course in Thailand which will result in a certificate qualifying me to teach English as a second language. This course is run by The American TESSELL Institute and operates under the name of The Special Thai Project. Does anyone have experience with this outfit or know anything about it at all?

Thanks!

The accreditied programs are TEFL. TEFL certification prepares you for jobs in many countries. If you live in an English-speaking country, you are best advised to do the training in your own country.

I've never heard of TESSELL, but it sounds like a name meant to be confused with TEFL. That's always a warning sign.

Your question got posted twice, so I've asked that the duplicate be removed.

Thanks - that helps the decision making on my end.

If you are considering teaching English in Thailand look at Ajarn.com. This is the first and last source you'll need.
as for Special Thai project and their "foremost" accreditors - American TESOL Institute check out this post....
http://www.ajarnforum.net/vb/the-sta...institute.html.

Teaching TESOL or TEFL does not require a knowledge of the students language - (in practice it helps to know a little) - so those offering a "Thai orientated" TEFL course are in fact offering an oxymoron..........take he advice in the post in the address above and get an internationally accredited CELTA or TEFL certificate. This you can use everywhere.
If you intend to teach in Thailand though you will have to have a degree - in anything - from a recognised institution.
there are one or two other hurdles to jump such as police reports and a cultural course, but I would get qualified before I worry about that sort of stuff.

for qualifications - take a look at this.......!!!!


http://ajarn.com/Banter/rulesandregulations.htm

The ajarn website KW like really is oriented toward regulations re: teaching jobs in Thailand. If you want to teach English as a second language, you'll want to read about TEFL. Google it.

There is also www.tefl.com which lists jobs worldwide, but it is a commercial website just as ajarn is. You want info on the credential and how to get it.

Yes Kathie - As I said - if the OP intends to teach in Thailand that is a good site. I get the impression that may well be the case.
THe ajarn site is about the best for getting jobs in Thailand.
It also has a forum which my well help - as you will see by the link.
If the OP is looking training for general TEFL then it is best to get CELTA or Trinity for use around the world. And I would wonder why bother do it in Thailand, when one could probably get a better course at home.

Yes, KW, just as I said in the first sentence of my first reply to the OP.

...and you are repeating this because???