I tried searching the ITC training program on this site, but didn't find any recent information that was useful for me, so here goes:
An acquaintance of mine did the ITC TEFL certificate program in Barcelona in June-July of 2005. I told her I was interested in teaching English in Spain this summer, and she recommended ITC to me. However, I just Googled ITC about an hour ago and saw a discussion board where someone was warning other prospective ITC students to not take the Barcelona course because it had gone out of business, ITC didn't refund people, they were losing some certification, etc etc. Naturally this freaked me out, especially because I already put a $500 deposit down about a month ago! I tried to find out more information searching on the internet, but it was hard to come by anything useful. So, I'm wondering if anyone has any solid information about the ITC situation? Am I being scammed here? I don't want to pay the remainder of my course fee (~$1,000 USD) if it's going to some shady operation (obviously)!
Thanks
Posts: 2 | Location: USA | Registered: 04 June 2007
I am sorry I don't have any updtes on ITC's situation. I wish I did. I was working for another TESOL course provider when the whole situation went down, so I remember what happened.
If I was you I would contact ITC and present your concerns (which are extremely valid). Hopefully, they have cleaned up their act and will give you some sort of proof/reassurement. Personally, I don't know if I would take the chance though. If they don't give you a good feeling I would try withdrawing from the course and getting a refund. There are many other quality courses out there. Good Luck!
Posts: 24 | Location: Conil de la Frontera | Registered: 21 March 2007
I haven't any info on ITC, but I suggest, if you haven't already...calling the Barcelona office directly. And two, inform them that you can't pay the balance until you arrive. No matter what they tell you at that point, they WILL want your money when you arrive, so you can pay then.
If any other would be teachers are reading...DON'T EVER sign up with a program before arriving here. There are dozens of TEFL courses in Spain and you don't have to sign up beforehand. Just showing up is enough. Plus you can check them out, see what you like, etc. And most importantly, you can see exactly where your money is going.
In your case mmkay....good luck!
Posts: 1001 | Location: MADRID! | Registered: 09 November 2002
i very much appreciate your insights. i'm feeling a little foolish after hearing your advice to not sign up with a TEFL program before arriving in spain, which makes total sense now that i think about it. there are just so many programs online and i know so little about TEFL institutions in general that it seemed like a good idea to make solid plans before leaving the U.S. unfortunately i took my friend's word before doing enough research, and...well, now i see why that was potentially a bad decision! i'm still waiting for a response from ITC, as well as from my friend's former employer in Spain (i asked for their opinion on ITC/whether or not they thought it was a reputable organization), so we'll see what happens.
thanks again
Posts: 2 | Location: USA | Registered: 04 June 2007
Basically, all TEFL courses are the same in content. Many say that they are differenet because they offer different things, but in the end, they teach you the same things.
Hope this works out for you in the end.
Shawn
"Wanna fly, you got to give up the shit that weighs you down" - SONG OF SOLOMON, Toni Morrison
Posts: 1255 | Location: Richmond, VA but in MADRID now | Registered: 10 February 2002
Not only are most TEFL courses pretty much the same, they are also available all over Spain.
I agree with Candace about picking one and paying then once you are here if you have the time. It will most certainly be better than making your choices based on what you have heard only online as most who offer these type of courses do their damnedest to have a good internet presence and promise you the world.
So if you are in the position to be able to come to Spain beforehand and check out the TEFL schools before signing up and paying then do. You might even find that you do not even end up taking the course in Madrid or Barcelona or even taking it at all.
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Posts: 881 | Location: Madrid | Registered: 08 November 2002
It will most certainly be better than making your choices based on what you have heard only online as most who offer these type of courses do their damnedest to have a good internet presence and promise you the world.
Great advice, Rocco, since many schools get teachers and employees to act like students who completed their TEFL course and make it seem like their school is the best in the world.
Shawn
"Wanna fly, you got to give up the shit that weighs you down" - SONG OF SOLOMON, Toni Morrison
Posts: 1255 | Location: Richmond, VA but in MADRID now | Registered: 10 February 2002
