Grants

[Linzi]

Hi, can I ask if anyone in UK knows of any grants on offer for people to get even a simple grounding in teaching English to absolute beginners? The 4 week TESOL courses are about £1,000 which is not affordable for me. Linzi.

[Linzi]

Hi, thanks. My situation is rather unusual. I am going to Morocco and want to help some children who could benefit from a little English but don't attend schools. They will likely only speak Tamazight (Berber,) so it's the hardest type of teaching with my lack of any of their language! Needs some lateral thinking me thinks. Of course I can't teach in the school itself. Linzi.

[Tina Francis]

Weekend TEFL Course Brighton, United Kingdom

Check this out seems like you can do some of this course online in your own time rather than having to attend seminars.

[Alexlebrit]

Hi

Is this something you either want to create for yourself, or do on a voluntary basis, or is it a specific position you want to apply for?

If it's the latter then I'd forget the weekend/internet courses, there's more and more people doing TEFL/TESOL courses, it seems so higher and higher qualifications are being sought. I've seen entry-level positions requiring diplomas or even degrees in ESOL/EFL, the four week certificates are really the total minimum nowadays. Also something to note, if you haven't got a university degree getting on a four-week, no sleep ESOL/EFL course is very difficult.

But, if this is something informal, and what you're looking for is a knowledge base and some new skills, then the internet courses might be OK. You're likely to miss out on "hands-on" teaching, but hopefully you can find some willing victims to practise on.

I did the four week Cert EFL 12 years ago, and luckily it got me the job I wanted in France, where I very quickly learnt that four-weeks intensive course is only the tiniest tip of the iceberg when it comes to learning.

As for grants, no, I don't think they exist for ESOL/EFL training, but if this is a voluntary/charitable type thing, then what about trying some fundraising of your own. I'd sponsor you for sitting in a bath of jelly fixed to a sidecar chassis while being driven down the M1.

[Linzi]

Hi Alex, I was after some skills in teaching kindergarten kids English on a completely casual basis. I think I'll make it playing and drawing, but there must be some techniques. I'm ex army and there must be a joke there somewhere! I'm going to write some stories and play out the theatre with them. No TEFL training seems to cover this but covers areas that I don't need. Should I try motorcycle maintenance as well? Linzi.

[Toyark]

Originally Posted by Linzi

Hi, thanks. My situation is rather unusual. I am going to Morocco and want to help some children who could benefit from a little English but don't attend schools. They will likely only speak Tamazight (Berber,) so it's the hardest type of teaching with my lack of any of their language! Needs some lateral thinking me thinks. Of course I can't teach in the school itself. Linzi.

Question is Linzi- Can you speak French?
If the answer to that is 'yes' then you might consider getting in touch with SOS Villages Enfants (world's largest children's charity) who have their HQ in Austria.
There is one of their villages in Maroc hence the need for French as a minimum.
You might get a unpaid placement but you will probably have to commit to giving a solid chunk of your time.
You could support the existing teacher there-and learn 'hands-on', play with kids, design some learning material, and they do love football so will run you ragged- not a prob if U R ex-army!
Just an idea! Getting the permission from SOS is crucial BTW

[Linzi]

Je ne parle pas francaise. That's about my limit! Thanks a lot for the idea. I think it's all up to me now. I have already arranged to visit two particular schools and simply feel inadequately prepared to help with English although I'll be available. I don't expect the kids to speak French either though, only Berber, and that leaves the alphabet to learn too! So I'm only going to try simple greetings orally. Linzi.