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function FAQ(id){
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case "1":
{
g('col_principal').innerHTML="What is TEFL/TESOL?
This question is probably the one we find ourselves answering the most. The use of these acronyms can be rather confusing, especially since they are frequently used interchangeably. Definitions:
TEFL - Teaching English as a Foreign Language - This term is predominantly used when English is being taught in a country where it isn´t the native language (for example teaching English to Spanish-speakers in Argentina).
TESL - Teaching English as a Second Language - This term refers to teaching English to non-native speakers of English in a country where it is the native language (for example teaching immigrants to the UK/USA).
TESOL - Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages - This term theoretically encompasses both of the above.
ELT - English Language Teaching - This term is used mainly by institutions in the UK.
Whilst there are slight differences in theory, these terms are often used interchangeably. It should not make any real difference to your future career and job prospects whether you receive a TEFL certificate or a TESOL certificate.
Is the TEFL International certificate recognized around the world?
Absolutely! Here are some important things to remember about TEFL International:
• TEFL International is the largest TESOL course provider in the world, with locations in every continent except Antarctica.
• With 120+ hours of instruction and 6+ hours of Observed Teaching Practice, our course exceeds international
accreditation standards
• A Board of Academic Advisors externally validates and moderates each course.
• A decade of experience and literally thousands of graduates working all over the world, is a testament to the quality
of our teachers and our program.
";
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case "2":
{
g('col_principal').innerHTML="TEFL INTERNATIONAL´S TESOL PROGRAM QUICK QUESTIONS
What is an average program day like?
The course runs for 4 weeks, full-time Monday-Friday. The first two weeks comprise6 hours of classroom work each day, with two 15-minute breaks and one hour for lunch. The final two weeks are spent on lesson planning and teaching practice. On your first day you will be given a detailed course timetable.
How many students are in the program each month?
Typically we have around 10-20 trainees; our maximum capacity is 24. Most are from the US, UK, Ireland. We also accept non-native speakers of English who have a high proficiency in the language.
What are the teaching practice students and classes like?
We invite local Argentine students for your teaching practice. They are keen and enthusiastic and their ages range from 18 to 70 years. We don´t charge them to attend; all our students come to class simply because they want to!
Can I bring my laptop?
We strongly recommend you bring your laptop; free Wi-Fi access is available in the training centre. If you don´t have a laptop, local internet cafes cost 2-3 pesos/hour.
What about public holidays?
Because of the intensive nature of our TESOL course, time off is not given for local, national or international public holidays that occur during your course.
";
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case "3":
{
g('col_principal').innerHTML="To be accepted, applicants must:
• Be at least 18 years of age
• Have a standard of education equivalent of that required for entry into higher education
• Have native or near-native competence in both spoken and written English.
Non-native speakers must be able to communicate in English with few or no mistakes. In some cases they may be required complete an oral interview with a member of the admissions staff before being accepted.
The four week course is very intensive; you should be prepared to work very hard, have no other distractions, and be mentally/emotionally completely fit and well, including having no current domestic worries.
";
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case "4":
{
g('col_principal').innerHTML="What documents do I need to bring?
Of course, you need your passport. When you secure work you may be asked to provide copies of your birth certificate, college degrees and transcripts. Rather than carrying these documents with you, you are advised to scan and email them to yourself so you will always have access to them.
Do I need a visa to enter Argentina?
All visitors to Argentina are required to carry a passport valid for at least six months after arrival date.
Visitors to Argentina from the following countries can stay in Argentina for a maximum of 90 days without a visa, and this can easily be extended:
Andorra, Austria, Australia, Belgium, Bolivia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Granada, Greece, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Malta, Mexico, Monaco, Netherlands, Nicaragua, Norway, New Zealand, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Poland, Portugal, San Marino, Santa Lucia, Serbia & Montenegro, Singapore, St. Vincent & Grenadines, Slovenia, Slovakia, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Trinidad & Tobago, Turkey, United Kingdom and Northern Ireland, United States, Uruguay, Vatican and Venezuela. As this information is subject to change at any time, we advise you to contact your local consulate for current travel regulations prior to planning your trip.
Citizens from all other countries should contact their local Argentinean consulate to obtain current travel regulations.
";
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}
case "5":
{
g('col_principal').innerHTML="What are accommodations like?Course fees do not include accommodation, but available options include homestay, private apartments and hostels. Prices for shared accommodation start at around $300US/month. TEFL International Buenos Aires has partnered with
BAIS (Buenos Aires International Students) who can assist you in finding suitable accommodations. As well, we have an extensive list of contacts should you choose to make your own arrangements. Complete details on securing affordable accommodations will be provided when you apply.
";
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}
case "6":
{
g('col_principal').innerHTML="What are the average housing and living expenses in Buenos Aires?
Most likely you will rent a room in an apartment or house with other teachers or with Argentines and costs vary depending on where you choose to live. A room in a shared house or apartment in a good neighborhood costs from $300US to $550US a month. A shared room in a hostel starts at around $200US.
What if I get sick in Buenos Aires? Are there western-standard medical facilities?
If you find yourself requiring medical, however we do recommend that you get health insurance before you travel. TEFL International Buenos Aires has negotiated a special rate with Swiss Medical, one of the most reputable insurers in Argentina. Further details will be provided once you enroll in our program
What is the public transportation system like?
There is an underground rail system that reaches most parts of central Buenos Aires. Tickets cost around 1.10 pesos per trip (about 30 US cents). There is also an extensive public bus system that operates in central and outlying Buenos Aires. Tickets cost around 1.20 pesos per trip. Lastly, there is a commuter rail service that services some parts of Buenos Aires. Ticket costs depend on the distance traveled, but costs are still very low compared to North America and Europe.
What´s the climate like? What kind of clothing will I need to bring?
Buenos Aires never gets really cold or really hot so bring clothes that you feel comfortable, taking into account the average seasonal temperatures shown below. Don´t forget to pack some smart clothes as well as you´ll be required to dress smart casual during the courses teaching practice sessions and of course your employers will also expect to be smart at interviews and when working.
Remember that Argentina is in the southern hemisphere so the seasons are reversed, summer begins in December and winter begins in June.
Quick temperature guide:
• Winter (Jun, Jul, Aug) - cold (5 to10°C)
• Spring (Sep, Oct, Nov) - pleasant (10 to 20°C)
• Summer (Dec, Jan, Feb) - hot and humid (20 to 34°C)
• Fall/Autumn (Mar, Apr, May) - pleasant (10 to 20°C)
";
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}
case "7":
{
g('col_principal').innerHTML="JOB MARKET & TEACHING IN BUENOS AIRES / ARGENTINA
What is the TEFL job market in Buenos Aires like? Will I have trouble getting a job?
The job market for English teachers in Argentina is excellent at the moment. The majority of work is found with language institutes that teach English to businesses and groups throughout the capital. There´s a steady stream of jobs available throughout the year, but demand peaks March-June and is at its lowest December-January (summer). The best time to start looking for employment is when you are close to finishing your course.
What will TEFL International do to help me secure employment?
We have close contact with many teaching institutes in Buenos Aires and most graduates find work right after the course; some even have work lined up before they finish. If you are interested in opportunities outside Argentine, our 27 locations in 18 different countries network together to offer you the latest information on job opportunities, working conditions, and rates of pay.
What is the average salary like?
It is fair to say that TEFL teachers are quite well paid bylocal standards in Argentina. The average salary in Buenos Aires is about 25-30 pesos per hour. The rate varies depending on what type of school or company you work for, and whether you work full or part-time. We recommend that you do not accept less than 20 pesos an hour unless the school is offering other incentives such as free Spanish lessons.
How many of the TEFL graduates actually find work in Argentina?
The majority of our course graduates who have wanted to work in Argentina have been able to secure teaching positions.
Do schools provide health insurance?
Generally speaking, no. However, everyone in Argentina (tourists included) can make use of the National Health Service at no cost.
What is a typical teaching position like?
This varies from school to school, but you may be expected to teach a variety of courses, ranging from children to business professionals at all levels. Most English language institutes do not give classes in-house; instead teachers are sent clients´ offices and places of work.
Can I return to my own country and teach with my certificate?
Yes, it is possible. However, to teach in some western countries, a graduate and/or post-graduate level education in ESL or TEFL may be required.
";
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case "8":
{
g('col_principal').innerHTML="TEACHING ENGLISH OVERSEAS
Is a college degree required to teach overseas?
Most schools prefer that you have a college degree; some schools - particularly those in Asia - may not hire a teacher without one. However, in some places - notably Latin America - teachers without a degree can qualify to teach English.
Is a teaching certificate required to teach English abroad?
Although some schools may require only that you be a native speaker, most institutions prefer to hire teachers with some training. Often the best jobs with the best salaries are reserved for certified teachers. And in an increasingly competitive environment, it's an absolute necessity at certain schools and in certain locations.
Is it necessary that I speak a foreign language to teach English abroad?
No. The Communicative Approach to teaching English employed by TEFL International will enable you to teach in any country in the world, whether you know the local language or not.
Which locations have the best pay?
Typically, schools in Asia and the Middle East pay the best and offer the most benefits such as free or subsidized housing, language lessons, reimbursed airfare, and bonuses. Most other areas of the world will pay enough to live comfortably, but probably not enough for you to save money or pay off debt. In all cases, we recommend having some savings available as a financial buffer.
Do you provide job placement assistance?
TEFL International is much more involved in your job search than many other course providers. With locations all over the world, each center is an area expert, with extensive contacts within the country. Our 27 locations in 18 different countries network together to offer you the latest information on job opportunities, working conditions, and rate of pay.