We can provide email addresses of graduates from our program, so that you can contact them with any questions you might have about Paradise TEFL.
Becca
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Taking the TESOL/TEFL training course with
Dr. Stephen at ParadiseTEFL has made a tremendous difference in my
stay here in Thailand. I learned very valuable information about
life in Thailand and practical teaching tools for immediate
application in the classroom. One of the things I appreciated
the most about the course, besides Stephen's down-to-earth and kind
manner, is the tailor-made curriculum. What I mean is Stephen
highlighted the most important aspects of his TESOL/TEFL course
according to my prior experience and needs. No wasting precious
time! Everything I learned was interesting, practical and
meaningful. I know this because I have just completed a semester of
teaching in the northeast, where I put what I learned to the test.
Teaching in Thailand can come as a shocking experience if one is not
prepared. Stephen prepared me for the ridiculously large class
sizes, the communication within the school system, the levels of
English training to expect, and, most importantly, the best way to
reach the students, get them engaged in learning and manage the
classroom. I have had no major discipline problems all semester,
and I teach twenty-five classes of 45 students each and several age
groups. I believe Stephen's sound advice was significant for my
survival and success. I have had a very worthwhile and enjoyable
teaching experience, grateful for what I learned from Stephen prior
to jumping in.
Tony - Graduates from other TEFL/TESL courses have told me horror stories about their training course: not delivering much of what was promised to them, spending precious coursework time on irrelevant material that one never uses in teaching and feeling unprepared for the job at hand. You will not experience this with Dr. Stephen. He took the time to understand first, our experience in the teaching world and tailored the program to us in the realistic role we would be placed in. The training is experiential, which could not happen without the knowledge Dr. Stephen possesses of the field including cultural sensitivity. Furthermore, Paradise TEFL helped us tremendously with placement based on our time and location preferences resulting in a very rich experience of living and teaching in the Thai culture. Paradise TEFL has also been solid in staying in touch with their students after graduating in an advisory and supportive role. I would not hesitate to recommend Paradise TEFL to anyone interested in a satisfying teaching abroad experience.
Charlie - I had a great time studying with Stephen in Chiang Mai. Class is held in the lush shade of the sub-tropical gardens of the hotel - beautiful. The course followed the course handbook that I received after paying my deposit. I learned about what format my cv should take and interview skills as well as modules actually related to the reality of teaching. The observed teaching lessons were practical teaching sessions and I found them very useful. I recommend both Paradise TEFL and Chiang Mai to anyone seeking a rewarding and practical learning experience in a beautiful and fun city in which to study.
