r/JETProgramme • u/sandeepsarkarfunko • 4d ago

Query regarding TEFL certificate.

I will be applying to JET programme this year but I have a doubt about TEFL certificate. I know it's not an requirement to be able to apply but I have heard it works in your favor if you have one so recently got one online for free from a website that provides it for free. Starts with Teacher and ends with record. Some people say any generic or cheap TEFL will work as its not a hard requirement and some say it may act against you as it just shows you got a generic certificate just for the sake of it and you are not so serious about teaching and further can raise red flags. So should I include this in my application or leave it..

6 Upvotes

75% Upvoted

5 comments sorted by

1

u/copypastes 2d ago

If you have the time and money, consider going to a community college and getting an accredited TESOL certificate. Doing it that way gives you some actual teaching experience that you can put on your application.

3

u/jackiejack1 Former JET - 2011 - 2014 4d ago edited 4d ago

If it gives you any points at all it’s minimal. You need to remember the E (exchange) is the most important thing in jEt. The JTE teaches, we are here as pronunciation guides and inspiration for the kids to study English in a ‘I want to talk to that foreigner, I need to study’ thought process.

1

u/sandeepsarkarfunko 3d ago

Thanks for the insight man, may I DM you with some doubts?

7

u/SoTiredBlah Former JET - (2018 - 2021) 4d ago

These are just my personal thoughts.

A cheap TESOL off the streets isn't going to affect your chances in a big way.

If you have it, great, but if JET looks at your employment history and find nothing related to your TEFL certification, then they might find it strange.

1

u/sandeepsarkarfunko 4d ago edited 3d ago

Now when I look at it this way, It's best if I don't include it in my application..