Thread: American TESOL Institute

I'll be leaving for Phuket in three weeks to do the ATI thing...so far, the program has been responsive to all of my needs, and it is certainly much cheaper than doing the CELTA, but I can't tell you how effective or useful the training course is at this point.

I think ATI is a fairly young program in Thailand, since there isn't much information available on them. My friend is in Thailand now, having completed the TEFL Intl. course some months ago, and she said that their training program was useless. She asked around for me and said that ATI's is considerably more intensive, so that is why I shifted. They also list the schools that you'd be assigned to, where TEFL Intl. seems to be a bit more blind faith (though I don't see this as a positive or a negative). Finally, TEFL Intl trains in Ban Phe, while ATI gives you a choice between Phuket, Pattaya, and Chiang Mai. Still, it could be a scam just like any other...like I said, I'll just have to find out upon arrival. Good luck with your decision, and let me know if I can help at all...I'm hardly a step ahead of you, really.

Hello, I have read your posts and am very much in the research phase of choosing a course. I live in the states and I am looking for a career change. I also have some Thai contacts thery have told me to come over and check them out in person.

KB

I'm also doing the ATI program! I leave in a month for Chiang Mai...I would love to get more feedback on it as well...ATI lists quotes from past members, but those are never to be completely trusted. If you hear any more info on it, let me know! I have heard as well from some people that it's better to go over there, do a training program, and get a job yourself, but I loved the idea of having a job setup for me and not worrying about housing. Hope the program won't be a scam like some others I've heard about...

Originally Posted by Victoria

not worrying about housing

How are you with florescent light on concrete?

Good idea, Matt. Have you ever read The TESL Faker's Guide?

Originally Posted by jonny danger

Have you ever read The TESL Faker's Guide?

No but I'm writing a new edition as we speak, one page per day.

Bluffer's Guide I

I am also looking into the ATI Chiang Mai special program. So far they have been easy to deal with and very responsive but i'm still skeptical. I would love any more info if anyone has any..

So, that's 3 posters with fewer than 20 posts between them who like what they're seein' from a three letter training school.

Impressive stats.

Originally Posted by Killing Me Softly 101

So do you have the B.Ed.? Without it you still need to do a semester of classes for 60,000 baht to be strictly legit in Thailand. Why not just get a home country teaching credential instead?

Why are you telling this person crap?

OP - click on this: What you will

Hey guys. I'm actually here in Chiang Mai and wanted to let everyone know the American TESOL Institute certainly does exist, and that I've started my training.