I'm thinking of going to Canada over the next few years and am
interested in teaching English as a foreign langauge there. I have
found a few schools that teach TEFL courses in Toronto - but want to
know the chances of getting a job there. I will need to be sponsored
by any school taking me on (I am English) and have no experience as a
teacher (but have lots in business - I am currently a finance
professional). My preference is a school in Toronto. What are my
chances, and how do i go about it?

---

Request for Question Clarification by hummer-ga on 24 Mar 2003 17:23 PST

Hi Chris in the UK,

Ontario is an English speaking province - I'm not sure how one could
teach English as a foreign language there. Do you mean you'd like to
teach English as a second language (ESL) to recent immigrants? Thanks,
hummer

---

Clarification of Question by chris_uk-ga on 24 Mar 2003 23:27 PST

Yes, for recent immigrants. Toronto is only a preference however -
Quebec may be a more logical place to look for work if there are any
non-English french speakers there. Understand though that Canada being
mainly English speaking may reduce/eliminate my options...

Hi Chris in the UK,

It sounds as though you have come up with an interesting plan and your
chances are good for working in Canada as long as you've given
yourself enough time to to prepare for it. Following are the three
steps you will need to tick-off in order to accomplish your goal.

1. Obtain Canada/Ontario certification for working as a TESL teacher.
2. Obtain a confirmation of a job offer in Canada/Ontario/Toronto.
3. Apply to the CIC (Citizen and Immigration Canada) for your work
permit.

Below are links to the websites which will help you, listed by 1, 2 or
3 as above. The term TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language)is
British. The equivilent American term is TESL (Teaching English as a
Second Language). Both terms are used to mean the same thing, that is,
teaching English to people whose first language is not English.

1. CERTIFICATION:

CANADA National Certification Standards for Instructors of English as
a Second or Foreign Language in Adult Programs:
"The TESL Canada Standards represent a teacher-driven initiative to
create basic, minimum national standards.  Some provinces currently
have professional certification systems in place.  The TESL Canada
professional certificate does not replace provincial professional
certificates where they exist."
http://www.tesl.ca/natstandards.html

ONTARIO Protocol & Certification Recommendations:
"Requirements for obtaining the "TESL Ontario Certificate for
Instructors Teaching ESL to Adults in Non-Credit Programs in Ontario":
1. A three-year undergraduate university degree is a minimum.
2. Candidates must complete a minimum of 250 hours of training.
3. In addition to the TESL training, candidates must complete a
teaching practicum of at least 50 hours duration.
4. Candidates must be members of the Association of TESL Ontario.
http://www.teslontario.ca/cert/recom.html#3

ONTARIO: Certification Documents: Applying for certification:
"The next deadline for applications is June 1, 2003.
The fee for processing your application is $45.00. Please include
payment when you submit your application. To be certified, you must be
a member of TESL Ontario. If you are not a member, click here to
purchase your membership online."
Downloadable PDF format available:
http://www.teslontario.ca/cert/docs.html

DISTANCE EDUCATION PROGRAM: Approved by Canada and Ontario:
Benns International Schools Inc.: 
"Our 420 hour TESL Certificate program is designed for novice and
experienced teachers seeking qualifications in TESL/TEFL or other
specialized language training services.  The program has a strong
applied orientation and is aimed at teaching adult students."
http://tesolandtesl.com/distance_ed.htm

Approved Teacher Training Institutions by province:
http://www.tesl.ca/Approved%20TT%20Inst..html#Ont

Approved TESL Training Institutions in Ontario:
http://www.teslontario.ca/cert/institutions.html

ESL Programs in Ontario:
http://www.istudy.com/canada/eontario.htm

2. JOBS:

ESL Jobs in Ontario:
http://www.teslontario.ca/resources/ontarioJobs.html

ESL Links : TEFL Jobs:
http://www.english-interactive.com/links/tefl-jobs.html

Dave's ELS Cafe:
http://www.eslcafe.com/search/Jobs/Canada/

3. CIC WORK PERMIT:

WORKING IN CANADA. You must have a valid work permit to work in
Canada.
These steps must be followed before you apply for a work permit:
1. An employer must first offer you a job.
2. HRDC must normally provide a labour market opinion or
'confirmation' of your job offer. However, some types of work are
exempt from this process.
3. After HRDC confirms that a foreign national may fill the job, you
apply to CIC for your work permit.
http://cicnet.ci.gc.ca/english/work/index.html

Additional Links:

Links for Instructors:
http://www.teslontario.ca/resources/instructors.html

NEWSLETTER: "Contact" the TESL Ontario Newsletter: 
Downloadable PDF format available:
http://www.teslontario.ca/contact/contact.html

Study English or French in Canada:
http://www.langcanada.net/english/links.htm

Study English in Canada:
http://www.sectoronto.com/classes.html

Free English software for ELS teachers and students:
http://www.free-english.com/

International Association of Teachers of English as a Foreign
Language:
http://www.iatefl.org/newhome.asp

Oxford Seminars:
http://www.oxfordseminars.com/

TORONTO: The Official Web Site for the City of Toronto:
http://www.city.toronto.on.ca/


I hope this helps. If you have any questions, or if this doesn't
satisfy your request, please post a clarification request before
rating my answer.

Thank you - and good luck!
hummer

Search Strategy:

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Terms Used:

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