The course was mostly as I'd expected, intensive and having to put in the hours to get through. But thoroughly enjoyable. I learned so much, and I am now reaping the benefits with a full time job in a local school. Arranged, by the way through Compass.
The classroom is small and compact, but adequate enough and actually I think it helps give a more intimate environment, bonding with your classmates and instructors. The instructors are friendly, know how to make you feel relaxed, informative and very helpful. I always felt comfortable approaching them. The support staff are excellent and always there to help even with things that may at the time seem trivial. The course is managed and run very professionally.
In terms of the content I think it was about right, yes there are some things I personally would have liked to have more time on and some things that I could have done without, e.g.the foreign language lesson - in Thai. But I have noticed that some of the other people who have posted enjoyed that lesson. I would have liked to cover more grammar, and also more on teaching techniques. So, its just personal choice really.
I also think it would have been a good idea to have been given a portfolio with some lesson plans and games etc, practical stuff to leave with.
But small issues. Overall it was a great experience, I learned a lot, felt confident at the end, and had fun during my time there, the staff were great (and continue to be so), and I would recommend this course very highly.
What would you improve about this program?
More stuff on teaching techniques.
I also think a little bit at the very beginning re: orientation to the course and the local environment. Arriving in a foreign country isn't easy and some basic tips on local life would be useful. Some contact details and useful addresses, e.g. how to go about getting a work permit. I've noticed on other (larger) TEFL providers they have a list of what you have to do to get a work permit, the steps you have to go through, how long it is likely to take, the cost involved and where to get it.
I also think that, pre-course, it would have been a good idea to inform me to get police background check whilst still in my home country. Its been a bit of a pain trying to get while in Vietnam.