Major FAQ

Arrival Information

All participants should arrive at the Chania International airport or Chania Ferry Port (Souda). Participants are encouraged to arrive a couple of days prior to their designated start date to ensure their familiarization of the wondrous city of Chania as well as become acquainted with their fellow colleagues as they attempt to settle in.

Transfer from Airport to Accommodations

Global Crossroad does not provide airport pick-up and transfer services in Greece . There is an abundance of shuttles, buses, and taxi services available at the airport. Participants are suggested to arrive at Global Crossroad's TEFL school on their respective starting date. Global Crossroad will send the related details (i.e. address of TEFL school, phone numbers, etc.) in each enrolled participants' placement details/acceptance letter.

Room/Food

Global Crossroad can arrange accommodations in either single, self-catering studios with kitchenettes and private bathrooms or shared 2/3-bedroom apartments with private bedrooms and shared kitchens, living rooms and bathrooms. The studios and apartments are clean and comfortable - all within a short distance from the school.

Greek cuisine comes in many shapes, forms, and varieties to keep even the most demanding traveler satisfied. Popular Greek foods include: Greek salad, fresh fish (of almost any kind), calamari squid (fried or sautéed with onions and red wine), gyros (gee'ros.), cctopus grilled on charcoal with lemon, spinach pie (spanakopita), and cheese pie (tyropita). NOTE: food is the responsibility of the participant.

Internet/Telephone/Medical Facilities

Global Crossroad's TEFL school is located in the heart of Chania - offering such modern amenities including internet, telephone, and medical facilities located throughout the city. This particular institution is very close to some of the biggest travel agencies as well as banks, post offices, pharmacies, shops, restaurants and bars. In the TEFL school, the computers offer high-speed internet around the clock.

Climate

Greece is ideal for individuals who enjoy basking in the sun - more than 2/3 of the year, the blue-filled skies are clear and sunny. Winters are somewhat cold and rainy, yielding colder temperatures.

Crete stays warm the longest - you can swim off its southern coast from mid-April to November. Mid-October is when the rainy seasons starts in most areas, and the weather stays cold and wet until February, although there are also occasional winter days with clear blue skies and sunshine.

Chania - and its 300 days of sunshine - enjoys one of the healthiest climates in Europe . The temperate Mediterranean climate prevails in most regions of the island, while in winter months there is substantial snowfall in the highest mountainous regions. Rainfall is also quite substantial. Quite often during summer months, a hot wind (know as 'livas') blows across the city. In summation, the climate is relatively mild.

During the fall and winter months, north and northwest winds dominate - while in the summer the ill winds make it enjoyable. But the divine gift of the eternal sunshine allows one to start their vacation from March and end it at the end of October. Chania has the largest amount of water in Crete (65%), and for this there is rich vegetation of plants and fruitful trees (citrus trees, olives, vines etc.) as well as semitropical. The always-pristine and clean beaches of Chania - which are awarded the "Blue Flag" nearly every year (a reward given to maritime resorts befitting the highest qualities set forth by the Foundation for Environmental Education) - are accessible for all ages throughout the year.

What is the cost of living in Chania?

In Crete , the cost of living is approximately the same as in any other European country.
Here are some typical prices listed in Euros (€1 approx $1.30):

•  One month rent in a single or shared hotel apartment, €400 or €350
•  Lunch (in a restaurant): €6.50
•  One in-city bus ticket: €0.65
•  Beer (in a bar): €1.25
•  Sandwich : €1.80
•  Cigarettes: €2.50

How much work is involved with the course?

The course is very intensive and requires a strong commitment by the student. One can expect to be in class for about eight hours a day along with a few hours of work at home. We recommend that trainees have no other personal or professional commitments outside the course during the four (4) weeks of training.

Who are the practice students?

The students are usually Greek speakers that attend these free English classes with complete awareness that they will be taught by novice teachers. The class sizes vary, but will never exceed 14.

Who are the trainers ?

Your course director will be supported by a team of 2 - 4 trainers. They will be responsible for leading input sessions and observing and supporting you through teaching practice. Trainers are all qualified at the very least a college diploma-level and with experience in teaching and teacher training.

How will I be assessed?

The theoretical side of the course is module-based, each of which is graded and returned with comments. The modules submitted are continually assessed; there are no written examinations. Assessments on teaching practice are also continuous. Upon completion of the course, successful candidates are awarded certificates graded as follows:
A1 - Distinction
A2 - Excellent
B1 - Very good
B2 - Good

Do I need any qualification to join TEFL/TESOL program

To be accepted into this course, you DO NOT need to have prior teaching experience or teaching qualifications. This is an initial teaching qualification in the specialized field of TEFL / TESOL. If you do not hold a university degree, you should hold qualifications for entry to tertiary level education (e.g. 'A' level grades, high school diploma, etc.), although exceptions are made with those candidates who demonstrate their suitability for the course through the questions provides in the application form. Non-native English-speakers will be accepted into the course on equal terms to native English language speakers provided that they demonstrate a high command/mastery of the English language (a phone interview may be conducted if deemed necessary). Applicants are required to be at least 18 years old.