Island TEFL scam: Update

This section is just to keep people up to date with the latest developments (July, 2015). Below is a list of some of the comments various Island TEFL students have made. They show that it’s more than just one or two who have had bad experiences with Philip Dunne and Island TEFL. Of course, I can’t vouch for the validity of them all, but they all seem pretty genuine and obviously come from a variety of sources.

Plus of course everything on this blog. Read particularly the comments under the “About Me” tab.

Reading those posts, the thing that really strikes me is Philip Dunne’s willingness to shortchange and rip off his own students and customers. And completely with no regard to the human impact he’s having on their lives. His drunkenness and womanizing is another feature that stands out. He clearly doesn’t give a monkey’s about anyone, as long as the end result is that he makes money. It’s the American Dream gone badly wrong. Read also the Terms and Conditions section below.

Terms and Conditions

Most people don’t bother to properly read this section, but it’s very important, because Philip Dunne uses it to justify his shoddy treatment of students. Basically, no one gets a refund in any shape, size or form. Once you’ve handed money over to Philip Dunne, that’s it. You’ll never get it back unless you’re very lucky indeed. I’ve highlighted some of the most salient phrases below. Because of his terms and conditions, PayPal will almost always come down on Philip Dunne’s side. Of course, PayPal assume Island TEFL is a legal company. It’s a pity they don’t do proper background checks. The important point about Philip Dunne’s policy is that it clearly shows his intent, i.e. to make money regardless of any moral or ethical considerations. He’s quite happy to relieve you of around $1,000 if you have to change your plans and are unable to attend. And that’s even if you warn him several months before.

· The deposit amount is non-refundable

· Deposits are not transferable to third parties.

· If you pay for the course or placement program in full before commencing your course or placement program this is treated the same way a deposit is treated and the amount paid is non-refundable.

· If you are unable to attend the selected course or placement program, so long as you give at least 30 days’ notice, the deposit can be transferred to another available course date within a period of 12 months from the original course date. This can only be done once. If you can’t make the rearranged course date, you will forfeit your deposit or any additional funds paid

· If you are unable to commence or complete the course due to exceptional circumstances, such as a serious accident/illness or the urgent necessity to return home (proof of this, e.g. a plane ticket, may need to be provided) you will be afforded the opportunity (subject to availability) to start the course (if never started) or complete the course (if started but not completed) at a later date within 12 months from the original start date.

But strictly no refunds!

Legal Threats

One very important point for anyone who has signed up for an Island TEFL course is that Philip Dunne may threaten you with legal action if you have any dispute with him. One of his favorites is “defamation of character”, which can be taken quite seriously in Thailand. But don’t worry, he has never yet brought a case against anyone. Firstly, he’s too much of a skinflint to pay any lawyers and, secondly, what lawyer’s going to take on a man who’s running an illegal business? And any half decent defence lawyer would make complete mincemeat of him in court. No one has yet been arrested at the airport and slammed into the Bangkok Hilton (Bangkok’s infamous prison) as Philip Dunne likes to threaten. The man simply doesn’t have that kind of legal power. In fact, anyone who has the means and know-how should try to bring a case against him. Always make sure you report him to the appropriate authorities, both in Thailand and particularly in USA. That means the police in both countries, as well as PayPal and any bank or credit card company involved. Maybe eventually someone will act. If anyone wants to mail him officially, Philip Dunne’s last known address in USA was: 43901 Marigold Drive, Palm Desert, California 92260. It’s a good place to start. Remember, Island TEFL itself has no permanent physical base.

Island TEFL Placement Programs, R & T

I mentioned this under the “Trainees” tab, but many seemed to have missed it. Philip Dunne’s placement programs, both the R and the T, are complete rip-offs. Two of the biggest and most reputable placement agencies, Media Kids and AYC, offer an orientation course together with placement completely for FREE. And a much better more professionally run one too! Contact them directly. Don’t waste your money on the rubbish churned out by Island TEFL (aka Philip Dunne). Island TEFL is not a placement agency, but merely refers students to proper ones like those mentioned above

And if you want to do a full 120 hour TEFL course, make sure the company is legitimate. One sign that they are legitimate is that they will have their own permanent premises. Island TEFL only ever has rented premises and then pretends to be in “partnership” with another school.

University of San Diego
I’m pleased to say the University of San Diego has dropped him. I think they finally saw the light. At the time of the Ajarn interview, back in Feb 2014 they had even given Island TEFL a course number. I was staggered when I saw that. But go to their site now and you’ll see no mention of Island TEFL. http://pce.sandiego.edu/public/category/programArea.do?method=load&selectedProgramAreaId=16307 Follow the “TEFL” link.

Island TEFL scam

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