daaaam!!
i thought i replied already, but my post has disappeared!!
basically i was saying i'm left confused about my situation and only have myself to blame.
Alex, do you have any links to those threads concerning 'American TESOL Institute'
should i do this course or just forget about my $500 deposit and move on to a more reputable TESOL/CELTA course in Bangkok ?
Search for their name + scam and you will find some.
I would try to get the deposit back, but long-term doing the CELTA would be a better choice- you can work anywhere with it. The American TESOL Institute is at best one of the minor providers of course that might be equivalent to the CELTA.
TESOL online Certification in bangkok is not a scam according to me because according to me no education is scam so I think in that way.