Personal Testimony …
‘If it wasn't for this course I probably wouldn't have continued working as a Chaplain.’
Frequently Asked Questions
How many hours a week are needed to do the assignments?
This will vary depending on academic ability. Some who do the course are university graduates and others have only completed the School Certificate (plus life experience). However, students need not be too apprehensive about the academic requirements of the course, as it has been found that most committed persons can adequately cope with them.
The course is accredited as a full-time course, and the average student will need to spend up to 20 hours a week during the 40 weeks of the course in course contact hours, home assignments and supervised practicum counselling and family therapy. Those students who have previously experienced post-secondary training may need to spend more time initially as they develop their reading and study skills.
As students become more familiar with the requirements of the assignments it becomes easier and quicker to complete them. Should the study commitments prove to be a burden, a safety net can be negotiated in the form of more flexible learning.
Can someone who hasn't studied for 30 years do the course?
Yes - it is certainly possible. Many have satisfactorily completed the course in that situation. A detailed student handbook, which is given out at the start of the course, will explain everything about assignments. AIFC staff will always be available to help with the academic requirements.
Can someone with a very demanding job and a large family finish the course?
Yes, classroom activities are limited to three-day intensive teaching seminars at the beginning of each of the four terms and a one-day seminar at the end of the last term. This means that it is possible for participants to carry on their normal occupation while attaining counselling competence. Many busy people have managed their family and work commitments while completing the course.
Even so, all students need to allow enough time to do justice to the assignments, and should be confident of setting aside two to three hours a day to satisfactorily complete the course assignments. Priorities have to be set and maybe some other activities have to be suspended in order to satisfactorily do the course without inflicting stress on self or family.
