Hey everyone,
I've got a few questions about the CELTA qualification and other English teaching qualifications that are around.
I am 21 years old and in the last year of my honours degree in a computing related subject. Once I have completed University I want to travel for a few years living in different countries. I've had a love of travelling since going to South America for 2 lots of 3 months and living with a family over there which has made me believe the best way to see a place is to properly live in it.
I came across the CELTA course and had a look at some jobs that seemed to be offered with it and it seems a perfect way to spend a few years traveling spending around maybe 6 months to a year in different places.
Now I've looked via Google at quite a few forums on CELTA and other qualifications and seen allot of heated and confusing debates so please in any replies try and explain what each acronym actually does.
First
Is Celta right for me? Or is it more for people wanting a long career out of teaching English?
Secondly - I'm British and have a normal level of English proficiency but I wouldn't say English grammar and flair are my strong point’s (Computing being my university degree essays and other English intensive tasks I've managed to avoid), My plan is to do the intensive Celta course, How good a level would you expect of someone beginning a CELTA qualification
Thirdly is there any difference in where you do the CELTA qualification? I can do it at a local college for £700 or a big university for £1000
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I see no reason why you shouldn't be able to take the CELTA.
Before the course you might be asked to attend an interview and do a pre course task though.
CELTA is generally for people new to teaching so expect a lot of work, especially if you choose the intensive option.
There shouldn't be a difference between the places where you do the course. All centres are supervised by Cambridge and Cambridge in the end gives you the certificate. My advice would be to ask people whether they were satisfied doing the course with the organisation you choose.
Have you thought of doing the course in a different country? I wanted to work in Turkey so I took CELTA there. During the course I was also looking for a job and found it pretty easily. I guess it should work in other places as well.
Good luck!
Anita
As I understand it, there are two main initial qualifications for English teachers that are internationally recognised: Cambridge's "CELTA" and Trinity College London's "Certificate TESOL". Theoretically, there is a differents between TEFL and TESOL, but either of these qualifications will prepare for you for your first teaching jobs perfectly adequately, no matter where they may be. There are lots of other courses available, particularly on the internet, but these do not usually involve much teaching practice, or any assessment of your practical teaching skills - which is why they are not usually recognised as 'good enough' by institutions employing English teachers. Because the CELTA and Cert TESOL involve teaching practice, the courses are more expensive, since they actually require personal contact with the people on the course (whereas the others are often internet-only and therefore cheaper to run). So I would say, although the CELTA or Cert TESOL course might be more expensive than others you can find, it is definitely worth paying for the internationally accepted qualification. Also, as was mentioned above, it doesn't really matter where you take the course, as they are always modified and examined centrally by either Cambridge University of Trinity College London.
Good Luck with starting your teaching career! :-)
I did CELTA two years ago, and it was kinda hard, much due to the fact that I'm a non-native speaker of English -- but it was also quite fun, and the tutors were extremely supportive. The requirements for entering the course are not something you should worry about, and there's nothing in the course that requires some above-average knowledge or language aptitude or specific language-related skill. You'll have a few written tasks, but most of the course is just preparing, teaching and getting feedback on how the teaching went and what should be done differently next time (you actually have a group taught by your peers and yourself, and your tutors observe you and write down pretty much everything you do and say).
I think it doesn't make a difference where you do the course as long as the institution in question is Cambridge-certified. Personally, I found it easier to do the intensive thought the part-time was also an option -- most people I know say it's easier to focus when you don't have to multitask (and I really didn't have time for anything during that month! hardly went out at weekends, and my friends almost forgot what i look like!) - to sum up, do it -- it's a great experience and it's recognized by best schools worldwide, and it's really not that difficult -- all it takes is concentration and good time-management.