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TEFL -v- CELTA -v- TESOL

  • 02-07-2009 11:54am
    #1
    Brimmy
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,536 ✭✭✭


    Ok so I realize that this has probably been asked a thousand times already but forgive my ignorance :)

    Basically I finished my undergrad in May, I've applied for a Masters but if I don't get it I have decided I want to go abroad. I don't really care exactly where too but I'd prefer somewhere not in Europe, preferably Vietnam, Japan or Dubai. My question is this, which of the three qualifications is "the best"?

    From reading around I can see that CELTA doesn't seem to be recognized in Japan or most of Asia and that many of the job applications require a minimum of one years teaching experience? Is this a rigid rule or will they mind if I come out with a Bachelors in English and History (slightly above midway 2.1) but with no practical teaching experience? If I wanted to go to Asia would I be better off doing the TESOL or the TEFL?

    How hard is the job process too? Essentially I'm just looking for every last scrap of information I can gain and personal experiences from people in whatever country they want too, company they worked for, anything really. Sorry for the blitz of questions but thanks for taking the time to read :)

    edit: From looking at the TEFL course the 120 class seems to good to be true. With a 5 month placement in China and a plethora of classes. All for 495 euro? Seems almost too good to be true. Anyone have any experience of this as it's really tempting..


Comments

  • #2
    Mr.Nice Guy
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 45,640 ✭✭✭✭Mr.Nice Guy


    Hey Brimmy,

    I too am in a similar situation to yourself and have been looking into the possibility of doing a course.

    In answer to your question, this site says the following:
    What's the difference between CELTA, TEFL and TESOL?

    Cambridge CELTA is run and regulated by Cambridge ESOL

    Trinity TESOL is run and regulated by Trinity College

    While there are key differences between the two courses above, there also many similarities and both are accepted and recognized worldwide. Both are strictly regulated.

    A TEFL qualification is a lot easier and cheaper to get. As TEFL certificates are not strictly regulated (there is no set international course standard) you will need to thoroughly check your course provider's credentials and commitment.

    In a nutshell, TESOL and CELTA qualifications are recognized in more countries across the globe and in most cases, more highly regarded than a basic TEFL qualification.

    http://www.celta.esljunction.com/celta-information/what-difference-between-celta-tefl-tesol-courses.html

    If you check out this site here it offers a bit more of an in-depth answer:

    http://www.cactustefl.com/get_started/interviews/tefl_jeremy_page.php

    The links on the left are quite useful too.

    With regards to Asia, I didn't hear that the CELTA was worse off there. Would be interested myself to learn if that's the case. I've been looking into the idea of teaching in China and from what I hear the Chinese are really keen on having white Westerners in their schools and often people with no teaching experience can get jobs there. I read that there's something like a shortage of 80,000+ teachers there. I also read that apparently English language teachers aren't respected too much and that accomodation can be poor which is a concern.

    There's a very good site detailing what it's like to teach English in China here:

    http://middlekingdomlife.com/guide/teaching-english-china.htm

    It seems to cover a lot of the basics if you're thinking of going there for a bit.


  • #3
    livinginkorea
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,438 ✭✭✭livinginkorea


    In regards to CELTA it is only an intensive course and to be honest what can you learn in anything from an intensive course. You are better off taking a TESOL/TEFL course with a lot of hours if you want to get a real feeling for teaching. Also most people who take the CELTA are already in the job while the TESOL Courses are generally for newbies. If you really love teaching then you can always do an MA in TESOL which would really boost your salary! I think competition is going to get tougher and tougher these days so you should try to get as many hours in as possible.

    Korea and Japan are the places to go these days, although some places in the middle east are attractive as well. You could do the course in China which would give you experience even if the pay is low. Well to be honest your first job will be low paying until you find your feet. After that you could find a nice job in China or move to another country.

    Best of luck


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