TEFL/CELTA/CELT answers...

Jan Laco · 01-07-2015 01:22PM

Hi guys,

Reading through sone of the questions and I am wondering are some of you starting from scratch?
I have no degree or had no teaching experience so far. My girlfriend lives and works in Spain and suggested that I could try to teach English there.

Is it possible to artend CELTA courses in evenings or weekends?

dwayneshintzy · 01-07-2015 10:06PM

Dublin have a part-time course in the International House, anyway. One starting in September, and one in February. It lasts 12 weeks; the last one that started in February, it was on Friday afternoons and Saturday mornings. Not sure if the one starting in September will have the same schedule though.

gaiscioch · 01-07-2015 10:47PM

Jan Laco wrote: »

Hi guys,

Reading through sone of the questions and I am wondering are some of you starting from scratch?
I have no degree or had no teaching experience so far. My girlfriend lives and works in Spain and suggested that I could try to teach English there.

Is it possible to artend CELTA courses in evenings or weekends?

Yes, there are evening and weekend courses such as mentioned above. And, yes, you can do the CELTA without a degree, but the CELTA is in no way a replacement for a degree; it supplements it. Furthermore, if you spend €1500 on a CELTA course and then, down the road, you want to teach in an ACELS-accredited school in Ireland, you will not be qualified to do so simply because you do not have a degree behind your CELTA. Be very clear about this: "If you wish to teach in Ireland in a recognised school, you must have a university degree and a CELT/CELTA/TESOL qualification." (Source) To me, €1500 seems like a lot of money even if, at the moment, you only want to teach in Spain.

Moreover, many countries insist upon a degree as a necessary requirement for a work permit. In Spain, this is obviously not the case for an EU citizen. However, even one of the online tefl providers concedes "Due to the high levels of competition in Spain and France, you may struggle to get the better TEFL jobs without a degree, but you should still be able to find entry-level and summer camp positions."

Perhaps, for the moment, save your €1500 and see if you can get into one of those summer camps on the basis of English being your native language. Or even something like this just for experience which could lead to some paying job (although almost all sources agree that due to competition from native English speakers with degrees, it's almost impossible to get a decent-paying EFL job in Spain without a degree)

owenlynch1310 · 19-07-2015 03:05PM

Hi,

I am interested in doing either the CELT or the CELTA course. I was planning on doing the CELT course as they have a course that starts at the end of Nov and ends the 18th of Dec. I plan on working as much as I can and then leaving my job , complete a CELT or CELTA then traveling to central and south America in January.

Basically I have the same age old question. Which course is better to do, the CELTA or CELT. I have read a lot of post on here and I know they are the same with regards to contents. The CELT seems like it would be a better option for me as it would allow me to work to a later date in the year where as the CELTA last course finishes the end of November which means I would be sitting around in Dec just wasting money until I can go in January. The CELT course is also €700 cheaper.

So I was just wondering if anyone knows anyone who has done CELT and taught in Central or South America . Also presumably the CELT is more well known now since its been knocking around for a while now.

I'd really appreciate any help or advice anyone could give as I am finding it really difficult to make a decision

yosser hughes · 19-07-2015 07:09PM

owenlynch1310 wrote: »

Hi,

I am interested in doing either the CELT or the CELTA course. I was planning on doing the CELT course as they have a course that starts at the end of Nov and ends the 18th of Dec. I plan on working as much as I can and then leaving my job , complete a CELT or CELTA then traveling to central and south America in January.

Basically I have the same age old question. Which course is better to do, the CELTA or CELT. I have read a lot of post on here and I know they are the same with regards to contents. The CELT seems like it would be a better option for me as it would allow me to work to a later date in the year where as the CELTA last course finishes the end of November which means I would be sitting around in Dec just wasting money until I can go in January. The CELT course is also €700 cheaper.

So I was just wondering if anyone knows anyone who has done CELT and taught in Central or South America . Also presumably the CELT is more well known now since its been knocking around for a while now.

I'd really appreciate any help or advice anyone could give as I am finding it really difficult to make a decision

Lets face it, you looking at the price difference and trying convince yourself they are both equally recognised.
They're not. Do the CELTA. That price difference will be insignificant in the long run. It's all about recognition and the CELTA is the internationally recognised qualification.

owenlynch1310 · 20-07-2015 01:52PM

Hi,

yes I am definitely looking at the price. I don't see the point in in paying an extra 700 euro if I don't have to. Have you done the CELTA ?

CiboC · 21-07-2015 11:49PM

yosser hughes wrote: »

It's all about recognition and the CELTA is the internationally recognised qualification.

As is the CELT......!

owenlynch1310 · 21-07-2015 11:57PM

CiboC wrote: »

As is the CELT......!

Hi, Thanks for the reply. Have you done the CELT or know of anyone who has travelled abroad with it.

I know it is recognised but many people seem to think the CELTA is the best option because you will get asked fewer questions by prospective employers when traveling. I am planning on going to central or south America.. Probably won't even matter that much there!

CiboC · 22-07-2015 12:17AM

Many people travel and teach abroad using their CELT qualification.

Within the EFL industry the CELT qualification is recognised as being equivalent to the CELTA. Any prospective employer who is looking at qualifications of prospective teachers will know that the CELT and CELTA are of equal status.

newthingsgirl · 27-07-2015 04:26PM

Hi Folks
im thinking of doing the celts 4 week course in ALT Bray starting in Oct.
I dont have a degree so applying to teach in any Dept of Ed facility is out.
does anyone know if I could teach English in an evening class in a VEC instead? does anyone do this currently? or does anyone teach English privately in their or their clients home? and is there much uptake for private lessons?
Thanks

AW2015 · 29-07-2015 03:06PM

Hi Guys,

I'm looking into doing a CELT course in Dublin in the next month or two but have no idea which language school to choose.

Does anyone have any feedback on any of them?

Thanks!

CiboC · 29-07-2015 05:21PM

All the CELT providers are supposed to run their courses to a consistent standard set by QQI, have you narrowed down your choice by location, times, dates and price yet? Also check availability, many courses book out in advance.

Nymeria · 30-07-2015 04:56PM

Hey, I'm just wondering if anyone can help - I'm deciding whether to do the CELT or the CELTA before I go abroad to teach in Korea next year, and are some part time options for both starting in September.
I know from reading up that the CELTA is more recognised etc. and my gut tells me to just scrape together the extra money as it will probably be worth in the long run, especially if I want to work in Europe when I come back - the only slight problem is I don't have any proper references really for the application, and any experience that they may ask for the interview. The CELT application form doesn't mention references.

So for the CELTA it says they require two academic references - the most obvious one I can think of is my honours project supervisor from my degree who I really didn't get along with, and generally did not have a great relationship with

I don't really fancy emailing him months later to ask for a favourable reference. I got on ok with some of my other tutors, but they might not remember me that well. Does anyone have any ideas about other options for references. How much do they take this into consideration?

Also, how difficult are the interviews? I have read about people not getting a place on the course even though they have experience (volunteering etc.) which I don't have.

Has anybody been in a similar situation?

Thanks.

dwayneshintzy · 30-07-2015 05:24PM

I did it in the International House, and it was grand (the interview). They really just want to see where your grammar knowledge is at the minute; if you're a native speaker (and have completed a degree) you SHOULD be more than capable for the course.

Where are you applying? I can't speak for CELT, but I would definitely recommend CELTA in International House in Dublin.

CiboC · 31-07-2015 01:58PM

Nymeria wrote: »

I know from reading up that the CELTA is more recognised

Not any more, this is old information. At this point both are equally recognised. You will not have any problems with a CELT certificate anywhere.

Nymeria wrote: »

Also, how difficult are the interviews? I have read about people not getting a place on the course even though they have experience (volunteering etc.) which I don't have.

Some CELT providers require a pre-course interview but the purpose of this is twofold.
1) to make sure that applicants are aware that they will need a primary degree to teach in a recognised EFL school in Ireland.
2) to make sure that the applicant knows what they are getting into. The courses are intensive and require a considerable amount of self study, particularly in the case of someone who may not be overly familiar with grammar.

Nymeria · 31-07-2015 04:34PM

Hi CiboC,

I'm more worried about language schools in other countries (apart from Ireland, the UK and Australia) not really recognising this and assuming they are different.

I'm still deciding between the two but the difference in cost is a big plus point for the CELT, is the extra cost simply because the CELTA is affiliated with Cambridge University?

Anyway, thanks for your reply.

CiboC · 31-07-2015 05:29PM

Hi Nymeria,

Recognition of the CELT is widespread right across the world, not only in Europe but also throughout Asia and the Middle East. Ireland does have good reputation as a destination within the EFL industry and this is reflected in knowledge of the bodies responsible for quality and standards in Ireland. Organisations like MEI and ACELS are known within the industry abroad.

In terms of course content the CELTA and the CELT are pretty much identical, the cost difference does not arise as a result of the course content so one would have to surmise that it is as a result of the level of greater administration on a CELTA course.

meelyb · 27-08-2015 06:58PM

Hi,

I want to start the next TEFL training courses this September in Madrid. International House Madrid is the only CELTA one I can see and starts September 1st. I am not available to go until Sept 3rd. They said I have to complete all hours. So there are other accredited TEFL courses in Madrid. One starts Sept 7th, perfect. 1375eur, 4wks 9.30am -7pm. Thing is, I am just worried that it is a waste of money in a sense. They are really marketing Americans and the experience of living in Madrid. I feel like they spun me a line by saying, apply quick there is one place left! While other sites, have the places left on a countdown for all to see. I hate feeling like a sales person got me even if it is all above board. It is the same price more or less as the CELTA but obviously doesn't have the Cambridge association that international job posts seem to request. I assume Employers ask for Cambridge or Trinity qualifications only as it saves them to bother of having to assess the standard or legitimacy of your TEFL cert given how saturated the market is with varying certs offered. I spent ages researching this companies reviews etc. whereas I wouldn't need to so much if they were International House. Same goes for the employer therefore. Has anyone done a non CELTA in Madrid. Or even a non CELTA abroad and did you find yourself restricted or having to justify it? Also, anyone know of Trinity tefl course in Madrid. The do not list centres the way CELTA does on their main website.

Choccie Lover · 27-08-2015 07:25PM

meelyb wrote: »

Hi,

I want to start the next TEFL training courses this September in Madrid. International House Madrid is the only CELTA one I can see and starts September 1st. I am not available to go until Sept 3rd. They said I have to complete all hours. So there are other accredited TEFL courses in Madrid. One starts Sept 7th, perfect. 1375eur, 4wks 9.30am -7pm. Thing is, I am just worried that it is a waste of money in a sense. They are really marketing Americans and the experience of living in Madrid. I feel like they spun me a line by saying, apply quick there is one place left! While other sites, have the places left on a countdown for all to see. I hate feeling like a sales person got me even if it is all above board. It is the same price more or less as the CELTA but obviously doesn't have the Cambridge association that international job posts seem to request. I assume Employers ask for Cambridge or Trinity qualifications only as it saves them to bother of having to assess the standard or legitimacy of your TEFL cert given how saturated the market is with varying certs offered. I spent ages researching this companies reviews etc. whereas I wouldn't need to so much if they were International House. Same goes for the employer therefore. Has anyone done a non CELTA in Madrid. Or even a non CELTA abroad and did you find yourself restricted or having to justify it? Also, anyone know of Trinity tefl course in Madrid. The do not list centres the way CELTA does on their main website.

I wouldn't pay that much for a non-CELTA course........

I see there are CELTA courses starting at Chester School and Hyland School on September 3rd......Would you make it to start on that exact day?

It's not unheard of to land jobs without CELTA though......Through all my research before going to Madrid, it certainly looked like that's all they would accept...but on the ground here I have worked with people with alternative ****ty certs.....I have a CELTA myself but never was asked to produce any certification by my school....

All that being said, the CELTA is very highly valued in Madrid and although you could get lucky without it, getting an alternative cert could bite you in the ass down the line when applying elsewhere....I certainly had a lot of issues with my ****ty cert before getting the CELTA.

Also, the teachers I know who got work without the CELTA did have the advantage of having prior teaching experience under their belt.....

Hope that helps

meelyb · 27-08-2015 07:34PM

Choccie Lover that definitely helps. I just spotted the Hyland there too. Was a bit suspicious of it as the Celta website only states International House:

http://www.cambridgeenglish.org/find-a-centre/find-a-teaching-centre/

I fly to Edinburgh Sunday to Wednesday. The Hyland course starts Thursday. I have actually come back from two and a half years in Canada ( two weeks ago) to do this so I guess I will be in the airport Wednesday anyway, may as well connect to Madrid!! I am lucky in that I have accommodation with a friend to start with. Just hope they will take me last minute on the course and it checks out okay.
Thanks

Choccie Lover · 27-08-2015 07:40PM

meelyb wrote: »

Choccie Lover that definitely helps. I just spotted the Hyland there too. Was a bit suspicious of it as the Celta website only states International House:

http://www.cambridgeenglish.org/find-a-centre/find-a-teaching-centre/

I fly to Edinburgh Sunday to Wednesday. The Hyland course starts Thursday. I have actually come back from two and a half years in Canada ( two weeks ago) to do this so I guess I will be in the airport Wednesday anyway, may as well connect to Madrid!! I am lucky in that I have accommodation with a friend to start with. Just hope they will take me last minute on the course and it checks out okay.
Thanks

Hyland are a reputable school in Madrid....as are Chester.......not sure why they aren't on the Cambridge English website with regard to the CELTA....perhaps contact Cambridge English just to treble check, but I wouldn't anticipate any problems....And good luck....if you have any questions about the CELTA or Madrid, just let me know :-)

meelyb · 27-08-2015 07:57PM

You're a star!

Choccie Lover · 28-08-2015 10:28AM

meelyb wrote: »

You're a star!

No probs.

BTW checked the Cambridge website and Hyland (and Chester) are both listed as CELTA centres as well as International House.

Good luck and hope you get a place!

meelyb · 28-08-2015 02:02PM

Choccie Lover wrote: »

No probs.

BTW checked the Cambridge website and Hyland (and Chester) are both listed as CELTA centres as well as International House.

Good luck and hope you get a place!

Oh the irony! Of the three official CELTA centres in Madrid, International House starts this Tuesday and yday told me they had one spot left. So I decided to ring the Hyland centre that starts on the Thursday (given my Fringe festival Endiburgh plans) to see if they had room as they did not answer my emails from last night yet. They cancelled the course as of last night as they were short one person. They then sent one of their cancelled students to the one spot that International House had available. IH just confirmed that this student took the last place. I was going to cancel my flights to Edinburgh altogether as this is more long term important.

My last option is Chester but I was a bit sus by the fact that they are 160eur cheaper. Turns out they are out in the burbs as is their offered accommodation. I don't fancy 'technically' living in Madrid really so looking at other options. Sad face.

Choccie Lover · 28-08-2015 04:50PM

meelyb wrote: »

Oh the irony! Of the three official CELTA centres in Madrid, International House starts this Tuesday and yday told me they had one spot left. So I decided to ring the Hyland centre that starts on the Thursday (given my Fringe festival Endiburgh plans) to see if they had room as they did not answer my emails from last night yet. They cancelled the course as of last night as they were short one person. They then sent one of their cancelled students to the one spot that International House had available. IH just confirmed that this student took the last place. I was going to cancel my flights to Edinburgh altogether as this is more long term important.

My last option is Chester but I was a bit sus by the fact that they are 160eur cheaper. Turns out they are out in the burbs as is their offered accommodation. I don't fancy 'technically' living in Madrid really so looking at other options. Sad face.

Sorry to hear that....What a bloody pain in the arse!!!!! I hope you figure stuff out......

A couple of things I would say is this......

1) Don't worry about the course being cheaper......look at that being an advantage......Course prices vary differently between providers....could be down to location.....don't know exactly...could be for a variety of reasons. CELTA courses are extremely highly regulated.......every course they deliver is audited.....if it were below par, it wouldn't be there......I got an extremely good deal on my CELTA course in London......significantly cheaper than IH etc..the quality of teaching was spectacular.....they had a very high percentage of teachers coming out with high CELTA scores...... 15% above the national average in terms of Pass As etc.....

2) I know what you mean about the Burb issue....where exactly is it? Do you have to take the accommodation or not....? One thing I would say that the CELTA course is extremely intense......You won't be attending your course during the day and out socialising at night.....you won't have any time.....trust me......so you wouldn't be out enjoying Madrid nightlife anyway....... certainly not during the week....... Your life will be CELTA for the month....Living in the burbs could be an advantage :-) Plenty of time to enjoy Madrid later..... Food for thought!

Good luck with it!

yosser hughes · 29-08-2015 10:08AM

CiboC wrote: »

Many people travel and teach abroad using their CELT qualification.

Within the EFL industry the CELT qualification is recognised as being equivalent to the CELTA. Any prospective employer who is looking at qualifications of prospective teachers will know that the CELT and CELTA are of equal status.

No it isn't.

gaiscioch · 29-08-2015 10:40AM

yosser hughes wrote: »

No it isn't.

Source?

yosser hughes · 29-08-2015 12:03PM

gaiscioch wrote: »

Source?

LOL

gaiscioch · 29-08-2015 02:02PM

yosser hughes wrote: »

LOL

I'm surprised you spent €1700 doing the British CELTA course, instead of €1000 for the Irish CELT course, but can't produce a single "industry" source supporting the idea that the former is better than the latter (companies selling the comically overpriced CELTA qualification don't count, obviously). It sounds like an unwise investment, to put it mildly.

the deftone · 01-10-2015 05:47AM

Hi guys, any info would be helpful.

Me and a friend are looking to teach english in madrid (no degrees im ariad). We were going to do one of them online 120hr tefl courses. But iv heard they aren't much good? Would it be worth us doing the online course or is that a worthless qualification?

I know the CELTA is the way to go but right now we just want to see if we like teaching in Spain before investing in a proper course.

Thanks for any help.

TEFL/CELTA/CELT answers...

Comments