Job Discussion Forums

[musaafira]

Hi again,

Someone suggested that I get a CELTA instead of an MA...

(I already have my BA, 2 years teach. exp, and TESOL Cert...)

I wanted to ask everyone on this forum for their suggestions based on their experience with employers in the UAE... both school and college levels.


Shall I aim for the CELTA or MA?

Thanks!

[Eisenhorn]

The CELTA is the MINIMUM you need for a decent job. The MA is what would be preferred.

The real question is how quickly do you want to be working. You can get a CELTA in an intensive course in one month. That MA is ... well an MA. Minimum year (if you are crazy) or more likely two years.

Of course there is also the trade off of what can you expect salary wise with a CELTA vs an MA.

The MA opens LOT more doors, but the CELTA may get your foot in that door.

[Neutrino Girl]

You already have a TESOL Cert...that's what a CELTA is, so I wouldn't see the point in doubling up on your certifications (unless your TESOL Cert is one of those unrecognized weekend jobbers).

Go for the MA for sure, it will open far more doors for you!

[gator07]

From my experience and from what others have mentioned, an MA seems like the way to go... especially if you want work in the UAE.

[Eisenhorn]

Generally a TESOL Cert is not considered as the same as a CELTA. It depends on where and how you got it... That wasn't mentioned.

[tideout]

I certainly don't want to get into a my certification is bigger than your certification debate but I'm wondering about working there with the following:

I have three and a half years of ESL work experience, two in S. Korea with letters of reference, no criminal issues etc. I'm 52 - look a bit younger.

My certification is from the School of International Training (SIT). I know it's not as well known as a Celta but it's still very well regarded.

Any chance of a decent job teaching there?

[Eisenhorn]

[tideout]

[veiledsentiments]

If there were a list somewhere, that would be ... like... organized or something. We can't have that!!

It has seemed to me that it is employer acceptance of a cert rather than the Ministry. I haven't read of any mentions here of anyone not getting an offered job because the Ministry later rejected their cert.

The thing is that there aren't many jobs in the UAE for someone with your limited credentials. You might try Oman or Saudia. Your problem is that with your age and lack of an MA in hand... you are cut off from the good jobs in the Gulf.

VS

[baa_baa]

celta is valid for 2 years.. but an MA is forever. If you are up for it definitely MA at some schools salaries for MA is more though not big of a difference but why not. where do you plan to do your MA, in the UAE?

[veiledsentiments]

[bin There]

A CELTA is valid forever, although skills learnt on it after decades have passed since getting it might lead to employers asking whether new skills have been gotten - especially those in edtech, which the CELTA doesn't spend so much time on.

If it ran out after 2 years, most of the world's qualified ESL teachers would not be qualified.

[123Loto]

[veiledsentiments]

[Sashadroogie]