Job Discussion Forums

[keith.colella]

Hello,

I am looking for ways to obtain a quality CELTA-level TEFL certification without spending an extended period away from my home in Philadelphia.

A bit about me:

I hope to teach in an Arabic-speaking country for a couple years for language learning and cultural experience before I start my master's. I currently teach ESL at a private school that preps international students for study at American universities (I guess it's considered tertiary). Our students are mostly Saudi. My qualifications at the time I hope to head overseas will be:

-BS Writing/Print Journalism
-BA Political Science
-1 year teaching ESL to Saudis in America
-9 months teaching ESL with Americorps (concurrently with other jobs)
-two years assistant teaching at a middle school I'm not a certified teacher)
-High intermediate speaking/reading/writing skills in formal and colloquial Arabic

I feel like my resume is solid enough to land a gig in Morocco, Egypt or Jordan but just shy of landing me a more lucrative job in KSA or Oman. I think a solid TEFL cert and some post-cert experience would put me right where I need to be for those two countries. So I'd like to get a good cert ASAP and head abroad next summer.

I cannot, however, afford to move to another city for an entire month to complete a CELTA. So, what should I do?

I've heard of distance CELTA courses, but I'm having trouble finding details. Might I complete portions online and then travel to DC or NYC for face-time? Are there reputable online certs that would let me organize a practicum in Philadelphia? Is Oxford Seminars as weak as everyone says?

Please help! Thanks!

[nomad soul]

[veiledsentiments]

You probably need to post elsewhere to find a US CELTA course. I would beware of distance as the Middle East wants to see that you had supervised classroom experience with real students. As nomad says, Berlitz method is not looked upon positively - most certainly not by the CELTA people.

Normally I would tell you to save up and go do your CELTA at the British Council in Cairo. But, as you may have noticed, things are a bit unsettled in Cairo right now, although one should be able to avoid any demonstrations. It still may be your best option considering your goals.

VS

[scot47]

Don't post your query under "Middle East" !

[keith.colella]

Sorry, I guess I should post in the newbie or teacher training forum?

And I'm actually not working with Berlitz, another position came through with a different private language school. I imagine it would be considered credible.

Maybe I will have to spend some time in Egypt or another country to get my CELTA first, then aim for Oman/KSA a year later. Thanks again