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keith.colella
Joined: 27 Feb 2012 Posts: 10
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Posted: Wed Sep 26, 2012 3:37 am Post subject: Quality certification near Philly |
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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! |
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nomad soul
Joined: 31 Jan 2010 Posts: 11454 Location: The real world
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Posted: Wed Sep 26, 2012 1:41 pm Post subject: Re: Quality certification near Philly |
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keith.colella wrote: |
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.
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. |
In one of your other threads, you stated you want to get in "another year of ESL teaching domestically with Berlitz." I assume they're your current employer---the private school where you're teaching Saudis. Be aware that the Berlitz method is not viewed as credible teaching experience. Some on these forums will even say "Berlitz" is a huge red flag on your resume/CV. |
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veiledsentiments
Joined: 20 Feb 2003 Posts: 17644 Location: USA
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Posted: Wed Sep 26, 2012 1:56 pm Post subject: |
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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 |
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scot47
Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343
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Posted: Wed Sep 26, 2012 2:13 pm Post subject: |
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Don't post your query under "Middle East" ! |
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keith.colella
Joined: 27 Feb 2012 Posts: 10
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Posted: Fri Sep 28, 2012 2:49 am Post subject: |
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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 |
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