Job Discussion Forums

mashenkaaa · Joined: 19 May 2012 Posts: 2

So , I'm currently a college student at a local community college in the USA (I'm American). I plan on getting my associates degree in Liberal Arts, ultimately, I do eventually want to receive a bachelors in Linguistics. However, after getting my associates I was hoping I could take maybe a year off, and teach English abroad. So I'll need a TESOL for this, right? I did some research online and it looks like the CELTA isn't a good idea, something about it being outdated... So I should get a TESOL certification right? Or is the TESOL, TESL and TEFL all the same? I was wondering if someone could give me some more information on what I should do to get started. The online courses are fake, too right? 'Cause whenever I look to register it always talks about taking courses online.. I don't know. Could I still find a job as an English teacher with only a certification and associates degree? I also speak Russian and English, so if I were to teach English abroad in Russia that would help me out right?
Thanks !

spiral78 · Joined: 05 Apr 2004 Posts: 11534 Location: On a Short Leash

An associate's degree is a 2-year one, correct? This is likely to keep you out of countries that require a BA.

CELTA isn't outdated. It's still the standard basic entry-level cert and the name brand. Most employers will accept a CELTA equivalent - this means a course of at least 120 hours on site and (key) including supervised teaching practice with real students. This is why online courses don't meet the standard most places - lack of actual practice.

I do not know if Russia will accept a teacher with less than a BA - post on the Russia boards below. If they do accept, one approach would be to take a CELTA in Russia. Taking a course in the country where you want to start is usually a good way to get going.

nomad soul · Joined: 31 Jan 2010 Posts: 11454 Location: The real world

Sashadroogie · Posted: Sun Oct 13, 2013 7:16 pm Post subject:

Celta is an excellent idea. Nothing outdated there. Where ever did you come across comments like that? However, there is a written part to the Celta application, and prospective candidates need to be able to display proper control over written English. Many Celta centres also have age requirements, and may not accept university students if they are below a certain age.

Speaking Russian would help you out in terms of living in Russia. But it would not be much use in an EFL classroom. Besides, there are oodles of Russian teachers teaching English in any case.

Good luck, whatever you choose to do.

mashenkaaa · Joined: 19 May 2012 Posts: 2

spiral78 · Joined: 05 Apr 2004 Posts: 11534 Location: On a Short Leash

Don't leap too fast - you need to find out if an AA degree and your age will be accepted in Russia. Again, I suggest you post on the Russia board below.

coledavis · Joined: 21 Jun 2003 Posts: 1838

TEFL/TESOL are generic terms. CELTA and Trinity TESOL are the two most recognised courses, for those employers who specify. Given the difficulties of getting that first job, you want a full degree followed by one of these certificates. I think Russia can be quite pernickety about degrees, but by all means do your research. (From here --> Russian board, as previously suggested.)

Prof.Gringo