Job Discussion Forums

weshh1 · Joined: 20 Oct 2013 Posts: 87

Hi,

So I have been considering getting my CELTA certification for a couple years now. I'm wondering in what all countries and cities are all inclusive CELTA certification packages available?

So far I have:

*Ecuador (Montanita) - CELTA via Southern Cross

*Thailand (Chiang Mai) - CELTA via International House

Are there any other all inclusive CELTA programs out there?

Also, I'm a 24 years old college graduate (Psychology) with a couple years teaching experience (Teaching Assistant, substitute). I'm a good student but sometimes I work until the last minute to get things done. I've taken a few graduate courses on Instruction and Classroom Management and Teaching English Language Learners K-12.

I understand the CELTA course is pretty strenuous but do you think I have a good chance of passing?

I have seen posts about good and bad tutors.
I feel like tutors may make a bit of difference towards ones performance in the class. Does anyone have a specific center they recommend that had helpful and supportive tutors?

Thanks!

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

Prague has some all-inclusive packages, but if you are aiming to teach in Asia, an Asian location will be a better idea.

weshh1 · Joined: 20 Oct 2013 Posts: 87

Haha yes certainly doesn't seem like there is any time for procrastination! That is one reason why an all inclusive location is so appealing to me.

I will look into Prague as well. I most likely am interested in teaching in Asia but Europe may be of interest to me as well.

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

Assuming you are American (from your use of 'college'), most of Europe is not a legal option for you anyway. Central/Eastern Europe are ok, but western Europe generally is out for non-EU member citizens.

weshh1 · Joined: 20 Oct 2013 Posts: 87

Yep, American. Good to know that about Europe. Can you list some specifics in Central/Eastern that are ok?

golsa · Joined: 20 Nov 2011 Posts: 185

As an American, you won't have too many options in Eastern Europe. It's possible for Americans to work in Latvia and Poland might still be open.

Ukraine was probably the biggest market until recently. Be warned that the Ukrainian currency's exchange rate against the dollar has dropped by 40% since the troubles began. Most schools haven't increased the pay to compensate for the difference. Also be warned that only the 3 big schools (BC, IH, and Education Solutions) can get you the documents you need to work legally.

Moving a bit out of Europe you have Georgia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan.

Azerbaijan pays quite well ($2,500+ at entry level), but the cost of living in Baku is about the same as western Europe. Most jobs don't include housing and you'll need 2 years of post CELTA experience to work in Azerbaijan. Baku is definitely the most lucrative place to work in the region.

Salaries in Georgia and Armenia are horrible unless you work for BC or IH (Armenia doesn't have an IH affiliate at the moment). Once again, only the big schools can get you the documents necessary to work legally. BC and IH will provide housing, flights or an allowance, and health insurance. Georgia also has a London School of English, but they only had one native speaker teacher as of 2012.

Moscow has the most openings for EFL teachers and there are quite a few good schools there, including Windsor, BKC-IH, and BC. I don't know what BC Russia pays, but entry level EFL in Moscow generally pays about $1,000/month with an apartment, health insurance, paid vacations, and flight reimbursement.

Moscow is probably the easiest place to get started, but Ukraine is also worth doing if you're not too risk averse. Azerbaijan pays the best by far, but won't accept newbies. I'd suggest staying away from Georgia and Armenia.

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

Add Czech Republic, Slovakia, Poland to the 'ok' list. Hassles with work visas, but possible to overcome.
Germany if you can survive as a free-lancer (meaning you have plenty of money to start). More on this on the Germany forum below.

weshh1 · Joined: 20 Oct 2013 Posts: 87

Thanks for the replies!. I think i'd like czech republic, poland, slovakia, latvia. The others I will keep in mind. I'm actually considering doing a bit of backpacking after getting CELTA, prior to picking up teaching job somewhere. So europe, s. America, or s.e.asia are looking like the options.