Job Discussion Forums

[SandraR]

Hi,
I am in the midst of a midlife career change and I am planning to become CELTA certified in the next few months. I would like to live and work in Latin America if possible. Being from Canada, I cannot stand to even think about living through another freezing cold winter up here !
I have been reading intensively all of the info available here on Dave's ESL Cafe and I am pretty sure that I know what I am getting myself into and what I need to do to prepare.
I have been in contact with the very nice coordinator at CELTA Galapagos and he has answered most of my questions regarding the 8 week program being offered at this present time (4 weeks CELTA training and 4 weeks volunteering with paid accommodation). I am on the verge of registering and want to make sure that I am making the right decision.
Being that it is a fairly new CELTA certification provider, I am having a difficult time finding any information on the centre (outside of their facebook page and website). I would like to hear from previous students about their experience at the centre and what it's like living in the islands.
I have always harbored the dream of going to the Galapagos Islands and I think that this is an amazing opportunity for me.
Has anyone reading this right now taken the CELTA in the Galapagos, or has anyone you know taken it ? Would you be willing to graciously let me know how your overall experience was ?

Thanks !

[HLJHLJ]

They are a new centre, and as far as I know the first course they are running is in June. I know one of the trainers, and I think she is running that course, she is excellent and very experienced. Other than that, I don't think you will find anyone who has experience of it. Personally, I would jump at the course if I was looking for a CELTA, I think it sounds fantastic. If you do decide to do it, please let us know how you get on.

[SandraR]

Thank you !
That resolves most of my questions as to why I couldn't find any info on former students.
I guess I will be on the list of "first students'.
Yes, of course I will let you know how it goes, because I know how important it is to have references when thinking about making such a big decision.
I'm really looking forward to this !

[Jultime]

I'm excited for you going to the Galapagos! The islands are on my bucket list to visit.

I would do the CELTA there in a heartbeat!

Remember, the trainers have to be Cambridge certified so even if the center sucks you're still going to get the same CELTA training as anyone at another CELTA center.

Trust me, the IH Mexico center sucks.

[SandraR]

Hi Jultime,
I am very excited about this. It is such an amazing opportunity, I cannot let it pass by. It's perfect for me ! I'm sure that when word gets out about this centre, they will be filling up the places quickly.
I know that I will get the necessary training, and that is what counts. After that, it's up to me to put my newly acquired knowledge into practice and pave my own way in the ESL world.
Hope all is well with you in Mexico ?

[wanderingxelmundo]

I've been keeping an eye on this program for over a year, and they've always had upcoming dates on their website, so it's a bit strange if the first sessions are this summer.

How did you contact the "very nice" director -- by the email on their site? I sent them an email a week ago asking how long they've been offering the program and a couple of other questions I had, and they haven't responded. How long did it take them to respond? Which months are you doing the course/volunteering? I hope you definitely do report back. Thanks.

[c_destru]

[SandraR]

I wrote a message on the facebook page about a month ago and got a reply within a day. He answered all of my questions regarding the program, the islands, and the accommodations. He even sent me photos of the accommodations.

I wrote last week with another question and have yet to receive a reply. Maybe a different person has been manning the facebook page recently.

I will be sending in my application within a week through their website. I am aiming for the September course, October volunteering.

I will keep you posted.

[wanderingxelmundo]

Thanks! I hadn't seen that they've changed the course dates, and September is better for me as well, if I do decide to do this course. You wouldn't happen to know if there are cooking facilities where we'd be staying for 2 months? (one of my questions I sent them) while I wait to hear back from them? It doesn't look like it from what I could see on Trip Advisor.

Have fun!

[SandraR]