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Ruaridh321
Joined: 11 Aug 2015
Posts: 62
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 Posted: Tue Sep 08, 2015 7:20 pm Post subject: A question about CELTA recognition |
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Hi guys.
I was just looking for some clarification. I am hoping to teach English next year at some point (potentially Thailand) and have been looking into doing a 4-week TEFL course.
I do understand that a lot of people find work in Thailand with no qualificaiton, but I really want to get one as I have no teaching experience and want to learn more.
I'm just curious to know, how does one go about determining the quality of a CELTA course?
I know that 'CELTA' is a legally protected term and so every CELTA course would have the same format (unlike a standard TEFL course that could be online, etc...) but is that enough? Can I just pick a CELTA course anywhere? Or does it have to be accredited by a specific body or organisation?
Any info would be great  |
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nomad soul
Joined: 31 Jan 2010
Posts: 11454
Location: The real world
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| Posted: Tue Sep 08, 2015 7:52 pm Post subject: |
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| Ruaridh321 wrote: |
| How does one go about determining the quality of a CELTA course? I know that 'CELTA' is a legally protected term and so every CELTA course would have the same format (unlike a standard TEFL course that could be online, etc...) but is that enough? Can I just pick a CELTA course anywhere? Or does it have to be accredited by a specific body or organisation? |
Ah, you're still overthinking things.
The CELTA is a standardized teacher training course that's recognized the world over as a valid, entry-level qualification. (Emphasis on "entry-level".) Don't view it like it's a university cert; in fact, a degree isn't even required to enroll in the CELTA course. Anyway, the content is the same regardless of where it's offered. Plus, there really is no international accrediting body for TEFL cert courses, despite what some mediocre TEFL training schools claim on their websites.
That said, focus on what the course provider offers at their facility. For example, do they have free Internet service, a break room, library, etc., for the trainees. What's nearby in terms of reasonably-priced accommodation and restaurants? Is the facility easy to get to on foot or via a short bus or taxi ride? Some of this info should be indicated on their website. Otherwise, email them. Also do an Internet search on course providers you're considering for feedback/reviews. |
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fluffyhamster
Joined: 13 Mar 2005
Posts: 3292
Location: UK > China > Japan > UK again
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| Posted: Tue Sep 08, 2015 7:56 pm Post subject: |
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CELTA courses (and the training centers offering them) are accredited by a sole "provider" (UCLES), so all you need to do is check that the center appears on UCLES' list of approved centers. That being said, it obviously pays to research specific centers as the supposedly uniform content and standard may (can and does) vary somewhat depending on how good (or possibly not so good LOL) the trainers in question are. Best to get first-hand recent feedback if possible, from somebody who's done the course at whichever centers you're considering.
http://www.cambridgeenglish.org/find-a-centre/find-a-teaching-centre/
Edit: Ah, NS got in just before me!  |
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Ruaridh321
Joined: 11 Aug 2015
Posts: 62
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| Posted: Tue Sep 08, 2015 11:41 pm Post subject: |
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Thanks for the info guys!
The course I was considering (International House Bangkok) came up on that list of approved courses so that is good news.
But thanks for the tips as I know there is other things to consider such as facilities, reviews, feedback etc...! |
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Ruaridh321
Joined: 11 Aug 2015
Posts: 62
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| Posted: Sat Sep 12, 2015 1:57 am Post subject: |
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Hi guys.
Another (quick) question. I think you answered this but I just want to double check.
I'm assuming that if I do a CELTA course that is approved by UCLES, does this mean that it doesn't really matter which location I do the course at?
For example, would a CELTA qualification obtained in a European country (which would be easy for me to go to now and obtain as I live in the UK) be equally as valid in the Thailand job market as a CELTA from a Thai institution?
Or would obtaining it in Thailand be more beneficial?
Thanks for any info  |
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nomad soul
Joined: 31 Jan 2010
Posts: 11454
Location: The real world
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| Posted: Sat Sep 12, 2015 3:16 am Post subject: |
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| Ruaridh321 wrote: |
For example, would a CELTA qualification obtained in a European country (which would be easy for me to go to now and obtain as I live in the UK) be equally as valid in the Thailand job market as a CELTA from a Thai institution?
Or would obtaining it in Thailand be more beneficial? |
As mentioned, the CELTA course content is the same, same, same regardless of the country. However, the difference is in the students you'd be teaching for your supervised teaching practice module. Obviously, Thailand would be ideal solely because that's your target country/culture --- you'd be getting hands-on training with your target students. That said, keep in mind that Asia generally tends to have relaxed requirements when it comes to TEFL. For example, a TEFL qualification isn't a requirement for Thailand, but in other parts of the world, the lack of a valid cert gets your CV rejected. Thai employers won't care where you did the course (or that you did a course, for that matter). Again, see the Cambridge English links above from me and Fluffy for more info on the CELTA. |
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suphanburi
Joined: 20 Mar 2014
Posts: 916
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| Posted: Sat Sep 12, 2015 5:56 am Post subject: |
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| Ruaridh321 wrote: |
Hi guys.
Another (quick) question. I think you answered this but I just want to double check.
I'm assuming that if I do a CELTA course that is approved by UCLES, does this mean that it doesn't really matter which location I do the course at?
For example, would a CELTA qualification obtained in a European country (which would be easy for me to go to now and obtain as I live in the UK) be equally as valid in the Thailand job market as a CELTA from a Thai institution?
Or would obtaining it in Thailand be more beneficial?
Thanks for any info |
CELTA is the particular brand name of the Cambridge ESOL (UCLES) 30-day, entry level TESOL program.
The CELTA brand has the same recognition regardless of where it was earned.
This does NOT mean to confuse it with a GENERIC TEFL/TESOL program that many NOT have the same brand recognition across other regions (like ITTT or those other groupon offered "Teach 'N Learn" programs that are more focused on tourism than teaching.
To Specifically answer your question, "For example, would a CELTA qualification obtained in a European country (which would be easy for me to go to now and obtain as I live in the UK) be equally as valid in the Thailand job market as a CELTA from a Thai institution?"...
YES, the CELTA earned in the EU would be equally as valid as one earned in Thailand and carry the same recognition in the Thai market.
. |
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fpshangzhou
Joined: 13 Mar 2012
Posts: 280
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| Posted: Sat Sep 12, 2015 7:15 am Post subject: |
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I agree with the other posters. I will probably do the CELTA in the near future as I've been putting it off for a while due to new family situation here in Chinaville. Might as well do it where you plan on teaching as it provides the type of students you will teach and the culture you will live in for the foreseeable future.
Cheers,
Aaron |
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Ruaridh321
Joined: 11 Aug 2015
Posts: 62
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| Posted: Sat Sep 12, 2015 3:02 pm Post subject: |
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| nomad soul wrote: |
As mentioned, the CELTA course content is the same, same, same regardless of the country. However, the difference is in the students you'd be teaching for your supervised teaching practice module. Obviously, Thailand would be ideal solely because that's your target country/culture --- you'd be getting hands-on training with your target students. That said, keep in mind that Asia generally tends to have relaxed requirements when it comes to TEFL. For example, a TEFL qualification isn't a requirement for Thailand, but in other parts of the world, the lack of a valid cert gets your CV rejected. Thai employers won't care where you did the course (or that you did a course, for that matter). Again, see the Cambridge English links above from me and Fluffy for more info on the CELTA. |
Thanks for the info!
I am aware that the requirements are a bit relaxed in Thailand, HOWEVER, I do still want to do a course first to get experience and make myself more confident, and I feel a CELTA makes most sense.
I'm curious to know from anyone on here who has done a CELTA course... What exactly was the work-load like outside of class hours? Is it the sort of course where you will be doing hours of homework every night, and studying all weekend as well? |
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nomad soul
Joined: 31 Jan 2010
Posts: 11454
Location: The real world
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| Posted: Sat Sep 12, 2015 3:24 pm Post subject: |
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| Ruaridh321 wrote: |
| I'm curious to know from anyone on here who has done a CELTA course... What exactly was the work-load like outside of class hours? Is it the sort of course where you will be doing hours of homework every night, and studying all weekend as well? |
From a quick search on the Cafe:There are more discussions about others' experiences the CELTA --- use the search function located near the top of the page, below "Job Discussion Forums." Start being proactive. |
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