Job Discussion Forums

sebailey · Joined: 17 Nov 2004 Posts: 10 Location: USA

Hi,l I am also considering taking a CELTA course, and although the IH Sevilla (CLIC) seems like the most attractive option as far as professionalism, teacher trainers, and location, I must say I'm intrigued by a school in Sofia, Bulgaria--AVO-3-- that offers a FABULOUS price for CELTA certification. As far as I'm concerned, it seems like it's on the up and up--after I sent them an inquiry they emailed me back within 24 hours and sent me some detailed course layout info. They also require a pre-course task, and the program takes 5 weeks instead of four, so it's not as intense. They are apparently accredited by Cambridge. The price for just the program is 681 Great British Pounds, or about $1,267 USD, but here's the really good deal: The program, with accommodation and airport pickup included, is on special for 799 GBP, or about $1,476 USD. Which means if I can find a reasonably cheap airfare into Sofia, I can save as much as $1,500-- taking into account that both the certification and accommodations at any of the other schools are more pricy. Anyone know anything more about this course? I just wanted to throw it out there to anyone who is looking for a cheaper way to do things-- we're all uncertain and $1500 is a lot less to spend than just $2200 for the program alone and then room and board...
The URL is:
http://www.avo-3.com/teach.html
if anyone wants to check it out.
Thanks,
Sarah Bailey

DistantRelative · Joined: 19 Oct 2004 Posts: 367 Location: Shaanxi/Xian

Hey All,

Thought I'd add my 2 cents worth. It sounds like the majority of the schools being discussed here are onsite. The course I'm currently enrolled in is an online course(Here's the Link)
http://www.bridgelinguatec.com/TeacherTrainingCourses/home.html . As you can see if you hit the link, this is University of Cambridge's recommended online course.
I don't have anything to compare it to as I personally haven't taken any other online courses, I can only give you my opinion as to my experiences with the content and Tutor I have. In my opinion the course is definitely challenging. They say it's a 40-hour course consisting of 13 modules, but I have found the time you need to invest if you expect to do well is much more than that (In my case anyway). It is College level course work, with much of it requiring you to be creative and thorough. My experience with my Tutor (Ann Leonard) thus far, is that she is no slouch and demands top notch work out of her students. I get the impression that she will keep you on your toes and if you slip it will show in the grade you receive for that mod. Frankly I wouldn't want it any other way. I feel like I'm definitely getting my moneys worth.
As to whether it will prepare me for the challenges that teaching in China present? On it's own, I doubt it. That's why I turn to forums such as this for advice, and help with getting started. Combined with my sparkling personality Smile

and temperament, I can only hope it will be enough to carry me through that first teaching assignment.
In any case as far as online courses go, I would have no misgivings about recommending the above to anyone considering getting certified this way.

Hope this helps.

Respectfully