Job Discussion Forums

bigchief · Joined: 10 Mar 2005 Posts: 5 Location: Colorado

I have a BA and want to teach esl in Latin America, hopefully west coast of Mexico or Peru or Costa Rica. I am looking at courses in TEFL or CELTA at Linguatec in Denver as a 1st and 2nd choice, or TEFL or TESL online from Winfield College of Vancouver. What do you reccomend? Several weeks ago Guy wrote someone that TEFL was more recognized in MX than CELTA because it is associated with British. Every course description I've read contradicts that, saying the more expensive CELTA is better recognized. What gives? And if I simply can't afford the Linguatec course, would an online course(with some volunteer experience) suffice? Who knows what about Linguatec and/or Winfield College? Recomendations?

Guy Courchesne · Joined: 10 Mar 2003 Posts: 9650 Location: Mexico City

Let me add to what I had written...CELTA isn't unknown in Mexico. It won't be a barrier to employment. I meant that TEFL was more widely known in Mexico. I'm not sure about Peru. I have seen a number of job ads specifically looking for British CELTA certificate holders in Peru, but also jobs for TEFL/TESOL as well.

bigchief · Joined: 10 Mar 2005 Posts: 5 Location: Colorado

The TEFL and CELTA courses in Denver are at Bridge Linguatec.
Any advice on TEFL or CELTA from Bridge Linguatec or TEFL or TESL from Winfield College via internet?
Thanks Guy!

Guy Courchesne · Joined: 10 Mar 2003 Posts: 9650 Location: Mexico City

I would take the onsite courses over the online courses, especially if your main goal is employment abroad and if you have no prior teaching experience. It costs more but the practical teaching/observation component is invaluable.

As far as choosing between TEFL and CELTA with BL, ask about the practice teaching. Will you work with language students or your fellow course students? The distinction could be enough to tip the scales. For employment in Mexico, either course will be fine. I lean towards TEFL myself as I've found CELTA to be a little too rigid in its methodology. Then again, since the same school provides both courses, they might run the TEFL the same way.

Perhaps a second opinion from the forum is needed, since I can't give you the answer you want.

Justin Trullinger · Posted: Fri Mar 18, 2005 3:44 pm Post subject:

I can't really answer the question, but here are my thoughts-

Look into the course curriculum of both programs, remembering that first and foremost is teaching practice. (The more, the better.)

Also, courses attended on site are obviously better looked on than online courses.

As far as which certificate is better looked on, here (Ecuador) it really doesn�t make any difference. I've dealt with school directors who thought they were the same. Even amongst the more clued up, it doesn't seem to matter.

Regards,
Justin