Job Discussion Forums

Racheala · Posted: Thu Feb 09, 2006 2:34 am Post subject: Decisions, decisions

Hi all,

I've been lurking around the board for a while and finally got the courage to ask for people's opinions Smile

I'm looking to do the CELTA in Jan 07 (I realise this is a long way off, but I suspect it'll catch up with VERY fast). So far I'm debating over Bangkok (EET/ETT??), Beijing - Language Link and Poland IH Wrocraw or Krakow. Has anyone got any advice or is it more a case of finding the one that appeals the most?? Loads of people have had warnings about which schools not to work for and I have read just about all I cn on CELTA postings.

So far I'm leaning towards the Poland choice.

Any ideas?????
Thanks

Gordon · Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Posts: 5309 Location: Japan

If you want to get a CELTA, it doesn't matter all that much where you get it. The courses are standardized and externally moderated.

Google the Celta homepage and they will have a list of all the centres where you can take the course.

Don't worry, it's not too soon to be looking ahead to the course.

Racheala · Posted: Thu Feb 09, 2006 9:55 am Post subject:

Hi Gordon,

Thanks for the quick reply. I'm looking to teach in Europe but I think the time of the year is wrong for getting good jobs in Europe form what I've read. At the moment, as much as I'd like to go straight to Poland, I'm thinking that I'll do the CELTA in Beijing and try and get a short term contract in China and then head to Poland or the Czech Republic when jobs are more abunadant Smile

Does this sound like a doable plan to you? Confused

Gordon · Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Posts: 5309 Location: Japan

I think it is a good plan. I would line up the celta before you get to China. To make it simpler, why not do it in Australia?

Racheala · Posted: Sat Feb 11, 2006 12:56 am Post subject:

Hi Roger,

I've chosen to do the CELTA overseas 'cos by the time I take into account the flight/travel costs, accomodation and all added extras it's actually cheaper to do the course overseas, Beijing and Bangkok are the cheapest I've found so far! The course is about $AU2600 is Aust. and $AU1900 in Beijing and Bangkok!! Go figure !! : Rolling Eyes

Gordon · Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Posts: 5309 Location: Japan

I'm not Roger, but the course is cheaper because the costs are far less in China and Thailand. I'm not surprised at all.

Racheala · Posted: Sat Feb 11, 2006 4:08 am Post subject:

Sorry Gordon, I'd just been reading other posts Embarassed

I was totally blown away by the whole cheaper to do the course elswhere!

Now I just have to wait....... that's my biggest problem I'm hopeless when I've decided on a new course of action I just want to DO IT!! Only 10 and a half months, thank god I've got Uni to keep me busy in between times Wink

Cdaniels · Last edited by Cdaniels on Sat Feb 11, 2006 3:04 pm; edited 1 time in total

You may want to consider what happens if you don't complete the CELTA. I've recently been in a program where at least one graduate was rethinking his plans to teach abroad after the Celta, and I don't think that's too unusual. Also, if you decide to go abroad, leave early and take some time to adjust to a new environment. Even if you're not sightseeing or socializing, it takes time to figure out where and how to get food, and use local currency, etc, etc.

Gordon · Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Posts: 5309 Location: Japan

I think cost is just one factor to consider. Doing a CELTA in a foreign country can have its down sides too. You will have to adjust to a new culture, where to shop, access to a computer, language barrier..., that all takes time, which you will have precious little of. The biggest plus about doing a course overseas is that you might make some connections to find work.
I'm not trying to dissuade you here, just look at more than just dollars and cents.
I did my CELTA about 15 mins from my house and was grateful as I had some support and familiarity while doing the course, which was still very challenging even after having 4 years of teaching under my belt.