Job Discussion Forums

corporatehuman · Joined: 09 Jan 2006 Posts: 198 Location: Mexico City

So I'm confused about CELTA, TEFL, TEFLA (does that exist) what the hell are the differences between all these.

I want to get certified to teach (I figure this is the natural first step), but cannot decide on a program. There are too many programs. I really hate the wealth of information the internet has.

What does CELTA mean? TEFL I assume is Teach English Foreign Language. Right.

If I am to travel to Mexico, which certification would do me best? Can some of you 100+ board posters (you know who you are) tell me which certifications you have, and what companies you went through, so I can just follow in your footsteps and not have to make my own decision.

Thanks,

Chris

PS. Does Dave (the ESL man) really support Oxford Seminars? Or does he just want their money? I assume both, but I can't tell. Has anyone here gone through them?

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

Celta - Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages or Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults

TEFL - Teaching (or Teacher of) English as a Foreign Language

TESL (or TESOL) - Teaching (or Teacher of) English as a Second Language (sometimes referred to as Speakers of Other Languages)

Not much difference in application, though methodology varies slightly to those who care about the differences in teaching abroad and teaching in Canada, US, UK, etc.

CELTA or TEFL or TESOL is fine for Mexico. Most important is that you know what you are doing in the demo class you'll be asked to give. The needs a practicum. I'm not sure if Oxford Seminars provides one or not.

Ben Round de Bloc · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Posts: 1946

MELEE · Posted: Wed Mar 01, 2006 3:03 pm Post subject:

Here's a handy list of Acronyms Related to TESL

Rather than follow in my footsteps, (it was a long trip and it didn't start in Mexico.) you should blaze your own trail. But I can tell you this. You up your changes of getting a job where I work if you have a CELTA. I know the CELTA certificate, the curriculum and the pass rates. If you get a Pass A, even better! It means your meticulous! If you choose another course, go for one with the highest number of practice teaching hours, because that's where you really process what you learn.

Good Luck![/url]