Job Discussion Forums

eek · Joined: 19 Jun 2006 Posts: 61

Hi, looking for some advice pls.

Im undecided as yet whether to do the CELTA in Bangkok or Phuket.

Particularly hoping for some tips either from anyone who has taken the CELTA in Bangkok or Phuket and how they found taking the course, or people that have spent time in both places.

I may teach in Bangkok when i complete the CELTA (after a short break. I think its a good idea that i take a look around Thailand and possibly Vietnam/Korea first) so it may be a good idea to take the CELTA in Bangkok to get a better feel of the place. Then again Phuket looks very relaxing and as I intend to focus on learning and studying it may be nice to chill out at the beach when possible. (Of course i may have a totally wrong idea about how chilled Phuket is)

Any tips/thoughts etc would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks guys.

(p.s im female..not that it matters really..or maybe it does..? Just that i wouldnt be into the bar scene much. Plus like i said my main focus would be study. My w/e seems to be free, and personally im more into chilling and sight seeing than the night life. I like the idea of the sports and elephant riding etc in Phuket. Arghh i really dont know XD)

isanity · Joined: 05 Nov 2004 Posts: 179

Any CELTA course will occupy you from breakfast to dinner time, after which you may have time for an hour or two of lesson planning or written assignments before you collapse into bed. If you're very efficient, you might manage to take Saturday or Sunday off, but you're not going to see much of your environment wherever you are.

All CELTA courses have very well-trained instructors and are run to the same standards, so (IMHO) the main criteria for choosing between them are class size, start/finish dates and where you plan to work afterwards.

Coco the Monkey · Joined: 25 May 2006 Posts: 11 Location: USA

Dear Eek,

I took the CELTA in Bangkok in March 2004. It was the best thing I'd done for my career as a TEFL teacher, and I'd already been teaching several years prior to the course. I can tell you that the course was strenuous. The last thing on my mind was an elephant ride. I managed to get out a couple Saturday nights, but there were assignments always pressing. It wasn't until my final observation in week four of the course that I let loose on a weekday night. I lived and worked in Bangkok for two years following the course. I've never been to Phuket, so I can't help you there, but if you are into shopping at markets, relaxing massages, and delicious food, Bangkok has plenty to offer. I found time on one Saturday afternoon to catch a movie, too. I'm not sure if the instructors I had in 2004 will still be there today, two Brits named (Helen and Stephen). They were amazing and professional. Good luck and keep us posted on what you decide. Do you plan on working in either Phuket or Bangkok? Perhaps that can be a deciding factor for you.

Sincerely,

Coco the monkey

eek · Joined: 19 Jun 2006 Posts: 61

Thank you Coco.

I am quite worried about the difficulty of the CELTA to be honest! I will buy a few of the recommended books in order to try prepare myself. (Grammer! Grammer! Grammer!) I have teaching experience but not in English, nor in a formal environment. (I taught Adult Life Drawing classes and art club classes for children of ages rising 5's - 12 years old).

Im wondering wither I should not take a course that is so intensive, but then again I wish to be prepared when i start teaching and the CELTA seems to give good grounding.

If you have any tips for me I would be most grateful!

I guess I'm just a worrier.

Location-wise, realistically im likely to be teaching in Bangkok. There seems to be more language schools there to choose from and I of course wish to work in a good school.

From the kind tips I guess my best option would be to stay in Bangkok for the CELTA then all going well take a little time (a month - 6 weeks) to explore before I look for work. Actually, would that be frown upon at all? As in, would employers wonder why I had not saught work post CELTA?

eek · Joined: 19 Jun 2006 Posts: 61

(double post..sorry)

isanity · Joined: 05 Nov 2004 Posts: 179

(GrammAr! GrammAr! GrammAr!) Smile

The CELTA is not difficult, it's just a lot of work. You won't get your actual certificate for up to two months after taking the course; you can apply for jobs stating your provisional grade in the meantime, but equally you can use that time to consider your options (or go elephant riding and say that you've been considering your options).

eek · Joined: 19 Jun 2006 Posts: 61

eek · Joined: 19 Jun 2006 Posts: 61

kparsons · Joined: 30 Jun 2005 Posts: 63 Location: Hanoi, Vietnam

My boyfriend and I took the CELTA in Bangkok last November. It was a fantastic experience (as the others said, yes, there is A BIT of work involved!). We learned much more than I imagined possible in a month, and it is truly invaluable for teaching, at least in Vietnam where we've settled, as most schools require it (in addition to a university degree). Bangkok is a fantastic city -- there's always something to do there. We loved living there, and have many times thought about returning -- if only the money were better for teachers!

megerie · Joined: 18 Jul 2006 Posts: 3 Location: Chicago, IL

I am just beginning to look into schools in Thailand, is there one that anyone can recommend?

eek · Joined: 19 Jun 2006 Posts: 61

From reading a LOT of threads, receiving some great advice on a couple of threads, and weighing up pros and cons EEC CELTA in Bangkok is the one I narrowed them all down to.

I have a feeling I will prefer Chiang Mai when it comes to work, but feel Bangkok is best as my starting point. It seems the EEC is very respected and is also internationally recognised.

megerie · Joined: 18 Jul 2006 Posts: 3 Location: Chicago, IL

The all-inclusive International House CELTA in Chiang Mai looks and sounds really nice, has anyone taken their CELTA there? The all-inclusive cost seems to be a bargin too.

kparsons · Joined: 30 Jun 2005 Posts: 63 Location: Hanoi, Vietnam

As mentioned above, we did our CELTA in Bangkok last November. We completed the certificate at ECC, and we thought it was an excellent program. However, upon completion of the program, two of the three teacher trainers left for more exotic locales, so I don't know how it would stack up now. It seems a safe bet they would find two more excellent people to fill their shoes.

Didn't even know there was a program in Chiang Mai, so can't help you there. I can tell you that it's a hell of a lot cheaper in Chiang Mai (everything: food, lodging, etc.), so that could impact your decision.

Stephen Jones · Joined: 21 Feb 2003 Posts: 4124

Doing the Celta at IH in Bangkok now; highly recommendable.

eek · Joined: 19 Jun 2006 Posts: 61

hmm...

International House looks pretty interesting. I had previously planned on attending EEC but havent booked it yet.

Can anyone who has either completed or attending IH elaborate?

The Chiang Mai all inclusive looks like a pretty good deal especially. (May seem like a daft question here but do you know if there is anywhere I can either jog or use a gym at the Chiang Mai Celta? Its just really important to me as it de-stresses me and I like the endorphine rush Razz

Dont really want to lose the lvl of fitness im at. Im female so dont really want to be jogging in dodgy areas or embarress myself by jogging somewhere i shouldnt. So if anyone has an idea on that one would be great, tnx.)