Job Discussion Forums

jamesmgregg · Joined: 28 Jul 2006 Posts: 5 Location: Portland, OR

I've latched on to the idea of doing my certification at an Int'l House school in Europe and getting the CELTA.

Arguments over CELTA vs. DELTA vs. whatever else aside, a few questions:

1. Any feedback in general on International House?

2. School location: I've been leaning towards the school in Prague - however, I notice there are schools in a variety of countries - is there any general logic to choosing one school over another outside of "get certified in the country in which you plan to teach?" Any real differences in terms of cost, quality of education, etc. from one IH school to the next?
For instance - it seems that going to the school in Hungary or Latvia may be more cost-effective than the one in Prague considering accomodation costs.

3. Any advice on the best time of year to take the course? I notice they space them out throughout the year.

Thank you in advance for your input.

thrifty · Joined: 25 Apr 2006 Posts: 1665 Location: chip van

1 IH is a franchise like Burgerking. Nothing more nothing less. They profit from the name and the fact that they have a central recruiting network which offers low paid jobs in the IH network.

2 Do the course in the country where you want to work-that way you can jobhunt while you do the course. It would be cheaper and you can go to interviews and pick up tips from the other trainees and tutors.

3 Most low paid TEFL jobs start in Sept/Oct so to finish your course in time for employment then would be best.

jamesmgregg · Joined: 28 Jul 2006 Posts: 5 Location: Portland, OR

Thrifty - I appreciate the information. I did glean some valuable feedback from your post, overt cynicism aside.

Digger81 · Joined: 12 Aug 2006 Posts: 4

I done my CELTA with the IH school in Seville. There were good and bad things, though I would say that just because they have the initials IH on them they are anything special. The plusses were the tutors were friendly and encouraging, and they can attract good quality students for you to do TP with. But they had shocking computers that made doing lesson prep a nightmare, for the amount of money I paid it was a disgrace.

If you plan to go to Spain try to avoid the summer time. During my time in Seville it was in the mid to late 40s and just unbearable at times, I don't think I have ever sweated as much over a 4 week period in my life and probably never will again. It made trying to sleep a nightmare (accomodation was w/out AC!!!) And sleep is something that is VITAL on the CELTA course.

Serious_Fun · Joined: 28 Jun 2005 Posts: 1171 Location: terra incognita

sundissentialgirl · Joined: 30 Jul 2006 Posts: 6

Hi

I did my CELTA at IH Budapest in Nov 2004, and have to say it was a positive experience - good trainers, lots of support and really useful feedback.

The school itself was kind of falling down and the resources were pretty dreadful, but I took my laptop which meant I didnt have to rely on the school`s.

I chose Bp purely because it was the cheapest of all Europe that I found at that time, but ended up being offered a job at the school after CELTA and staying on for the rest of the academic year. It was great, apart from the winter weather!

I heard from an ex colleague a couple of weeks ago that the school went bust and closed down recentlyish, but have no idea if this info is reliable or correct.

Good Luck! Very Happy