Job Discussion Forums

wildnfree · Joined: 14 Jun 2005 Posts: 134

Hi
I have around 4.5 years teaching experience (Asia). I have a bachelor of Arts (Political Science). I have no formal teaching qualifications but have taught high school all that time.

Now I am on my way to Spain but considering getting a CELTA/DELTA to assist in the job search. So I have a few qs..

1. In view of my experience, is it necessary to get a TEFL certificate? If so, which one? (CELTA/DELTA ). (I plan to teach in Andalucia where it is more competitive)

2. Would it look strange to employers that I got a CELTA AFTER 4.5 years? (I am looking at it purely as a form of job security - find better offers). I never got it prior as it simply wasn't necessary here.

Advice is appreciated!
WildnFree

Moore · Joined: 25 Aug 2004 Posts: 730 Location: Madrid

Extra qualifications can never hurt, but in Spain schools seem to be much more interested in your experience: TEFLs are only really useful for people with less than 2 years experience. If you are non-EU (i.e. working papers-wise) then schools will be much more enthusiastic about your experience, how you look and a positive attitude (possibly your money might be better spent on an intensive one-month Spanish course in Salamanca). If you are from the EU then it's really only worthwhile in terms of going back to the UK to teach TEFL over summer as there is little to no work here over August.

wildnfree · Joined: 14 Jun 2005 Posts: 134

Thanks for the reply...

I also had the same idea; that is to spend the money on an intensive Spanish course.

I am EU but not from the UK (EU ancestory)

mikethelin · Joined: 26 Oct 2004 Posts: 5 Location: Portland, OR

Anyone with a pulse and a English or American accent can teach English in Spain. Qualifications help, but don't much matter.

davsorresp · Joined: 03 Mar 2007 Posts: 4

Not sure I agree with some of what's been written. In general, if someone is starting out and has limited or no experience, then getting a certificate helps get jobs at good language schools. There's always the back alley school that'll take anyone straight off the boat but you'll get back alley pay and conditions too.

If you've got a few years experience then it's a different story, but the better schools may still ask to see some type of certificate.

The best thing to do is come over and see what you can get. If it works out without a cert. then that's good. If not, find a school and take the cert. There's lots of TEFL schools in Spain so if you have to pick one, get the one closest to where you want to teach and make sure that they help you get work asap or you'll be spending your savings for quite a few weeks until you get fixed up with work.