Job Discussion Forums

amity · Joined: 08 Mar 2007 Posts: 72 Location: central Texas

Is there a big difference in the cost of CELTA certification in other parts of the globe? I am finding it a little pricey for me right now in Texas, and am thinking of trying to take the course Seoul or wherever I wind up without it ... Can I save a bundle by putting it off until the price is right in a cheaper country?

Thanks for your help, everyone.

tedkarma · Posted: Tue Mar 27, 2007 11:37 pm Post subject:

The price in Thailand - at the moment - is about US$1600.

Typically it is cheaper in certain countries. Programs are often expensive in Korea due to the very high cost of renting office space. I know at least one TEFL program was about double there what the same/similar program would have cost in Thailand.

mlomker · Joined: 24 Mar 2005 Posts: 378

The problem with the 'cheaper country' approach is that you end up paying for flights, food, and housing during your course. I've done the math a few different ways and a more expensive local course vs. an overseas course tends to work out the same.

I guess the question is whether the novelty of taking it somewhere exotic seems better or not.

Justin Trullinger · Posted: Wed Mar 28, 2007 5:27 pm Post subject:

Depends also on whether you're planning to work in the country where you do your cert. If this is the case (you'd be paying for flight, initial accomodation, etc, anyway) and overseas course can be a significant savings.

Best,
Justin

Stephen Jones · Joined: 21 Feb 2003 Posts: 4124

Thailand is probably the best place to do it if you are anywhere near. The cost is $1,400 and accommodation and living in Bangkok is reasonably affordable.

mlomker · Joined: 24 Mar 2005 Posts: 378

jademonkey · Joined: 30 Mar 2007 Posts: 180

From my limited research, it's about A$2500 in Australia, and I haven't found a place here that has it much cheaper than that.

Joan · Joined: 01 Apr 2007 Posts: 6 Location: Queensland Australia

My online TESOL course through Southern Cross University, NSW Australia is A$4000 (approx US$3000) This is for one semester full time, or two semesters part-time. As an Australian citizen, I only have to pay this back, by means of paying extra tax, if I earn over A$39,000.

The Cambridge CELTA course is around A$ 3000 here, if I remember rightly, for one intense month. Couldn't affor it myself.

in_asia_bill · Joined: 02 Mar 2006 Posts: 197

Thats a complete waste of money Joan. Youve just thrown 1000s down the drain. Places that ask for a tefl cert dont accept online ones and places that accept online ones dont insist on you having a tefl anyway.

Joan · Joined: 01 Apr 2007 Posts: 6 Location: Queensland Australia

Southern Cross University is a proper university. My qualification will be exactly the same as if I had attended lectures - it is not one of those fly-by-night institutions that keep spamming us.

in_asia_bill · Joined: 02 Mar 2006 Posts: 197

Are you aware that many countries and many employers do not recognise let alone accept online or distance qualifications?If it is online how can you have an observed teaching element?Unless you plan on teaching online then an online tefl 'certficate' is worth less than the paper it is printed off on.

ilaria · Joined: 26 Jan 2007 Posts: 88 Location: Sicily

Joan, is it the Graduate Certificate in Education (TESOL) - www.scu.edu.au/intoff.dds/index.php?action=download&mat_id=1706&site_id=3 ?

If so...

Joan · Joined: 01 Apr 2007 Posts: 6 Location: Queensland Australia

Yes, that's right. My own background is not teaching, though I've done some ESL tutoring, and workplace training. I'm an Honours graduate in German, with a BA in French and German from the University of Queensland. This course is the only type of course I can do, as I am currently caring for a sick husband. My aim is to get some part-time ESL teaching work locally next year, or simply do some private teaching.

The workload is 20 hours a week for the part time course. The practicum next semester can easily be arranged locally. The 14 students involved interact via the course's 'Blackboard', and a couple of us are arranging to meet in Brisbane. Those who live near Lismore NSW can see the tutors and coordinators, and use the library, of course. I have maintained my library priviledges at UQ, which is easier for me than sending for books.

Maybe it isn't the perfect TESOL solution, but it is the only solution that suits my immediate needs.

ls650 · Joined: 10 May 2003 Posts: 3484 Location: British Columbia

Stephen Jones · Joined: 21 Feb 2003 Posts: 4124

Online teacher training qualifications are normally looked on as irrelevant because there is no practicum involved.

Taking a theoretical course, and then doing some part-time TEFL is not the same thing, as there is nobody involved in supervising, commenting on and grading your teaching practice.