Job Discussion Forums

DrAkAx · Joined: 14 Apr 2008 Posts: 5 Location: santa barbara, CA

Hi,

I've been googling around to find out what the differences are between the TEFL/TESOL/CELTA certificates and I have to say it's been pretty confusing. I understand that CELTA is a certificate to teach english to adults, but does that mean that I wouldn't be able to get a job teaching kids abroad ?
Also what is the main differences between the TEFL and TESOL certificates ? Which one is more valuable when it comes to getting a job teaching english abroad ?

Thanks for your help and consideration.

spiral78 · Joined: 05 Apr 2004 Posts: 11534 Location: On a Short Leash

TEFL is an acronym meaning Teaching English as a Foreign Language.
TESOL is Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages.

CELTA is a name-brand certification course. It meets the following criteria. Some generic certification courses do as well.

Basic standard cert courses are normally 120 hours on-site including at least six hours of teaching practice on real students (not peer trainees).

There are on-line and distance cert courses, which are acceptable in some regions of the world, but not others, because they lack a teaching practicuum.

Ideally, you want to take a cert course in the country where you want to start teaching. This allows you to get your feet wet in a country/culture while you still have a support system. Training centres usually offer things like airport pickup, arrange for your housing during the course, local orientation, and some basic local language instruction. They can also give you invaluable advice concerning reputable local employers.

Justin Trullinger · Posted: Wed Apr 16, 2008 6:37 pm Post subject:

Well and clearly said, Spiral.

I'll just add- a lot of people think that these acronyms guarantee something, or that all qualifications that carry the same acronym are the same.

This is pretty much of CELTA, which is the trademark name of a specific course and qualification. But the other acronyms you list aren't owned by anyone. There are extremely good quality certifications that carry TESOL or TEFL as a name. (The SIT TESOL cert and Trinity TESOL cert both come to mind as well known and good quality. I'm an SIT trainer, so can't claim that my opinion is unbiased, but they're good names in the field.)

But there are also meaningless, learningless (it's not a word, but I like it), absolutely rubbish, on-line, no-teaching, trainers-without-experience or qualifications courses with both of these acronyms.

If you're choosing a course, you need to investigate the specific course you're thinking of. The acronyms don't really guarantee much of anything- if you're considering specific programs, this would be a good place to post them.

But anything along these lines is going to be fairly entry level. Most courses are focused on teaching adults, but many graduates of them get jobs working with children and teens.

Best,
Justin

DrAkAx · Joined: 14 Apr 2008 Posts: 5 Location: santa barbara, CA

Thanks a lot. So from what I understood, CELTA is a brand name of a specific trademark course whereas TESOL and TEFL are not. So which one is more valuable in your opinions ?
Moreover, let's say I want to go to do a TEFL program in Buenos Aires. How expensive would the program and stay be ? What I'm trying to find out i guess with that question is an estimate of how much money to save to pay for the certification program, housing and living ? I've heard it is one of the cheapest places to go but haven't really gotten an estimate.

Thanks again for your time and consideration Wink

Chancellor · Posted: Thu Apr 17, 2008 1:28 pm Post subject:

Writer · Joined: 31 Mar 2008 Posts: 31

I got my CELTA end of 2004. In my opinion, the CELTA and TRINITY had the best reputations and were the most widely accepted. I chose the CELTA because I did it in the states and there was a center close to me. The CELTA course did include a section on how to teach children.

I felt it was worth it. Not only did it give me confidence in teaching, but I got paid the top rate at my first job in Istanbul. The school did hire teachers without a degree or certificate if they were short of teachers, but they got a lower salary. I think most reputable schools require some kind of degree and/or certificate.

Anda · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Posts: 2199 Location: Jiangsu Province

DrAkAx what country are you thinking of teaching in? Some of us might be able to help with a location if you give us a country.

DrAkAx · Joined: 14 Apr 2008 Posts: 5 Location: santa barbara, CA

Thanks Anda for getting involved, your help and information is much appreciated. The countries that interest me so far are Argentina, Spain and Venezuela, also because I already speak Spanish which would facilitate lots of things. I also really enjoy the south American and Spanish cultures.
However I'm thinking of checking out these 2 particular website to get accredited with TEFL/TESOL and was wondering if they are good or not: www.tesolcourse.com and www.teflcertificatecourses.com. They are the two main ones offered on Dave ESL cafe and I'm thinking they are legit, am I correct ?
I rather complete the TEFL/TESOL programs before going overseas, meaning here in the US, so that I can post my resume and see if I get some employers interested before doing the move as I'm not a native english speaker. However I was reading on another post that there are laws protecting us (non-native English speakers/teachers) from discrimination on that basis, but I'm sure these laws are not respected everywhere Wink

spiral78 · Joined: 05 Apr 2004 Posts: 11534 Location: On a Short Leash

There are no laws in most countries to protect non-native speakers from discrimination in terms of language teaching. You really can't expect legal protection in this matter.

All of the countries you mention usually don't hire from abroad (I am certain on this in terms of Spain and Argentina, and 70% sure about Venezuela). This is because reputable employers want to see you standing before them, looking professional and responsible, before they give you any serious consideration.

Spain is an EU country, and unless you have citizenship from another EU member country, you will not be able to get legal work there as a language teacher. Many North Americans do work there under the table, but there are, of course, risks involved in doing so.

There are many very good reasons to take a training course in the country where you want to start teaching, if at all possible. I think I've already mentioned them above. To re-iterate, you are unlikely to land a job from abroad in any case.

Anda · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Posts: 2199 Location: Jiangsu Province

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http://www.teflcourse.com/locations/tefl-BuenosAires/

TESOL Course in Buenos Aires
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One advantage of taking our TESOL course in Buenos Aires is the wealth of jobs in South America�s largest nation. English is not currently widely spoken, thus creating a high demand for qualified English teachers. Our staff consists of permanent residents who know the city inside and out as well as the secrets of the local job market. You will not be disappointed by any aspect of our course in Buenos Aires, from the day you arrive until you land an incredible teaching position.

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TEFL Course Dates

14 Apr 08-09 May 08
12 May 08-06 Jun 08
09 Jun 08-04 Jul 08
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22 Sep 08-17 Oct 08
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Accommodations

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DrAkAx · Joined: 14 Apr 2008 Posts: 5 Location: santa barbara, CA

Wow, thanks a lot especially to you Anda with all these links and info. It really helped.
From what I see it's not that much cheaper to get a TEFL certification in Argentina than here in the US. It's actually the same price, around $ 1500. However, acomodation and food are probably cheaper.
I really appreciate the information and help I'm getting here, thanks again.

Justin Trullinger · Posted: Mon Apr 21, 2008 5:12 pm Post subject: