Job Discussion Forums

[aidanari]

Hi there, I've been looking to do a CELTA course in Spain later this year (September) as I'll be teaching this summer in Spain. Wondering where people would reccomend to do the course?

I've looked around abit IH seem to be a good option.

Anyone care to share ideas and opinions.

Thanks

Aidan

[Bradfrd12]

I did my CELTA in Valencia at Campbell Colllege in 2001. It's nice and quaint and the directors know their stuff. I'm sure if you google it you can find more information.

Good Luck.

[SirKirby]

IH has at least two things going for it: it's well-known worldwide which might make a difference -- put CELTA IH on your CV and all other things being equal some DoS's would pick you rather than someone with a CELTA (or other) from somewhere they've never heard of.

Also, it has lots of its own centres worldwide (140?): a CELTA from another IH centre immediately puts you further up the candidate shortlist as far as the DoS there is concerned.

I think the IHs in Barcelona, Madrid and Seville all offer CELTA, not sure about any others.

Whether it's IH or not, I'd recommend somewhere big as there's likely to be more demand for teachers there (though having got qualified, don't limit your options geographically, and be prepared to go "anywhere" to get your first experience; after that, you can afford to be choosey).

Important to starting looking for work BEFORE the end of September/your course -- schools normally start first week in October and you don't want to miss the boat.

Can only really speak for Barcelona but there's certainly a huge demand for teachers, especially to start October.

I'd have to recommend Barcelona personally as a place, but I have lived here for 25 years ,-) !

[Bradfrd12]

I think I'd have to disagree with SirKirby a little. Although I am sure that IH does a good job etc etc the CELTA is a standardized certificate. Cambridge puts out the requirements and then sends someone to evaluate the candidates at the end of the course. If you don't meet the standard you don't get the CELTA. Size of the school doesn't matter here.

Where it does matter is in other services offered. Maybe a bigger school has a better library of resources, offers CELTA-YL, or DELTA. These are certainly factors for choosing IH over another smaller school but a more impressive CELTA, I think, it not one of them.

my 2 cents.

[SirKirby]

I think you've misunderstood me there: I'm suggesting "somewhere big" for the city, not the school, and not because of the course but in terms of being able to find work afterwards.

Of course, you could do the course anywhere, and then travel to wherever the demand is, but the OP is doing the course in September: at that time of the year in Spain, it will pay to be as close as possible to where the jobs are, so that you can fit in going to visit schools with the full time intensive course.

[SirKirby]

Oh, and (speaking as a former DoS myself) I have to say I think a lot of DoSs would distinguish -- rightly or wrongly -- between a CELTA from a school with a name and reputation and one without...

[Bradfrd12]

So what would be the reasoning a DoS would give a higher priority to an IH CELTA over another school. If the course is the same I don't see the difference.

It seems to me the same as saying that if a student gets the first certificate through the British Council a future employer would consider that a better proof of ability in English than having done it through another smaller institution. The FCE standard is the same no matter where you prepare the exam. Whether you get a high mark or low mark may be affected but not the minimum standard.

As for getting jobs I can see your point but that's really beside the point. If you do the CELTA in Valencia, for example, you won't have any problem finding a job in Valencia. I usually recommend anyone looking to move to Spain to work that they first find where they would like to live then investigate the options. It always leads to a better overall experience I think.

[SirKirby]

I'm not saying that an IH CELTA is better than any other, just that I think that's how some DoS's will view it. I know what they are like -- very conservative most of them -- and some at least will think: these two candidates are identical, but this one has (say) CELTA IH Barcelona [or Madrid or London...] and this one has (say) CELTA Joes [no apostrophe] Language School Dundee (my home town)... Which do I pick? (Again, I'm not saying that that is right...)

Agree, you got your CELTA in Valencia, look for work there: you're on the spot, you've got more chance of finding work.

But I think it's an error to pick (say) Valencia, say I want to live THERE, do your CELTA there, NOT find work there and say, "I couldn't find a job". You want to be prepared to take work ANYWHERE first time out: you want a job, take it where it's available.

You did you CELTA in (say) Valencia, would really like to like there, but there's a job in Palma de Mallorca. Take Palma, Palma is nice too!

(Also wonder to what extent the economic recession is going to make finding work harder this September...????)

[aidanari]

Thanks for the feedback, very helpful.

I think IH would be the best option for myself depending on where I want to work, as you say. Though a major problem I can foresee would be that I'm working in Spain (teaching) until mid-september,so wouldn't be able to get a CELTA course done until November. And I imagine all the teaching jobs will have gone by then. Would you agree?

Also I was considering applying for jobs for September without the CELTA but I thought my chances slim. Though I have 2 years teaching experience, have trained on a number of TEFL courses (though no TESOL or CELTA), hold a degree and have a basic level of Spainish. Would you agree that I'd need a CELTA?

In terms of location, I know Barcelona well and will be visiting Valencia in the summer. So will get a feel for where I'd like to stay and study.


Thanks for the feedback

Aidan