Job Discussion Forums

[Justin Trullinger]

I'm going to go out on a limb here and wonder- was there anything you said in the interview that caused them to question your flexibility? If so, then you can see why they wondered, though the question was massively innapropriate. If not, then I'd take a miss.

I'm a trainer and administrator on a TESOL course (SIT, not CELTA) and am proud of the fact that the age range of our participants is usually from early 20s to late fifties or early sixties. I feel that this is one factor in the great variety of backgrounds and experiences that makes our course such a rich learning experience. The implication that you might be

[Paul in Saudi]

My internet just came back up and so I missed a follow-up interview with this school.

Just as well. I am still a bit hot.

I wrote to Cambridge about my concerns. No reply just yet.

[willraber]

Aw, shucks, I know what happened! You said nearly 50 and she heard nearly 15! OK, maybe not, but it sounds good.

"A common mistake that people make when trying to design something completely foolproof is to underestimate the ingenuity of complete fools. " - Douglas Adams

[sidjameson]

You had a conversation with a non native speaker of English who may not have understood you (as you said may of happened)

Even if she did, so what? She is either misguided or just following her instructions. 20 year olds do think that 50 is one foot in the grave. Accept it. Some companies do have ageist practises. Harder to accept, but then again its up to them and better to know now so you can avoid getting a less than perfect experience.

But for you to still be so angry after 3 days........I think you need to see things in perspective. Compared to what life throws at many, this is nothing more than a insect bite. I would suggest some counselling but fear that will just get another angry response.

I would also suggest that English teaching may not be right for you. Teaching brings these types of misunderstandings and annoyances on a pretty regular basis. If you are getting angry every time something like this happens I dont think either you or your students are going to be getting any benefit.

[sweeney66]

sidj,
'fraid you're out of line, check out Paul's 23 page thread in the Saudi forum. He's a pro.
BTW, I found the CELTA helpful as I was a new teacher, but if I'd had years of experience I would have given it a miss.

[Stephen Jones]

Just try another school and don't sweat it.

[Paul in Saudi]

I just got a nice note from CELTA World Headquarters. I admitted I might have misunderstood my conversation with the lady, but said I was offended and felt they did not want older students.

In any case, it is out of my hands and I will look for another school.

[guty]

CELTA has a world headquarters?

This all sounds a bit Bildberg for me, I'm outta here!

[lapd08]

I wish the school I had taken my TESOL course in (a non-CELTA) program had been honest with me about age as my original intention was to go to Korea.

While I do not understand why they would not allow you to take the certificaton course at any age over 18, there are definetly age limits you should be aware of.

The poster who wrote Asia is not entirely correct. Korea is ridiculous. They seem to reject all applicants over the age of 25 (I know, I spent 3 months trying to get a job there), as well as having other prejudices including one against people who are too fat or too thin or not to their tastes. China on the other hand, reveres age as wisdom. The problem is salaries. Very low in China.

Age also seems to be a problem in other countries. I will get a positive response to my application until I send in my passport page with age information and then NADA.

I did teach in China and have now got a job in Kurdistan, but I am considerably limited by my age which is currently 57.

I would suggest before you take the CELTA course that you consider what country you want to go to and their age policies. I also believe that if you have an MA in any subject, age is not as much of an issue. Universities tend also to value age and experience.

[Paul in Saudi]

I will be heading back to Saudi Arabia, I suppose. Go with what you know.

CELTA world headquarters? On a tropical island, hidden under a volcano, or so I am told.

[Stephen Jones]

[Paul in Saudi]

I got an e-mail from the school in question this morning. I deleted it without opening.

I am still angry. (Or perhaps I ought to get used to it. I am not getting younger.)