Job Discussion Forums

[cherry cake]

Hi there -

Im looking into taking my CELTA or TEFL certification course in April or May. Possibly June. After researching many schools and programs Im hoping someone can offer some solid advice on the quality of the programs, trainers, job placement assistance, facilities, etc. on the following to help make a decision:

- Instituto Britanico (IH)
- SIT TESOL
- BridgeTEFL
- EBC International
- ITTT

Am I over looking a school better than any of these?

IH and EBC seem the most reputable but I know things are not always what they seem and the overall quality of these institutions can vary from country to country. Ive posted a similar question on the Costa Rica forum because Im considering taking the course there but havent received feedback about those local programs as of yet.

Since I may not necessarily look for work in CR (also considering Asia or ME) knowing the quality of these schools in general would be a help in making a decision since some offer either guaranteed job placement or lifetime job placement assistance.

Im looking for a solid, respected program that will hopefully serve me well into the future after the course is completed. Im not fresh out of university looking to teach for a year or so - Im in my 30s and looking to make a permanent career change.

The other question... is CELTA really worth the additional expense (almost double the cost) over a quality TEFL program from a reputable and respected institution? Will it help get the better jobs in the better schools with a higher wage or benefits or does it just come down to who you know to get those posts?

Greatly appreciate any advice about the good,bad and ugly of the certification programs I mention above and if you want to recommend one not listed and tell me why - Id love to know that too!

Thanks much!

[Justin Trullinger]

I can't claim expertise on all of your options, but can tell you most anything you'd like to know about the SIT cert. (I'm an SIT trainer) Which SIT program site are you looking at? If you have any questions about the SIT course, feel free to PM or email me, if you have questions you don't want to post here.

I don't know if CELTA, as a brand name is worth a major extra expense, but it IS well known, well-regulated, and well thought of.


Best,
Justin

[spiral78]

The ME generally requires a related MA post-grad degree. CELTA won't get you a reasonable job there, nor will any other entry-level cert. Focus on other options - more likely to pan out.

[naturegirl321]

OUt of these

Instituto Britanico (IH)
- SIT TESOL
- BridgeTEFL
- EBC International
- ITTT

I'd say SIT is the best. the others could be good if they have 120 hours and 6 practise teaching hours. If you're really serious about it, try doing a post grad in TEFL. That will help more than a one month cert

[Chancellor]

[cherry cake]

Thanks for the additional feedback folks.

If I can make the right kind of money, right now Id prefer to teach in the Americas since its closer to home, but if it comes down to it Im more than willing to go to Asia. My current situation is allowing me the time to go and get the certification, come home to finish a project thru end of summer and look for a teaching job to start in the fall (Aug/Sept).

All of the courses Im focusing on are btwn 130-150hr programs with btwn 6-9hrs of teaching practice with real students (or so they say!).

Although Im very excited about getting certified and teaching itself, think its premature for me to consider an MA, until I get experience under my belt and more $ in my pocket.

Im also making sure the programs are accredited.

When asked about accreditation because there was no indication of it on their website, a local school gave me this response, any thoughts on if its a bunch BS pulled together by a good copywriter just to get my $$ or does it make sense and seem like a legit answer...

Thanks for your thoughts -

A TEFL certificate course does not have one governing body that gives accreditation as does the CELTA (Cambridge University) for example. We are associated with EuroTEFL and Cactus TEFL and this is their response to your same accreditation question: There are many courses available today that have a similar syllabus and the same duration as say, a CELTA or a Trinity CertTESOL course. The main difference really is that whilst a CELTA and Trinity Cert TESOL are provided by the Cambridge exam board and Trinity college exam boards respectively, these are moderated and validated by the school that offers them itself. Even though the course may not have the same global prestige as a CELTA or Trinity Cert TESOL, you should still be able to find work with it. Any course which involves at least 100 hours of input and six hours teaching practice is recognized under the British Council recognition scheme as a TEFL-initiated program. The main areas where you might lose out to CELTA or Trinity Cert TESOL trained teachers are those where competition for jobs is very high, or there is an overriding preference for the Cambridge/Trinity College qualifications (e.g the UK and Australia

[Justin Trullinger]

Hmmm.

You went to the people selling the course for info. I'm not saying it's bad info- but let's be clear: they have a stake in you deciding it's a good course.

EuroTEFL I don't know anything about.

CactusTEFL is essentially a TEFL/TESOL course reselling organisation. (A good one, imo. They help us market our course. It's a good organisation, but they aren't an accreditation organisation- more a sales/service provider.)

It's true that Cambridge and Trinity courses are accredited by Cambridge and Trinity, respectively.

It isn't true that all other courses are only " moderated and validated by the school that offers them itself." Many are accredited by an external organisation, such as a university.

You'll have to look into each course for it's own merits. Personally, I'd be wary of a course whose only validation and moderation is done by the very course providers.

But what I'd look for, if I were you, is reports from course grads.
What are they doing now?


Best,
Justin

[cherry cake]

Greatly appreciate the thoughts Justin.

I actually went directly to the school to find out about their accreditation's, (this was an inquiry to local school in Costa Rica - Costa Rica TEFL) when I couldnt find anything on the website. Although they do seem like they have an ok program, the answer they gave me didnt sit quite right and was why I threw it out there. They did offer to put me in touch grads which I do plan to reach out to. However there is another local accredited school called Maximo Nivel offering a TEFL/TESOL cert Ive just found out about that seems 10x better - 150hr program w/25 teaching hrs - its just not on the beach:-(

I know you are involved with SIT TESOL and Ive tried to contact your program in CR as well, over a week ago now actually - but no one has replied with any details or information. I also think their course dates may be in June which unfortunately is pushing it a bit late for me with another commitment I have. Any suggestions on reaching them?

Thanks so much -

[Justin Trullinger]

Hi there-

My email address is in my profile- or drop me a PM. THe course in CR has a great reputation, and the lead trainer there is a friend of mine. In the off season, though, it's a one woman show, which may explain delayed email response. (I can't remember exactly where Mary is right now.) But I can get you in touch!


Best.
Justin

[naturegirl321]