Job Discussion Forums

[Nexus]

I'm thinking of applying for the distance DELTA, Sept. start. I was wondering if other people have taken the course this way and had any experiences - good or bad - that they could share.

I'm wondering about the cost of the whole deal, I guess you have to pay for accomodation for the two week contact phase and I may also have to pay for the flight in of an external assessor for the final prac. Did you find that these costs can be outweighed by the money that you can earn by doing the course over a nine month period? Also how effective did they find the course delivery / support.

It's a lot of money to pay out and I wanted to hear some feedback before I take the plunge. Anyone else considering applying this year?

[dmb]

having done the p/t RSA DELTA(Oct-June) and also been a tutor on the same program, I wouldn't recommend the distance one. maybe I'm slightly biased but I think that the main benefit of having regular meetings with your peers and tutors is the most beneficial thing about the course. doing a face to face program gives you the chance to meet up with people going through the same as you(the highs and the lows) I must admit that I haven't been involved with the program for a couple of years so I'm unaware of the changes to distance programs. However I think it is best to find a good centre and have face to face contact with people- especially when it comes to the PTAs. ( Why isn't my <enter> key working?

[Nexus]

Just thought I'd try bumping this back up as I could still use some input on the matter folks.

[shmooj]

[dmb]

Having no experience of the distance DELTA I didn't know that. Cheers Shmooj

[Nexus]

Did you also realise that although the local tutor is responsible for observing classes during the course (apart from the first one that is done during the initial contact phase) the final observation is done by a an external assessor. If a qualified person is present in your country, UCLES will meet their travel costs. However, in circumstances where a suitably qualified assessor can't be found, the candidate has to meet the travel costs if the assessor has to come from a different country. How evil is that?

I wonder why the distance course adds up to almost twice the price of a lot of contact courses for what is essentially the same product.

[shmooj]

Nexus, have you spoken to the British Council in Moscow? They may well be able to help you out.