Job Discussion Forums

[nyc2323]

I was just wondering if anyone else can give me feedback on either of these two certificate programs? I'm in the application process for the January courses and just would love to hear about how you liked the course, the instructors, the practicum aspect and then especially how you felt it enabled you to find a job.

Thanks!

[norwalkesl]

CELTA helped me find a job, and it is widely known in the industry.

The SIT is just as good at teaching one how to instruct. It uses an experiential methodology and like the CELTA focuses on adult learners. Trinity has some input wrt young learners.

In terms of name brand recognition the CELTA is tops, then Trinity then SIT. Some employers explicitly require the CELTA. I believe there are South American markets that prefer the SIT.

[nyc2323]

thanks for your response...and more specifically I am looking for feedback on the two course locations/sponsoring schools in the subject line of my post. I have heard that the CELTA and SIT courses vary by location.

Also, i'm a bit worried that these programs DONT offer job placement guarantee, while lesser known/less prestigious certifs like TEFL Institute DO offer a guarantee plus a lot more assistance.

[Justin Trullinger]

I'd add that most job placement "guarantees" are less valid, if you read the fine print, than they look in the headlines.

The question I'd ask centers you're considering is if they will put you in touch with course graduates. This way, you can see what course grads are doing.

Best,
Justin

PS- I know a few grads of the SIT course at Rennert- I'm sure the center can put you in touch with more.

[norwalkesl]

[Chris_Crossley]

[norwalkesl]

ILA Vietnam will only teach the DELTA to teachers that it hires. The teachers can pay for the course or work it off over 3 years.

[Chris_Crossley]

[MrMrLuckyKhan]

[norwalkesl]

[scintillatestar]

I cannot speak for the SIT course, but I obtained my CELTA from Teaching House in October. I highly recommend doing the CELTA and had a wonderful experience at TH. My instructors were excellent and the course was well-organized. The administrative staff is also very helpful. They continue to stay in touch with graduates and let us know when schools and companies come to recruit. The course is also run in a convenient location in TriBeCa within St. John's University. The Director of Studies is a really nice, funny guy with a lot of experience. All of them have an M.A. and/or DELTA, with considerable teaching experience. My tutors were English, but some courses are led by American instructors. The course is a little over $2,500, and the staff can help you find reasonably priced accommodation. Intensive courses (M-F from 9 AM to 5 PM) pretty much run monthly, but there are some semi-intensive courses as well. Program alumni have access to private website with course materials, forums, a school directory, news updates, and jobs listings. They have a database of language schools around the globe, as well as a list in NYC.

Based on my initial experience, the CELTA is really the best qualification to earn. Many schools ask for a "CELTA or equivalent," so I think it's easiest just to get the former. Also, certain schools require the CELTA to teach IELTS.

[ssjup81]

I was doing mine through Teaching House in NYC. It ended December 18. I started November 1. It was the semi-intensive course, where we only attended Monday, Wednesday, Friday, 9:00 - 5:00. Depending on the instructor, though, one might get out even sooner. With the second lady I had, we were usually done by about 4:00.

I liked it, but it was stressful and strict. They did give good advice...like how I had to stop approaching my students as if they were children. Unfortunately, I had to drop out since I ended up in the hospital for eight days and was forced to come home to recuperate. All this happened the last week in November. I came home December 1.

I'm going to try to get back in, as it was excused, and Kimberly did say that they'll try working with me to see if they can get me back in at some point. They had to send all of my information to the head office and directors (back at Cambridge, iirc).

Anyway, the problem is whether or not they'll let me back in without having to pay again because the money just isn't there for me. I also won't have a place to stay this time. The cousin I was staying with was horribly bad for my health, and the places TH offered were just too expensive. I had to borrow the first time around to take the course, and now I need help with the $32k hospital bill. I really just need some type of a job. I was going for the cert in hopes of its helping me find one, now I'm right back where I started. I've really given up finding work here in my city.

[scintillatestar]

Really sorry to hear that... I remember we were all terrified of H1N1 at the time, but that never really materialized. Hopefully they'll let you back in. The staff is generally really supportive. Out of curiosity, who were your tutors? I had Ryan for most of my TP sessions, and Sophie and David for lectures. I think Sophie and David were freelancers, but they were fantastic.

[ssjup81]

[LoPresto]

Hate to type it, but, you might have been reacting to the big city and big boys.

I once had a slight anxiety attack in LA. I drank a beer and every thing was alright. Unfortunately though, I didn't make a million there and am now "teaching" in China.

Oh well. It's still been an interesting trip.

SI, NY. Perhaps LA, a different day?

The lung and Brit problems, I don't understand. I've stayed in a few molding/dirty places and met a few of the later in my time abroad and neither bothered me. I won't go into the flea bags I slept in or met in NY, LA, SF, HK, SZ, GZ etc....

Yunqi