Job Discussion Forums

ErasmusDesiderius · Joined: 14 Jun 2010 Posts: 2 Location: traveling

There are a number of different organizations that promise this: ViaLingua, BridgeTefl, Intesol, TeachInternational, and they all promise basically the same things, but from the websites it's almost impossible tell what the certification will be like once you actually get there. Bridgetefl for example seems like it signs me up with an undisclosed school in Istanbul (they avoid giving me the name of the school), because they want a cut of the tuition. Via Lingua seems the most legitimate, but then again, it's hard to be sure.

My question basically is, which schools in Istanbul provided sound Tefl, Tesol or Celta training and a degree that is taken seriously?

ErasmusDesiderius · Joined: 14 Jun 2010 Posts: 2 Location: traveling

I'm also seeing International Training Institute, which offers a CELTA (this is the only certificate actually accredited internationally right?).

I've also found British Council, British Side, and English Time (the latter two I've heard of, and am aware that the last especially is of very dubious merit, so we'll ignore them for now) and they also offer CELTAs, so I guess even then one has to be careful?

CambridgeESOL in Izmir also offers a CELTA (this one seems like it might be the best quality).

I would love to hear from people who have graduated from any of these schools, and what they were like as far as quality, and preparation for a decent teaching position.

billy orr · Joined: 15 Jul 2009 Posts: 229

I think you'll find that CELTA is only offered in Istanbul by ITI. I would highly recommend them, they have lots of expertise and experience. Also if you want to work in Istanbul you will be able to build up contacts during the course.

In Izmir the Economics University run a CELTA, they would be good too if you don't want to be in Istanbul.

The other schools you mention either require or prefer a CELTA qualification from teachers, or else they offer other types of TEFL or TESOL training courses. Some of these courses may be good quality, others not, some may give you what you need, others not, you need to do your homework and ask lots of questions. It will take some time but time spent will be worth it in the end.

Sashadroogie · Posted: Thu Jun 17, 2010 5:41 pm Post subject:

Yip. ITI is the only way to go. What other course has Tom the God running the show?

Listener · Joined: 17 Jun 2005 Posts: 140 Location: Istanbul

While ITI is probably the best, no question there, if the dates and times don't work our for you (as they didn't for me), if you aren't obsessed with having a CELTA, ViaLingua is acceptable to the Turkish Govt. (Which is what i really cared about) and they did make you work for your credentials. I do hear that British Side is ok, though I have no personal dealings with them...

Sashadroogie · Posted: Fri Jun 18, 2010 11:51 am Post subject:

British Side is a British Council staff buy-out. Essentially the same thing as was the BC.

billy orr · Joined: 15 Jul 2009 Posts: 229

Do British Side run a CELTA course?

jamessmart50 · Joined: 14 Nov 2005 Posts: 91 Location: Istanbul, Turkey

Yes, British Side run CELTA courses. British Side and ITI are the only ones that do CELTA in Istanbul...both are very good indeed.