Job Discussion Forums

jai123 · Joined: 23 Jun 2010 Posts: 21

Hiya,
Has anyone done a CELTA course in Stanton School (Queensway) or Language Link (Earls court)? I've been offered a place in both schools and not sure which to choose. Just want some info. from e-students about resources, tutor support etc.

80daze · Joined: 15 Oct 2008 Posts: 118 Location: China

I did the Language Link course at Earls Court in 2008 and I can recommend it! The teachers were all very experienced professionals and all had there DELTA's while only one at the time did not have an MA in the field.

I enjoyed my time there but as with all CELTA's it is very intensive they are on hand to help and advise, be sure to listen to what they say and you should be fine.

Good luck!

coledavis · Joined: 21 Jun 2003 Posts: 1838

I was at St Giles in Highgate. Generally enjoyable but hard work of course. A little more expensive than some courses but relatively convenient for me at the time.

jai123 · Joined: 23 Jun 2010 Posts: 21

Hi everyone,
Many thanks for your replies. Slightly nervous about doing my celta, as it sounds really intense.
@80daze-it sounds like you did the full time celta in Languagelink. Where there many people on the course? Were the rooms pretty cramped? How did you find the library and printer? I am just a little worried as the centre seems to be really small and I got the impression that it relied on voluntary students for the celta students to practice on. Is that the case? If so were there enough efl students to go around Laughing

coledavis · Joined: 21 Jun 2003 Posts: 1838

I think you'll find that most training establishments rely on non-paying students. If you think about it from the students' point of view: would you pay a considerable sum of money and put up with teachers who as yet don't know much about what they are doing?

spiral78 · Joined: 05 Apr 2004 Posts: 11534 Location: On a Short Leash

I agree with coledavis on the issue of voluntary students. It's the norm.

There can be pitfalls - if they take a dislike to a particular candiate for some reason, usually to do with some indiscretion or perceived lack of respect -they can torpedo one's practice lesson.

But overall, it's a reasonable and time-honoured system.

jai123 · Joined: 23 Jun 2010 Posts: 21

Well fair point. Now I guess I've got to decide what school to go to-ummmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm decisions are so hard when your not sure what your getting yourself into!!

80daze · Joined: 15 Oct 2008 Posts: 118 Location: China

jai123 · Joined: 23 Jun 2010 Posts: 21

@80daz Thanks for the info. I am starting to think organisation skills are key with this course:) Not my strongest point but I am sure I will learn.

Sue65 · Joined: 15 Dec 2010 Posts: 5 Location: Ho Chi Minh City

Hi - I did the full-time CELTA at Language Link in Earl's Court in October. Yes, it was a bit crowded and chaotic at times, but overall it was a really good course and the tutors were great. There was never a problem with getting enough volunteer students, occasionally some had to be turned away as there were too many. Everyone - tutors, fellow students and volutneer students - was really friendly and helpful and I would thoroughly recommend it.