Job Discussion Forums

[prescott]

Hello. I asked a similar question quite a while ago but due to unforeseen
events I've had to postpone my plans to move to Bogota to teach and study. My situation is this:I have a bachelors degee in English and a Masters degree in Spanish but no Celta. However I taught Business English in Mexico for two years and while I was getting my Masters I taught Spanish for three years. But I'm concerned that despite my
experience, not having a Celta will be an obstacle to getting a job at a reputable institute, such as International House, or at a good colegio. If anyone could shed some light on this I would greatly appreciate it. Thank you very much.
Prescott

[spanglish]

I think you'd be a very strong candidate in Colombia with a CELTA, language focused undergrad and post-grad and more than 2 years English teaching experience in Latin America. You might be able to skip getting the CELTA, but if you can swing the $1500-$2000, I'd recommend getting it as it's quite well respected in Colombia (unless you had some kind of pedagogical grounding in your undergrad or post-grad). You have a decent chance of landing a good colegio or university job after getting a year of on the ground experience, making connections and sending out your resume.

I just saw that you want to study. Forget colegio teaching if that's the case (think 50 hour/week commitment). You could pick up some work with IH and get a work visa with them to start, or you could just get a student visa, teach privately. The ideal would be to get on part time with a good uni, but that will probably take some time and networking.

[prescott]

Thanks for the speedy reply Spanglish. I guess the problem is right now I don't have the $1500 for the Celta. To save this amount I'd have to delay my departure for Bogota by two or three months. I was just wondering what my chances would be of getting hired at International House or another good institute without the Celta. Would I even be considered? Thanks again for the input.
Prescott

[spanglish]

IH is probably the 'best' institute in Colombia. Honestly you seem overqualified for them - just point out whatever linguistic or pedagogical training you've gotten and I think they'll snap you up. Once you're making a steady paycheck with IH and have your visa sorted out, you can start shopping around for something better.

[G22]

IMO skip the CELTA, save your money. You really can't earn that much more, if more money at all with a CELTA, you are basically paying for a brand name. With your experience and education you shouldn't have any trouble landing a job.