Job Discussion Forums

[madhatter109]

How important is the CELTA over TEFL in Saudi Arabia? I'm planning to work in the Middle East (probably Saudi Arabia) and I'm trying to decide what I want to get - TEFL or CELTA certification. Oxford Seminars is in my city and offering a TEFL course over a few weekends. The cheapest CELTA I found is in Budapest.

With living, plane ticket, tuition, etc the CELTA would end up costing me at least 3,000 dollars. I also would have to quit my current ESL job here in America. I could scrounge up the money, but after the course I'd be completely broke, without a job, and just pray to god that I get another job fast.

The TEFL course would be 1,000 bucks, I wouldn't have to quit my job and I'd have that lovely piece of paper. I've got 2 1/2 years teaching experience. With the simple TEFL certification, I'd have enough money to last till my first paycheck abroad.

As you can see, the TEFL is much more convenient. I understand the importance of the CELTA and I'll probably get it someday. But for now, since I'm broke and it's impossible to save money in America, should I just get the TEFL before coming to Saudi Arabia?

[veiledsentiments]

If the Middle East is where you want to teach, get the CELTA. It is the one that the employers want to see. Not just any piece of paper will do. They want to see supervised classroom teaching as a significant part of the cert. The CELTA can be done in the US. But, a better option is the British Council in Cairo. It would also give you experience with Arabic speakers, which would be another plus.

If you have a current job, spend another few months, save up the money for a month in Cairo and join the CELTA course there.

VS