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CELTA vs TEFL

 
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madhatter109



Joined: 09 Jul 2010
Posts: 75

PostPosted: Fri Jul 08, 2011 7:50 pm    Post subject: CELTA vs TEFL Reply with quote

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?
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spiral78



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

PostPosted: Fri Jul 08, 2011 8:02 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I don't think you can find decent, well-paid jobs in Saudi with just basic certification and some experience (I believe a related MA + experience post MA is normally required), but others will no doubt be along shortly with first-hand info regarding this.

However, I can speak to the difference in Oxford Seminars and the CELTA. Oxford is not considered to meet the basic standard of courses in many parts of the world, as it lacks the key component: supervised teaching practice with actual students, and feedback on how well you've done. The O.S. courses' in-class component is heavily focused on 'how to get a job abroad' and 'living abroad,' but does not actually test whether you understand and can apply the approaches and methods research indicates work well in language classrooms.

Apparently you are already teaching somewhere: if you've been assessed/monitored by someone official, a written statement from this person would be helpful.

However, if you've been teaching without having any training, it's not likely that this experience will help you to get a well-paid job in language teaching anywhere.
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Al-Mansoor



Joined: 15 Aug 2010
Posts: 76
Location: Here

PostPosted: Fri Jul 08, 2011 10:20 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Some companies will still hire you with the TEFL. There was someone on this forum a couple of weeks ago who managed to get a job without any teaching experience, so I think you'll have a good chance.

All the best.
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Al-Mansoor



Joined: 15 Aug 2010
Posts: 76
Location: Here

PostPosted: Fri Jul 08, 2011 10:22 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Al-Mansoor wrote:
Some companies will still hire you with the TEFL. There was someone on this forum a couple of weeks ago who managed to get a job without any teaching experience, so I think you'll have a good chance.

All the best.


With regards to the above, they will probably offer you a lower salary than someone who has a more recognised qualification.
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veiledsentiments



Joined: 20 Feb 2003
Posts: 17644
Location: USA

PostPosted: Sat Jul 09, 2011 2:12 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Not to mention that it will very likely be one of the employers that the majority of people would NEVER want to work for...

VS
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