Job Discussion Forums

[junjun2586]

I am from Montreal Canada, fully fluent in both English and French. I would like to teach English in Mexico city and I
have been doing some research as to which certification I should take
and prices. I know for a fact that CELTA certification is the most
recognizable and I had found the International House school in Mexico
city that offers the intensive 4 week course. My issue is the cost of
the program; I've looked into onTESOL and it is as certified as the
CELTA and more towards my price range. My only doubt is that I
wouldn'T want to spend an extensive amount of money to end up with the
same result or a disappointing outcome.

What would you recommend?
Whether I take a CELTA or TESOL certification, will one open more
doors for me to find a job than the other?

Also in many cases that I have read, the most important is to have a
certain number of teaching practice hours (100-120 hrs), in my search
should I consider the teaching practicum?

With the CELTA or TESOL certification, can i teach to kids as much as
adults?

Would I have to get my certification done then apply or can i start applying
upon condition of having my certification?

[I'm With Stupid]

The fact of the matter is that any course that is truly the equivalent to the CELTA will cost the same amount to do, because the costs are fairly fixed. So when you find one that's significantly cheaper than the CELTA, you have to ask what corners they are cutting.

And in the case of the course you mentioned, it's fairly obvious. It's an online course, and as such, contains no observed teaching practice. It's therefore in no way equivalent to a CELTA, and won't be seen as such by any school that asks for "CELTA or equivalent." You might be able to use it to get past certain immigration regulations though. But in terms of practical use, it sounds like a 100 hour course in how to plan a lesson, which is about as useful as passing the driving theory test without ever having driven a car.

There are TESOL courses that are reputable, but as I said, if they include teaching practice, then they're going to cost about the same. And there are good reasons why the CELTA is preferred. It's the quality control that people trust. I met someone who did a TESOL course over here about a year ago (not a cheap one) who said that that course is now being taught by someone who was on the same course intake as her, and had no teaching experience at the time.

[junjun2586]

in the OnTESOL, teaching practice is included and it's prlly 700-1000 bucks cheaper than the IH. I checked the ACTDEC and onTESOL is accredited.

With a CELTA certificate can I use it to teach to students as much as businesses?

[tttompatz]

http://www.tesl.ca/

You get what you pay for.

If you have a degree then you may get away with the cheap route but if you don't have your degree and/or don't have any experience then get the best you can. It will pay for itself in terms of a shorter job search, and in the longer run, better jobs (as in: you are better so you get offered better classes, more hours, better pay or move into a better job).

You are competing against many others in similar situations with similar credentials so you do want something that puts you ahead of the rest of the crowd with their 100 hour on-line cert.

.

[Tudor]

This isn't aimed solely at the OP, but I really don't get why so many people on here make such a brouhaha about whether to get a CELTA (or equivalent). I imagine most of these people have already spent 3 or 4 years at university (probably studying something pointless, as indeed I did) so what's one more month of study and $1500? God forbid any of you should ever wish to become doctors or pilots in the future, or even certified teachers, with the amount of training that would involve.

When I decided to enter EFL, it never occurred to me not to get a decent certificate. Yes, I knew I could land a job without one, but I wanted to ensure I would be as competitive as possible in the job market. Furthermore, and perhaps more importantly, the thought of entering a classroom without any idea of methodology or lesson-planning was terrifying.

If the reason for people's reluctance is lack of time, then you should consider the part-time or online CELTA. If it's lack of money, well maybe you should question whether you are in a financial position to move overseas. Being stuck in a strange land with few funds is not an enviable position to be in.

[kurtz]

CELTA is aimed at teaching adults, you can take the YL extension for kiddies.

$1500 is a very modest outlay for a well recognized certificate that gives you the basics of teaching. Some companies offer a partial CELTA refund if you sign a one year contract with them so it works out quite cheap.

I'll agree with the above poster, if 1500 bucks is a lot of money to you, I wouldn't be going abroad to teach, it's best to have some money behind you when getting into this game, not only for start up costs but also to use as an escape if things go south.

[AGoodStory]

[AGoodStory]

[junjun2586]

This isn't aimed solely at the OP, but I really don't get why so many people on here make such a brouhaha about whether to get a CELTA (or equivalent)

...because most people either do it for a short term experience (such as me) and probably don't see the necessity of investing that much. Reason why I was also asking is because of the many competitions and weighing down my options.

I've lived in Mexico city, i have friends, and Mexico is cheap ...so that won't be a problem...

Since I'm new in this world of "teaching" I was looking for guidance as to what is best ....I had always heard of TESOL/TEFL but never CELTA so I researched and I am asking....

[spiral78]

[naturegirl321]

Tudor, while I agree with you, I think that many people weigh the pros and cons due to money. It all boils down to money. Espeically in this economy, my brother graduated over a year ago, he's applied for jobs in his field and there are hundreds of applicants, many with years of expeirence. He's stuck in a call centre. In the US, after studying for four years, you probably have 5 figures of student loans.

Being stuck in the US with no money is one thing and I think many people think that being stuck overseas might be better since cost of living might be lower. I don't agree, because there's nothing like an emergency overseas where you have no insurance and don't speak the language.

Plus, they might be wary about whether certs are seen as legit by employers and if they'll get a job.

ON another note, I like brouhaha, haven't seen that word in a while

[junjun2586]

Hmmmm...let me explain myself a little clearer.

I graduated Uni in 2010 in Community, Public Affairs and Policy Studies and I am now wanting to find something in my domain of study/interest. In the meantime that I find something, I would like to teach English because I gain double the experience (teaching and traveling/living abroad...make it three actually). Hence the reason why i am reaching out to those who have the experience to guide me in the right direction.

Money is not the issue for I work at a bank and there are many ways to save up and survive...and if nothing works out...well I just have to go back home.

I'm young and Montreal will always be home but i'm at a part of my life where I don't want to waste time waiting to find a job in my field ...instead i want to enjoy life to its fullest.

One of you money can be an issue with how the economy is....I will agree with you but luckily I still have a job and I don't have kids, mortgage to pay, so on so forth.

I just want to know other people's experiences, suggestions ,etc.

I hope this clears out a bit what I am looking for as a discussion....but I am taking in your opinions.

Thanks for taking the time to answer to my post!

[junjun2586]

[quote="naturegirl321"]