Job Discussion Forums

[SahanRiddhi]

[spiral78]

Quite like my 'barrel,' thank you very much.

[nickpellatt]

I like my barrel too, and I do think this field has some elite players.

Sasha - I dont think there is anything 'wrong' in such formal lesson planning, but I would guess few continue to write such plans after the course. Our formal plans seem to take an admin role more than anything else, and we were encouraged to write informal lesson plans too, which we all used in our classes. I dont work in great environments now, and I havent written a lesson plan of that nature since the course. I do still write informal guidance notes which I use though, typically 2 sides of an A5 notebook per class.

But CELTA definitely teaches more than just lesson planning. And to the OP, you can take all that you learn and use in pretty much any teaching setting. Things like; lesson planning, using materials, eliciting, drilling, phonology, grammar, giving instructions, handling feedback, warmer activities and 101 other things can be used pretty much anywhere. I would 100% recommend anyone to do a CELTA

[smithrn1983]

I did my CELTA while still in college, but in the summer when I had nothing else going on. Like everyone else has already said, you'll do the course for that month and nothing else. Don't plan on seeing Budapest during the course, either. You'll need to come earlier, or leave later if you want to enjoy the course.

Doing the CELTA without any language coursework won't be a problem. The course doesn't assume any prior knowledge of language, or teaching methodology, which is why it's an entry-level certification. It's also your best option for getting certified, as it's the most widely recognized entry-level qualification, and will actually help give you an idea of what you are doing on your first day of class when you get a job later.

[the.enigmatic]

Hello all, thanks so much for the feedback and advice! I really appreciate it. In reference to a couple of the poster's questions about where I want to teach, I'm flexible. Eastern Europe would be ideal, but I would also like to teach in South America or possibly Thailand. I will be doing the CELTA without anything else going on (like school or work), so I will be 100% focused on it during the summer. I am not averse to a lot of intense hard work, especially when it will be attributed to reaching a goal which I have had for quite some time.

After a little more research, I am stuck between going with Bridge TEFL or International house (http://ih.hu). Are they comparable in quality, or would any of you recommend one over the other?

Also, would anyone have suggestions or recommend anywhere in South America that offers the CELTA? It seems like the cost of living for that month of living there may be lower than an equivalent time period in Budapest, so I may look into that.

Thank you in advance for any advice you all may have! It is very much appreciated.

[smithrn1983]