Job Discussion Forums

liseechka · Joined: 12 Apr 2005 Posts: 2

Hi!

I'm wanting to teach English in Moscow. (Wait! I am in the right place here!! Wink

) My husband and I would really like to live in both Russia and Japan - actually, he's not too keen on Russia as he's a Russian native.

Because we'll have a bit of a support network in Russia (we have a baby daughter so this is important) and because he can get a job there as well, we're planning to go to Russia first.

While there, I can teach at Moscow English schools (it seems they require CELTA or other cert) or teach privately (cert not necessary). Both options have pros and cons for me, but what I'm curious about is this: Does the CELTA certification help in Japan? I was looking into GEOS, NOVA and AEON two years ago and don't remember them having any requirements for CELTA (or any other TEFL cert for that matter.) Would being CELTA certified help to get a better job than one of these "big 4" companies, or put me in better stead with one of these companies? Would it open up any other doors?

I'm not really at the point of looking for a job in Japan yet. It may be a few more years. Heck, I've waited this long, I can wait a little longer! But I'd really like to hear some opinions about what good something like CELTA (or other certs) would do me in Japan when I'm making my decisions about what to do in Russia.

Thank you!

Celeste · Posted: Fri Apr 15, 2005 10:52 pm Post subject:

A CELTA on its own wouldn't open any doors, but a CELTA with experience might. If you have already taught EFL somewhere, you are definetley more attractive to companies who are worreid about whether or not you will be able to stick out your contract. A CELTA with experience in Japan would certainly open more doors for you. A lot of better employers these days seem to want people with local experience. As for Nova, I have heard that too much training and experience can hurt your chances of getting in with them as they want fresh inexperienced people that they can mold into teaching their methods. Other schools such as ECC, seem to like someone with a bit of teaching experience under their belt.

Glenski · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 12844 Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN

canuck · Joined: 11 May 2003 Posts: 1921 Location: Japan

I think it helps. My school only hires people with a CELTA or a TEFL certificate. If you're new to teaching, a student centered lesson isn't 100% obvious. The only downside is the money and time you have to put away to do it. The course definately will make you a better teacher.