Job Discussion Forums

[laurensabel]

I am an American (no eu passport) with a MFA. I want to teach in Buenos Aires next year. I'm going to take either the CELTA or the TEFL this summer. The CELTA is more expensive as there are combined and online courses in TEFL. Also, if the TEFL is the best choice, should I take the online or in class TEFL? To get a good job in Buenos Aires, which do you suggest?

thanks!

[Maria Kirby]

I�m glad I did a TEFL presencial course because it gave me real teaching practice, something you can�t get from an online course. Regardless of where you go, make sure the TEFL school you choose really helps you get a job. Mine did, I trained in Madrid and after working here for a school year, I�m off to Buenos Aires in the summer with my TEFL certificate and my TEFL school has already started the ball rolling as far as language schools to work with in Buenos Aires. hasta pronto!

[vivaBarca]

Maria Kirby - what program did you use in madrid, was it EBC? In terms of getting the ball rolling, what are they doing for you in Buenos Aires? I'm looking into the EBC course this fall so any info. you could provide would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

[ElNota]

the question... TEFL or CELTA doesn't make a whole lot of sense.

The CELTA is a specific type of TEFL couse. What seperates it from other TEFL courses is that it is pretty well regulated and quality controlled by Cambridge... so you are almost guaranteed to have very good instructors and the program is standardized. Plus it is the name employers are most likely to recognize.

That being said, I'm sure there other good TEFL courses so I would make sure you investigate them well (which it looks like you are doing). And make sure they lots of teaching practice with real students, as that is where a majority of the learning takes place. I wouldn't recommend an online program. If you just want a bogus certificate to help you get a job, I believe that there is a company that sells those for like $60 (don't ask me to post the link)

Also, others may disagree.... but I think if you plan to stay in ESL for longer than the standard 2-3 years, I would definitely spend the extra few bucks on the CELTA.

[Maria Kirby]

You�ve forgotten all about me, viva barca! Look into old threads, we�ve exchanged some posts, now I�m all sad, you didn�t remember me!! Well, a "clara" or maybe a Starbucks will heal my wounds! See you in Buenos Aires. Pm me if you want, after all Dave�s is so popular, everyone knows this forum, that I don�t want to act as anyone�s advertising campaign person, if you know what i mean. hasta luego.