Job Discussion Forums

miss_betty · Joined: 05 May 2005 Posts: 41 Location: Hermosillo, Mexico

Hello All
From reading all of these posts, I know I will do the CELTA program.
I have not found threads about traveling overseas versus staying in the US for CELTA certification. Does anyone have input on pro's and cons of either? The obvious pro of leaving the country and having a new experience is very appealing...I am sure there are many more.

Money for the program, is not an object for me, so I can throw a bit of that caution to the wind.

I am most interested in a CELTA program that has superior job placement. Any suggestions?

I will tell you all a bit more about me: I am a US citizen, single female, 35 y/o with a BS in clinical laboratory science and biology. I also have an associated degree in Horticulture. I have worked in pharmaceutical sales for 5 years for an industry giant.

I do have a relative ( father) from an EU country....I am starting to gather the necessary docs to gain this secondary citizenship to work in the EU nations.....until then...I just have that dream.

As it stands, I really don't have much intrest in Asia..it may be from my lack on information....go ahead and educate me on the benifits of working in Asia ....

Thanks in advance!
Jahnine

Gordon · Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Posts: 5309 Location: Japan

If there is a CELTA in your home city, I say do it there. You will have more support and resources at your disposal. The CELTA really is challenging, so the more that people can help you in a domestic sense, ther easier the course will be for you. I really don't think employers care where the CELTA is done, as long as you have it.

tedkarma · Posted: Fri May 06, 2005 8:39 am Post subject:

I'll play devil's advocate Twisted Evil

and say that you should do your CELTA overseas.

If you are interested in teaching abroad - this is a good way to stick your toe in the water and see a little bit of what it might be like to be in a foreign country - not as a tourist or traveler - but as someone with a task at hand (such as study or work) - and the frustrations that may come about as a result of that task-orientation.

I would also suggest that the networking possibilities of a course overseas will outweigh the job placement possibilities.

As a former (well, and current) teacher trainer - I can tell you that the people you meet will often have many years experience in the exact thing that you want to do - and may even have worked in the schools and know the needed connections for exactly where you want to go. Not always, but it's a much smaller world than you might think.

Attend a school in the country where you would like to start - and you'll meet people who have taught in the schools there - will know which schools are h*ll to work for - which are delightful. Information your job placement program might or might not know or share.

Just FYI, many people who take such courses are already experienced teachers - just seeking to improve their skills and/or job prospects.

I am guessing - but honestly don't know - that your peers in a classroom in the USA won't be the adventurous and experienced lot you'll find overseas. And frankly, the folks overseas are good people to get to know - you'd start your career with a good dose of reality and street knowledge that you might not get at home.

Just my opinion.

miss_betty · Joined: 05 May 2005 Posts: 41 Location: Hermosillo, Mexico

thank you gordon and tedkarma........i know there is no correct answer...i appreciate your input

Gordon · Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Posts: 5309 Location: Japan

Ted, made some good points and I would agree with pretty much everything he said. It really comes down to how confident you think you will be learning how to teach and living in a new culture simultaneously. I think generally most people who take the CELTA are pretty serious about teaching. It is the most expensive TESL cert course on the market (that I know of).

denise · Joined: 23 Apr 2003 Posts: 3419 Location: finally home-ish

If you don't know what country you want to teach in, it might be wise to do a course in the US, for the reasons Gordon mentioned. If you do know what country you want to live/work in, doing the course there will help you get acclimated to your new home. It will also be easier to find a job if you are already in the country. I did my TEFL course in Prague and was able to get settled in and find a job before the end of the course.

I came to Asia with no real interest in it (lured here by the money...never again!!! It's simply NOT a good enough reason by itself!!), and I am leaving Asia with no real interest in it. I'd say go to a place that appeals to you, rather than letting other people try to sell you on their own dream locations. You'll probably enjoy yourself more in a place that already interests you.

d

tedkarma · Posted: Sat May 07, 2005 7:05 am Post subject:

Uh . . . remember that Asia is a big continent.

While you may have lost your interest in the area where you are - or have traveled - there is probably much much more. Japan is not Papua New Guinea is not India is not Laos is not Afghanistan is not . . . well you get the picture.

Don't mean to advocate for Asia - or maybe I do. Only my opinion, but I think it is the most fascinating part of the world.

But - Denise is right - you have to follow what really interests you - and not someone else�s dream.

miss_betty · Joined: 05 May 2005 Posts: 41 Location: Hermosillo, Mexico

Thanks again for your replies. Here is where I am torn...

My intrest really lies in teaching in Europe. However, until I can round up all the appropriate paperwork to start my application for Greek citizenship/passport....I cannot really follow my heart to teach in Europe. I am not into teaching illegaly and bening paid under the table. That simply is not my style.

Denise, from your post, you make is seem incredibally feasible to line up a position while doing your coursework..that is a great thing. Also, I can agree wholeheartedly, do not take a job simply for the money. Never a good idea!

I need to look at my EU map again......offhand, I know Turkey is not part of the EU...I am thinking perhaps I could start there. Any other suggestions??

thanks again!

denise · Joined: 23 Apr 2003 Posts: 3419 Location: finally home-ish

The newer EU countries (much of Central Europe) might still be OK. I don't know about other countries, but I have heard a lot of mixed reports about the Czech Republic--basically, since they are still in a transition period, the strict paperwork and EU requirements may not actually be that strict yet. There may still be hope.

d

lyla · Joined: 03 May 2005 Posts: 17

Denise,
Can you tell me more about your experience studying in Prague? What was the cost of living like while you were studying? How long did it take to do your course? What school did you take your course with? Did you have to save up a lot of money prior to going to Prague? Did you get any kind of support from the school in Prague (eg. help with accomodations)? My husband and I have been considering taking that same route, but we need any information we can get our hands on!

yaramaz · Posted: Wed May 11, 2005 3:21 pm Post subject:

Can I throw in a vote for Turkey? There is a CELTA course here in Istanbul, and once in the city the doors slowly but surely start opening and there are a lot of options out there. Even outside Istanbul, there are heaps of options- language schools, universities, private k12s (where I started out several years ago, smack in the middle of anatolia- quite a formative two years), etc.

And, well, it's a lovely country and the salaries are usually good enough to save well and live well. I am happy.

Chasgul · Joined: 04 May 2005 Posts: 168 Location: BG

Just MHO but, if you do your CELTA course outside the US then you will see the real challenge of EFL. Many of the classes you teach will not speak english outside of what they have learnt (or not learnt) from courses and will have little or no chance to practice outside the classroom. That means that you get a totally different perspective on the needs of the people you are teaching. Most classes in the US, from what i understand - correct me if i'm wrong, will be ESL and the pupils will already know something albeit rudimentary. The students in the US also have the 'environmental advantage' that there are plenty of native-speakers to practice with.

And being on the side of those who don't understand the local language can also shift your perspective: you realise why coursebooks include sections on how to buy things for instance.

As i say, just MHO.

miss_betty · Joined: 05 May 2005 Posts: 41 Location: Hermosillo, Mexico

So I just finished my CELTA ( with a pass B if I can brag for a moment) in Portland Oregon.

Hindsight is 20/20. I am trying to get a job in Mexico or Thailand and am waiting and waiting filling out tons of employer questionnaire's etc.

I am really regretting not going to the destination and taking the course. I think the job search would be done already.

If anyone is reading this, I would totally recommend doing your certification in the Country you want to live in. It will give you a chance to learn about the local areas and hit the pavement and secure yourself a job.

A wee bit of jealousy creeps in as I read posts about people who get jobs while they are still in training.........hmmp. I am done pouting though. I will keep looking and maybe in a few more months I will realize there were other benfits of doing the CELTA course locally. I'll let you all know.