Job Discussion Forums

[delxa]

Hi Guys. I'm new to Dave's (no, please don't throw heavy objects at me) and am looking to travel to Moscow in the next few months. I am currently engaged in the job search process. I have a TESOL certification that I completed through Teach International in Australia. I am yet to gain any formal ESL training (to my disadvantage, i'm sure).

Armed with my 'qualification' I approached the tallest building in the ESL city of Moscow, BKC-IH. Their response (undoubtedly the automated, generic variety that I have read of on this forum in other threads.) read roughly: "We do not recognize your qualification." Now from what I have read of the CELTA, the certification that I completed had the same structure, the same material covered, and roughly the same amount of hours involved. (120hrs for my course)

I am well aware of BKC-IH's response and what that is all about. I leave this issue at rest. HOWEVER, looking at some of the other job positions available, the CELTA is mentioned again and again. BKC probably used their computer, and their CELTA sales figures to decide my fate. But will other schools who specify the CELTA "or equivelant" be likely to take a similar approach?? Or in real terms, what are my chances with what I have?

I have applications with other schools pending and I'm waiting for responses to these. THis, too will answer a few of these questions.
For the sake of practicality, I would rather line up a job before I leave. (I would rather visit Helsinki to visit Helsinki, not to mess around with Visas. ) But perhaps some of you might suggest alternatives. Sorry if I have gone over things that have already been done to death. Just wanted your opinions.

Your feedback on this is greatly appreciated.

Matt

[Katyusha]

Can you elaborate a little about your TESOL qualification? What is the name of your certificate? Where did you do it? How long did it take? etc. You didn't do a course at some non-accredited privately-owned language school in the bush, did you?

BKC does recognise many CELTA-equivalent TEFL certificates. Just make sure that you are all speaking the same language.

It might be advisable to line up a job, work a few works and get your Russian visa through your employer. It'll be less painful.

[delxa]

Hi Katyusha,

The Certification itself to use the training companies term is "TESOL Certificate" It is a 120hr course I did through a company called Teach International (www.teachinternational.com) This company is based in Australia and has offices in all major cities in Australia and New Zealand. As for accreditation, I can find no information regarding this.

This certification/accreditation is supposedly "Internationally Recognized" As for who recognizes it, I wouldn't have the faintest. As yet, I haven't had any further responses like BKC's. But BKC didn't even question my qualification and who provided it. I ticked 'other' on the Qualification section of the application form and it probably red-tagged me for a potential CELTA customer. I'll be sending an email to their recruitment manager, double-checking that they don't recognize my qualification.

But I would hate to think that I wasted my money on something that doesn't get me any closer to getting a job than someone who was 'unqualified'. Not so much a case of wasting money on a certification. I learnt a hell of a lot and got even more confidence to stand up and do my thing. From my point of view, it was a fantastic course. And as I said before, comparing this course to what I have read of the CELTA, the only main difference I can see is my certificate says TESOL instead of CELTA.

I know a certification doesn't mean everything. But for people like me, it gives us an opportunity to learn the basics which we need to know to be able to teach ESL. It is up to confidence, initiative, motivation and experience to do the rest. (among many other qualities) And our level of success as teachers will depend on all these factors.

Perhaps my certificate was from an un-accredited privately owned langauge school in the bush. (However 10th floor of building in Swanston Street, Melbourne City isn't bad for bushland ) But I have every confidence that it taught me how to teach ESL. Hopefully there is a company out there who will be willing to let me teach it.

Matt.

[steven_gerrard]

Matt- How many contact hours with the tutors did the course have in total and how many hours of observed teaching practice did the course involve? Which examining board issues your cert and were you externally assessed by an examiner from this board?

These are all questions schools like BKC and many others use to assess CELTA equivalent.

[Katyusha]

If you really want to work in Moscow as an EFL teacher, then persist with BKC. They ARE always looking for teachers.

[delxa]

I told my Russian friend in Moscow about BKC and their response to my initial application. So she called them to sort out a few details. I get an email a short time later from them. All of the sudden they are "very interested" to push forwards with the application procedure.

[Chris_Crossley]

[canucktechie]

[P-T]

Hi ya Matt,
I have TESOL certification from NZ & am teaching in Siberia. The only problem I encountered was my certificate had a slightly different layout to the Canadian teacher's one from the previous year.
The guy who does the recruiting here seems to have a preference for TESOL.
Be patient, I'm sure someone will snap you up!
Good luck, you'll have a great time in Russia!
Cheers, Prue