Job Discussion Forums

menace2society32 · Joined: 17 Aug 2003 Posts: 92

I am seriously considering enrolling in a CELTA or other TEFL course in the coming days. Is the CELTA really worth it? Or should I enroll for another TEFL program such as the International TEFL Corporation. Is the CELTA much more intense than the other courses? Now I am not at all referring to the online courses or other non-accredited and non-recognized programs. I have an MS in Education and three years experience. Which direction should I go. Are other courses as tedious and time-consuming as the CELTA?

Spinoza · Joined: 17 Oct 2004 Posts: 194 Location: Saudi Arabia

stillnosheep · Joined: 01 Mar 2004 Posts: 2068 Location: eslcafe

CELTA/Trinity is recognised all over the world at present and nothing else comes remotely near it in terms of international recognition. It is not 'difficult' as such (ie if you fail it you shouldn't be teaching EFL imho) but it is intense (as is teaching EFL, especially at the beginning of ones carrer) and can be hard work.

The (observed and critiqued) teaching practice is invaluable, as is the chance to observe other experienced and trainee teachers.

Gregor · Joined: 06 Jan 2005 Posts: 842 Location: Jakarta, Indonesia

If the CELTA is an option, don't muck about. Take that or the Trinity Cert. TESOL course. If you don't know much about these things, then don't even bother working out if the TESOL Cert. course is Trinity. Take the CELTA.
I've advised other people other ways, and I am not changing my position. Most of the other face-to-face TEFL programs are good, and difficult.
In fact, I will give you my own perspective as a hiring DoS - the Trinity certificate program sounds like it might be more work than the CELTA, and I know for a fact that people with the Trinity are better prepared and require less job orientation than people who come to me with a CELTA.
But they are both excellent, intensive programs, and Nosheep is 100% correct - if you fail ANY of these programs, you shouldn't be teaching TEFL in the first place. Anyone who knows anything about TEFL certification will know and immediately recognize the CELTA. In terms of global recognition, it can't be beat.

EFLtrainer · Joined: 04 May 2005 Posts: 30

The CELTA and Trinity programs are much more intensive and rigourous than the TEFL International program. The upside to the TEFL International program is that it gives a better balance to teaching different age levels.

The trainers for CELTA, at least according to their website description, are put through a much more rigorous training process to become trainers. TEFL International has employees who have had little or no training, and sometimes no previous EFL teaching, or any teaching experience.

However, if you can go to the Ban Phe campus, Dave is a very good trainer and the creator of the program for TEFL International.

EFLtrainer
www.geocities.com/killiankob