Job Discussion Forums

[nomadder]

I'm wondering if it's really worth my while to get a CELTA. It's offered near my parents' home so the only real expense would be the tuition which is high enough. I have 3 years experience in Japan but alot of ads want a cert. I'm thinking of working in Mexico and possibly Peru or somewhere in South America. Is it quite easy to land in these countries and then search for work? My jobs in Japan were set before I arrived there so I feel hesitant to use this approach but it sounds like it could be best in some countries.
Thanks

[M.K.]

From what I've heard, you don't really need a CELTA in Latin America, because it's just not as widely known there. That said, I'm going to be earning my CELTA in August, then I plan on teaching in Costa Rica for awhile. I decided on the CELTA because I figured if I was going to spend the money to do a cert. course anyway, why not spend a bit more and have more job options? It's nice to know I'll have a cert. that won't limit me if I end up in Europe, or somewhere else where having the CELTA works to my advantage.

Also, it's pretty hard to fix up a job in advance in LA. They like face-to-face interviews and don't seem to advertise job vacancies on the internet or elsewhere. Much is done by word of mouth, or by you showing up at the right time.

That's my two cents. In the end it's your money so research before you decide, and certainly don't make any rash decisions based on the advice of total strangers in a discussion forum
Melissa

[Lisa]

i've been in mexico for the past 5 months teaching ESL and used exactly the method you seem to be a little hesitant to try -believe me, so was i, then laughed at myself for thinking that way. got off the plane, and had a job in 2 days, with plenty of follow-up calls from schools a week after who had told me they didnt need me at first. i have an ESL cert. but no celta. definitely NOT needed in Lat. Am. trust me. i wouldnt bother with it if you plan on teaching in Lat. Am. --not necessary at all and like the other poster stated, i doubt that they even really recognize it as being better than any other sort of training. you wont have a problem getting a job, but they definitely prefer to hire face to face. good luck to you!

[dduck]

I agree that a CELTA certificate isn't a prerequisite, however you do learn a great deal about developing lesson plans, teaching different levels, selecting materials, classroom management and different teaching methodologies.

I'd recommend, if you plan to be in the teaching business for more than a couple of years, ie. it's a career not just a gap-filler, then get yourself a qualification.

Qualifications open doors. You never know when you might want to walk through one.

Iain

[MELEE]