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spirit_house
Joined: 10 Jan 2007
Posts: 2
Location: Montreal, Canada
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 Posted: Wed Jan 10, 2007 9:48 pm Post subject: CELTA from Bangkok = Trouble in Taiwan? |
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Hi, everyone! This is my first post. I've been lurking here a little too long reading everyone else's questions and the wonderful flow of information. So, now I will gently put a tiptoe into the water and try my own first question.
My partner (who is Taiwanese) and I are considering spending a few years or more "back home" in Taiwan. I have a college diploma, and I'd like to get my CELTA certificate in Bangkok this fall (it's $1000 cheaper than here in Canada) and bring it along with me to Taipei in hopes of looking for teaching work in early 2008.
Has anyone on this board earned their CELTA in Bangkok and then taught in Taiwan? Were there any issues with its acceptance? Is the certifcate looked at in the same light regardless of where you've obtained it?
The reason I ask is because my partner is afraid some schools may "look down" on my certificate if it says it is issued in Bangkok, and that it would be "better" if it were issued in the USA or Canada. This worry is courtesy of recent conversations he's had with relatives in Taiwan about our plans. Obviously, racism is suggested here (on the part of school owners against southern or southeast Asians), and I hope that is not true.
On the other hand, I'll need to get a job to survive, so if the schools in Taiwan are likely to balk at a Bangkok CELTA, I would get it back home here in Canada.
I have also seen much discussion on the "degree" vs. "diploma with CELTA" issue and whether this is enough to be considered for a job. Legally, yes? On the ground, no? There seems to be lots of conflicting information on this.
Thanks for any advice you can give.  |
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BigWally
Joined: 07 Jun 2006
Posts: 765
Location: Ottawa, CAN (prev. Kaohsiung "the Dirty South")
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| Posted: Thu Jan 11, 2007 3:47 am Post subject: Re: CELTA from Bangkok = Trouble in Taiwan? |
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| spirit_house wrote: |
The reason I ask is because my partner is afraid some schools may "look down" on my certificate if it says it is issued in Bangkok, and that it would be "better" if it were issued in the USA or Canada. This worry is courtesy of recent conversations he's had with relatives in Taiwan about our plans. Obviously, racism is suggested here (on the part of school owners against southern or southeast Asians), and I hope that is not true.
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Unfortunately, there is some reverse-racism here, and quite often the laiobans are looking for white faces to help fill the seats. Finding someone who may speak perfect english, but looks chinese is not going to be very appealing to a prospective parent who is thinking about enrolling thier child in the bushiban. I know several schools that will not even consider someone if they do not come from either Canada or the US.
They want their kids to sound like the north american movies stars, and obviously  , the only way for that to happen is for that person teaching them to be white, like the movie stars.
Clearly, I'm not trying to discourage you from going for it, more power to you guys, but just be aware that his family is being truthful with you and there are going to be some challenges ahead if you choose to go down that road.
Good luck. |
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Serious_Fun
Joined: 28 Jun 2005
Posts: 1171
Location: terra incognita
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| Posted: Thu Jan 11, 2007 2:22 pm Post subject: Re: CELTA from Bangkok = Trouble in Taiwan? |
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| spirit_house wrote: |
Is the certifcate looked at in the same light regardless of where you've obtained it?
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yes: The CELTA coursework is standardized by the body who issues the cert: Univ. of Cambridge.
Having said/written that, there is a difference between centers where one takes the CELTA course (amenities, students available for teaching, etc.), and a difference between trainers (personality, etc.)..
If you are concerned about possible rejection of a CELTA earned in BKK, then just put University of Cambridge on your CV... |
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spirit_house
Joined: 10 Jan 2007
Posts: 2
Location: Montreal, Canada
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| Posted: Thu Jan 11, 2007 6:08 pm Post subject: Re: CELTA from Bangkok = Trouble in Taiwan? |
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| BigWally wrote: |
| Unfortunately, there is some reverse-racism here, and quite often the laiobans are looking for white faces to help fill the seats. Finding someone who may speak perfect english, but looks chinese is not going to be very appealing to a prospective parent who is thinking about enrolling thier child in the bushiban. I know several schools that will not even consider someone if they do not come from either Canada or the US... |
Thanks, BigWally, for your response, although I think I must have been a bit unclear in my post. I am as white as Wonder Bread, born and "bread" in North America and my partner is Taiwanese (but has lived here in North America for 17 years now). As you suggest, we are under no illusions that my partner would have difficulties going out to look for an English teaching job because of his Asian looks. It is I who intend to inflict myself upon the students of Taiwan
Here I am actually worried about the "Asianness" of the CELTA certification that I might get in Bangkok. Even if the certificate is plastered with "University of Cambridge" in 200 point font, would a picky school owner zone on the tiny text (if it exists) saying the training was done at ECC Bangkok, or the like and frown upon it? Thanks for your kindness.
| Serious_Fun wrote: |
If you are concerned about possible rejection of a CELTA earned in BKK, then just put University of Cambridge on your CV...
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Thanks, also, Serious_Fun. I'm aware all the CELTA centres are supposed to produce the same quality output, as they are all supposed to be checked, but are the school owners in Taiwan aware of this? As you suggest, I can just update the CV. I guess the schools won't need to see the actual certificate? I could be making too much of this situation, but if I'm going to put out the money, I don't want to make a mistake. I'd love to do the CELTA training in Bangkok because it is a great place for my partner to hang out and have some fun, too (along with ME, after the training is over). It's like a free vacation to Thailand thrown in if (all other things being equal) you consider the cost difference of doing the training there or in Canada. Weather is just a bit warmer, also! Thanks again. |
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BigWally
Joined: 07 Jun 2006
Posts: 765
Location: Ottawa, CAN (prev. Kaohsiung "the Dirty South")
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| Posted: Fri Jan 12, 2007 3:39 am Post subject: |
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Ha! Oops...sorry, it was a bit late when I was reading the post!  |
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