Job Discussion Forums

[kmulligan]

There has been a lot of discussion on the boards about whether or not to get a CELTA or a generic course. I have committed to getting a certificate with 120 hrs on site instruction with 6hr observed teaching practice hours. There is no clear accrediting body for the course, however.

This is my question:
Has anybody successfully gained a job, which advertised for a CELTA or equivalent, with a similar generic certificate?

[spiral78]

My own original cert (from back in 1999) was a generic one that met the standards - on paper at least. I've never had a problem with its acceptance. I've taught in the Czech Rep (got certified in Prague), Luxembourg, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Canada. I've now got an MA in the field, which kind of trumps any cert course, but I got initial employment in all of the countries above on the cert alone.

[Justin Trullinger]

I did the Trinity cert, so this isn't first hand- but yes, a lot of people do get by with the "generic" cert.

A couple of questions-

Is it a small, locally run course, or one of the big "chain generics?"


How did you find out about it?


Can you get in touch with other cert grads? What are they doing?


Are you planning to look for work in the same place you do the cert? (If so, the local reputation of the course may be fine!)


What do you know about the trainers?


The course sizes?


I'm not about to say that only the name brands are worth it- but a lot of generic courses, particularly if not externally accredited, are cheaper for a reason- they don't have the expensive requirement to meet external standards. You'll want to do your homework very thoroughly.


Best,
Justin

[Prof.Gringo]

I took a similar course back in 2005. 120 hours with over six hours observed teaching practice (closer to 20). I took it in Mexico and I've been here ever since. Never a problem finding a job. Nobody has ever questioned me about my diploma. Immigration even accpeted it for a work visa.