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crispycracker
Joined: 17 Jan 2009
Posts: 3
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 Posted: Wed Jun 10, 2009 2:51 pm Post subject: Best Place to take the Celta course? |
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What do you think is the best place to take the Celta course?
I've heard that Prague and Barcelona were cool. I also thought about doing it in Denver, since I have some friends there. Could anyone add their 2 cents on this one? |
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crispycracker
Joined: 17 Jan 2009
Posts: 3
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| Posted: Fri Jun 12, 2009 2:58 am Post subject: |
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Cool Teacher
Joined: 18 May 2009
Posts: 930
Location: Here, There and Everywhere! :D
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| Posted: Fri Jun 12, 2009 4:01 am Post subject: |
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Things to think about:
Price 
Location 
Future Plans 
Full Time/Part time 
Tell us what your looking for.................  |
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spiral78
Joined: 05 Apr 2004
Posts: 11534
Location: On a Short Leash
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| Posted: Fri Jun 12, 2009 2:08 pm Post subject: |
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Whenever possible, it's best to do a course in the country where you want to start teaching. There are lots of reasons for this:
You can get your feet wet in country/culture while you still have a support group - training centres normally provide airport pickup, housing while you are on the course, and local orientation and basic language intro.
The practice teaching students you will be working with will really be representative of the kinds of students you'll have when you start.
And a good training centre can give you invaluable info about the reputability of local schools and contacts with the good ones. |
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housecattn
Joined: 21 Apr 2009
Posts: 26
Location: Baltimore, Maryland
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| Posted: Fri Jun 12, 2009 3:00 pm Post subject: |
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| spiral78 wrote: |
And a good training centre can .... |
This is the part where I am now stuck ...
Most of the information I have found here on training centers is 2 or more years old, the adds all look great.
I have questions about some specific places up in the Ukraine, Russia and Newbies boards but no one has replied yet.
Some has commented that one way to tel about a center is the educational level of their trainers. How does one find that out? If the center is not reputable then they will lie. From many of the past posts I have read it seems that just because one center in one country is solid and reputable it doesn't mean that the same center in a another country is solid and reputable.
I do not mind that I spent $1000 on the OxfordSeminar because it is helpful in getting my head wrapped around what is going to be necessary to know, even if it isn't really giving me much real meat, it is at least oatmeal
But I do not want to spend $5000 and a month on a CELTA equivalent which is not valid.
Sorry, the likely date for my job elimination is rapidly approaching and I still have not heard when it will be besides early to mid autumn, and I know I am on a short fuse to get accepted and in something before the new year. |
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spanglish
Joined: 21 May 2009
Posts: 742
Location: working on that
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| Posted: Sat Jun 13, 2009 12:20 am Post subject: |
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| Be careful about oxford seminars. Somebody else on here took that course and doesn't sound too happy with it. |
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nickpellatt
Joined: 08 Dec 2006
Posts: 1522
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| Posted: Sat Jun 13, 2009 12:49 am Post subject: |
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Im not an expert by any means ... but as you mention doing a CELTA, I assume you are doing the brand name course, in which case I would suggest the course will be similar no matter where you go. Of course, some tutors may be better than others, some places may have better training facilities than others, but CELTA as a brand will be similar everywhere as course providers probably have to undergo audits and testing to ensure they meet the standards. At the end of the day, this is only the basic entry level course, so whether you train with the best tutors, or mediocre ones, your learning curve as a teacher will still really begin when you start teaching.
So on this basis, I would ask what do you plan to do after ... where, and more importantly, when, do you plan to teach? I disagree with Spiral on taking the course in the country you intend to teach ... yeah, its an option to do that, but I dont think its always the best option.
If (for example) you want do take it in Barcelona as mentioned .... is that because you 100% want to work there after? Whats the job market like there? Are you able to get a visa to work there? If the answer to these questions are no, then why would you want to spend $5000 to take the course there?
$5000 is a hell of a lot by the way?
I would consider the Denver option too. Could you stay with your friends and reduce your costs in taking the course? That might be something to consider.
The other reason I warn against taking the course in-country, is that the course can be difficult and stressful. You arent 100% sure to pass it, and so it might be wise to take the course in an environment that is less challenging that a foreign country and culture might be. I took my course in my hometown, and found having a strong support network helped a lot during my course.
When I contrast this with my experience of travelling and teaching abroad, I know I made the right choice. Arriving in an new country can be disorientating and difficult. having to take a course that many people describe as one of the most stressful months you are likely to encounter in a country you have just arrived in seems like madness to me! Yeah, many people do just that ... but for me at least, it wouldnt have been the right choice. (and it would cost a lot more too!) |
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housecattn
Joined: 21 Apr 2009
Posts: 26
Location: Baltimore, Maryland
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| Posted: Sat Jun 13, 2009 1:11 am Post subject: |
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First apologies for the long post......
| nickpellatt wrote: |
| Im not an expert by any means ... but as you mention doing a CELTA, I assume you are doing the brand name course, in which case I would suggest the course will be similar no matter where you go. Of course, some tutors may be better than others, some places may have better training facilities than others, but CELTA as a brand will be similar everywhere as course providers probably have to undergo audits and testing to ensure they meet the standards. At the end of the day, this is only the basic entry level course, so whether you train with the best tutors, or mediocre ones, your learning curve as a teacher will still really begin when you start teaching. |
I am not stuck on it being THE CELTA could be Trinity, or one of the generic CELTA equivalents
I have been reading lots of OLD posts about centers that taught various courses that were not up to snuff or centers that had lost their affiliation with the brand name the of the course they were teaching. I was hoping to get some feed back about that.
But of 3 post I made I in the last week 0 responses. Since crispycracker was asking a similar question I thought I would see if any of his responders had any ideas.
| nickpellatt wrote: |
If (for example) you want do take it in Barcelona as mentioned .... is that because you 100% want to work there after? Whats the job market like there? Are you able to get a visa to work there? If the answer to these questions are no, then why would you want to spend $5000 to take the course there?
$5000 is a hell of a lot by the way? |
Answers to 2 different posts crispycracker is the OP and is interested in Barcelona and has friends in Denver.
I (housecattn) am the one who mentioned the $5K and that is based on the total cost of airfare, food, course fees etc etc and rounded up. $4K is probably more likely.
| nickpellatt wrote: |
I would consider the Denver option too. Could you stay with your friends and reduce your costs in taking the course? That might be something to consider. |
Unfortunately Denver is almost as expensive an option for me as overseas. I do not know anyone anywhere near a site in country were CELTA or equivalent courses are offered.
The rest of your post is good advise .. if in country is an good option. I am willing to risk the stress to get class room exposure to the sort of students i will be teaching.
The whole purpose of my post was to note that based on posts in the various country forums some centers are more equal than others ... but that the information was stale often 2 years old.
I was hoping to encourage folks with more recent data or knowledge of people who had more recent data to speak up. |
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housecattn
Joined: 21 Apr 2009
Posts: 26
Location: Baltimore, Maryland
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| Posted: Sat Jun 13, 2009 1:20 am Post subject: |
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| spanglish wrote: |
| Be careful about oxford seminars. Somebody else on here took that course and doesn't sound too happy with it. |
Thanks for the comment. It isn't exactly what one might expect.
That said ...
I am doing my 'practicum' tomorrow.
I will say that the course has been useful for me personally as I have 0 class room teaching experience and things like lesson plans were total martian to me.
Additionally although I was a grammar geek in HS that was a LONG time ago (graduated in 1971) So it has been a useful review. I feel more confident of tackling a CELTA-like course now so I cannot say the course really a bad thing.
I think the folks who expected it to be their way into teaching abroad will be disappointed. Though one guy in the class already has what seems to be a reasonable contract in China.
I know I need a CELTA-like course and now feel more likely to be successful in that .. once I can find one I feel good about. |
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nickpellatt
Joined: 08 Dec 2006
Posts: 1522
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| Posted: Sat Jun 13, 2009 8:46 am Post subject: |
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Ah, apologies for my confusion. I replied during a bout of insomnia last night, so didnt read the post properly.  |
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crispycracker
Joined: 17 Jan 2009
Posts: 3
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| Posted: Fri Jun 19, 2009 3:34 am Post subject: |
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Things to think about:
Price: Is Seville cheaper than Barcelona? What do you think is the cheapest place in Europe?
Location: Anywhere other than North East Asia.
Future Plans: I'm getting the certificate to open some doors in the tougher markets like the Middle East or Japan.
Full Time/Part time. That's a good question. If I go some place interesting, I don't want to spend all my time studying. I've seen 4 week courses, five week courses (one "chill out" week included), 8 week courses, and a 4 month course at one of the schools in Barcelona.
Tell us what your looking for.........
I'm looking to get my CELTA and have an opportunity to live briefly in a place that I would probably not have a chance or need to visit otherwise. |
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Cool Teacher
Joined: 18 May 2009
Posts: 930
Location: Here, There and Everywhere! :D
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| Posted: Fri Jun 19, 2009 4:05 am Post subject: |
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| crispycracker wrote: |
Things to think about:
Price: Is Seville cheaper than Barcelona? What do you think is the cheapest place in Europe?
Oh! I am not sure. I know about Asia more. I did CELTA in Thailand and it was about half or less the price of Japan which was astronomical!!! I think about 1000 dollars or 1500 dollars in Thailnad but things and prices and exhange rates change so I can't give firm info. 
Location: Anywhere other than North East Asia.
Okay, no Japan then....
Future Plans: I'm getting the certificate to open some doors in the tougher markets like the Middle East or Japan.
I don&'t think Japan is a tough market...
Full Time/Part time. That's a good question. If I go some place interesting, I don't want to spend all my time studying. I've seen 4 week courses, five week courses (one "chill out" week included), 8 week courses, and a 4 month course at one of the schools in Barcelona.
I did full-time to get it out the way and concentrate. People I know who did part-tieme often get frustrated if they have to do their job too and then loose all their holidays.
Tell us what your looking for.........
I'm looking to get my CELTA and have an opportunity to live briefly in a place that I would probably not have a chance or need to visit otherwise.
Hmmmm....like Kazakhstan????  J/K!!! |
Maybe this can help you with SEville/Barcelona...
http://cambridgeesol-centres.org/centres/teaching/search.do;jsessionid=92506850D005BD672B5E35833037D4FC.node02?source=teacheraward&country=ES&qualification=10&Input=Search |
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Cool Teacher
Joined: 18 May 2009
Posts: 930
Location: Here, There and Everywhere! :D
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| Posted: Fri Jun 19, 2009 4:08 am Post subject: |
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| crispycracker wrote: |
Things to think about:
Price: Is Seville cheaper than Barcelona? What do you think is the cheapest place in Europe?
Oh! I am not sure. I know about Asia more. I did CELTA in Thailand and it was about half or less the price of Japan which was astronomical!!! I think about 1000 dollars or 1500 dollars in Thailnad but things and prices and exhange rates change so I can't give firm info.
Location: Anywhere other than North East Asia.
Okay, no Japan then....
Future Plans: I'm getting the certificate to open some doors in the tougher markets like the Middle East or Japan.
I don&'t think Japan is a tough market...
Full Time/Part time. That's a good question. If I go some place interesting, I don't want to spend all my time studying. I've seen 4 week courses, five week courses (one "chill out" week included), 8 week courses, and a 4 month course at one of the schools in Barcelona.
I did full-time to get it out the way and concentrate. People I know who did part-tieme often get frustrated if they have to do their job too and then loose all their holidays.
Tell us what your looking for.........
I'm looking to get my CELTA and have an opportunity to live briefly in a place that I would probably not have a chance or need to visit otherwise.
Hmmmm....like Kazakhstan???? J/K!!! |
Maybe this can help you with SEville/Barcelona...
http://cambridgeesol-centres.org/centres/teaching/search.do;jsessionid=92506850D005BD672B5E35833037D4FC.node02?source=teacheraward&country=ES&qualification=10&Input=Search |
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BobbyBan
Joined: 05 Feb 2008
Posts: 201
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| Posted: Fri Jun 19, 2009 12:11 pm Post subject: |
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Assuming you are talking about the course fees then the best thing would be to do as the link provided by Cool Teacher suggests and contact the centres that offer the CELTA themselves.
If you are talking about costs of living then you could ask around the different region-specific forums that are here. |
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