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[fimac]

PostPosted: Sun Aug 02, 2009 6:37 am Post subject: CELTA Mexico vs. TEFL C.R. Similar cost, is CELTA better? Reply with quote Edit/Delete this post Delete this post Report Post
Hello everyone,

I have been considering doing a TEFL/CELTA course for a long time now. I am overseas at the moment and (providing I have the money) am thinking of FINALLY applying somewhere for October.

I had originally planned to do the CELTA in Playa del Carmen, Mexico, however having traveled in Costa Rica for a month and a half and made some friends, I am now considering the TEFL course in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica.

My question is, how much more of an advantage would I have (if any) doing the CELTA vs a straight TESOL cert? There is only about $150 difference between the two courses, and from what I understand the CELTA is probably more highly respected.

I am also having trouble finding feedback from both schools. Is the Manuel Antonio course worth $1690USD? Have people found jobs alright? If anyone has done either of the courses, feedback and advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Fi

[TheLongWayHome]

The CELTA is much more well-known and probably more respected purely because it's part of the Cambridge suite of exam courses. I'd go for it over the others, it's certainly got me into a few places.

[smedini]

Hey there...

I don't normally post on the Mexico board because I am middle east bound (eventually, though I was snooping around here to see if I could gauge the possibility of working in a uni somewhere in Mexico, even if it were just for the short term). I saw your post and thought I'd give my two cents' worth as well. I just finished the CELTA a week ago and I would definitely recommend it to anyone, especially someone trying to decide between it and another course. The CELTA is a lot of work but it's good practical work that you can apply to just about any teaching arena. It is more well known and respected worldwide than just about any other certificate, which means you can use it elsewhere down the road (perhaps not the case with a TEFL certificate out of Costa Rica). Even if you're not going somewhere else or don't plan to teach after your current/next gig, the CELTA is definitely worth the investment of time and money. You can rest assured that you are getting a good program, one that is constantly monitored by external assessors to ensure it is up to par with Cambridge specifications (every CELTA course held worldwide gets a visit from an external assessor in week 4). Good luck with whatever you decide!

IMHO
~smedini