Job Discussion Forums

jpvanderwerf2001 · Joined: 02 Oct 2003 Posts: 1117 Location: New York

Hi, all.
I'm thinking about taking an eight-week DELTA course this summer (or perhaps next). I had originally planned to do the online version, but there's travel involved with that anyway, and finding a local tutor in Vladivostok will be no small chore.
In any case, I'd like to hear from those who have done the eight-week version. Just how "bad" is it?
Of course, I understand that the DELTA is much more involved than a CELTA (which I've done), but I'd still like to hear your experiences.
Also, has anyone done an online DELTA from a remote place? If so, how did you find a suitable tutor?
Thanks in advance!

Sashadroogie · Posted: Sun Nov 29, 2009 5:13 pm Post subject:

I haven't done the 8-weeker, but if you know anyone based in BKC, then they'll probably be able to help you out.

nagel5 · Joined: 08 Dec 2009 Posts: 9

I spoke to my tutor about the DELTA course. She wasn't clear whether she took the 8-week course or the less intensive one, but she was clear about one thing: she described it as blistering. She said that she had to put her life on hold.

Pikgitina · Joined: 09 Jan 2006 Posts: 420 Location: KSA

I would definitely recommend the 8/9-week course if:

*you can comfortably afford the time off as well as the flights, course fees, accommodation costs in another city, exam fee, daily budget/spending money, books you may want to buy before the course starts, etc.

*you know that you're okay under pressure: I did the DELTA before it became modular, but you wil typically have to multi-task: prepare for your current LSA & observed lesson while starting to think of the next one while working on your extended assignment "in the background" and, later on, preparing for mock exams (if your tutors do them)

*you have no problems dealing with all kinds of grammar - this will spare you having to come to grips with something before you teach it for the first time

*you are able to listen to and observe your tutors in a 'holistic' way so that what you've seen and heard from them is regurgitated in some way in your lessons and assignments.

The DELTA can definitely be gruelling, but if you can do the above and you are an experienced teacher, you'll be fine and you may even have a few nights for switching off and going for a movie, a drink, a boogie... Just keep on top of things!

Good luck Very Happy