Job Discussion Forums

eclectic · Joined: 09 Nov 2006 Posts: 1122

WHAT THE DAISY IS THE ESSENTIAL DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THEM?

Confused

I've scanned and screend and sifted amongst their websites, and cannot for the DAISY of me discern the essential differences in their 120-HOUR PROGRAMS. Is 1 in country A more marketable than another in country B?, etc....

spiral78 · Joined: 05 Apr 2004 Posts: 11534 Location: On a Short Leash

TESL/TESOL is a generic acronym used by many different certification course providers (and others). It means Teaching English as a Second Language.

CELTA is a name brand entry-level course. See below regarding entry-level courses.

DELTA is NOT an entry-level course, but a next step for those who want more practical training and feedback on their hands-on teaching and classroom approaches and methods.

It's also possible to pursue a Master's in TESL/TEFL (Teaching English as a Second or Foreign Language).

Practically speaking, if you are just getting into the field, you ideally need a 120 hour on-site course including at least 6 hours of supervised teaching practice with real students (not peer trainees). Online courses offer less than this, CELTA is the brand name, along with SIT and Trinity, and there are some generic courses out there using the TESL/TESOL acronym that offer the standard - and some offering below the standard courses.

eclectic · Joined: 09 Nov 2006 Posts: 1122

Great reply, thank you spiral78. I was getting the thing and the brand name crossed then. So, CELTA is one brand of TESOL/TEFL certicates. Its a bit confusing but I think I get it.

So a Trinity TESOL would be a better quality program than the ILA CELTA, for example?

Seems all the prices are roughly $1500-2000 for the 120 hour versions.

Well in my case, Im completing 2 years here in Korea teaching English, and have a BA in English, and a non-related Masters. WHich cert would be most appropriate in my case, if my next move is Turkey? I even read on this forum that Turkey's opportunities don't really vary much depending on one's type of cert; I also read one poster saying you may as well print your own TEFL cert, since the salaries barely vary. But its hard to believe.

spiral78 · Joined: 05 Apr 2004 Posts: 11534 Location: On a Short Leash

Great reply, thank you spiral78. I was getting the thing and the brand name crossed then. So, CELTA is one brand of TESOL/TEFL certicates. Its a bit confusing but I think I get it.

Yes - you're correct.

So a Trinity TESOL would be a better quality program than the ILA CELTA, for example?

No, they would be equal.

So far as certs for Turkey, I think people work in this market with anything from zero to an online to a 'real' cert. However, the 'real' one will obviously maximise your chances of landing a decent job.

eclectic · Joined: 09 Nov 2006 Posts: 1122

Very informative. Seems the widely-advertised TESOL certs like ILA and Trinity are all about equal. What wold be the cream of the crop, then, iYO, for a superior-quality TESOL ? And would it therefore run one much more than the $1500-2000 usually posted on those above-mentioned sites?

spiral78 · Joined: 05 Apr 2004 Posts: 11534 Location: On a Short Leash

Depends on your goal. The entry-level name brand versions are CELTA/SIT/Trinity, and I think they are equal in the eyes of employers overall.

If you want something 'more' that may help you get into managment, DELTA.

Ultimately, there are MA TESL/TEFLs, of course:)

Some hands-on experience teaching is recommended prior to either a DELTA or an MA. Make sure you really want to make the investment in time and energy (not to mention money) first!

MarkN · Joined: 22 Apr 2010 Posts: 14

In my experience though the Turkish market is not sophisticated enough yet to value these.

I see little if any hiring distinction for these certificates and likewise no higher salary paid by the Turks.

Anyone else see the same?

Mark

eclectic · Joined: 09 Nov 2006 Posts: 1122

fishcado · Joined: 23 Aug 2006 Posts: 21

I've been scratching my head as well regarding all these acronyms and which one is better than the other. This post definitely helped so thank you all!! In the end, I would prefer to a school that provides thorough in class training and prepares you for the actual day to day environment. I would steer away from any place where the class involves "job opportunities overseas" (despite that being the reason for many ).

I'm signing up with Teaching House in NYC for my CELTA. Yeah I'm paying $2500 but feel its a worthwhile investment.

eclectic · Joined: 09 Nov 2006 Posts: 1122

sounds good but Im hesitating to do 1 of those alphabet soup things ...... delta, celta, tefl, tesol, schmelta.......1 is for no teachig exp., another is for some teaching exp., and another is for much exp. Does any normal place really know the difference between all these 120-hour courses? ITTT, Cambridge, Bridge Linguatek, whatever, how about Larry, Curly and Moe?