Job Discussion Forums

[jonchaley]

Anyone have the name of a good school in one of those cities, or any experience as a CELTA student there?

[Houston]

I did the CELTA in Moscow, through BKC-IH.

My experience was pretty good. I have a liberal arts degree in History, but no teaching or linguistics background, and I made it through the course.

I liked the instructors, and they seemed to like me. I think it was because I had the attitude that I didn't know anything, so I was receptive to learning. I didn't fight them when they offered constructive criticism of my lesson plans or teaching practices.

Moscow is a really cool city, and I highly recommend it as a great place for taking your CELTA course.

[buntingblue]

English teachers,

Do take note that the names of academic subjects in English are NOT capitalised; the only exception being the names of languages.

So, it's history, science, French, economics, etc

Be careful of this - it's a very common mistake.

Regards

[jonchaley]

[Houston]

[Eamonn]

It�s been five years, but I found St Pete a bit cheaper then Moscow � although that could have been the temporary accommodation I had being dirt cheap (Russian student dorm outside city centre) and I found the city easier to navigate, hence probably easier to find cheaper shops/markets for food.
It is true that western style supermarkets in Russia are more expensive than the old Soviet styled shops??
Anyways � I�ve always been interested in going back to Russia for longer than the first/last time I was there (3 month stay). So I�m going to St Pete at the end of January for a taste of what I miss, just for one week holidays. Then hopefully, situations pending, I can go back next year for longer to either St Pete or Novosibirsk.
But I�d be very interested in knowing more about CELTA courses in St Petersburg as well as teaching opportunities there. I have rough informal teaching experience (I thought an informal class to Asylum seekers/Low level English speakers for two years on a volunteer basis). I�m in the middle of a diploma/degree also that needs to get finished... I�ll get through it though.

[VladJR87]

I know of no programs that give you a true CELTA in St. Petersburg, only their version. Regardless of the fact that their version may have the same requirements, and the fact that they tout the idea that it is just as well recognized for TEFL teaching... I chose not to risk it. Might as well go to Moscow and get the real thing that is internationally recognized.

There is that one language school ran by an American in St. Petersburg, the name is escaping me, but most of his program is done online which was not an attractive option.

[manbitesdog]

I have heard good things about the CELTA offered here in Moscow. I was thinking of signing up for the summer course they offer. I prefer teaching kids, so does anyone know about the young learners add on?

As for expenses, Moscow is the most expensive city in Europe. If your accommodation is paid for then you're in luck, otherwise it can be difficult to get by without being extremely frugal.

[Eamonn]

Emm i was sure St Petersburg had some company offering Internationally recognized CELTA courses
but now i look i can't find any.

I'd agree on the Moscow expense subject - i went out for one night on the town there and nearly spent a weeks travel budget! And on top of that the metro finished earlier than i thought, which meant a very very expensive Taxi trip back to my hostel outside the city centre
30euro cab ride or something if i remember...for what seemed like 15 minutes.

[Salix]

I would recommend doing the Celta at BKC in Moscow. The course is thorough and most of the course tutors are professional. I wouldn't recommend working for BKC after; they suck big time as employers.