Job Discussion Forums

Pou · Joined: 30 Oct 2011 Posts: 3

Hi all, first post here Smile

I'm American. Been teaching in South East Asia for a while. In January, I want to stop working and get my CELTA (1 month intensive). I plan to work in the UAE in 2012.
Where should I take my CELTA without going back to America ?
Is it better to do it in the UAE directly ? Thailand ? or ?????
Nobody seems to know, do you ?
Thanks.

nomad soul · Joined: 31 Jan 2010 Posts: 11454 Location: The real world

The UAE is expensive to live, and since you won't be bringing in an income for at least 30 days, it makes good financial sense to take the course in Thailand or some other Asian country close to where you are now.

veiledsentiments · Joined: 20 Feb 2003 Posts: 17644 Location: USA

Just to warn you... there are few positions in the UAE for someone with just a CELTA. The majority of decently paying EFL jobs require an MA in Applied Linguistics or EFL/ESL.

VS

Neutrino Girl · Joined: 01 Apr 2010 Posts: 128

It doesn't matter where you take the CELTA as it is a standardized course. I think that two of the cheapest places to take it are in Thailand (Chiang Mai?) and in Prague.

Pou · Joined: 30 Oct 2011 Posts: 3

Thank you ALL ! Forgot to mention that I know about the ESL business in the UAE. Not ALL but a lot. So Thailand or Prague for my CELTA so far. Any other ideas ?
Bye

veiledsentiments · Joined: 20 Feb 2003 Posts: 17644 Location: USA

A year or so ago, I would have recommended the British Council in Cairo. But... things are pretty unsettled there right now. If you are the adventurous type, you might want to consider it.

VS

123Loto · Joined: 14 Aug 2006 Posts: 160

I did mine in Vietnam - $1500USD, with a discount for early payment... cheap accomodation there too - about $20USD a day.

Neutrino Girl · Joined: 01 Apr 2010 Posts: 128

I never thought about Vietnam...it would be far cheaper to take it there than in Thailand or Prague in terms of the cost of living.

Pou · Joined: 30 Oct 2011 Posts: 3

Thank you all for your ideas! I think I'll probably go to one in Bangkok (Hub useful, I think cheaper) or Chiang Mai. I have to check to get a good center.
Regards !

amainegypt · Joined: 20 Jun 2008 Posts: 12

If Egypt's not an option, Turkey is a good bet, probably the least expensive.

ITI Istanbul
British Side (Istanbul)
??? Antalya- there's another school... I don't remember the name.

Housing is cheap, but avoid the referrals provided by ITI unless they are 500TRL or less and definitely look around. Couch surfing is also in good supply in Istanbul!

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

I know people who id the CELTA in Indonesia. I also know of people with MA and/or PhD Who were REQUIRED to take a CELTA before gertring a job in KSA !

nov181983 · Joined: 27 Sep 2011 Posts: 5

Hey, don't know about Prague or any other locations but I did the CELTA course in Chiang Mai...definitely recommend it:

http://www.ihbangkok.com/page/37-international_house_bangkok_prestigious_english_school_in_bangkok_celta_th.html

You can stay on-site for an extra $745...way too expensive for Thailand...but you get meals and it's a nice location. They had a computer lab on site and the time you save on commuting comes in handy. It's outside of the city which is okay as long as you arrange transport ahead of time, there's a driver there that you can use. If you go with Chiang Mai I recommend paying the extra.

Watch out for Clarence, the owner of the resort...nice enough, but can be a grumpy old man at times.

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

I don't think any of you are actually considering getting a TEFL in the Czech Rep, but just in case, Prague is NOT cheap. It's a major tourist destination and prices reflect this - they are on par with many western cities.

egyptfan · Joined: 29 Nov 2004 Posts: 105 Location: Middle East

A friend of mine is in Chai Mai and wanted to do it there. Last week she applied and was told the Jan and Feb courses in IH Chai Mai are full (despite the website saying there were 2-3 places left) She got a slot on the Jan course in Bkk, so I suggest you get cracking and make a decision if going to Thailand. The pre-interview task is quite detailed and will take a few hours at least to complete. Good luck.