Job Discussion Forums

robinnn · Joined: 24 May 2006 Posts: 83 Location: Spain

Notice: Written in a frantic race against time!

I�m stuck in Japan until May, so I have to miss the interviews for my perfect CELTA course in the UK. (Near my family home, semi-intensive, recommended by friend of family CELTA instructor.) Was thinking of deferring for a year, leaving Japan in July and going over to Spain without the CELTA in September. If I can get work in Spain, check out the options for doing the CELTA over there and in the meantime re-apply to the UK CELTA and be able to fly back home for the interviews without too much hassle. Start the CELTA in September 2013. The bottom line is that I can�t live in the UK all year waiting to start a course and I can�t stay in Japan if interviews are being held 7 months in advance of the start of the course. So that�s my plan that I drew up in the last day or so. As such I haven�t had time to think it over properly because I�m also having to decide within days if I�m going to accept a 3 month position in Japan that will totally rule out me attending CELTA interviews for 2012 courses. Another thing I would like to ask is this. Can anyone hazard a guess as to what percentage of teachers in Spain are CELTA or TESOL qualified? What do schools mainly look for in teachers? Is this EU passport thing as deciding a factor as I have been led to believe?
To give you some background; I have nearly 6 years teaching experience in Japan and a British passport, if that helps to answer any questions.

Thank you

AGoodStory · Joined: 26 Feb 2010 Posts: 738

I don't know why this particular CELTA provider would require face-to-face interviews. Most arrange phone interviews. In fact, every CELTA provider I considered offered phone interviews. Most couldn't stay in business otherwise. I would contact the school and ask about doing the interview by phone.

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robinnn · Joined: 24 May 2006 Posts: 83 Location: Spain

Unfortunately they have already stated clearly that they only conduct interviews in person. I might ask them about a Skype interview but at the end of the day they don't have to go to the trouble, so they almost definitely won't.

SirKirby · Joined: 03 Oct 2007 Posts: 261 Location: Barcelona, Spain

All the CELTA centres that I'm familiar with do phone interviews. As already suggested, in places like Barcelona (but anywhere!), no centre would expect candidates to come out to Spain. It may be that in the UK they can afford to be picky!

Reputable language schools pretty much insist on CELTA or the Trinity equivalent, but if you have 6 years teaching experience they might not be so bothered.

Which is better? Someone with no teaching experience straight off a CELTA course or someone with 6 years at the chalkface?

robinnn · Joined: 24 May 2006 Posts: 83 Location: Spain

Thanks. I'm considering doing a CELTA in Barcelona 'cause I've had one recommended to me there as well.

RalphReggin · Joined: 15 Feb 2012 Posts: 26

cetla seems like a waist of time and money to me it seems you can get a job without it , i would save up and maybe invest . spain is my second choic after china if things dont good in china i might see you all in spain ! best of luck evereyone

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

Spain is basically off-limits to US citizens without citizenship in an EU member country, unfortunately, RalphReggin.

Sir Kirby:

SirKirby · Joined: 03 Oct 2007 Posts: 261 Location: Barcelona, Spain

Grimace420 · Joined: 24 Sep 2011 Posts: 88 Location: Madriz

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

RalphReggin · Joined: 15 Feb 2012 Posts: 26

robinnn · Joined: 24 May 2006 Posts: 83 Location: Spain

Arrrghhh! Things not looking good for me then! What kind of job can I expect in Spain without the CELTA? If I do the course over September will there be any work left by October? I'm willing to go to anywhere in the country, so where am I most likely to find work in September? Should I even bother coming over unqualified? I am just looking for a starter job. Thanks for all your input so far.

SirKirby · Joined: 03 Oct 2007 Posts: 261 Location: Barcelona, Spain

I'd say that you are NOT looking for a job "without the CELTA" but "with 6 years experience" (I assume teaching English), so you've definitely got a headstart on anyone with "only" CELTA.

September's quite a good time to do the course, as language schools start their years right at the beginning of October and, though it's very last minute, lots of people land jobs right then, end of September-beginning of October.

Best place to be? If you say you are "willing to go to anywhere in the country", you're also at an advantage over anyone else saying "I only want to be in Madrid" (or Barcelona, or wherever).

Possibly Madrid or Barcelona to do the course, as they're biggest, and therefore will have more local job opportuniities, but be prepared to go wherever there's work, including much smaller cities. Not everyone is ready to do that, but they won't necessarily get jobs.

robinnn · Joined: 24 May 2006 Posts: 83 Location: Spain

Thanks. Sounds encouraging. Spiral78 has a good point about the Asian market though. The standards here can be pretty low to be honest. That could harm me a little. If I can't get out of Japan until July, I might go for a course in Barcelona in September and go for a job in October as you suggested. Thanks again, the Spain forum people are SO helpful!

pr455 · Joined: 08 May 2011 Posts: 135 Location: MADRID, SPAIN

I agree with what's written on this thread about having some sort of qualification under your belt before beginning to look for a job. I have moved away from working for academies and an now working in schools and for the Department of Education of Madrid.

A CELTA will take you a lot farther than a TEFL will. I know that many will disagree and that's fine.

Goo dluck find a course and a job after the course.

Shawn