Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Papa Smurf]

Hi,

After I'm done here I'm thinking of getting a CELTA because it seems to be the most respected qualification worldwide (or am i wrong?). But do Korean schools prefer CELTA or TEFL?

cheers

[Whistleblower]

Let the battle begin.

[Papa Smurf]

oh dear.

just give me an idea

[aarontendo]

In Korea CELTA is same-same as any TEFL program. I did the CELTA and I was satisfied, but it's also quite spendy. You'll get same pay raise for a $1500 dollar CELTA as you will for a $200 - $300 dollar TEFL.

I guess some countries value it more than others, in Korea though it won't make a lick of difference.

[deizio]

There aren't a lot of schools here that are looking for CELTA, it's kind of stuck in the middle.. you either have hagwons who need the passport, degree and a pulse, and any kind of TEFL will put you to the front of the line; or universities / private / public schools who want the B.Ed or masters and experience, especially if you want to get up the pay scale, and will lump CELTA in with other TEFLs at the bottom of the trough. I do happen to have, and work at a school that recognizes, CELTA but there sure aren't many out here. I certainly didn't get mine with the intention of coming back to Korea and was surprised how things turned out.

It's also not the most common qualification for North Americans, hence not too well known or understood here, and, despite the amount and quality of work, study, observed teaching practice etc required, it only takes as little as 4 weeks to complete, which doesn't sound like much to some people. I hear this is causing problems in Thailand, where they now want a 1 year qualification, and they used to love CELTA.

Try applying for stuff that demands a B.Ed or masters and hype up the University of Cambridge connection in your cover letter, or at least start out asking for .2 or .3 more than generic TEFL teachers. See how it goes.

I spent my first year after CELTA working in Poverty, sorry, Portugal, where they ONLY wanted CELTA. My roomie with the $300 unaccredited TEFL was laughed out of the office when we went to get our documents verified for our teaching licenses. Of course, being Portugal, they still let her work there.

[ytuque]

If you have any intention of teaching in Europe get the Celta vs. any TEFL out there. Cambridge has done a good job of convincing Central, Eastern, and Southeaster Europe that all other certs. are worthless scraps of paper.

[hugekebab]

[hugekebab]

[scytale]

[weatherman]

[hugekebab]

[hugekebab]

[lastat06513]

Whistleblower~ buddy, you have been giving me giggles with your avitar since 2004.....


Back on track~ a CELTA, though not recognized as a qualification in Korea, will get you alot of jobs in other places and in places like the Middle East and Europe it is a requirement.
I would say that if you plan on teaching longer than a few years, I would strongly encourage a person to study for it. I have heard nothing but good things, especially how it could be a good way to improve your teaching ability if in doubt........

[oskinny1]

Having a TEFL, I'd like to weigh in. First, TEFL is completely different than an online TEFL. Any online program is regarded as a joke by anyone serious about hiring a qualified person (that includes degrees, sorry).

That being said, I think CELTA is respected more that TEFL and probably should be. I think one day I will go and get my CELTA as I have no desire to get a masters and would like to teach elsewhere. I did teach in Europe with my TEFL and had no problems though.

Get a CELTA, be done with it and you will benefit greatly.

[deizio]

If you have a serious, 120 hr TEFL from an accredited body, a serious employer will notice, the trouble is that "TEFL" can mean just about anything, while CELTA is a specific qualification and, as noted above, the de facto minimum requirement for serious work in Europe and the Middle East. Great for well paid summer work in the UK. Of course, almost all legit Euro work needs an EU passport.

Hugekebab, Portugal was a good experience year. Worked at a typical language school, was outsourced to company offices during the day and had open groups (8~10ss) in the school some evenings and kids saturday mornings. about 25 hrs teaching plus 10 travelling per week.

NOT lucrative - I was looked after well by my school in terms of housing - the flat they owned for teachers was really nice, rent was reasonable, and they paid all the bills for cable, internet, utilities, bus pass etc - but didnt have much more than 600 euros in cash after rent and taxes. Made it difficult to get into any kind of trendy / ex-pat social scene, had to make my own fun with workmates and the stupidly cheap booze at the supermarket. The vibe in general is pretty laid back which I appreciated, and had enough dough for a couple of trips in Portugal and one Ryanair / Eurocoach dash around France, Belgium and Spain.

My boss said there were about 100 applications for the 2 full time positions available for the following year, pretty much all from recent CELTA grads. They also hired freelancers, but they had some pretty lean times