Korean Job Discussion Forums

antgonz · Joined: 30 Nov 2007

Do they offer it here and for how much? Does it help with raises and marketability?

bangbayed · Joined: 01 Dec 2005 Location: Seoul

http://www.britishcouncil.org/korea-teacher-development-courses-celta.htm

bassexpander · Joined: 13 Sep 2007 Location: Someplace you'd rather be.

You certainly can.

The biggest problems are that they only accept a small number of people when they do offer it, and the excessively high cost of doing it in Seoul, which is higher than other places. They must see Korea as a big cash-cow of teachers with more disposable income, so they charge a million won more for the course here.

When I looked into taking it two years ago, I was told that they were all full. I then asked if I could get on the list for the next one. They said I would have to wait and call back on XX date several months in the future "if" they even decided to offer it again.

I also determined it was about the same cost to fly to Thailand, pay the Thai CELTA expenses, and a for hotel, as it was simply to pay CELTA expenses here. Yes, they do gouge you considerably in Seoul (at least they did when I checked). Do a google search on CELTA Thailand, or any other country.

Ultimately, I took another TEFL course. If you plan on traveling the world, the CELTA or Trinity are probably the best you can take. If you are just staying in Korea, either take nothing or do a low-cost online course of over 100 hours. Long-termers who plan on staying in Korea, and not doing an MA, should look into the Sookmyung TEFL course.

antgonz · Joined: 30 Nov 2007

thanks

weatherman · Joined: 14 Jan 2003 Location: Korea

I studied for my CELTA in Seoul about four years ago. 2.2 million I think it was then. Worth every cent and more.

VanIslander · Posted: Sun Jan 11, 2009 2:04 am Post subject:

Whistleblower · Joined: 03 Feb 2007

Done the CELTA 2 years ago and I considered the investment worth every penny. The benefits way out the costs and you are able to continue to develop as a teacher after the CELTA.

After the CELTA, I am now an examiner, teacher and provide marking for tests.

i4NI · Joined: 17 May 2008 Location: Seoul

I really wonder if the Celta is that much better than the other certificates. It is much more expensive, but is it that much better for you personally as a teacher? What I mean is will it really make you a more effective teacher compared to other certification programs since it's the most expensive?

Also were you guys able to work and complete your CELTA at the same time?

What time is the class at normally? I couldn't find the info on the website.

bogey666 · Joined: 17 Mar 2008 Location: Korea, the ass free zone

I'm very interested in this discussion and wouldn't mind pay 2.2 mil won to do it.

being able to do it while working in Korea seems preferable to having to travel to Vietnam and do it there, while paying half or even more the price. (despite the fact living in Vietnam would be a hell of a lot more fun and interesting)

but can I get it done while doing a normal PS teaching load?

VanIslander · Posted: Sun Jan 11, 2009 2:18 am Post subject:

VanIslander · Posted: Sun Jan 11, 2009 2:24 am Post subject:

i4NI · Joined: 17 May 2008 Location: Seoul

What time was the class at and how long was it per day?

VanIslander · Posted: Sun Jan 11, 2009 2:35 am Post subject:

Otherside · Joined: 06 Sep 2007

I did it in Cape Town, so it may be a little different.

Anyways, the course was 4 weeks, and was from 9am to 4:30 pm every day. We had an hour off for lunch, and 1 or 2 days we finished early (last day we were done at around 11am, and I think there was a day where we knocked off at about 3pm)

bassexpander · Joined: 13 Sep 2007 Location: Someplace you'd rather be.

As always, it's worth it to mention that you:

1. Don't need this to teach in Korea
2. Most Korean schools do not compensate you more for having it (public schools will -- but not any more than far cheaper programs).
3. Most Korean schools have no idea what a CELTA is compared to a $300 online TEFL course.
4. If you are from a Brit commonwealth country, then the CELTA is a good idea if you plan to be in teaching for a while. If you're American, then get an MA/TESOL. It's not really recognized there past getting a few credits toward an MA at a handful of universities.

There are also many who disagree with the CELTA system. I've heard the story about the licensed public school teacher, and as I originally heard it told, he disagreed with the headstrong we are English gods -- do what we say, or get the hell out attitude (I paraphrased there) held by the CELTA trainers. It seems like the original story has been blown up a bit to make the guy out to be some kind of teacher-centered guy who just couldn't hack it.

Please don't imply that the public school guy just couldn't cut it -- he disagreed with it, and was given his hat -- that's how I have read it. Otherwise, it's like you're implying that CELTA people are somehow better than actual licensed teachers. That would be a wrong assumption, in my book.

Think of CELTA as a feather in your cap. It doesn't make you a TESOL superteacher. Also keep in mind that some on Dave's push it like some kind of Amway cult.