Korean Job Discussion Forums

matthews_world · Joined: 15 Feb 2003

I'm interested in taking the course in July, I believe.

2,000,000 won seems a bit exhorbitant but I'm just wondering a couple things:

What is the overview of the course?

And if you took it, what did you get out of it, besides the luxury of putting CELTA on your resume?

Very Happy

Guest · Posted: Tue Mar 30, 2004 8:07 pm Post subject:

I had no teaching experience when I did CELTA, would love to go back and do it again because I would pick up a lot more.
There's a comprehensive look at teaching methodology, classroom dynamics, a couple of assignments that cover evaluating textbook materials, observation of one student's strengths and weaknesses etc...things like that. They pack a beep load into 4 weeks, so there's a lot to get a handle on, but it's well worth it.

edit: i just noticed you were asking for those who did it in Seoul. I didn't.

matthews_world · Joined: 15 Feb 2003

Guest · Posted: Wed Mar 31, 2004 12:53 am Post subject:

cool. for anyone else interested in CELTA, I've heard people from all over, specially UK go to my hometown to do it, because it's cheaper and a great way to see a bit of Durban (South Africa) as well. Their site is http://www.ihdurban.co.za/

eamo · Joined: 08 Mar 2003 Location: Shepherd's Bush, 1964.

You have to question why you would want a CELTA cert.

In korean terms it's too high a level for hagwons (anything is!!!), yet not enough for universities. Kind of in-between.

It's very useful for teaching in Europe though, where it is a requirement for any decent ESL job.

Zed · Joined: 20 Jan 2003 Location: Shakedown Street

I did mine in Madrid. The price was similar. I haven't found that it has been of much benefit looking for jobs in Korea.

Guest · Posted: Wed Mar 31, 2004 3:53 am Post subject:

J.B. Clamence · Joined: 15 Jan 2003

2,000,000 W is kind of high end. That's about what it costs in London as well. I did mine in Barcelona for about $1000 US. From what I've heard, that's about as cheap as it gets.

I had already been teaching for a year and a half when I did it, and I found a lot of it helpful, altough I had received similar training when I started working, so in truth it didn't really change my teaching dramatically, but I am glad that I did it.

Also, I'm not limiting myself to Korea, so having a CELTA is a nice thing to have if you plan on teaching elsewhere. For Korea, it doesn't seem help you on paper.

ajuma · Joined: 18 Feb 2003 Location: Anywere but Seoul!!

Well, it depends on what you mean by "useful". If you mean "helps me be a better teacher, regardless of who I'm teaching" then the CELTA course is helpful. If you mean "I'll get a better job in Korea," probably not.

I had about 2 1/2 years of teaching in Korea before I did my CELTA in Prague. I'd say about 1/4 of the course is bull....but the rest was great...especially when it came to analyizing grammar. You never know what grammar question you might be asked, and this helps you break it down and figure out the rule. (Why IS it that we say "go to work, go to the movies" but NOT "go TO home?")

gypsyfish · Joined: 17 Jan 2003 Location: Seoul

I took it when it was at Yonsei. I believe the same head trainer is in charge.

It's an excellent course. I had five years of teaching under my belt (and a certificate from a school that didn't have the cachet of the CELTA, though was very similar) and I still got a lot out of the course. As far as what was in the course, see blake's message.

You don't need it to teach in a hagwan, but it will give you the tools to be a better teacher, so I wouldn't let that stop me from taking it. I've read that, if you want to teach in some SE Asian countries, you need a cert, so it might be good for long term prospects - certainly if you try for a job in Europe.

I teach at a university without an MA (though I am working on one) and the main reason I got the job is the CELTA.

I've heard good and bad things about the CELTA in different locations, but I am very enthusiastic about the course in Korea. Because your 'practice students' will be Korean, you will have an advantage because you are familiar with Korean types of mistakes and problems - the better to tailor your lessons and your evaluation of a student to(one of the assignments). Likewise, you won't have to acculturate to a new location for the course.

Most people should be able to pass the course. Just keep an open mind, apply what you learn (whether you believe in it or not - I do, by the way), and stay on top of the assignments. Our class lost one because he didn't do the first and the second.

Good luck!

matthews_world · Joined: 15 Feb 2003

TECO · Joined: 20 Jan 2003

Using CELTA to teach in Korean universities - you're implying that Korean universities even know what a CELTA is, never mind ask for a CELTA? And I don't believe CELTA or DELTA will beat out a related or unrelated M.A. (even though I think this is sad).

It won't make a difference if you do CELTA in Bangkok, Brisbane or Seoul.

In fact, in places like Brisbane and Thailand you'll work with a mix of international students. This could definitely be to your advantage if you ever go back home to teach ESL as most ESL classes are made up of various nationalities.

TECO · Joined: 20 Jan 2003

TECO · Joined: 20 Jan 2003

Also - Private and public ELT schools I've talked to in Australia all recognize and place value on CELTA and DELTA.

This is also the case in Canada and a lot of European countries.

Asia, is like living in the Wild, Wild, West - anything goes.

gypsyfish · Joined: 17 Jan 2003 Location: Seoul