Korean Job Discussion Forums

[DJCriticalMass]

Does getting a CELTA (Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults)certificate help getting a english teaching job in Korea?



http://www.icchawaii.edu/programs/CELTA/CELTA.htm

[Ya-ta Boy]

You would think it would, but it doesn't really help much in getting a job. A hakwon will hire just about anyone. A certificate might give you an edge over the uncertified in public schools and universities.

Having said that, I recommend getting one. Chances are, it will give you some preparation in teaching and that can't be a bad thing.

[waggo]

It helps in every country in the world where people learn English apart from the one im sitting in.
However it will help you get half a clue about what teaching English is all about so on that basis alone its worth doing.

[VanIslander]

You started two threads on the exact same topic.

http://www.eslcafe.com/forums/korea/viewtopic.php?t=35283

[JennyJJ]

someone said:
It helps in every country in the world where people learn English apart from the one im sitting in.

Not really true, many countries don't care. The ONLY country that I ever worked in (of four Asian countries) that had any interest in previous training (other than degrees) was Thailand.

That said, it is a good idea to get trained in your future career. And, there is nothing wrong with actually being a decent teacher.

Only my opinion, and many others will argue strongly pro and con - CELTA is not the only pie in the sky.

If you are going to teach in Korea, you are most likely going to teach a lot of children and CELTA is an adult oriented program. Consider some of the TEFL Certs offered by in Thailand - that are more flexible. Where you will most likely get some teacher training with children students.

[JacktheCat]

As someone who has a CELTA, I have to say:

Having a CELTA will actually decrease your job opportunities. Most schools would prefer to hire someone fresh off the boat with a degree in Basket Weaving. Easier to control and less likely to cause problems.

The best job qualification to have is blue eyes and blonde hair. If you're handsome and have blue eyes and blonde hair, you can get any job in Korea no matter what your teaching qualifications and experience are.

That said, a CELTA will make you a better teacher and greatly increase your confidence in class.

One caveat about the CELTA, however, is that it is very expensive, upwards of US $1500.

[weatherman]

[JongnoGuru]

A friend has CELTA. In fact, he came to Korea in 2002 just to enroll in the programme. I asked him at the time if CELTA would translate into a higher salary and he said not likely in Korea, but it could give him a leg up in a hiring situation if other candidates didn't have one. But it didn't really matter as he wasn't planning to work in Korea. (He ended up doing just that, though. ) He only teaches adults, so CELTA was ideal in that respect.

I remember him saying that several of the (ex-pat) senior instructors where he works have a fair amount of real input in hiring decisions. As most (all?) of them have CELTA, it's probably safe to say that not having one won't help you land a job there. That was a few years ago, so who knows what the story is these days.

[adventureman]

[Saxiif]

[JongnoGuru]

[adventureman]

[DJCriticalMass]

Wow. There are so many opinons on the topic at hand.


Well its around 2 grand to get the CELTA certificate here in Hawaii.

Do most hagwons or schools train you before you start teaching?

Whats the average monthly salary for a 1st year teacher?

[Son Deureo!]