Korean Job Discussion Forums

shrews68 · Joined: 01 Aug 2006

I have come back from Korea (England) and I am considering undertaking the celta course - for practical reasons mainly. However, I was thinking perhaps it might help me secure a university placement next time round or at least a job with better conditions. Is it worth the cash and if so apart from Korea where else might it be useful?

Any thoughts?

DCJames · Joined: 27 Jul 2006

It might help, but most of the uni teachers I know don't have one. Most don't have a Master's degree Shocked

valkyrian2 · Mod Team Joined: 15 May 2007

Bibbitybop · Joined: 22 Feb 2006 Location: Seoul

It isn't as recognized in Korea, but it will help you in other countries if you want to live somewhere else.

Whistleblower · Joined: 03 Feb 2007

pocariboy73 · Joined: 23 Jan 2003

I did my CELTA back in 1998 and from my experiences in Korea, most but not all, employers (universities and hagwons) don't know it's real value/ranking. Most Korean employers recognize TESL certificates as being all the same. That being said, the CELTA is a tough but great course and outside of Korea (especially Europe) thought of as being one of best - if not the best.

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

While the CELTA may or may not help you get a better job in Korea, it sure will make you a better teacher! For me, that was worth it!

pkang0202 · Joined: 09 Mar 2007

If you want to TEFL as a career then its worth it. If you are just gonna teach for a year or 2 and move on to something else then its not worth it.

In my opinion a Master's Degree >>> Celta

BS.Dos. · Joined: 29 Mar 2007

I finish my 1-year PT TESOL course on Thursday.

Prior to starting this course I knew squat about teaching and could have written what I knew on the back of a postage stamp. Now, a year later, I can honestly say that I could fill a whole book of stamps with what I now know.

Do the course. If you don't get anything out of it you can always get a job with the post office licking stamps.

weatherman · Joined: 14 Jan 2003 Location: Korea

It was the best investment I have ever made. Do it.

plasticmustache · Joined: 09 Oct 2006

CELTA.

If you can do it, do it!!

Only, if you want better training and relevant pay, I would suggest completing a TESOL training course at a University. Make sure that the course is longer than one month. That doesn't mean the M.A. program, but an actual training certification course. A few schools in the States offer them, and they are about 6 months.

If you can't find something longer than a month at a University, then take the CELTA. If you've taught before, you'll see the benefits immediately.

But remember, last time I looked into the CELTA, it was only one month long, mon-fri from 9-6. That's not a whole lot, especially if you want to teach at a reputable college. But it depends I guess on maybe your previous teaching experience and a little luck to land a college job without a qualified MA.

Best wishes

aarontendo · Joined: 08 Feb 2006 Location: Daegu-ish

I've done both a univeristy TESOL certificate as well as the CELTA. Hands down the CELTA was better.

Does that mean it will help in Korea? Probably not.

oldfatfarang · Joined: 19 May 2005 Location: On the road to somewhere.

Hands down the CELTA will train you to be a better language teacher.

Sadly, Korea doesn't recognise CELTA as better than an online 100 hours TESL scam certificate. If you work for the Korean Govt. you'll be paid 100,000 won a month more for a CELTA (or an online 100 hour certificate).

Most good jobs require a CELTA (Middle East - Europe). If you want to stay in TEFL teaching then I'd definately recommend getting a CELTA.

Be warned , the CELTA course is very rigid - and based on communicative - guided discovery, student centred teaching methods. Experienced teachers have problems sitting CELTA, because they have ingrained 'bad teaching practices' (CELTA trainers will fail you if you don't adhere STRICTLY to their model). Trainees who've never taught before did best on my CELTA course.

And be doubly warned, while Korean public schools want teachers with fancy qualifications - you may not be able to use your CELTA teaching methods when you teach in a Korean public classroom (the Korean teachers/schools/students resist any form of modern student-centred teaching methods). A situation I find myself in everyday.

Was CELTA worth the cost for me? Of course. Without training you're just wasting your own and, importantly, your students' time.

Sody · Joined: 14 May 2006

SPINOZA · Joined: 10 Jun 2005 Location: $eoul

Sody, they mean that employers here, apart from public schools who offer a mere 100,000 per month more to newbies, don't put much stock into CELTA, as opposed to elsewhere in the world, such as Europe and the Middle East.

The best thing about CELTA is the 6 hours of teaching experience it gives the newbie. If you've got experience already and think you'll stay in Korea, perhaps there's not much point in doing it. CELTA gives you experience in getting up and teaching - it doesn't really tell you any stunning revelations that cannot be gained through on the job experience.

I'm not trashing CELTA - I did it and it and have no regrets, but I had no experience, thus I was the person CELTA is best for. CELTA only offers an introduction to teaching - no-one should take it too seriously. It only touches on vital grammar aspects too. Frankly, most of my grammar knowledge and teaching skills have come on the job and CELTA just gave me confidence, knowing I wasn't an ABSOLUTE newbie. Given (a) you have experience and (b) it's not of great importance in Korea, maybe you should save yourself some money.

Just being devil's advocate.