CELTA or TEFL for those with no teaching background?
Posted: 22 Mar 2018, 17:41
I'm looking for some advice and insight on CELTA/TEFL certifications and their usefulness (or lack thereof) in the job world.
In the last few years I've gone through some major life changes and have decided to make a career jump and start teaching English abroad. Korea is the place I really want to go, though I might try teaching in other countries later on. I'm a native English speaker (from the USA) and have a Bachelor degree, which, from what I've read, are really the two main requirements for teaching in Asia.
Unfortunately, I have no education background - my degree is in Theatre Arts. I've read that many places don't care if you're TEFL certified, but that doesn't sit well for me, personally. I have never taught a class in my life and want to actaully know what I'm doing before diving in. I also saw that some of these programs offer job placement services, assistance with visa paperwork, etc., which would be awesome.
My problem is that I'm finding very few that offer in-person courses in my area (or even close by) and the ones that are offered are scheduled in a way that conflicts with my full-time job. I have bills and other financial obligations, so I can't just leave my job right now to do this. I'd take the time off and take an in-person course, but I highly doubt my job would be very supportive of me taking that much time off all at once. This leaves an online course with some kind of practicum as my only option.
My questions are:
1. CELTA or TEFL? Which would be better for someone with no prior teaching experience or training? Are these courses really good at preparing you for teaching and managing a classroom?
2. For online courses, which program would you recommend? Any thoughts about International TEFL Academy?
3. If I am able to take the time off from my full-time job, what in-class program would you recommend?
4. I was able to find an Oxford Seminars in-class program in my area. Over 3 weekends, it is a 100 hour course with a few additional 40 hour courses you can take on top. Anyone know if this is a good program? Not worth the money?
5. Realistically, how much more attention is given to one program over the another when it comes to applying for jobs? Or is it just the fact that you completed a program that matters?
6. My aunt is a retired special ed teacher and still has connections with schools in the area that could lead to assisting or shadowing in the classrom (I still have to research what to do to be eligible for this, though). If I'm able to do it, would supplementing an online program and practicum with this additional classroom experience help my chances at finding a job?
7. Do you have any other advice for someone just starting in this profession?
Apologies for the long post. I'm a worrier, so any insight you have would be most appreciated. Thank you!
In the last few years I've gone through some major life changes and have decided to make a career jump and start teaching English abroad. Korea is the place I really want to go, though I might try teaching in other countries later on. I'm a native English speaker (from the USA) and have a Bachelor degree, which, from what I've read, are really the two main requirements for teaching in Asia.
Unfortunately, I have no education background - my degree is in Theatre Arts. I've read that many places don't care if you're TEFL certified, but that doesn't sit well for me, personally. I have never taught a class in my life and want to actaully know what I'm doing before diving in. I also saw that some of these programs offer job placement services, assistance with visa paperwork, etc., which would be awesome.
My problem is that I'm finding very few that offer in-person courses in my area (or even close by) and the ones that are offered are scheduled in a way that conflicts with my full-time job. I have bills and other financial obligations, so I can't just leave my job right now to do this. I'd take the time off and take an in-person course, but I highly doubt my job would be very supportive of me taking that much time off all at once. This leaves an online course with some kind of practicum as my only option.
My questions are:
1. CELTA or TEFL? Which would be better for someone with no prior teaching experience or training? Are these courses really good at preparing you for teaching and managing a classroom?
2. For online courses, which program would you recommend? Any thoughts about International TEFL Academy?
3. If I am able to take the time off from my full-time job, what in-class program would you recommend?
4. I was able to find an Oxford Seminars in-class program in my area. Over 3 weekends, it is a 100 hour course with a few additional 40 hour courses you can take on top. Anyone know if this is a good program? Not worth the money?
5. Realistically, how much more attention is given to one program over the another when it comes to applying for jobs? Or is it just the fact that you completed a program that matters?
6. My aunt is a retired special ed teacher and still has connections with schools in the area that could lead to assisting or shadowing in the classrom (I still have to research what to do to be eligible for this, though). If I'm able to do it, would supplementing an online program and practicum with this additional classroom experience help my chances at finding a job?
7. Do you have any other advice for someone just starting in this profession?
Apologies for the long post. I'm a worrier, so any insight you have would be most appreciated. Thank you!