CELTA
CELTA - Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (formerly known as Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults)
What is it ?
The CELTA Certificate is an internationally recognised qualification awarded by the University of Cambridge for people wanting to teach English as a Foreign Language (EFL/ESL). It is very popular for people who want to teach English abroad, but can also be used in the country in which the people have been trained. The course is designed for people with no previous teaching experience, but is also very useful for those who have other teaching qualifications. It is recognised by TEFL employers worldwide.
How do you do it?
The course can be done as either a full time or part time course. It is offered in 286 centres in 54 countries around the world. If you are interested in finding a centre near you, check here.
The full time course is done in 4 weeks and is very intensive. It includes:
- 6 hours of assessed teaching practice in front of a real EFL/ESL class (in at least 2 different levels of ability)
- 120 hours of instruction
- 6 hours of observation of EFL/ESL classes
- 4 assignments to be done in the evenings and over the weekends
- lesson planning, research and reading
Courses include instruction in teaching methodology, language analysis, and immediate practice in teaching with real students. Don't plan any other trips or activities during the 4 weeks, you will need every waking moment to complete the course requirements!
The part time course can be done from a minimum of 10 weeks to the maximum of an academic year. It includes online instruction and a practical teaching component. The online instruction includes interactive tasks, guided video instruction and forum discussion. The teaching and face-to-face component is done at the centre of your choice.
For more information about the CELTA course online, check here.
The course can be done by non-native speakers, but all applicants are required to complete some pre-interview tasks, and go through an interview before being accepted on the course.