General Information
The CELTA course is a full time, intensive program lasting four weeks. The class schedule is every day, Monday-Friday from 8:30 am-5:00 pm, and the complete CELTA syllabus can be found on the Cambridge English.
English Level
In order to be enrolled in the CELTA program, students whose first language is not English need to have a verified English level of CEFR C1 or higher, preferably with an IELTS or TOEFL score. If you cannot provide a test score verifying your level, you do not have to take a test. Your level will be verified during the application and interview process (see below for more information).
Common CELTA Questions & Answers
While some CELTA students have been able to keep part-time jobs in the evenings and weekends, it is generally not advisable to work during full-time CELTA courses. Due to the workload and intensive nature of the course, which requires work to be done most (if not all) evenings and over the weekend, we strongly advise students to clear their schedules as much as possible (including weekends) to allow enough time to focus on the course.
No, the English as a Second Language (ESL)/English as a Foreign Language (EFL) world abounds with acronyms. The most common acronym is TEFL. TEFL stands for Teaching English as a Foreign Language. Another common acronym is TESOL. TESOL stands for Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages. While some scholars may debate the nuances between the two acronyms, for all intents and purposes, especially to the layman, there is no appreciable distinction between the two terms. The Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults (CELTA) is simply the most prestigious and widely recognized of the many TEFL/TESOL certificates.
The uniqueness and value of the CELTA is derived from the primacy it places on experiential learning. As stated above, while there are an abundance of TEFL/TESOL certificates, very few (if any) emphasize real, hands-on learning. The CELTA requires all participants to teach for a total of six hours at two distinct levels, one of which should be below intermediate. Additionally, participants must observe experienced teachers teach for a total of six hours.
CELTA participants are diverse. There is no one CELTA candidate. Many CELTA students are young, recent college graduates in search of adventure and a desire to live abroad. Conversely, many CELTA participants are older, some even recent retirees also impelled by a sense of adventure. In respect to geography, CELTA participants come from a variety of geographic regions, the majority of whom are native English speakers, but not exclusively. Being a non-native speaker does not preclude an individual from participating on the course. Provided they have superior English communication skills, they may participate on the course.
again, there is no teaching practice student prototype. In the past, we have had classes composed almost exclusively of refugees. On the other hand, we have had classes composed almost exclusively of working professionals or visiting foreign tourists. The students come from a variety of countries and locales.
The CELTA prepares graduates to teach adult ESL/EFL engagingly and effectively. The course emphasizes an interactive, student-centered approach. As the worldwide demand for English education continues to grow, the demand for qualified teachers will, too. As a result, CELTA graduates will find plenty of opportunities to teach English either abroad or domestically in a variety of institutions, public and private.
The only requirement of a CELTA participant is to have a level of English proficiency that allows them to communicate and teach effectively in English, and be over 18 years old. Otherwise, the program has no prerequisites, educational or otherwise. CELTA participants are not required to have any teaching background. Having a Bachelor’s degree will be very helpful in getting a job post-CELTA, however.
