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Starting out in TEFL - FAQ
Teaching English as a Foreign Language. As opposed to TESL / TESOLTop of page
What qualifications are there?
Hundreds! They range from certificates you can buy on the internet for $10 to taught Masters programmes lasting two years or more. Lots of universities offer their own certification - especially in the USA - but there are some qualifications which are more widely recognised than others.Top of page
There are 2 qualifications which originated in the UK and which are the ONLY recognised initial teaching qualifications within the UK - and also by many of the major language schools throughout the world.
The Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults (CELTA) is administered and validated by the University of Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate.
It is offered at 104 centres in the UK and 38 countries throughout the world.
The Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (CertTESOL) is administered and validated by Trinity College.
It is offered at 100 centres in the UK and 14 other countries.Top of page
At ITTC!
When you look at different centres offering courses, check to make sure what you get for your money.
How many courses does the centre run? (more courses = more experience)
ITTC = 12+ per year
How often does the centre run courses? (year round courses = a chance to speak to people doing a course at interview)
ITTC = every month
How long has the centre been running courses?
ITTC = since 1984
How many CELTA courses has the centre cancelled? (last-minute cancellations = problems finding an alternative)
ITTC = 0
How many course tutors work permanently at the centre? (permanent tutors = someone to speak to before or after the course)
ITTC = 7
Does the centre offer other accredited courses?
ITTC = DELTA (Cambridge) and Business English Teaching (ARELS/London Chamber of Commerce & Industry)
Does the centre offer help with finding work?
ITTC = see below Top of page
What qualifications do I need?
'A' levels or the equivalent.Top of page
Do I need teaching experience?
No - the whole idea of the CELTA is to provide training for people who have little or no experience of English language teaching.
Candidates who come on our courses are from a whole range of different backgrounds. Some have taught other subjects, most haven't!
During the last 12 months we have trained people who in their previous existences were:
| accountants | doctors | managers | psychologists |
| actors | engineers | musicians | puppeteers |
| archaeologists | farmers | nurses | saleswomen |
| architects | firemen | opera singers | ski instructors |
| bankers | gardeners | plumbers | soldiers |
| comedians | housewives | priests | teachers |
| diplomats | librarians | prison warders | translators |
Do I need to speak another language?
No - although knowledge of other languages may help in terms of your awareness of the mechanics of English. It may also help in looking for work.Top of page
How do I start looking for work?
At ITTC we keep details of current positions available worldwide. Tutors will try to help you with advice about where to look.
There are job adverts on the Internet and in some of the newspapers and journals.Top of page
The world is your oyster!
For some countries (E.g. Japan and Mexico) you must have a first degree in order to get a work permit. In other countries you can work without a degree.
You can always check by contacting the embassy of the country you want to work in, or by looking at the various country entries in:
Teaching English Abroad by Susan Griffiths is a useful book with details about working overseas. We have this and other publications in our library.Top of page
What does all the jargon mean?
The Jargon in TEFL page will explain it all.Top of page
