Moving to another country to teach English is obviously a big step. There are a thousand and one things to be concerned about and organise, so detailed and in-depth research is always the first step. You’ve probably already started researching your options, so you’ve figured out that you need some kind of ESL credential to qualify for teaching jobs abroad. Many people narrow down their training options for teaching English abroad to one of two options: a CELTA or TEFL course. Let’s look at the major differences between CELTA vs TEFL courses to help you decide which is best for you.
Is there a difference between TEFL and CELTA?
Both courses thoroughly prepare teachers to teach English overseas, but there are some significant differences when comparing CELTA vs TEFL.
What is TEFL?
This is an abbreviation for Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL). A TEFL certification is one of the most popular and internationally recognised entrance teaching certifications that will allow you to teach English in countries where English is not the native language. Most hiring schools look for a TEFL certificate on your job application. That’s why you’ll see it listed repeatedly under requirements on most job postings.
Who is TEFL for?
If you want to teach English in another country rather than your own, TEFL is the most widely used standard (and highly regarded) of the various ESL certification options.
What is CELTA?
CELTA (Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults) has been renamed Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL). If you’ve heard of TESOL and assumed it was a completely different certification than CELTA, you’re mistaken.
In reality, these two certifications are interchangeable. The main difference is that CELTA is exclusively affiliated with Cambridge University. Consider CELTA to be a commercial version of a generic TESOL course.
Who is CELTA for?
A CELTA is a concentrated teaching course for people who are certain they want to teach English for a long time (two years or more), either at home or abroad.
CELTA vs TEFL: Which Is Better CELTA Or TEFL?
While comparing the CELTA vs TEFL there are many aspects to consider. If you want to pick the right course for you in the future here are some of the major differences between CELTA vs TEFL that you must consider.
CELTA, as mentioned briefly above, is a comprehensive course for teachers who would like to teach English to students in their country or abroad. Given the time commitment required for a CELTA course, as well as the significantly increased cost, it is usually preferable to people who are serious about pursuing a long-term career teaching abroad or at home. Before embarking on this path, you should have some prior experience instructing students. The course content covers the fundamentals of English instruction for ESL students, with an emphasis on practical classroom management.
The requirements for CELTA are unquestionably more stringent than those of the average TEFL course. Before enrolling in a CELTA course, you must first attend a question and answer session at a CELTA training centre, where a course leader will determine whether you are a suitable candidate for the course. They will also determine whether your written and spoken English skills are adequate. Previous teaching, coaching, or tutoring experience is also preferred, but not required, for acceptance into CELTA.
CELTA courses are only available in two formats: “fully in-person” or “blended” (which combines online learning and classroom-based instruction). This means in order to complete a CELTA course, you must attend at least some in-person classes. To graduate from the course, you must also demonstrate the skills you learned by taking a series of practice exams in a test centre.
In contrast, TEFL is an entry-level English teaching certification that gives teachers training on the basics to teach non-native English speakers abroad. Aside from a strong desire to teach abroad, there are usually no entry requirements for a TEFL course. There is no prior teaching experience required. However, before enrolling in a TEFL course, you should have a native or excellent command of the English language.
It is ideal for those looking for their first teaching job abroad, as well as qualified teachers looking to improve their expertise with ESL students. TEFL is better suited to people who want to learn about English teaching or improve their current teaching skills in an international or ESL setting. TEFL courses teach the fundamentals of successfully teaching English to ESL students in an international classroom.
A bachelor’s degree is also beneficial for TEFL students because it increases your chances of landing a good teaching job if you plan to teach abroad after finishing the course. One of the primary advantages of TEFL is that many high-quality courses are available online and are more flexible. This means that the course can be completed alongside studies or work. Unlike CELTA or in-person TEFL equivalents, there are no set class times or deadlines to meet.
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