What does CELTA stand for?

CELTA stands for Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults. This certificate will qualify you to teach general English to multilingual adult groups in private language schools and in the state sector in some countries.

What is the difference between TEFL, TESL, and TESOL?

TEFL means Teaching English as a Foreign Language, TESL means Teaching English as a Second Language, to adults studying in their own countries or in the UK who want to use English to travel, improve job prospects or just for a hobby. TESOL means Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages. This covers a broader range of students whose primary aim is to function in the UK/an English speaking host-country where they anticipate living on a permanent basis. All can be used as general acronyms for the profession. Two TEFL qualifications are widely recognised and respected internationally. These are the Cambridge ESOL Teaching Awards: CELTA and Trinity College TESOL.

What is the difference between the Cambridge ESOL: CELTA and Trinity College TESOL?

In many ways the courses are similar. Both include supervised teaching practice with genuine non-native speaker students, observation of experienced teachers and sessions on methodology. Both are usually 4 week, intensive courses, but some centres offer part-time courses lasting 3 or 6 months.

The Cambridge ESOL CELTA is the older and more established of the two qualifications. Although employers worldwide accept both CELTA and Trinity TESOL, many still prefer CELTA (e.g. large organisations such as International House).

What are the job opportunities for someone with a CELTA qualification?

Excellent, if you want to work overseas, especially in Eastern Europe and the Far East. There are jobs available in Western Europe and South America, but for these you often need at least one year’s experience. There are good opportunities for newly qualified teachers to work in the UK from Easter to September There are several agencies to help you find work abroad, and many useful websites. CELTA courses include advice on finding work, what to expect in a teaching contract and how to apply for jobs abroad..

How much will I be paid as a CELTA qualified teacher?

Rates of pay vary from country to country. Apart from work in the Middle East, teaching English is not a well-paid profession by Western standards, but you can usually live pretty well by local standards, especially in Eastern Europe and Asia. Many schools will offer a package including free accommodation, medical insurance, flight allowance, visa support etc, which is worth a quite a lot extra. In Western Europe you are less likely to be offered such a package; the popular destinations don’t work so hard at attracting teachers!

In the UK the hourly rate for newly qualified teachers is about £10.00 per hour. Generally expect only to be paid for classroom time, not lesson preparation time.

What is a DELTA?

The DELTA is the Cambridge Diploma in English Language Teaching to Adults. You need a minimum of 2 years teaching experience to be accepted on the course. For many CELTA qualified teachers it is the next step if they decide to make a career in TEFL.

How do I apply for a CELTA course?

There is a two-stage application procedure for the CELTA course. There is a language awareness task with the application form, and then an interview. At the interview the teacher trainer will discuss the application form and language task with you in more depth, and give you a chance to ask any question about the course or TEFL as a career.

Do I need a degree to do a CELTA course?

No. The usual requirements are 2 A-levels or equivalent. However, if you do not have a degree you will not be able to get teaching work in some countries (e.g. Japan).

If I take the CELTA, will I be qualified to teach children?

No, not specifically. Both CELTA and Trinity TESOL courses qualify you to teach adults. There is however, a session with hints and tips for coping with children’s classes. If you want to specialise in teaching children, you can do the CELTYL (Certificate in English Language Teaching to Young Learners), which is a two-week specialisation course available to those who already have a CELTA.

What’s the age range of candidates?

There is no age limit; people from the age of 20 can apply to do the course. As well as graduates, more and more people in their 40’s, 50’s and 60’s are doing the course. Generally the course will consist of a mix of all ages and backgrounds.

How good does my grammar have to be?

As a native speaker you are unlikely to have studied the grammar system and this is an area you will need to develop. We expect you to research and use reference material for the pre-interview language awareness task and on the course in the planning of grammar lessons. Your language awareness should continue to develop as you gain more experience beyond the course.

Can non-native speakers apply to do the course?

Yes. You will need to demonstrate your ability to use English to a very high standard. Ideally you will need to have a recognised English Language qualification: Cambridge Advanced English (CAE), Cambridge Proficiency English (CPE) or IELTS 8-9.

What’s the pass rate?

The pass rate is high because our selection procedure is thorough, we only accept candidates we think have a very good chance of passing. In the last two years the pass-rate at GEOS Brighton and Hove has been 100%.

There are so many centres why choose GEOS?

We are a long established centre with a permanent team of trainers. We pride ourselves on our positive and supportive atmosphere and the fact that we gain most of our CELTA candidates by personal recommendation.