HI Bethany, From what I can remember about my CELTA, the one thing that separated it and other similar courses from the rest was the amount of observed teaching practice and, of course, the price ;) I have never taught in Asia so I canft help you there – perhaps some of the other folks might be able to help you out. I think the CELTA is a good idea if youfre starting out and youfve already been considering it. My grammar was dire when I started my course...you know, Ifd been writing things like: he would of said something so it helped me understand that I could not simply reply upon: well, thatfs just how we say it where Ifm from, and the fact that I was a native speaker. I also found the teaching practice and group feedback sessions quite useful – ultimately I believe they helped me build overall confidence in my fledging abilities Having said that, Ifve met and worked alongside great teachers who did not do the CELTA, but they were under increasing pressure to acquire some form of qualification. That was in Belfast anyway. I dare say there are still many, many places were one could teach without the CELTA. I donft want to bum the CELTA down, but for many it is seen as a carte blanche – a hoop that one must jump through. Does it make you a better teacher than the other courses? I really couldnft say. Would it help you land a job? I think so, but thatfs just my opinion. Ifd say therefs been some pretty mental styles of teaching going on out there over the years and some employers just feel more comfortable hiring people who had all undergone a similar enough style of training, use same methodology etc. I did like the stuff about pronunciation we did on the CELTA and itfs been invaluable to me along the way. Ifve see loads of teachers who are terrified of using the IPA. Ifd say in Asia, it would be more important than, say, in Europe. Personally, but maybe Ifve become slightly jaded along the way...:) I rate a personfs rapport, nature, ability to chill the entire room out, and inspire the students to learn some new stuff over a bunch of qualifications...but , sadly, Ifve often seen better candidates passed over for promotions due to not having lots of qualifications. I, myself, had numerous problems at the beginning because I donft hold a degree, but it really doesnft take long for employers to see which teachers are alright (you donft have to be Captain Grammar or Super TEFL) and which are just taking the p*ss. So, Ifd say if youfve got the cash, the inclination and the time go for the CELTA – I think I did the one run from Cambridge...anyway, make sure there are a sufficient number of observed teaching practice hours..you know, it just proves to some folks that you have actually stood up and worked the room and youfre not likely to freak out first day and bolt for the door Let me know if youfve anymore questions or Ifve missed something. Ifm sure someone else here might come along and give you some good advice on the various practices in Asia with regard to teaching English. Fearg
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