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CELTA: A format that fits

Photo by Adeolu Eletu on Unsplash

The only thing better than a highly-regarded language training certificate with industry-wide recognition is the flexibility to get it your way. That’s why ILSC’s CELTA program is offered in a variety of formats, allowing you to get certified quickly, flexible, or even (mostly) in the comfort of your home.

One CELTA certificate, Three Formats

People seeking CELTA certification do so for a variety of reasons. Sometimes it’s a career change and other times it’s a passport to the world, but with a variety of reasons there comes a variety of circumstances. Whatever the circumstances, there’s likely a CELTA program to get you up and running in the TESOL world.

ILSC offers the CELTA teaching certificate in three formats:

Full-time intensive on-campus (in Montreal)
Part-time on-campus (in Toronto)
Online (flexible schedule) (from home, with an onsite practicum in Montreal, San Francisco, or New Delhi)

Each is a little different and tailored to your needs. Here are the details:

CELTA full-time

The full-time intensive format of the CELTA course available in Montreal provides everything you need to start teaching English in only four weeks. The 140-hour course is practical and complete – time is split between input sessions with trainers, classroom observations, and teaching practicum.

Because of the intensive nature of the full-time format, the Full-time program is a good fit if you’re able to take time off work and give dedicated focus to the program. In addition to in-class work, you will also have assignments to complete over weekends and will want to devote time to planning lessons during evenings.

While the full-time intensive CELTA course may be daunting, the short time commitment means you can get into the job market quickly once you graduate. You will also receive information about the best practices for finding work locally and abroad in your final week.

Part-Time CELTA

If you want to study in Toronto, and have other obligations, and it’s not urgent to complete the course right away, you’ll appreciate the more relaxed pace of the 11-week part-time CELTA course. The part-time course offers you the same one to six trainer-trainee ratios, teaching practicum, and employment assistance as the intensive program but with added flexibility.

The part-time CELTA course holds classes in the evening twice a week and Saturdays during the day, allowing you the freedom to work while you earn your certification.

CELTA Online

If you want maximum freedom and flexibility getting your English teaching certification, the online CELTA course is the one for you! The online CELTA course runs over 22-weeks, with ongoing deadlines for assignments and collaborative activities that allow you to connect with other trainees. The course format allows trainees to work when it’s most convenient for you and provides a guiding structure to track progress.

One of the CELTA program’s strengths is how it gets you in front of real, multi-lingual students for teaching practice, and the online course includes this component. All assignments and units are completed online but you will are also be required to attend on-campus teaching practice in Montreal or San Francisco to complete your certification.

Does teaching English to adult learners sound like an adventure you can see yourself taking? ILSC offers the Cambridge CELTA as an intensive 4-week program and a flexible online format.

Vancouver Meets CELTA

The University of Cambridge’s highly respected and recognized Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults has arrived at Greystone College in beautiful Vancouver, British Columbia. Whether a layover en route to the world or the destination itself, Vancouver is the perfect place to start a new adventure with CELTA.

Opportunity with a view

Greystone College’s Vancouver campus is equipped to give students a modern and stimulating learning experience both in and out of the classroom. The campus is located in the heart of the city, minutes from the waterfront, and never far from a stunning view.

The Vancouver campus offers not only quality teaching training with CELTA but also ample opportunity for graduates. Vancouver is a popular international destination and has more ESL schools than anywhere else in Canada, making it a great place for language learners and teachers alike.

CELTA at Greystone College

The CELTA program at Greystone College is offered in a flexible part-time format over 11 weeks. The 140-hour course is practical and complete, with trainees’ time split between input sessions with trainers, classroom observations, and teaching practicum with real students.

Similar to other program formats, the part-time course offers the same one to six trainer-trainee ratios, teaching practicum, and employment assistance found in full-time programs.

Flexibility is important for students and those making a career change, so classes are held in the evening twice a week and Saturdays during the day, allowing trainees the freedom to work as they earn their certification.

What are you waiting for?

CELTA prepares future teachers for the TESL world with valuable hands-on instruction and ensures graduates are ready to help diverse language-learners in any context. With its spectacular mountains and stunning beaches, Vancouver is the perfect place to study and explore, and after graduation, Greystone College is there to help with finding a job locally or abroad.

Does teaching English to adult learners sound like an adventure you can see yourself taking? ILSC offers the Cambridge CELTA as an intensive 4-week program, a part-time 11-week program, and a flexible online format.

The Classroom and Beyond: CELTA Career Opportunities

The classroom is only the beginning

CELTA uniquely qualifies you to teach ESL to adults anywhere in the world but the potential of the Cambridge certification doesn’t end in the classroom. Those prone to career-based wanderlust can rest easy knowing that the opportunities after CELTA can lead down some unexpected paths.

Day-to-day: school administration

Schools wouldn’t exist without dedicated instructors and teachers, but they’re also bigger than the student-teacher relationship. Schools also need effective administrators to ensure teachers can continue teaching.

From ever-helpful receptionists to activity coordinators, school administration takes many forms but always serves to support teachers and enrich the experience of students.

After teaching at one school for a while, teachers will become familiar with how their institution functions and can look for additional opportunities in areas they have strengths or experience. These opportunities can include:

Activity Coordinator
Office manager
Registrar / Student Counsellor

Depending on the size and needs of an organization, opportunities may also include:

Testing Administrator
Homestay Coordinator
Student Internship Coordinator

ESL Services

For the less institutionally-inclined, there remains ample opportunity to contribute to the wider ESL ecosystem. Entrepreneurial teachers can market unique approaches and lessons online to build a personal brand to become a sought-after private instructor, or to land a dream job.

Well-resourced schools may offer opportunities for teachers to develop curriculum based on their passions and interests on a part-time basis. Here at ILSC, we have CELTA graduates who have designed some amazing courses: English through yoga, English through film noir, English through cooking—the possibilities are endless!

Larger schools and education networks are also likely to need support services like copywriting and web development and are inclined to hire candidates who are already familiar with their values and mission.

In their own words: Mona’s path

Mona Sabouri took the CELTA in (2009) and quickly earned a reputation as an effective teacher and a reliable teammate. Mona enjoyed her work but wasn’t content to just show up every day and go through the motions.

“As soon as new opportunities showed up I jumped on them. I like challenging myself and while I appreciate routine for the comfort and feeling of safety it gives me, I need a side project.”

Mona made herself integral to the school’s day-to-day by being available and taking the initiative to help out everywhere she could.

“Once [another teacher] didn’t want the textbook inventory work, I said yes. When we were asked for volunteers to get students involved in volunteer activities I tried to get them involved in activities almost every other session. I never said no.”

Mona was motivated to make the most of every opportunity.

When larger opportunities came up within the administration, Mona was there. She put her experience in teaching, organization, and student life initiatives to work in the post of Program Director at ILSC-Montreal. Now, Mona works at McGill University as a Curriculum Management Administrator, but she’s still thankful for the small steps that got her started.

“CELTA made me realize how much I love teaching. While teaching, I discovered how creative I am and how driven I am by certain things: helping others, challenging myself, bettering myself and by extension, others. I love being that person who finds the silver lining and motivating others.”