What Are the Advantages and Disadvantages of the RSA CELTA Course?

By Sophie, published Aug 22, 2007
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People choose to become EFL teachers for a number of reasons. If you are among the applicants who has found a CELTA programme that suits your personal needs, it is also important to look into the advantages and disadvantages of this course before accepting a place.

Pros

There is a lot to be said about the RSA CELTA course. One of the bonuses of the course is that it will prepare successful student teachers to become effective EFL teachers anywhere they choose to go around the world, as this is an internationally accepted qualification.

Experienced and fully trained teachers instruct course applicants who want to become EFL teachers in their own countries or abroad. Each day, time is set aside to gain a deeper insight into language analysis and methodology before moving on to classroom observations.

During the 4-week course, student teachers are all given the opportunity to take part in practical teaching practice, lasting a total of six hours. It is supervised by one or more of the course instructors, whose job it is to sit in the back of the classroom observing and assessing the teaching ability and success of the student teacher.

Only student teachers who have attained a competent level of performance in the classroom will achieve the RSA CELTA. This is proof to future employers that the teachers they will be hiring are good at their job. Although this is an intensive course, there is a very high pass rate by the end of the course, which is always a good incentive for student teachers to strive for excellence during their CELTA course.

Cons

Takeaways
  • Successful course participants can work anywhere in the world with their RSA CELTA
  • A lot of time is spent on language analysis and methodology, which equips participants to teach
  • The 4 week course is very intensive and demanding; your life will be on hold during this time
Did You Know?
Before you decide to take this course, think carefully about whether it is right for you
Comments
Showing Comments 1 - 6 of 6
 
 
Thanks, Sophie, again. It's good to know someone who has taken it and survived. I love the English language and I think I will enjoy teaching it to adults--and I think that will help. In addition, if I want to live and work in Malta, this is one of the very few options open to me as a non-EU person. Even then, it will be difficult to get the work permit, etc. But I was told by the director of the CELTA program that my American English accent would be an asset--since it is so rare there. The one positive I found so far before I even take the course in Malta is that the building is air-conditioned! Being the neurotic person I am--and mother of two grown girls--who will be in the US, I just pray that no emergencies happen during that month--Nov'08.

Posted on 12/06/2007 at 4:12:00 PM

 
Very detailed article~Great job as usual Sophie!

Posted on 08/22/2007 at 9:08:00 PM

 
Thanks for the comments. This is a really intensive course. Sophie

Posted on 08/22/2007 at 2:08:00 PM

 
Intense but at least it's a short time period.

Posted on 08/22/2007 at 1:08:00 PM

 
You know I appreciate all of this info. I think the non-profit I work with is leaning toward ESL courses. All of the articles have been very helpful.

Posted on 08/22/2007 at 9:08:00 AM

 
it kinda sucks that your life is completely put on hold. I suppose that the person would have to decide if it is worth it to them.

Posted on 08/22/2007 at 9:08:00 AM

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