Trinity TESOL and Cambridge CELTA

**Loxley** · 3rd August 2007 16:53

General question here...Im about to take an 120hr TEFL course in Thailand which is from what I believe to be a good school, with a good rep and a sound course structure...obviously I shouldnt really mention which one..

I would like, after gaining a few years experience of teaching in asia (if I like it) to do similar work around Europe (and maybe other parts of the world, not asia), specifically in Italy and after looking on the British Council website I noticed that they only accept Trinity TESOL and Cambridge CELTA qualifications.

Does not having these specific qualifications put me at a disadvantage outside of asia?

Thanks in advance

**kenkannif** · 3rd August 2007 16:56

Well if you want to work for them (the BC) yes.

Otherwise not overly so, although the Middle East can be funny in regards to who they accept (or don't). Italy and Europe in general should be okay with most of the other ones (as long as they have the 120 hours and OTP etc. basically comparable to them two).

**MisterStretch** · 5th August 2007 15:39

Ken's right. BC are a bit snobbish about the quals for their instructors and think only a British based course (the most well-known being Trinity and CELTA) are worthy. Outside of them, it just ain't so.

In many countries they want to see that you completed a full 120-hour course and if in doubt they might contact the school where you got your cert and ask about the course. When I was a trainer I had previous trainees' potential employers contact me to ascertain the content of the course they had completed. It wasn't a CELTA or Trinity, but I was always able to satisfy their requirements.

I've used my non-CELTA or Trinity TEFL certificate in 7 countries now. No problems, at all.

**crew** · 5th August 2007 17:11

Originally Posted by MisterStretch

in 7 countries now.

i hope to be able to say that one day. how many years did it take you MS?

**MisterStretch** · 5th August 2007 19:30

I completed my course in October 1995 and began working in Brasil in January 1996.

Stick to it Crew...there's nothing like the life of a nomad.

**Pinchy** · 6th August 2007 15:21

The BC does have some snobbishness about Certs - especially those centres that run their own CELTA/CELTA-YL courses. Yet, you can get a job at BC centres with other 120 hour Certs - I work with some of those teachers (not Thailand).

To land one of the 'hot' full-time contract positions at the BC and earn big $$ (places like Singapore, Hong Kong, and much of Europe), It really doesn't matter which Cert you have, you need a Dip - either a DELTA or Trinity LTCL Diploma. Nothing else cuts it.

**Loaded** · 6th August 2007 15:43

Originally Posted by Pinchy

The BC does have some snobbishness about Certs - especially those centres that run their own CELTA/CELTA-YL courses. Yet, you can get a job at BC centres with other 120 hour Certs - I work with some of those teachers (not Thailand).

To land one of the 'hot' full-time contract positions at the BC and earn big $$ (places like Singapore, Hong Kong, and much of Europe), It really doesn't matter which Cert you have, you need a Dip - either a DELTA or Trinity LTCL Diploma. Nothing else cuts it.

I know guys who went from Thailand BC to Hong Kong BC with just the cert. Albeit Summer School first before being offered f-t positions.

**Matthew** · 6th August 2007 17:00

That's what's great about the EFL game.

There are all these qualification standards, and yet, THERE AREN'T.

There's the TEFL/TESL "career ladder" (one step at a time, and this is required for that), and then right next to it, there's a Chaos-Theory Powered Lucky Lift (hop on baby and don't fall off and we're headed on up!).

I like it.

**Pinchy** · 6th August 2007 17:10

Originally Posted by Matthew

That's what's great about the EFL game.

There are also these qualification standards, and yet, THERE AREN'T.

There's the TEFL/TESL "career ladder" (one step at a time, and this is required for that), and then right next to it, there's a Chaos-Theory Powered Lucky Lift (hop on baby and don't fall off and we're headed on up!).

I like it.

I like it too!

**American Ajarn** · 6th August 2007 17:38

What about the SIT TESOL Certificate?

(School of International Training) (Based out of Vermont, USA)

This is the one offered at AUA Bangkok & Chang Mai; 130 hours, 30 days...

It's my understanding -- based on people who take it -- the SIT certificate is the cream-of-the-crop. Most stay away because it's hard hard hard to complete. More like college than a crash course.

I'm curious though how TRINITY, CAMBRIDGE, & SIT compare. Or any others for that matter in terms of job placement / respectability.

**Loaded** · 6th August 2007 17:59

SIT was unknown outside of the US until a couple of years ago. Now they're trying to earn some wedge - fair enough. Still fairly unknown unless you're a septic.

'cream of the crop' is pushing it a bit. PGCE, DELTA, or MA TESOL would be my vote for that one. They're another standard 4-week course provider.

**Matthew** · 6th August 2007 18:34

Originally Posted by American Ajarn

What about the SIT TESOL Certificate?

(School of International Training) (Based out of Vermont, USA)

This is the one offered at AUA Bangkok & Chang Mai; 130 hours, 30 days...

It's my understanding -- based on people who take it -- the SIT certificate is the cream-of-the-crop. Most stay away because it's hard hard hard to complete. More like college than a crash course.

I'm curious though how TRINITY, CAMBRIDGE, & SIT compare. Or any others for that matter in terms of job placement / respectability.

I took the CELTA a couple years ago and I took the SIT TESOL a couple months ago. I would say the CELTA is a bit more intense (though it might also have simply felt that way to me at the time, being a newbie) but I think you can compare the two courses, basically, in the way you are doing (IME). They were both highly involving and no-joke kinds of programs, and the instructors are experienced and serious people.

I would characterize the SIT course as a "CELTA without tears".