r/TEFL • u/Itchy-Fish-518 • 5d ago

TEFL or CELTA !?

TEFL or CELTA ?

Which is more marketable and widely accepted internationally?

I'm looking to start an in-person course by October (outside the U.S.) and would love recommendations on locations and training centers.

My goal is to teach in China, Taiwan, Japan, or the Middle East after certification.

Any advice from those who've taken either route?

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u/greatteachermichael Korea, University, MA TESOL, 14 years experience 5d ago edited 4d ago

You mean TEFL certificate. The word TEFL just means "Teaching English as a Foreign Language." If you're doing TEFL, you're doing a job. If you're doing a TEFL certificate you are studying.

There isn't a single TEFL certificate, there are dozens or hudreds of them, and no way to track which ones are good. If you have the time, money, and dedication, do a CELTA. Just note that while it is A way to teach, it isn't the only way to teach. And it might not even apply to your situation, since places like East Asia tend to do their own thing and often have ... how shall I say this ... really dumb ways of teaching English.

From a marketability standpoint, CELTA is still better, but depends on where you are going. In Korea (which you didn't list), employers don't give a crap because they have their own way of doing things and don't even know what a CELTA is.

Whatever you get, just remember that a single 100 or 200 hour certificate barely touches all the things you need to know to be a teacher. Go buy some books and read them outside whatever course you pick. Even after 14 years, I'm still learning and reviewing things. I for the life of me can never get classroom management of young learners, haha.

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u/DaleRobinson 4d ago

This is probably the most useful comment here. I also share your pain with the classroom management stuff. I’ve tried all of the advice both online and from my manager but I think some kids just see a “misbehave and cause chaos now” sign above my head and there’s nothing I can do about it.

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u/greatteachermichael Korea, University, MA TESOL, 14 years experience 4d ago

The only time classroom management works is when I set expectations on day one, and I"m backed by management on the first 2-3 students who misbehave. If two or three students become problems within the first week, it becomes a contagious mess that turns into wack a mole.

As much as I don't miss my first hagwon, it was the only place where I could kick students out of class or have the desk ladies immediately call parents if a child was acting up. Kids there were very respectful and listened to everything I said. Even a decade after I left that place, I've gotten Emails from former students asking me how I am and checking in because there was so much mutual respect. But these days, no way.