Hi! I'm Geena - I'm Austrian but living it Italy...

[Geena]

I would like to take the CELTA exam next year.... does anybody have hints, suggestions, information,....?

[Torsten]

Hi Geena,

How long have you been teaching English and why are you planning to take the CELTA exam?
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Test Of English for International Communication
TOEIC Preparation & TOEIC Vocabulary

[Geena]

I am new to teaching. I have been living in the UK in 2004 and while I was there I have been working in a language school (as receptionist) where also CELTA courses were held. Since then I feel I would like to try it myself...

[Torsten]

You can start teaching English even without CELTA. Just put yourself into the shoes of your learners, read their questions and try to answer them. Encourage them to listen and learn.
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[Joao Fonseca]

Hi dear Geena, welcome aboard, this is Joao Fonseca from Brazil, let's have a good exchange over this site. Correct me if I am wrong but in your country you speak Germany dosn't it ? Also you wrote something that is new for me. what kind of CELTA exam is this ? I've never heard of it. please drop some line and if you would like I have some English tipos I could share with you like I do to some other friends from this site.
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Joao Mª H. Fonseca
Your last mistake is your best teacher.

[Torsten]

Hi Joao,

CELTA stands for Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults and as the name says it's an exam for English language teachers. The big question is whether or not CELTA really helps to become a better English language trainer.
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Test Of English for International Communication
TOEIC Preparation & TOEIC Vocabulary

[Geena]

Yes, in Austria we speak German (Austrian German though... it's like UK and US English).

[Geena]

In order to get a job surely it helps to have an international recognized certification like the CELTA. Of this I'm 100% sure!

[Torsten]

It depends on what kind of job you want and where you want to work. But I absolutely agree with you -- given the choice I would select a CELTA qualified teacher over one who doesn't have the certificate so of course it's a good decision you have made. I'm sure you can prepare for the CELTA exam yourself by completing CELTA tasks such as creating a mini lesson plan, correcting students' grammar mistakes, coming up with creative ways of explaining grammar items, teaching pronunciation, etc.
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Test Of English for International Communication
TOEIC Preparation & TOEIC Vocabulary

[Alan]

Hi Geena,

Just to add to what Torsten has said, I would agree that a formal qualification in teaching English is worth having not only from the point of view of proof for a future employer but also for yourself as it enables you to form a shape to your teaching. The best way of course to learn about how to teach is actually to teach. It's then that you can relate practical experience back to your training.

Alan
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English as a Second Language
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