CELTA Course Options - Pros and Cons

CELTA Course Options – Pros and Cons

One of the great things about the CELTA is that there are several ways to take it. The choice is entirely up to you, your learning preferences, and your personal situation. There are essentially three possibilities: full-time, part-time, and online. Here you are the differences you can expect, and the advantages and disadvantages of each.

Full-time CELTA Courses: All in One Go

Although the CELTA is challenging no matter what, the full-time option is regarded as the most demanding. It’s a month long and requires long days. Even over the weekend, most candidates use a big portion of their time to study, prepare, and complete assignments for the following week.

Pros:

  • Students find themselves more focused since they are full-time (and have little time to think of much else!).
  • You can build a strong support group, as your peers will be in the same boat as you.
  • The course is completed much faster than the other options.

Cons:

  • This option can seem more intense than others.
  • Taking an entire month off isn’t feasible or practical for some.
  • If you need to move cities temporarily or decide to take the course abroad, accommodation fees and living expenses will be added on.

Is a full-time CELTA course for you? Click here.

Part-time CELTA Courses: Slow and Steady

Doing the CELTA part-time makes it so that the duration of the course lasts several months to one year depending on the course provider. All the content is the same, but the pace is much different from the full-time option. This is best for those who need more flexibility in their schedules and don’t mind not receiving the certificate right away.

Pros:

  • Part-time means you don’t have to make too much of a change to your current schedule.
  • More time is given between teaching practices, input sessions, and assignments, so it can all sink in.

Cons:

  • It takes a longer time to complete and to get the CELTA certificate, which can hinder your immediate plans for job hunting or advancement.
  • Being spread out over time isn’t for everyone. Some need the pressure of having immediate deadlines.

Does a part-time CELTA suit you better? Click here.

Blended CELTA Course

For the CELTA online, it is actually a blended course. All of the “input sessions”, or lectures, will be held virtually, and assignments are turned in online as well. The practical aspect of the course will still be held in person at an approved center. As with the other options, the course content remains the same.

Pros:

  • Do all the grunt work on the sofa or in a café. It’s entirely up to you!
  • In addition to doing the online work where it’s convenient, it also can be done when it’s best for your agenda.
  • There is tutor support online, so any questions or clarifications can still be answered. Forums for students exist as well so you can interact with your peers.

Cons:

  • It’s not 100% virtual.
  • Some people produce better work and comprehend more in a classroom setting.

Saxoncourt Teacher Training and Recruitment doesn’t have any blended courses yet, but we have a few things in the works. To stay in the loop, sign up for the Saxoncourt Teacher Training and Recruitment Newsletter.