Why should I do the CELTA?

There are many choices when it comes to TEFL* qualifications. They range in price and course content, whether they are delivered online or in person, and whether they are certified by an official body. The CELTA is an established qualification, recognised globally and highly regarded across the TEFL industry (not only in International House schools). It will equip you with the essential requirements needed to land your first TEFL job and it offers opportunities to develop your skills later if you choose to advance your teaching career.

* Teaching English as a Foreign Language

What qualifications do I need to do the CELTA?

The entry requirement is that you are a proficient English language user (at or above CEFR Level C1), and educated to the standard required for entry into higher education.

Is the CELTA officially certified?

Yes, the CELTA is certified by Cambridge University Press & Assessment and is recognised by the UK Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation at level 5 on the Qualifications and Credit Framework.

What does the CELTA involve?

Standing up in front of a class for the first time is a daunting prospect, so you need to make sure you have the skills you need to teach effectively. The CELTA course has the following core components to prepare you for the classroom. The course is 120 hours in total and you will receive a lot of input from your tutors on teaching methodology, lesson planning, language analysis and language skills. You’ll have the opportunity to observe experienced teachers in a real-life language classroom situation and learn about the different skills and techniques they use. You will teach real language students throughout your course and by the end you will have had 6 hours of observed and assessed teaching practice. This practical experience is invaluable when you start your first job. As well as being assessed in the classroom, you will complete four written assignments based on the input you receive. There is no final exam, you are assessed throughout the course; so you can learn and improve as you progress. Every course is moderated by an external assessor, appointed by Cambridge English, so you will receive a certificate from Cambridge English, part of the University of Cambridge.

How long is the course?

You can either take the course intensively over 4-5 weeks or part time over 10-12 weeks.

What is included in the course fee?

Your course fee includes full access to the training sessions, all course materials, and an official TTC educational kit designed to support your learning. Please note that accommodation, transport, and meals are not included. However, our team will be happy to recommend reliable options for your stay in Bucharest.

What amount of work do I have to put in during the CELTA?

The course per se includes 120 hours of contact between candidates and course tutors, of which 6 hours of teaching practice. Besides that, Cambridge University Press & Assessment recommends you should allow for at least 80 additional hours for pre-course preparation, reading, research, assignment writing, lesson preparation and record keeping.

Why should I take the CELTA with International House Bucharest?

Taking the CELTA with us means you can benefit from the training expertise of IH World Organisation, a language education provider with almost 70 years’ experience. Our CELTA trainers have been described by alumni as extremely supportive, professional and helpful, highly skilled in giving culturally sensitive constructive feedback and advice. Also, our centre is very well resourced, with great facilities and amenities.

If I take the CELTA, can I get a job with International House?

Absolutely. Our Jobs board is updated on a regular basis with career opportunities from around the IH network, from EFL teachers to academic managers. Once you have gained your CELTA qualification, you can get started with TEFL!

I’ve done the CELTA, what’s next?

International House offers opportunities to further your knowledge and experience, whether that’s by taking the DELTA (Diploma in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) for experienced language teachers, or by specialising by taking an online course through the IH Online Teacher Training Institute. You can specialise in teaching Young Learners and Teenagers, teaching one-to-one, or in Business English. You can improve your theoretical knowledge of teaching by taking the IH Certificate in Advanced Methodology. You could eventually become an academic manager. But you can also choose to take your teaching skills and transfer them over to another sector or career path, such as writing and developing course materials, marketing, teacher training, academic management, or something completely different!

What is the history of the CELTA?

The CELTA as it is known today was born from an initial teacher training course called the IH Certificate that International House first ran in 1962. This course rapidly set the standard for teacher qualifications in TEFL, with thousands of teachers worldwide becoming IH trainees and teachers. Now approximately 4,000 teachers take a CELTA with IH every year.

Do I need a visa to attend the course?

Visa requirements depend on your country of citizenship. It is the participant’s responsibility to verify and obtain the necessary visa to attend the course. For official guidance, please visit the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Romania: www.mae.ro.
If needed, we can issue a formal acceptance letter to support your visa application.