Testimonials
“Carol and I are at the Colegio Maya School in Guatemala City, Guatemala. She was hired as a Language Arts teacher for grades 8 through 12. I just came along for the ride. After being here for three weeks and having met the Director of the school and the administrators of both the middle and high school, I was offered the opportunity to be a substitute teacher and tutor. A week later I was offered a full-time position as an ESOL instructor. So far everything is going well. I have been adjusting to younger students, but getting along well with them (although they are too young to get my jokes). I teach ESOL 3rd, 4th, 6th and 8th.”
Chris Lynch - CELTA grad July 2005
Currently in Guatemala City, Guatemala
"I came to Istanbul three years ago as a new teacher just after finishing the CELTA. After so much effort during the course I was determined to get into a school that cared about students, teachers and professional development. The CELTA helped me to distinguish between 'real' schools and so-called 'cowboy' schools. Also, I'm certain that I wouldn't have been prepared to teach in good conscience without the solid training that I had. I'm still using what I learned as a teacher-trainee and one great thing about the CELTA is that it teaches you to be constantly aware of how you can improve yourself as a teacher. I'm still living and working in Istanbul but I was recently promoted to Head Teacher of my school. I've loved my time here in Istanbul and my life has changed dramatically because of my experiences here. I'm currently debating whether to stay on, move on to a different country or to find work back in Canada."
Stephen Schwartz – CELTA grad July 1999
Currently in Istanbul, Turkey
“After CELTA I was working in Ukraine. We founded a youth social organization and offered a number of activities to keep the youth off the streets and out of trouble. One such activity was free English classes. Although the CELTA is geared towards adults, what I learned while attending proved invaluable. Thanks.”
Brian Fromal – CELTA grad October 2004
Currently in Ukraine
"The CELTA course encourages you to be a student-focused self-reflective teacher. Whether you already have some teaching experience or have never stepped foot in a classroom before, you will learn how to plan and deliver effective lessons and develop useful teaching skills and techniques that will be invaluable to you throughout your teaching career. The trainers are experts in their field and are always available to ensure you reach your highest potential. The course is respected worldwide as one of the best teaching training courses for ELT. "
Natalie Steilbelt – CELTA grad February 2006-09-11
Currently in London, UK hopefully headed to Vietnam
“This is Hollie Jordan. I finished the CELTA program in October of 2003. Currently, I am teaching American History at a high school in Mississippi. Surprisingly, CELTA helped me to get this job. When I finished the program, the school district was looking for someone with ESL experience. I was hired immediately and later worked on a M.A. in education. I then got a job in the same district teaching history, but I still tutor the ESL kids. I will say this about CELTA, the best teaching strategies and best lesson-planning ideas came from you. Education programs are way overrated and not based in the realities of what goes on in the classroom. I really appreciate Alex and Gerald. They both had such an influence on the instructor that I am today.
Cheers.”
Hollie Jordan – CELTA grad October 2004
Currently in Mississippi, USA
“I took CELTA two years ago, after I had taught English in Japan for five years. CELTA was a great experience for me because it confirmed and cemented all the positive things I had learned in my own teaching. It also corrected and improved all those things which I was doing wrong. Most importantly, it gave me tools that have been invaluable in my teaching since the course finished. Even though my own knowledge of grammar is weak, I never fear teaching it anymore because I am completely confident in my ability to analyze and present grammar, using the tools that I learned from CELTA. After completing my course, I found a job with a large language school in downtown Toronto. I taught English in the Toronto office for a little over a year and in June of this year, that company sent me to Seoul, Korea to teach TESOL and TESOL for Children for one year. I've been here for two months and am enjoying the challenge of learning how to teach teachers. I wouldn't be here without CELTA. I am really looking forward to continuing my education as a teacher, and am now considering my next courses for my return to Canada, next year.”
Rona McIntyre – CELTA grad October 2004
Currently in Seoul, South Korea
“I am working in a women's language school in Jubail, Saudi Arabia. Jubail is a medium sized town but this is the only English language school available for women. Because of my CELTA training I was able to join their team and in fact am the only native speaker on the staff. I teach a range of courses here - their intermediate and above groups, conversation for all levels, TOEIC, Business English, English for Computers and Writing Skills. The CELTA program is an excellent way to start a professional career and really equips you with the skill set you need to walk into a classroom and feel confident that you are helping the students effectively and adding value to the school.”
Carolyn Doyle – CELTA grad August 2004
Currently in Jubail, Saudi Arabia
"My name is Luis Oreamuno. I took the CELTA course last year in the summer. It has helped me a lot. I wasn't a really organized person and I was planning on teaching in Nicaragua to see how it would go. When I took CELTA I felt as if it was one of the most time-consuming things I had ever done...It left me exhausted when I was done. Now when I look back on it, I am incredibly thankful for having the opportunity to take it. It has helped me immensely with my organization and classroom management skills. Also, it's given me a lot more insight into a career that has an enourmous emotional satisfaction. I am extremely happy as a teacher. I have also discovered that CELTA is acknowledged anywhere in the world.
The course is hard work...but it's worth it. Teaching is an extremely stressful, but absolutely wonderful career. Especially when you see your students understand and enjoy the activities that you give them.
Right now I am an ESL Teacher and First Grade Assistant at the American Nicaraguan School in Managua, Nicaragua. It is a good job in a very good school. There are many places here that accept any CELTA graduates. The pay is not all that wonderful (it is a very poor country) but the students are great!
Nicaragua is a beautiful country that is ready to be explored, and it NEEDS ESL teachers. ESL school's are springing up all over this country.”
Luis Oreamuno – CELTA grad May 2005
Currently in Managua, Nicaragua
“Hello, this is Niaz Ahmad here. I'm currently working in Fes, Morocco, with the American Language Center (with an er, mind you). The Moroccan students are very enthusiastic and love shouting out answers or ideas. It's been a pretty nice experience so far. The American Language Center does a lot for their staff: free residence in the old medina in one of the beautiful garden riads, as well as the equivalent of two months of paid vacation, free tickets to various conferences, events, and concerts around Morocco. The staff are helpful, the cultural ambience here in Fes is very hard to beat, especially in the old medina which moves to its own rhythm, probably the only preserved "medieval" city that is still throbbing and living in this day. My CELTA was a requirement for the position, and the lesson planning that was required of the training course was really helpful in preparing for classes here. If you ever want a really good teaching and learning experience, Morocco should definitely be on the top of list. All the best!”
Niaz Ahmad – CELTA grad August 2006
Currently in Fes, Morocco
"My name is Marcelo Gortari (27 years old), and I have been teaching English in Busan, South Korea for four years now. Shortly after receiving the CELTA certification three years ago, I landed a job at a college in S. Korea. I am happy to say that things are going well, and that I am planning to stay here for another ten years or so. I really think that the CELTA gave me a good foundation regarding the principles of language teaching. And, not only did the certification help me get the college job, it also helped me enter an online Master's program in TESOL from the University of Manchester, which I should be finished in another year or so."
Marcelo Gortari – CELTA grad October 2003
Currently in Busan, South Korea
“Krakow is like Prague's kid sister: a little bit overshadowed and not yet as pretty or popular, but rapidly progressing into beautiful post-communist adolescence. I moved here last December and quickly found a job at a private language school, although I think I was quite lucky for that time of the year - September is best. It's very possible for non-EU citizens to get work in Poland and other new EU countries, but applying in person is infinitely more effective. I would have been worse than lost on my first day without CELTA training, though that's not likely to have happened anyway, since few places will consider hiring you without it.”
Aaron Galbraith - CELTA grad August 2005
Currently in Krakow, Poland
“I am located in Tsukuba, a city about a hour northeast of Tokyo. I started out doing some part-time work at various schools, supplementing that income by teaching some private students. About half a year later I started my own business, "English Cafe" which caters primarily to those working as researchers and other such professionals. On the side when I can find the time, I do some editing as well as voice to transcript writing. Receiving the CELTA certification was highly beneficial in polishing up my teaching as well as helping me further establish my career!”
Vivian Lee – CELTA grad September 2004
Currently in Tsukuba, Japan
“Since finishing the CELTA programme, I have been teaching in South Korea (first at a teachers' college and now at Dongduk Women's University in Seoul). The experience has been fantastic: travelling, meeting new people, and experiencing different cultures. While I also have an M.A. in English Language Studies, I actually rely more heavily on my CELTA training while teaching. And, to be honest, potential employers really take note when they see CELTA listed on your CV. If you are interested in pursuing teaching as a career, please consider taking part in CELTA. It's an investment you won't regret.”
Keith Hackett – CELTA grad May 2005
Currently in Seoul, Korea
“I am a CELTA grad from October 2005 and since then I have been actively involved in setting up and opening a boutique ESL school in the heart of Toronto. It has been a challenging experience to start up a new school, develop a curriculum and hire the teachers - all within three months of my CELTA graduation day! The learning curve was definitely steepest in the first couple of months after the school opened but I am certain that my CELTA training has been an tremendous asset in making this venture a success. One of my fellow CELTA grads is on staff at the school and has progressed to be one of our best teachers. It is clear to me now that the network and strong friendships that one develops through managing ‘the CELTA experience’ together is a surprising, rewarding and significant advantage long after the course is a distant memory.”
Margot Haldenby - CELTA grad October 2005
Currently in Toronto, Canada
“About six months after completing CELTA, unable to go overseas and with no prior teaching experience, I began teaching in Toronto. The prospect was daunting at first, but by drawing on CELTA teaching, lesson planning and practicum, that first day was like going back to riding a bicycle. I can't wait to Go Abroad!”
Lesley Spencer, MBA, APR, Hon. Fellow, Canadian Public Relations Society – CELTA grad October 2005
Currently in Toronto, Canada
“After completing my CELTA in May 2003 I ended up working in Seoul, Korea for almost 3 years. I moved back to Canada a month ago and am working with the same company...they opened up a recruiting and consulting subsidiary in Toronto. While in Korea I worked for CDI Holdings Inc.- they have over 50 schools all over Korea. I did everything from teaching English, performing research, creating curriculum materials, conducting orientations and training for new employees, and working in management. Now, I'm acting as branch manager of our Toronto office (we also have offices/schools in Vancouver and will be opening up offices in the States). I can honestly say that teaching English was incredibly rewarding, challenging, and fun. It's truly a unique experience.”
Tricia Whittle – CELTA grad May 2003
Currently in Toronto, Canada
“I work for Seneca College now, teaching English to flight attendants in Guangzhou, China. I got the job within two weeks of finishing my CELTA, and next Thursday will be the start of my third year. It's a great job, and nothing that has come up in class or in teacher meetings has seemed difficult compared to what I went through in the course.”
Terry Bean – CELTA grad August 2004
Currently in Guangzhou, China
“I am living in Ota-Shi Gunma Ken Japan. I am teaching business English in Japan. My students are preparing to go overseas and assume Sr. Management roles in Japanese subsidiaries around the world. One day I might be teaching a small group of young engineers going to Hungary to live and work outside of Budapest. The next I might be dealing with the CEO of a large car parts manufacturer who is hoping to improve his English skills in order to negotiate with Chinese suppliers in and around Shanghai. It is fascinating work and very enjoyable. The Japanese people are the most appreciative students that one can imagine. CELTA helped me in many ways. It forced me to recognize the importance of just listening. The less that you as a teacher talk the better off you are. Also I saw how to use different techniques to engage students in ways that could be both fun and the dreaded word "educational” Also CELTA taught me how to teach grammar in ways that did not scare me nor the students. One final thing, by having a CELTA certificate I am able to get more money for my services because CELTA is recognized as a promise of teacher quality. Finally if you are reading this and wondering where to teach, I promise you that you can do no better than Japan. Go anywhere. Ski in the winter, snorkel and scuba in the summer and enjoy an Onsen, (Japanese mineral bath, which are addictive) any time.”
Eric Bibeau – CELTA grad September 2003
Currently in Ota-Shi, Gunma Ken, Japan
“I will be teaching graduate students starting Sep. 18th at Kunming University of Science and Technology (Kunming, Yunnan province, SW China). I taught in Hami and Korla in Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region (NW China) last year and briefly taught at the University of West Florida before I left for China. I cannot think of a pithy statement at the moment for your Fair. I thought the CELTA course was great, and I am sure it put me in my present position. The FAO put me in with the grad students apparently because she thought I was over-qualified to teach undergraduates! Crazy! If anything, teaching grads will make me more nervous. I am in New Delhi, India at the moment, waiting for my new work visa. I lucked out with the timing. There is a TKT seminar at the British Counsel on the 12th and 13th. Mary Spratt will be speaking. OK, have fun at the Fair. Feel free to use any of this email. You can also reword it if you want.”
David Maurer – CELTA grad June 2005
Currently in Kunming, Yunnan province, SW China
“I'm in Guatemala City, Guatemala, where I am teaching secondary English and Advanced Placement Literature at an American international school, Colegio Maya. LSC Canada's CELTA provided me with basic sound teaching practices -- whether I'm teaching to English language learners or native speakers. I told Randy last July, I feel I learned more about teaching during my four-week CELTA program than I did in a year-long master's degree program in teaching in New York.”
Carol Rizzardi - CELTA grad July 2005
Currently in Guatemala City, Guatemala
“I am currently working in Nagoya, Japan, teaching all ages from 2 to 102. It is such a great experience to live in a country rather than just travel. I've been able to visit so many areas of Japan that most visitors never see. Before the CELTA I had never taught in a classroom before and I definitely feel like it prepared me well for my job here.”
Anna Lydall – CELTA grad August 2005
Currently in Nagoya, Japan
