CCELT FAQs
Registration & Course Structure
What are the pre-requisites for taking a CCELT TESL course?
In order to enroll in a CCELT TESL course, applicants must have a completed high school diploma, and have native-level English speaking fluency.
Are CCELT TESL courses just for native English speakers?
Individuals with near native English speaking ability are eligible to enroll in the course.
What is included with my course fee?
Your course fee entitles you to enrollment in the course (both in-person and online components), textbook, and job placement support.
Will there be homework?
Courses do include some small homework assignments. The majority of homework assignments will be done during the week and not between classes on the weekend. Homework assignments will include readings to prepare for future classes, and short tasks to reinforce in-class learning.
Is there a practicum/practice teaching component?
CCELT does not offer a full practice teaching component, though demonstration lessons will be completed during class time. Given the enormous variety of teaching jobs abroad, CCELT courses focus on training teachers to build their skill set in order to be flexible and adaptive. Upon completion of a CCELT course, teachers will have experience planning, designing, and adapting a wide variety of language activities and materials which they can apply to their new teaching job overseas.
How will I be assessed?
Teachers will be assessed through in-class participation, a demonstration lesson, and completion of all course assignments and tests.
What is the course schedule like? Is it all day Saturday and Sunday?
CCELT courses were designed to meet the needs of busy students and working professionals. The in-class portion will take place on three consecutive weekends with classes running from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The 40-hour online portion of the TESL/TEFL can be completed at your leisure, either during or after the course.
Can I split up how I finish the in-person part of the course?
The in-class portion of the CCELT course must be done on 3 consecutive weekends. The online portion may be done at any time.
ESL Certification
What kind of certification does CCELT offer? How does it compare to other courses?
CCELT offers a unique blend of in-class and online training to help prepare you for any ESL teaching job abroad. CCELT graduates will find themselves with a Certificate in Communication and English Language Teaching, a competitive 100 hour TESL/TEFL certification that international schools hold in high regard.
What is the difference between an online course vs. an in-person course?
CCELT courses offer a combination of in-person and online coursework. The in-person component prepares you by providing practical teaching experience, continual feedback on your teaching techniques, and the confidence needed to manage and teach your own class. The online component allows you to learn at your own pace in an interactive online classroom, giving you all of the skills necessary to prepare and deliver an engaging and effective lesson.
What is TEFL/TESL/TESOL/etc.? What do all of these acronyms stand for?
There are many different acronyms used in the ESL teaching community.
ESL stands for English as a second language. TESL, or teaching English as a second language, refers to teaching English in a country where English is the official (or unofficial) first or second language.
EFL stands for English as a foreign language. TEFL, or teaching English as a foreign language, refers to teaching English in a country where English is not the official (or unofficial) first or second language.
ESOL stands for English for speakers of other languages. TESOL, or teaching English for speakers of other languages, is an umbrella term which combines TESL and TEFL.
ELT stands for English language teaching, a general term used to encapsulate all areas of English teaching.
Additional terms that you may encounter in the English language education field include:
- EAL: English as an Additional Language
- ESD: English as a Second Dialect
- EIL: English as an International Language
- ESP: English for Special/Specific Purposes
- EAP: English for Academic Purposes
- ELL: English Language Learner
- LEP: Limited English Proficiency
- CLD: Culturally and Linguistically Diverse
Teaching English Abroad
Do I need TEFL/TESL certification to teach English abroad?
TEFL/TESL certification is not required for all teaching jobs abroad, however in cases where it is not required, it is strongly preferred. In some cases where TEFL/TESL certification is not required, teachers with ESL certification are offered a higher salary.
Where can I teach with my CCELT?
Your CCELT certification will give you a competitive edge over other teachers wishing to teach in places like Korea, Japan, China, Thailand, and Taiwan. An increasing number of ESL jobs in the Middle East require TESL/TEFL certification, and CCELT certification will give you an advantage when applying to teach ESL overseas. While TEFL/TESL certification is not required to teach abroad in some countries, the majority of language schools around the world strongly prefer teaching candidates who have completed a TESL/TEFL course.
Am I guaranteed a teaching job?
CCELT maintains a strong partnership with North American’s largest and most diverse teacher placement agency. All CCELT graduates are provided with free access to job placement services, where each individual has a personal advisor to assist with the process and to ensure a smooth transition into a reputable international teaching post.
Partnerships with public and private institutions at the elementary, middle, and high school levels, along with college/university and adult levels, in countries around the world ensure that there is a teaching placement just right for every candidate.
What is the salary for teaching English abroad?
Salaries vary from country to country, and from position to position. Typically, salaries for teaching English abroad range from $1,000 – $3,000/month (depending on qualifications and experience). While some countries may appear to have low salaries, this is often due to a much lower cost of living in that particular region. Researching the cost of living in a particular country is a great way to figure out how much you will be able to save. Financial obligations at home and personal spending habits are important factors to keep in mind when deciding where to teach abroad.
Will I receive benefits in addition to my monthly salary while teaching English abroad?
Each contract includes different benefits. Teaching job benefits may include flight, accommodation, health insurance, holidays, sick days, and bonuses.
If I want to teach English abroad, do I have to know another language?
No – you do not need to be fluent in another language or know the mother tongue of your destination country. In fact, most schools prefer when teachers cannot speak the native language, as it provides a more intensive and realistic learning environment for students. However, learning the basics of the native language is recommended for your time outside of the classroom, and to demonstrate for students a positive attitude towards learning.
Knowing a second language can be useful as it gives you beneficial insight into language acquisition, which can help with guiding your classroom activities and teaching methodologies.
What is the contract duration?
While there are short-term opportunities available, such as summer camps and volunteer teaching programs, most contracts for teaching English abroad are 1 year in length. Teaching is about much more than standing in front of a class, sharing your knowledge. Living and teaching abroad for a full year offers you the chance to develop a bond with your students and become fully engaged with your school community. You will have time to settle in to your new job, build strong professional relationships with your colleagues and supervisors, and develop your teaching skills.
