CELTA vs TEFL; Barcelona vs UK

[Col]

Hi all,

I'm just beginning to think about this, and looking at options. I've twice been a visitor to Barcelona, and loved it. I now find myself in the position of no ties and in need of a big change. That long ago ambition of living in Barcelona is now screaming to me.

Anyway, less of the drivel. I have the option of Cambridge accredited course that I can study locally, or studying in Barcelona. Two points though. Firstly, there are no local TEFL courses, but there is a CELTA course. What are the practical differences between the two qualifications when it comes to employment opportunities? Secondly, what do I gain from studying locally and not having to adjust to a new life at the same time, compared to studying in Spain and improving my Spanish at the same time. Which is the better option in your opinions?

My intention is to begin to learn Spanish over the next few months, and arrive in Barcelona mid to late summer depending upon which learning strategy I adopt.

Your input would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

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[tonytorero]

Hi Col... and welcome to the café!  B) I would imagine you'll get some different feedback from others but I wanted to encourage you to make sure to (along with searching and participating in these forums...) visit some of the other areas of The Expatriate Café that are full of information that will doubtlessly help you inform yourself like:

• The TEFL Quality Assurance Article
  [li]TEFL Links and Resources Page
  [li]Learn to teach English in Spain related articles
  

There are many more too. Look around a lot, ask questions and this special community will be glad to lend an ear and offer advice along the way.  

Best of luck and please keep us up to date on your progress!

 

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[Col]

Hi Tony,

Thanks for your reply. I was hoping to hear from some others by now; anyone with anything to add?

I did read through the pages you placed links to, but I didn't find anything useful with regard to CELTA certificates. The article 'TEFL Quality Assurance' with the lead-line 'TEFL, CELTA, TESOL, SIT... what do they all mean for teacher training', looked promising, but then didn't mention CELTA again anywhere on the page. Obviously there is little point in my studying for this qualification if it is not held in good regard on the ground. - Maybe I'm not looking in the areas of the site?

I did find the 'Experience vs. Certification' useful, as it made it pretty clear that I'd gain a lot from a TEFL or similar course.

Another question. - Should I buy a car or use public transport? - My recollection is of a good metro and bus system, but using it for work is very different to how a tourist might use it. Assuming that I found a lot of private tuition and had to travel a lot, is public transport a viable option? - What are the cost implications of public transport vs. the car in Barcelona? Is the car faster, or maybe it's slower?

Thanks, Col.

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[tonytorero]

The article 'TEFL Quality Assurance' with the lead-line 'TEFL, CELTA, TESOL, SIT... what do they all mean for teacher training', looked promising, but then didn't mention CELTA again anywhere on the page.

Hi again col! Actually, it does mention, not the CELTA by name again but, the accrediting body for CELTA.... Cambridge in a couple of places. I found THIS THREAD with an informative post by 'desertyeti' that has more info on the topic. I also followed some links from that article and came across THIS LINK to an official page put out by Cambridge offering more info on the course along with a comparison to its counterpart TESOL/TEFL. I hope that helps a bit more and we can even get someone else to chime in here 'en breve.'

Regarding the transport question, I would definitely go with public transport if you're used to this medium. I understand that Barça has a phenomenal trans. system that's inexpensive and easy to use. That's my personal vote. Take it for what it's worth.

Best of luck! Please keep us posted...



   

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[Col]

Thanks for the reply Tony,

The thread you linked to was indeed useful, and answered my question about CELTA, and it would seem ideal for Spain.

My recollection too is of a fantastic metro system, but I probably didn't use it at peak hours. I guess the grid system layout to the city probably has great advantages over most British cities. I am an exponent of public transport, so that would seem ideal, but would like to hear from some that actually live there!

Col.

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