Austin, Texas: Get the lowdown from Austin CELTA Tutor Margaret Blanchard Edinger
Austin, Texas is one of the most exciting cities in the USA and a fantastic place to take your CELTA. It is the 11th largest city in the whole of the United States and offers a huge range of opportunities. Known as ‘The Live Music Capital of the World’, the city is an exciting and eclectic mix of right in the heart of the famously idiosyncratic state of Texas. So, as well as becoming qualified to teach English, you can also take advantage of the wealth of opportunities this sun-filled city has to offer.
We took a moment to chat with Austin CELTA Tutor Margaret Blanchard Edinger to find out what it is like taking the face-to-face or blended CELTA in Austin, Texas, USA. Here’s what Margaret has to say:
What would you say makes taking the CELTA at Austin special?
First of all, our CELTA trainers are amongst the most experienced CELTA tutors in the world. We also have the best resourced CELTA centre in the U.S. and of course, we are located in Austin, Texas, one of the most vibrant cities in the country!
In addition, Austin is currently the only CELTA centre in north or south America offering a CELTA which trains participants for both online and face-to-face teaching in one course. This is enormously beneficial to candidates as it prepares them for a wider range of teaching opportunities.
What is life like for a CELTA trainee in Austin?
Life for any CELTA trainee is mostly about the course! On full-time, face-to-face courses, trainees are in training sessions, observing lessons and planning and teaching lessons Mon – Fri for 4 weeks. On part-time courses, trainees complete course work online and then do their teaching practice for 2 weeks in Austin. Lessons take place in classrooms on the expansive campus of the centre. Although there is course work to be completed over the weekend, most trainees find a little time to enjoy Austin as well.
Is there visa support available for candidates considering a face-to-face or online blended CELTA course in Austin?
Yes, we have an immigration advisor on staff and are authorized by the U.S. government to issue the Form I-20 necessary to apply for a F-1 student visa.
Why should people take a CELTA course?
CELTA is the most widely recognized English teaching qualification in the world and the most often requested by employers. It focuses on developing practical techniques and includes face-to-face and/or online teaching practice with groups of learners, which gives trainees the confidence they need to step into the classroom and deliver effective lessons to adult learners. Even teachers who have already obtained a Masters degree in TESL take the CELTA for its practical application.
Many people think that the CELTA course is very stressful, is this true?
It is true that the CELTA course is demanding, and trainees have very little free time for the duration of the course. Trainees teach 6 hours of assessed lessons and even experienced teachers find being assessed a bit stressful. However, candidates are well supported by their tutors who provide them with feedback after each lesson, so the benefits of being assessed are quickly apparent. Trainees agree that this is the most valuable component of the course.
What advice would you give someone if they are considering taking a CELTA course and teaching English?
Find out more about the course. Brush up on grammar before the course begins. Arrange your calendar and notify friends and family that you will not be available while the course is in progress. Once you have your CELTA certificate, enjoy being a part of the international network of teachers who are providing English lessons to adult students all over the world. If you want to travel, you can use your CELTA to obtain a job overseas. If you prefer to remain in your home country, you can teach students from all over the globe right from your home office!
Apply to take the CELTA via Austin, Texas, USA today!
If you are looking to start an exciting career where you can teach around the world, Austin, USA is a great place to start! You can apply for the CELTA through our online form. There are no application fees and the form can take up to 15 minutes to complete.
Do you have any questions about taking the CELTA? Get in touch with a member of our team today!