How to find and choose the best CELTA course location for you

There are lots of factors to take into account when identifying the right CELTA course location and centre. When faced with the wide range of CELTA courses and options that are available, what to look for and what to consider are two key aspects.

Do you want to take the CELTA in person at the centre? If so, do you want to take the course locally (and what are the commuting considerations?), or do you want to travel? Are you looking at taking the CELTA course online? Whichever you opt for, you will need to choose the right CELTA location and centre for you. So, let’s have a look at the different factors you’ll need to consider…

All courses have the Cambridge seal of approval

Before we look at the right CELTA location and centre for you, there is a key aspect worth noting. That is that all the CELTA courses we offer on the StudyCELTA website are through Cambridge Assessment (part of the University of Cambridge) approved centres. This means that the centres are all externally assessed to make sure they are up to the exacting standards of one of the world’s foremost universities. The CELTA tutors at all of the centres are qualified experts in the teacher training field, so you are in safe hands whatever happens. Finally, remember that the CELTA certificate that you receive at the end of the CELTA after successfully completing the course is the same no matter where the centre is located.

Consider your future TEFL plans

The decision of which location to take your CELTA course via should be shaped to some degree on where you see your TEFL career going in the future. Your CELTA course choice is a strategic decision! Particularly if you are looking to travel to a new location, you may want to choose a CELTA location that is in the area where you are looking to work, or at least in the same country. The CELTA course tutor, as well as your fellow CELTA course teachers and others involved in the course, will be able to offer local advice and tips that could be invaluable to you as you make your way in the EFL world. This obviously applies to face-to-face CELTA courses, but also online teachers too.

What do others who took the course say?

Be sure to check the reviews for the CELTA course location you are considering, to see if there are any aspects to be aware of. They may be able to guide about the tutors on the course, the centre location and facilities and the efficiency and helpfulness of the administration team at the centre, as well as many other aspects.

Consider the cost for the best CELTA

This obviously applies to the cost of the CELTA course, but for those doing the in person course there are other costs to consider. If you want to take your CELTA face-to-face, the cost of accommodation needs to be taken into account. If you want to travel to another location, either in your own country or abroad, do you have a friend or relative there who you could stay with? This will massively slash your cost factors for the course. And then flights and other costs such as eating out (if you want to) should be added to the cost. We have some CELTA special offers which apply to some locations so check those out (remember, paying early saves money with early bird prices, cheaper flights, accommodation, etc!). This blog will also come in handy when thinking about CELTA costs too.

Get yourself prepared

Whichever location and centre you decide to go with, you will need to be prepared ahead of the course start date. If you are going to be taking the course abroad, make sure you have your passport valid, your accommodation arranged and travel plans in place. However, please do not book any of these until you have been formally accepted onto the course and paid your deposit to secure your place on the course too. You should also make sure you are prepared for the course to make the most of your learning experience and this CELTA preparation course is ideal.

Don’t forget to read our guide on how to choose the best CELTA course format for you!