Course Type

[BIG AD]

Second question refers to course type. Now I have read previously that if two applicants were on a similar level that if one had a Celta as opossed to a Tefl course that the Celta carries more weight. Is it a case of just get a qualification and get some experience. What is the difference with Tesol?
Also when is the best time of year to head over and start looking for work. I am thinking about Japan or Hong Kong.

[ichini]

The CELTA certificate definitely holds more weight, however is more expensive than a TESL or TEFL course.

CELTA - the Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults, is awarded by Cambridge Assessment, a part of the University of Cambridge. Hence, only qualified institutions can offer the CELTA certificate, whereas anyone can issue a TESL or TEFL certificate.

So, to answer your question, if 2 applicants are equal except for their TESL or CELTA qualification, then you would find the employer would choose the CELTA qualified teacher.

[ichini]

Forgot to answer the part about the TESOL certificate.

The TESOL certificate or diploma used to be only awarded by Trinity College in London and it's allowed schools. Nowadays, it's offered by many schools that don't necessarily have set standards.

[Antonio]

Originally Posted by BIG AD

Also when is the best time of year to head over and start looking for work. I am thinking about Japan or Hong Kong.

Anytime is good. There is always a huge demand for English teachers in Asia. Peak seasons however are the summer months, ie. August to October.

[Hypiereon]

A CELTA Certificate - while more expensive and more noteworthy than a TEFL Certificate - doesn't make a bit of difference in China.

Two equal people applying for the same position with the same qualifications excepting the above mentioned will have nearly the same chance of getting the job if only one position is available. Nearly the same chance means the person with the TEFL degree will actually have a better chance because the TEFL acronym is more easily recognized.

In order for the person with the CELTA Certificate to get the edge over the person with the TEFL Certificate, they're going to have to spend the time educating the hiring face why they are more qualified than the person with only a TEFL Certification. A hiring face will smile and nod a lot when the difference is explained, but whther the difference is actually realized is a different story.

The odds that two people, exactly equal in all other qualifications, applying at a school where ONLY one positions is available, is SO REMOTE, that the CELTA headache is hardly worth it when applying in China.

As for applying times, July is usually the hottest month of all. Schools in China who have lost foreigners will be desperate to replace them by the time August rolls around, and July is when they are "in the mood" for applications as the school year is over and they're looking to get a head start on the next year where possible. There is the added benefit that schools who know they will be losing foreigners at the end of the calandar year (maybe December, January, or February) will begin to be on the lookout for replacements at about the same time schools are looking for teachers to begin the next school year.

August could be said to be one of the best months to look - desperation of schools plays in your favor at this point, but you also may get the "hurry hurry" itch and make a rash decision yourself. Whenever possible, take your time - give yourself as much leeway as possible.

For this reason, I'd start sending applications to schools six months ahead of the next semester. Meaning if you want to be at a school in September, start sending your application and engaging them in conversation through phone and e-mail sometime in early March. While they will not be so eager to make a decision right then, it does let you know early on if that particular school already has positions filled or are already short a teacher. Contacting schools in March also gives you a higher degree of probablilty of making contact with a current foreign teacher who is active and there. Wait until the summer months, and maybe you'll find that the foreign teachers have moved out, or are away on vacation and cannot be contacted.