Is the GEOS ALC CELTA different from other Cambridge CELTA programmes?
All centres have the same internationally recognised Cambridge University approval and all candidates receive the same certificate as they would at any other centre in the world. Courses may vary from centre to centre but each Cambridge CELTA centre, trainer and course is externally assessed and accredited by Cambridge University to the same high international standard.

What’s the difference between Trinity TESOL, TEFL, CLETA, and Cambridge CELTA?
One very important difference is that only the Trinity TESOL and CELTA are recognised worldwide. We do not recommend any teaching certification that is not internationally recognised. For employment purposes, these internationally recognised certifications are much better, and between them, the Cambridge CELTA is more widely accepted by employers, as is the case in New Zealand and Australia. There are some differences between the two in quality control administration and perspectives on methodology.

Will I be able to find a job?
At a regional and national level demand may fluctuate but globally and overall there has been a sustained high demand for English language teachers. CELTA certification is the very best choice to enhance a new teacher’s employability. Our CELTA graduates have consistently found teaching work both in New Zealand and abroad. The course includes workshops dedicated to helping you find the kind of work that you want, which includes providing you with names and addresses of schools, resources for job search and skills development on the Internet, and interview preparation. As a major international CELTA Centre in New Zealand and worldwide, we are host to recruiters who come to speak with each graduating CELTA class.

Can I get a student loan?
CELTA trainees are not eligible for student loans. In special circumstances, CELTA trainees have been able to get some funding from WINZ or ACC. We encourage you to contact the appropriate government agency for details on your eligibility for subsidy. GEOS ALC cannot arrange financial aid for you

I am not too confident about my knowledge of grammar. Does that mean I can’t take the CELTA course?
Not at all. The certificate is designed for people entering the field. A basic level of language awareness is sufficient. The course includes several sessions for increasing your language awareness.

Who will train me?
GEOS ALC has a core staff of tutors who have worked internationally and bring a wide range of key experience, qualifications and knowledge to the course. All CELTA trainers undergo a rigorous selection and training process monitored by Cambridge University.

How can I be sure I will pass and be certified?
The course assessment is continuous - there is no final “exam.” You are given one-to-one counselling to focus on your strengths and to identify areas in need of development. The grades awarded are Pass, Pass ‘B’, and Pass ‘A’, based primarily on teaching ability and competence in lesson planning. The written assignments are also taken into account for the final grade. It is only on very rare occasions that candidates fail the course. The application and interview process is designed to ensure that only applicants likely to succeed on the course are accepted.

How do I enrol?
Simply complete the application form online. We will contact you to arrange an interview at the school or by telephone. Once accepted on the programme, payment of a deposit guarantees your place on the course of your choice, subject to availability.

Am I too young/ old?
The profile of New Zealand CELTA candidates is very varied. The age of course participants ranges from the minimum age of 20 to 69. We have younger people just finishing University and looking at their first overseas experience through to retired people looking at doing an OE too –but it’s often not their first one! We welcome all ages as we find that different ages bring different strengths to the profession. You will need to inform GEOS ALC if you have any special needs or have any medical conditions that may prejudice your performance in the course.