Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is the CELTA offered in Bulgaria the same as in other countries, for example, Britain? Will I receive the same certificate?
Yes, the CELTA course is standardised throughout the world, as it is accredited and regulated by Cambridge ESOL. The certificate is also the same.
2. Looking around, I'm swamped by acronyms: CELTA, TEFL, EFL, ESL TESOL, Trinity Cert, ESOL. What is the difference between CELTA and the rest, and why should I choose it?
It can be very confusing. Here are a few of those acronyms explained:
EFL: English as a Foreign Language – in countries where English is not the first language. The industry name
TEFL: Teaching English as a Foreign language – Teaching it
ELT: English Language Teaching – the term that covers EFL and ESL
ESL: English as a Second Language – to people who live permanently in an English speaking country, but whose first language is not English (often immigrants and refugees). The closely related but different industry
(T) ESOL: ( Teaching ) English as a Second or Other Language – pretty much the same, except it recognises that for many people English is their third or fourth language.
Trinity Cert: Two other bodies that provide pre-service 4-week courses
CELTA is by far the best known and most widely taken initial 'TESOL/TEFL' qualification of its kind in the world, taken by over 10,000 people every year. CELTA is accepted throughout the world by organizations, which employ English Language teachers. The Cambridge CELTA has been accredited by the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA) at level 4 on the U.K. National Qualifications Framework. Cambridge ESOL also works with international ELT organisations to ensure the acceptance of CELTA globally.
3. Why should I choose Bulgaria to do the CELTA?
- To experience a different culture;
- To gain experience of teaching monolingual classes;
- For a less stressful CELTA course in a supportive environment;
- For the cost.
4. Is it regulated by Cambridge ESOL?
Yes, just like every CELTA course around the world, it is regulated by Cambridge ESOL, which includes a visit from a Cambridge ESOL assessor towards the end of the course.
5. Who is CELTA for?
People starting a career in English Language teaching
You may be looking to begin a long term career in English Language teaching and see CELTA as a springboard into a good teaching post in the country of your choice. You may be a graduate looking for a qualification that gives you a firm grounding in the fundamentals of language teaching practice, together with the confidence to take control in the classroom.
People looking for a career change or career break
An increasing number of CELTA candidates are professionals who are either looking for a new career path or simply want a short break in their existing career. Perhaps you want the opportunity to live and work abroad? Whether you wish to teach English for the short or long term, CELTA gives you the training you need to help you adjust to a dynamic and challenging new profession.
People already teaching English but with no formal qualifications
You may be an existing English Language teacher with no formal qualifications. CELTA will help to sharpen your teaching practice, confirm your ability, and may even lead to internal promotion or a better teaching job.
In all, over 10,000 people successfully complete a CELTA course each year.
6. Is it possible to fail?
Yes. This is something you must be aware of before deciding to do the CELTA. It is very hard work and it is possible to fail. However, at AVO-Bell we have a very high success rate.
7. Why is the success rate so high?
We aim to give as stress-free a course as possible. In addition, AVO-Bell tutors strive to assist trainees to achieve their potential, providing a supportive environment.
8. I've never taught before; will this be a problem?
No. The CELTA course is designed for people with little or no teaching experience, as well as for those who have more experience. Many trainees who have never taught before do extremely well.
9. Can I prepare for the course in any way?
As part of the application process, candidates are asked to complete a pre-interview task that helps prepare for the various components of the course, including language analysis and methodology. At interview, books such as “Learning Teaching” by Jim Scrivener, and “Practical English Usage” by Swan are often recommended.
10. How busy is an average day on the CELTA course?
Input sessions start at 9:30 am and continue, with breaks, until 12:45 pm. Teaching practice starts at 2pm, followed by feedback on lessons taught and then preparation for the next day's teaching, finishing up around 6:00 –6:30pm. It is a hectic timetable, and you should prepare yourself to work extremely hard for the four and a half weeks of the course.
11. Can the school provide accommodation?
Yes. As part of the special package deal, we can provide accommodation for the duration of the course, on the basis of two or three trainees sharing a self-catering apartment. For those who would prefer an apartment for themselves, the cost is 500 EUR for the duration of the course.
12. Will the accommodation be near the school?
Yes, accommodation is usually within half an hour's walking distance, or a very quick hop by public transport.
13. How much money should I bring for living expenses during the course?
Obviously this depends on the lifestyle you choose while you are doing the course, for example, how often you eat out in restaurants. It should be possible to live quite comfortably on 50 EUR per week. Look at the Cost of Living section for prices of sample goods.
14. I will be looking for teaching work after the CELTA course. Is there much in Bulgaria?
Yes, Bulgaria has many language schools that are looking for qualified, native-speaking teachers.
15. Will I have time to see the country?
There will not be so much time during the course to travel around Bulgaria, but after it finishes, you can see a lot of the country really quite cheaply.