CELTA program opens new doors for career enhancement or change in today's challenging times

One of the programs gaining currency today is the CELTA (Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults) which trains participants to teach English as a second or foreign language to adults. The CELTA is an internationally recognised qualification, accredited by Cambridge University, which has strict policies and guidelines of delivery and method.

The latest part-time CELTA course is scheduled to be held at the University of Wollongong in Dubai (UOWD) from October 10 to December 12, 2009. Course places are strictly limited to 12 participants on a 'first come first served' basis. Acceptance into the course is selective and by written application, followed by a formal interview.

"In a world where the concept of sticking to one career path is undergoing a change, CELTA provides a unique opportunity to shift to a promising new line or a new avenue for substantiating one's income," said Shanae Reed, Head, Centre for Language and Culture, UOWD.

"There are people from all walks of life and nationalities, ranging in age from 20 to 70, joining the programme," added Reed. "Some are already teachers, who have been directed - either through work or it being a Ministry of Education requirement - to do the CELTA. We also have people with no teaching experience who want to try their hand at something new or they want to get back into the workforce, including mothers whose children have now grown up. We have also had people who just want a different direction in life or who want to travel and have a transferable skill."

Applicants must complete a CELTA Application Form and a CELTA Pre-Interview Task and send them to the CELTA Office, Centre for Language and Culture, UOWD. Applicants will then be invited for a formal interview and on successful outcome will be accepted on the course. However, not all applicants will be eligible for the programme. Applications close 14 days prior to the commencement of the course.

Successful candidates can expect to work in industry, universities, institutions, training centres and or even one-to-one private lessons for those students who want to take exams and boost their level of English.

UOWD has qualified tutors with many years' experience and standing who can offer full support and guidance to help the candidates through the tough demands of the course. The tutors also have extensive experience of the local market and environment which addresses the cultural element one needs to tackle in a Middle-Eastern country.