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Top 5 CELTA Certication Centers for ESL Teachers

If you are someone who wants to be a certified English teacher, taking a CELTA course is probably the best choice. It is super useful, especially when teaching abroad, as you will see CELTA popping up frequently from all the teaching job post requirements. You’re probably reading this article right now because you’re already willing (or at least considering) to find good CELTA certification centers. In this article, we will provide a little bit more detail on CELTA and the schools.

top 5 celta centers

Top 5 Celta Centers

What is CELTA?

CELTA stands for Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults. It is an internationally recognized qualification awarded by Cambridge Assessment English. The CELTA program is designed for individuals who want to become English language teachers. It includes practical teaching experience along with theoretical components.

The course focuses on teaching English to adult learners and covers essential teaching skills, lesson planning, classroom management, and language awareness. Successful completion of the CELTA program is highly regarded in the field of English language teaching. Furthermore, it is highly recommended to ESL teachers who plan to teach English abroad.

CELTA Centers Locations

As briefly mentioned above, the CELTA course was developed by the University of Cambridge. So, the UK is where you will be able to find the most CELTA schools. There are over 100 schools that offer the Cambridge CELTA certification courses across the entire United Kingdom.

It isn’t as easy to find centers in other countries. However, if you live in an English-speaking country, you have a better chance of finding a CELTA school near where you are located. In this post, we provide a list of the best CELTA centers that can be found globally.

Top 5 CELTA Centers

If you’re not sure where to take the courses, schools on this list are a great place to start your research.

International House (IH)

Founded in 1953, International House (IH) is a global network of language schools and teacher training centers. IH is well-regarded in the field of language education and is known for its commitment to high standards in teaching and teacher training. Many IH centers around the world offer the CELTA course. The course structure, price, and additional offerings can vary depending on the location of the center.

Locations: United Kingdom, United States, Spain, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, China, Russia, Argentian, Brazil, Turkey, Greece, Mexico, Australia, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Czech Republic, Ecuador

British Council

The British Council is a reputable organization that operates internationally, promoting cultural relations and providing English language education. Many branches of the British Council around the world offer the CELTA course. You can expect experienced trainers, a comprehensive curriculum, and practical teaching experience from the British Council’s certification course.

Locations: United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Australia, India, China, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Philippines, United Arab Emirates (UAE), Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Egypt, South Africa, Kenya, Nigeria, Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Chile, Colombia

Language Link

Founded in 1975, Language Link is an international organization known for providing language education and teacher training services. It has 120 centers in 10 countries, 1,000 teachers, and 600,000 students. Language Links is proudly a member of the Association of recognised English Language Schools and is accredited by the British Council and English UK.

Locations: UK, Europe, Russia, Vietnam, China, Malaysia, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan

St Giles International

Founded in 1955, St Giles International is an English language school with a global presence, offering language courses, teacher training, and educational services. St Giles is known for its high-quality teaching and flexible programs designed for a range of ages, abilities, and objectives. Students can receive the best learning experience from qualified and certified teachers.

Locations: UK and Canada

ILSC Education Group

Founded in 1991, ILSC Education Group is known for providing language education services, including English language courses and teacher training programs. ILSC has campuses in various locations around the world, and they offer a range of high-quality language programs. ILSC is accredited by multiple internationally recognized industry organizations and government bodies.

Locations: Canada, Australia, India

list of the best celta centers

List of the Best CELTA centers

CELTA Online

If you are having a hard time finding a center near your current location, consider taking an online CELTA course. You can use organizations like StudyCELTA to find authorized CELTA centers that provide online full-time or part-time courses based on your location.

Benefits of Online CELTA Course:

  • Flexibility: You can access course materials and complete assignments at your own pace.
  • Accessibility: Due to your location, you might have difficulty finding a CELTA center where you can attend in person. Online CELTA course removes this geographical barrier.
  • Interactive Technology: You will be able to use interactive technology that enhances the overall learning experience (e.g., video conferencing, discussion forums, and multimedia resources).

Limits of Online CELTA Course:

  • Time Management: While flexibility is a benefit, it can also pose some difficulties for some people who aren’t good with time management. Without a fixed schedule, finding the time to study the course material on your own can be challenging.
  • Technical Challenges: For people who live in an area with a slow or weak internet connection, taking online courses can be challenging.
  • Practicum Arrangements: The teaching techniques and practical experience provided by face-to-face CELTA courses can be limited in an online class environment.

CELTA Centers FAQs

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about CELTA certification centres.

How should I choose a CELTA center?

When choosing a CELTA center, you want to consider the location, cost, reputation, and full-time/part-time availabilities. If you are looking for an in-person course, location should be prioritized. You will likely have to contact the CELTA centers to find out the details on offerings, course details, and costs. For reputation, we recommend relying on word-of-mouth. However, if you don’t know any other TEFL or ESL teachers, start by going over our list of the top 5 CELTA centers.

What is the difference between online and in-person CELTA centers?

The primary difference between online and in-person CELTA centers lies in the mode of delivery. In-person CELTA involves attending classes and teaching practice sessions at a physical location, providing face-to-face interaction and practical hands-on experience. On the other hand, online CELTA allows teachers to complete the course remotely, accessing materials and lectures online. While in-person CELTA includes teaching practice in real classrooms, online CELTA may involve virtual teaching practice sessions. The choice between the two depends on individual preferences, flexibility needs, and learning styles. Both formats lead to the same CELTA qualification. Nonetheless, you will receive the standard CELTA training whichever you choose.

What are the CELTA centers fees and costs?

The fees and costs associated with CELTA courses vary widely depending on the location, the institution or language school offering the course, and whether it is an online or in-person program. Additionally, factors such as accommodation, materials, and certification fees may contribute to the overall cost. It’s essential to contact specific CELTA centers directly or visit their official websites for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

What are the CELTA course entry requirements?

Typically, the requirements to take the CELTA course will include a standard of education equivalent to higher education entry, proficiency in English demonstrated through a test or interview, a minimum age requirement of 18, and an interview assessing teaching potential and motivation. However, the requirements can vary depending on the language school. So, we recommend checking with the chosen CELTA center for specific details.

What is the difference between CELTA and TEFL?

CELTA (Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults) is a specific type of TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) certification that is standardized and focused on teaching English to adults. It’s often more intensive and includes practical teaching experience. On the other hand, TEFL is a broader term that encompasses various types of English language teaching certifications. TEFL courses can target different age groups, proficiency levels, and teaching contexts.

How can I find a CELTA center?

Go to the official Cambridge English website and click “find a center.” It provides an easy-to-use tool to find CELTA centers near you.

how to choose a celta center

How to Choose a CELTA center

CELTA Centers: Join the Conversation

What do you think is the best way to choose a CELTA center? Let us know in the comments. We’d love to hear from you.

About Jackie

Jackie Bolen has been teaching English for more than 20 years to students in South Korea and Canada. She's taught all ages, levels and kinds of TEFL classes. She holds an MA degree, along with the Celta and Delta English teaching certifications.

Jackie is the author of more than 100 books for English teachers and English learners, including Business English Vocabulary Builder, 67 ESL Conversation Topics,and 39 No-Prep/Low-Prep ESL Speaking Activities for Teenagers and Adults. She loves to share her ESL games, activities, teaching tips, and more with other teachers throughout the world.

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