The most widely recognised qualifications for Teaching English as a Foreign Language are those run under the University of Cambridge Integrated Language Teaching Schemes (CILTS).

The certificate level course, CELTA (Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages), is a highly practical course and is run at the British Council in Agouza, Cairo. It provides initial training in the teaching of English to adults.

Entry requirements

Applicants must

			be at least twenty years old at the beginning of the course
			have an awareness of language and a competence in English, both written and spoken, that enables them to undertake the course i.e. near first language level. Cambridge defines this as a good C1 level on the Common European Framework.
			have a standard of education which would allow entry to higher education in their country.

Acceptance onto a course is not automatic and prospective applicants submit an application form and pre-interview task (by email is fine). If these are up to the required standard, applicants will then be invited to interview. Candidates in Egypt can be interviewed at our Agouza offices. Candidates applying from abroad should ask to arrange a telephone interview. Places on the course are limited and demand is high so early application is recommended.

Course elements
The course consists of three main elements. There will be a series of seminars and workshops throughout, teaching practice and observation of classes at the British Council and four written assignments.

Input Sessions
These will cover the practical application of techniques and theories.
Areas covered include

			Analysis of English grammar from a learners’ point of view
			Ways of presenting and practising language
			Ways of developing language skills
			Phonology
			Correction techniques
			Developing literacy skills
			Lesson planning
			Classroom management
			Using video/tape/computers in a lesson

Teaching Practice
During the course there will be regular teaching practice where groups of trainees work with classes of students and gain experience teaching at different levels. Teaching practice is held daily and is followed by feedback, in which tutor and trainees comment on the content and success of the lesson as a whole. You will be assessed for six hours of teaching practice, which is divided into nine assessed lessons during the course.

Observation
The observation of trained teachers is an important part of the course and trainees are required to observe at least six hours of classes during the course.

Assessment
Assessment is continuous and integrated, taking place throughout the course. There is no final written exam. Trainees are assessed on their ability to transfer what they learn in seminars and workshops to the classroom, on their awareness of the strengths and weaknesses of their own and others’ teaching and their contribution to input sessions. Two assessed components contribute to the overall grade. Component one relates to planning and teaching and component two consists of classroom-related written assignments. There are four written assignments.

Course times and dates
The course requires a considerable amount of time and energy. Course times are from 09.30 a.m. to 18.00 p.m. daily, but trainees will find themselves working on assignments or preparing materials outside their timetabled hours and at the weekends. In addition, some classroom observation is also timetabled outside course hours. Though very intensive, it is, however, a fulfilling experience for both experienced teachers and those new to teaching.

In 2010, courses will run on the following dates:

Course dates may be changed at the discretion of the centre. All courses are four week intensive courses. We do not offer part-time courses.

Course fees

The course fee is LE 10,000 (Ten thousand Egyptian pounds). Following acceptance onto a course a non-refundable deposit of LE 2,000 is required to reserve a place. Full fees should be paid at least ten working days before the course starts.

Applications
If you are interested in applying for a place on the CELTA course, please contact us.

If you would like further information on CELTA courses, please look at the Cambridge ESOL website.