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We hope that this sheet addresses some of your questions. If you are applying for one of our
courses, please don't hesitate to ask your interviewer for more information
I'm interested in teaching French/German/Italian/Spanish to adults. What would be the most appropriate course?
Would this certificate be as valuable as the TEFL?
Is there an exam at the end of the course?
Is the certificate recognised?
After the course, where can I teach?
Would this qualification give me the same job prospects (considering that there is less global demand for French/German/Italian/Spanish than English) as a TEFL certificate?
Would you recommend taking the TEFL course instead of the Modern Language Certificate in terms of employment prospects?
I have heard that the course is very intensive - is that true?
Would I have to attend all the course hours?
What is the course timetable?
What happens in the methodology sessions?
When would I start teaching?
Who would I be teaching?
What is “feedback”?
What else would I be expected to do outside the timetabled hours?
How would I be assessed on the course?
What are the possible grades?
I am not a native speaker of the language I wish to teach: is this course appropriate for me?
If I pass the course will I be able to find work easily in the UK?
I don’t have a degree: will this be a problem?
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I'm interested in teaching French/German/Italian/Spanish to adults. What would be the most appropriate course?
If you intend to teach one of these as a foreign language to adults, this is the right course for you.
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Would this certificate be as valuable as the TEFL?
Yes, the courses are the same in terms of content, teaching approach and quality.
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Is there an exam at the end of the course?
No, there is continuous assessment during the course.
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Is the certificate recognised?
The International House Certificate qualifies you to teach French as a foreign language to adults.
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After the course, where can I teach?
The Certificate is recognised in all private institutions such as ours, universities, adult education centres, further education institutions and agencies.
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Would this qualification give me the same job prospects (considering that there is less global demand for French/German/Italian/Spanish than English) as a TEFL certificate?
Yes. The market for French, German, Italian and Spanish is not only strong here in London but also in the rest of Europe. Furthermore, this qualification is beneficial if you wish to teach English in parallel with your native language, as the course covers the basic methodology used in language learning. It is at the interview stage that a potential employer will check if you are able to transfer your teaching skills from one language to another. In London studying a foreign language is important for business and as a hobby, and French, German, Italian and Spanish are widely requested.
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Would you recommend taking the TEFL course instead of the Modern Language Certificate in terms of employment prospects?
That depends on where you intend to work. In England it would be difficult to teach English when there are so many native speakers who are qualified teachers.
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I have heard that the course is very intensive - is that true?
Yes. If you are considering the full-time course, you should be prepared to devote five days a week (including evenings) to the course, and to spend a considerable part of each weekend on course-related work.
If you are considering the part-time course, which takes place on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings and 8 Saturdays, you should be prepared to spend two or more evenings per week on course-related work and also a considerable part of weekends in addition to the eight Saturdays already mentioned.
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Would I have to attend all the course hours?
To meet the course requirements candidates are required to attend the entire course. You would therefore put yourself at a serious disadvantage if you missed any part of the course and may not be awarded the Certificate. We also strongly advise all participants on full-time courses to forsake all other commitments during the four weeks.
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What is the course timetable?
The course is divided into methodology sessions and teaching practice with feedback.
On full-time courses the timetable is Monday - Friday, 9.00-15.45 and includes methodology, teaching practice and feedback on each day of the course.
On part-time courses sessions are from 6.30-9.30pm on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings for methodology, teaching practice and feedback. The eight Saturdays are from 10am - 5pm, and are devoted to methodology.
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What happens in the methodology sessions?
A variety of activities take place, such as: discussion of language awareness and analysis tasks in groups; demonstration of teaching procedures by tutors; observation and analysis of teaching videos; analysis and preparation of teaching materials; peer teaching in groups; lectures. There is a high level of trainee participation, often in pairs or groups. There are usually around 20 participants on each course (5 per language group in French, German, Spanish and Italian).
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When would I start teaching?
On the second day (full-time course). In the second week (part-time course).
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Who would I be teaching?
Groups of a mix of British students and students of other nationalities, although the majority of students will be British, from various professions.
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What is “feedback”?
Feedback refers to the time after teaching practice when you have the opportunity to reflect upon and discuss your teaching with your colleagues (up to five trainees in each teaching practice group) and one of the tutors. This part of the course is extremely important because it should help you to develop a higher awareness of your strengths and weaknesses as a teacher.
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What else would I be expected to do outside the timetabled hours?
You should expect to spend time:
* Observing live classes or videos of classes taught by International House teachers (a total of 8 hours). This is a requirement of the course and is not optional. Classes are taught in the evenings (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday) from 6.30 - 8.30pm.
* Liaising with colleagues in your teaching practice group in order to produce a cohesive timetable of lessons for your students.
* Planning your own lessons: although you may be teaching for relatively short periods, it is quite normal to spend at least 2-3 hours preparing.
* Working on written assignments: these would be both short homework tasks and four extended assignments (the Cambridge requirements are that the extended assignments should be of up to 3000 words in total). The assignments are course-related and of a very practical nature. They are internally assessed and externally moderated.
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How would I be assessed on the course?
Assessment on the course is continuous and integrated, taking into account teaching skills, written assignments and professionalism, with each assessed component contributing to the overall grade. Trainees are given feedback by the tutors on their teaching and have at least one tutorial during the course at which to discuss their progress. All tutors working on the course discuss each trainee’s final grade.
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What are the possible grades?
Pass, Pass B and Pass A. A small number of candidates fail the course: it is likely that they would be warned of this possibility at their tutorial. The majority achieve a Pass grade.
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I am not a native speaker of the language I wish to teach: is this course appropriate for me?
The regulations state that candidates "must have an awareness of language and a competence in the language they wish to teach, both written and spoken, that enables them to follow the course". If you are accepted for the course, you should be aware that, should your level of the language you wish to teach fall below the required standard, you will not be awarded the Certificate.
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If I pass the course will I be able to find work easily in the UK?
It is possible to find work both in the UK and abroad where the Certificate in Teaching Languages to Adults CLTA is recognised and required when applying for jobs in Adult Education. It is, however, unlikely that you will be offered permanent full-time contracts with one school. You must therefore be prepared to work for several institutions. At the end of your course, there will be a seminar on employment opportunities, which will give you practical advice on this matter and will include useful addresses, information on salaries, working conditions, etc.
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I don’t have a degree: will this be a problem?
In some countries, a degree (BA, MA, and equivalent) will be required in order to obtain a work permit. It is best to ask the relevant embassies or consulates for more information on this matter.
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