Internationally recognized, Cambridge-accredited program offers work opportunities anywhere in the world

Dubai, June 6, 2011: The Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults (CELTA), the internationally recognized Cambridge-accredited program is gaining popularity among teachers as well as non-teachers in the UAE, according to the Centre for Language and Culture (CLC) of the University of Wollongong in Dubai (UOWD).

UOWD, an approved CELTA training centre, has been offering part-time and full-time CELTA courses since 2006, conducted by experienced and qualified CELTA tutors. It is now gearing up for the next intensive course due to be conducted from July 1 to 31, followed by a part-time course from October 1 to December 17, 2011.

"The UAE Ministry of Education and Scientific Research has made it mandatory for all teachers to have the CELTA qualification, which is designed to give the candidates the framework and model to teach English," says Mary Solomon, CELTA Main Course Tutor, Centre for Language and Culture, UOWD.

"On successful completion of the program, a CELTA Certificate is awarded by the University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations which attests to the credibility of the qualification. CELTA is an internationally recognised teaching certificate providing travel and work opportunities for CELTA graduates anywhere in the world," says Solomon.

Besides current teachers keen to build on their skills and techniques, people from all walks of life are joining CELTA program because it is internationally recognized.

"Cases of non-teachers doing the CELTA program are quite common. Sometimes, when people find themselves out of job and they want to carry on working, they join CELTA. Other candidates include women whose husbands are travelling and they wish to equip themselves with a teaching qualification. So we have architects, engineers, media persons and others joining the program," says Solomon.

Apart from opportunities to teach English in universities and other academic institutions, CELTA holders are in demand in different sectors where high levels of English are required, such as hospitality, banking and government organizations.

The CELTA program involves no exams, but is based on continuous assessment, planning and lessons. External assessors evaluate the candidates, with strict adherence to Cambridge guidelines. The report goes to Cambridge and there is constant monitoring and retesting of trainers.

UOWD follows stringent admission procedures for CELTA aspirants, according to Solomon.  Admission is granted after extensive pre-interview tasks, based on elaboration on how they will teach English to students and creative ideas in classroom teaching. A maximum of 12 candidates are permitted per batch.

"Participation in and observation of classroom practice forms the basis of the CELTA course, giving students the opportunity to see how theory and practice are inter-related," adds Solomon.

People who have successfully completed the CELTA program have high praise for the course and the way it is conducted.

"The CELTA experience was challenging but extremely rewarding. The biggest strength of CELTA at UOWD is without a doubt, the tutors. They are professional, knowledgeable, personable, and accommodating," said Karen Hindley, a Canadian national.

"I am looking forward to working in an institution that has English Language Teaching facilities and has a professional development program in order to put into practice all that I've learnt through CELTA," said Rupa Kurup, an Indian national. "I found the CELTA program extremely rewarding."

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About the University of Wollongong in Dubai
Established in 1993, UOWD was the first foreign university in Dubai to be licensed by the UAE Ministry of Higher Education & Scientific Research. Located at Dubai Knowledge Village, it boasts 3,600 students representing almost 100 nationalities. It is closely associated with one of Australia's best performing research and teaching Universities, the University of Wollongong, Australia.

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Dubai,
UAE

© Press Release 2011