The Cambridge CELTA is the most widely recognised initial qualification for those wishing to follow a career in TEFL. The University of Cambridge is responsible for its validation and certification.

At the moment, our school does not offer CELTA courses, but we recommend International House Katowice and International House Wrocław, also renowned for their high standard of tuition.

This is a highly practical course which provides training in the teaching of English as a Foreign Language to adults. It aims at laying a firm foundation on which a teacher can usefully build with experience. It deals with levels from Beginners/Elementary to Late Intermediate (Cambridge First Certificate).

The course presents a view of the principles underlying language teaching and deals extensively with the analysis of English from a learner's perspective. Activities to develop language skills, the presentation of new language items, techniques of practice, the role of audio and video materials, syllabus design and timetabling are all analysed on the course.

Teaching practice is a major component of the Certificate course and takes place every afternoon. The programme is closely related to the work done during the lecture and seminar sessions. Small groups obtain practical experience through working with classes at different levels. After each training practice session, the lessons are discussed with the tutor. Trainees must liaise with other members of their group outside course hours in order to produce a series of cohesive lessons.

The observation of practising teachers is an intrinsic part of these courses and takes place outside course hours. In addition, there are a number of extra-curricular activities which usually include talks by visiting speakers and guided observation of videoed lessons.

* ESOL regulations state that "candidates must have an awareness of language and a competence in English, both written and spoken, that enables them to follow the course. They should also have the potential to develop the necessary skills to become effective teachers and to successfully complete the written assignments and the assessment of practice teaching". International House also offers a Certificate Course in the teaching of English for teachers whose first language is not English. Details are to be found in the IH CELTA brochure, available on request.

* In all matters relating to the suitability of candidates for courses, the decision of the Director of Teacher Training shall be final.

* Candidates must be at least twenty years old to follow the Cambridge CELTA course. They must have a sound educational and academic background. Most candidates will have a first degree and experience of learning languages.

Candidates for all courses are selected by written application and interview. This means that acceptance is not automatic. In cases of unsuccessful applications International House cannot enter into correspondence or discussion concerning the reasons for a place not having been offered.

The rigorous selection process is undertaken in the interests of candidates to ensure a high level of success on the course.

Course dates 2010:

This fee includes a discount for candidates applying a minimum of 8 weeks prior to the beginning of the course £ 94,19 £ 654,81 £ 749

This fee applies to candidates applying later than 8 weeks prior to the beginning of the course £ 94,19 £704,81 £ 799

Upon request, International House Kraków can arrange shared accommodation for course participants at the cost of PLN 1100 (approx. £ 230) per person (including utilities).

Course participants requesting accommodation provided by the school will be asked to pay a deposit of PLN 300 (approx. £60 or $90). This is returned on departure provided that no damage has been done to the property.

AIRPORT ARRIVAL PICK-UP SERVICE – PLN 50 (approx. £10 or $15) regardless of arrival time.

In the case of cancellation six weeks or more before the course starting date, the deposit will be retained. With less than six weeks' notice, 50% of our total fee will be retained. If cancellation occurs in the final two weeks before the starting date our total fee will be retained.

However, in certain exceptional circumstances we will consider transferring the fees to another course.

No transfer is made if notice is insufficient to allow for the finding of a substitute candidate.

In the event of a course being cancelled all fees will be refunded.

For more information or for an application pack please contact either of the following:

Jakub Krupa

Teacher Training Administrator

at the following address:

International House Kraków

ul. Piłsudskiego 6, 31-109 Kraków

tel.: (012) 421-94-40, 422-64-82

e-mail: celta@ih.pl

Skype: teacher_training_ih_krakow

English Language Awareness Course

Cambridge ESOL