FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions
CELTA
How long does the course last?
Trainees can choose to do the course either intensively over four weeks, or semi‐intensively over a period of three months.
Is there an age limit?
Applicants must be at least 20 at the time of application.
Do I need to be a native speaker to do the course?
No, but your standard of written and spoken English must be equivalent to that of a native speaker.
Will I have to learn to teach British English?
No. Although the CELTA qualification is issued by Cambridge ESOL Examinations, trainees are not expected to modify their way of speaking or writing as long as they use a standard, accepted form of English.
Do I need to be able to speak Italian to do the course?
No. We actively discourage trainees from speaking Italian in the classroom and help them to develop techniques to convey meaning in English.
Is it necessary to have teaching experience before doing the course?
No. The CELTA course is intended for people who have no or a little teaching experience.
What does the interview involve?
You can do the interview either in person or by telephone if you do not live in Italy. An interview is given after you have submitted a completed application form. If you do the interview in person, you need to come to the centre to complete a pre‐interview task which takes 1 and a half hours. You will then have a face‐to‐face interview with one of the trainers which takes approximately another hour. If you do the interview by phone, you need to phone the centre for the interview after completing and submitting the pre‐interview task.
How can I pay for the course?
You can pay by cash, money transfer or bank draft. Balance of fees is due at least 20 days before the course starts.
Can the centre help me with accommodation?
We can help with accommodation in self‐catering flats or place trainees in families.
How much work do I need to do outside the set course hours?
A lot! Trainees have to do the bulk of their lesson planning, writing of self‐assessments and written assignments outside the set course hours. On the intensive course, you can expect to spend 3 or 4 hours each evening doing these things … and probably part of the weekend too!
Is there a final exam?
No. There is continuous assessment, which means that you are assessed on all aspects of the course, from the beginning to the end. To pass the course you need to show that you have made improvement in the following areas: teaching, written assignments, ability to self‐assess and ability to work as part of a group.
Do people fail the course?
Occasionally. This centre has a very low fail rate, due to the fact that we prefer not to accept applicants onto the course if we are not confident that they have a realistic chance of passing.
Do I have to teach on the course?
Yes. You will teach for a total of 6 assessed hours over the period of the course. You will have experience of teaching different levels of students and will be observed and given feedback by different trainers.
Do I need to do anything before the course starts?
When you have paid a deposit to save a place on the course, you will be sent a pre‐course task to complete before the course starts. This task takes about 13 hours and starts you thinking about things like phonology, terminology and concepts of learning.
Can the centre help me find a job afterwards?
Not on a formal basis. However, we are constantly contacted by schools in Italy and abroad that are looking for teachers and we make this information accessible to trainees who can then contact the schools directly. Trainees who successfully complete the course do not have difficulty finding teaching positions.
CELTYL
Do I need to have experience of teaching younger learners?
Not for the four‐week CELTYL course although you it would be a good idea to have some experience for the two‐week CELTYL extension course.
How long does the course last?
The CELTYL extension course involves a one‐day orientation followed by two weeks of seminars and teaching practice.
How old are the children I have to teach?
The course we offer covers the 8‐10 and 10‐13 age rage.
Is there a final exam?
No. There is continuous assessment, which means that you are assessed on all aspects of the course, from the beginning to the end. To pass the course you need to show that you have made improvement in the following areas: teaching, written assignments, ability to self‐assess and ability to work as part of a group.
DELTA
How much experience do I need before I can do the course?
Applicants must have an initial ELT qualification, such as CELTA, two years’ wide-ranging teaching experience with large classes and preferably be currently teaching classes in a language school.
What type of experience do I need?
It is preferable to have experience with different levels of students, including advanced levels, and with students of different nationalities.
How long does the course last?
The DELTA course involves 3 modules. The first lasts 16 weeks. The second requires 200 hours of face to face/guided/self study. The third module has no time limit.
Is there a final exam?
There is an exam at the end of module one.
Is the certification separate for each module?
Yes. Each module is awarded a separate certificate: On completion of all three modules you will be awarded a single certificate to state completion of the full DELTA.
Can I take the three modules all at once?
Yes. At International House Rome we have the summer break between modules one and two. Module three can be taken whenever you prefer.
Can I do only one module at your centre?
Absolutely! We believe that the modular format needs to be respected at all costs.
