School Details - Chicago
Convenient to all public transportation, the center is only few minutes to the Red line on Lake, Brown/Orange/Pink/Purple/Green lines at Madison/Walbash or Blue line at Washington. The school is close to such key landmarks as the art deco Chicago Board of Trade, The Rookery Building and the LaSalle Street Bridge, which crosses the river onto Chicago’s North Side. And being in such a central location, there are many additional attractions close by, including restaurants and shops, parks and sights, museums and more.
Course Description
The Cambridge CELTA
The Cambridge CELTA (Certificate of English Language Teaching for Adults) course is the most internationally-recognized ESL teacher training course across the world and is highly regarded by employers in the U.S. and overseas. It is a hands-on practical course that equips trainees with the necessary skills to teach a range of lessons to students from an infinite variety of cultures.
The staff at this centre are nothing short of professional, courteous and accommodating, and they have extensive experience teaching in the U.S. and around the world, making them ready to help you find your dream job and location.
Our course caters to a range of clients. We have trainees with little or no ESL teaching experience who wish to gain the skills needed to enter the profession. We also work with trainees who have teaching experience (in or outside of ESL) and who want to further develop their skills and techniques in teaching ESL students.
We also train people who have taught ESL for a long time but are finding that they are missing out on certain job opportunities because of lack of certification.
A main component of the course is hands-on practice teaching genuine ESL students in the classroom and also receiving immediate feedback from professional trainers. You will work in small groups with five or six other trainees and one tutor. This low ratio of trainee/tutor interaction ensures you will get the individual attention necessary to fully implement and master the skills covered on the course.
You will also have the opportunity to teach two different levels of language learners. Each lesson is discussed with the tutor beforehand and is immediately followed with professional feedback to ensure that you are given the opportunity to reflect, make changes and progress as much as possible during the course.
Our student body comes from a range of countries around the world which ensures you get the opportunity to meet and teach a variety of different nationalities.
You will also observe experienced teachers, attend practical seminars on language, methodology and language learners, as well as complete four assignments that focus on applied skills.
During the course, you will be informed of your progress by written and oral feedback.
All of our courses are externally assessed by an assessor appointed by the University of Cambridge which ensures the very highest quality training and also the accreditation desired and sought out by your future employers.
Our course candidates are a diverse mixture ranging from recent college graduates to those looking for a second (or third) career to those who are retired or just looking for a few part-time hours teaching or volunteering. Usually candidates have a degree, but undergraduates will be considered, as will those with equivalent life experience.
The minimum age is usually 20, though exceptions can be made for qualified, mature individuals. There is no upper age limit.
The DELTA Course
Please contact us for further information, if you would like to take the DELTA Course available at our school in New York.
Accommodation Options
'Just Passing Through' Extended stay studio suites
Only a short commute from our school in Chicago, 'Just Passing Through’ is a great option for CELTA trainees who are coming to Chicago without a car. This hotel is especially designed for short stay guests; these tastefully furnished apartment-style accommodations will make you feel right at home.
Each studio is equipped with a fully functioning kitchen, internet, cable television, spacious closet, ceiling fans, AC. All guests will also have access to on-site laundry (open 24 hours – laundry card included), rooftop sundeck with lake view.
Monthly rates: Oct-March: $1,450. April-Sept: $1,550 (plus $39.95 administration fee).
Summer books up quickly - so reserve your spot early!
Note: for price, location and quality, this is a good option.
Hosteling international Chicago
Hostelling International Chicago is located in the center of downtown Chicago and in the heart of Chicago's thriving university district. HI-Chicago is very close to Lake Michigan and within walking distance of Millennium Park, Buckingham Fountain, the Art Institute, Field Museum and Shedd Aquarium.
Amenities include:
• wireless internet
• free breakfast
• kitchen access
• in-room vanities
• bed linens and towels supplied
• private or shared bathroom
All rooms are non-smoking. This is the cheapest and most basic of the accommodation options that we offer. Prices vary depending on season. Hostelling International Chicago is located within two blocks of the blue, orange and red line subway stops at Harrison / Jackson.
4-week bookings available in low-season (October-April) but must be booked through the training center. During high-season, only 2-week bookings are available.
Loyola Summer Housing
In you are planning on doing your CELTA certification during the summer months this is a good low-cost option.
Fully furnished rooms on Loyola University's Roger's Park campus.
Private room with shared bathroom: $1,200/30 days
Private room with private bathroom: $1,350/30 days
CLUB QUARTERS
Club Quarters are full service hotels for private use by guests and employees of member companies.
Club Quarters are located in Chicago at Wacker, Michigan.
Amenities include:
• Free High speed internet access
• Free use of a computer and network printing
• Private Club Room with complimentary coffee, newspaper, magazines and games
• Free chilled, purified bottled water
• Cable/Satellite TV
• Fitness room at all locations
Club Quarters os a one-stop shop,with services including hotel rooms for short or long-term stays, studio corporate apartments as well as offices in some locations.
HOLIDAY INN CHICAGO
Downtown, dependable and conveniently located near the campus, as well as prominent area attractions. Situated just off I-290 on South Canal Street, this downtown Holiday Inn is ideal for 1-month stays, allowing you to relax in comfort whilst studying for your CELTA.
As you would expect from this hotel chain, amenities include free Wi-Fi access, private bathroom, 32-inch LCD TV and all of the regular mod-cons. In addition, these rooms feature a comfortable triple-sheeted bed with a pillow top mattress. With a workspace and a desk. All rooms have private bathroom.
As this is a hotel, it is not a cheap option.
Home Stay Options
Chicago Homestay
A private room in shared accommodation. Sheets, towels and continental breakfast are provided as well as access to communal areas, bathroom and kitchen. Please note this is not a hotel or “bed and breakfast” option, but a clean room with a local family or individual. It is a basic option, but a popular one.
Timetable
Monday - Friday: 9.00am - 6pm
Customer Feedback
- One of the most rewarding experiences of my life. The sheer volume of knowledge acquired and the hands-on practice has been invaluable.
- It is rewarding to see the marked improvement in each trainee. The tutors are the backbone of this course, and Colleen and Heather told us the truth about how we could improve while still supporting us as persons.
- A challenging course, learned a lot, and was impressed by the course overall.
- Heather and Colleen made the course for me! They were incredible!
- Very convenient to have the center open early before class as well as later after class. Facilities--easy to get to, ample space and great location in general.
Help for Jobs
Job placement assistance is included free of charge for all successful trainees of our training courses.
We aim to get each trainee an ESL job in the country of their choosing.
This process starts when our trainees complete a resume at the start of the course. Tutors and trainees then work together during the course to develop their resumes while our administrative staff works with our network of partner schools in Latin America, Asia and Europe to organize interviews.
How to Apply
1. Choose the start date which interests you.
2. Register your details with Cactus TEFL (1 minute) to help us track your application.
3. Download the application form and save it on your computer.
4. Complete it offline in your own time
5. Go back to www.cactustefl.com, sign in and submit your completed form.
You can also submit an application by email. We will explain how to do this on the application form. Please contact us if you have any problems with the application procedure.
