<p>Hello,</p>
<p>I’m curious as to whether or not anyone knows if it’s possible to take out a student loan or something of the sort in order to finance a TEFL program, such as the CELTA. Any input or help would be great.</p>
<p>Thanks!</p>
<p>Anyone? 10char</p>
<p>You would need a US co-signer to get a loan from an American bank. What about loans from your home country?</p>
<p>I am from the US. ESL, TEFL, and CELTA are all terms for various programs which certify you to teach English abroad.</p>
<p>Ah, sorry, never mind. I am much more active in the international student forum and my brain immediately jumped to “foreign student inquiring about ESL classes.” My apologies!</p>
<p>I thougth it was inexpensive to get certified?</p>
<p>Are you a current undergrad? Or post grad seeking additional training? </p>
<p>All of the ELL teacher training scholarships & grants I’m familiar with are for people who plan to teach in the US.</p>
<p>However, it appears that a federal student loan is available for those studying in a recognized, certificate-granting college-based teacher training program. </p>
<p>Dependent students are eligible for up to $5500 in Stafford loans, with lifetime aggregate limit of $5500. (Meaning the loan is one year only thing.)</p>
<p>Independent students are eligible for up to $5500 in Stafford loans and up to another $7000 in other loans (Grad Plus?) The aggregate lifetime limit is $12,500. (Meaning the loan is a one year only thing.)</p>
<p>[FinAid</a> | Loans | Student Loans](<a href=“Your Guide for College Financial Aid - Finaid”>Student Loans - Finaid)</p>
<p>You should check with FA dept of the program you’re thinking of enrolling in for complete details and to ascertain your eligibility for loans.</p>
<p>@barium: No worries.</p>
<p>@WayOutWestMom: I’ve just graduated high school. It’s been a dream of mine since sophomore year to take a year off prior to entering college to teach English abroad.</p>
<p>@MidwestMom: Online certifications are relatively cheap (about $400 seems to be the average), but the legitimacy, and certainly the quality, of the organizations offering them is often suspect and you don’t get the benefits of hands-on teaching experience. Well established programs, such as the CELTA, can run upwards of $1500-2000. My parents aren’t necessarily supportive of this endeavor, and I don’t just have 2 grand for tuition, plus funds for food and lodging, easily accessible.</p>
<p>Thanks for the replies.</p>
<p>You should send a PM to fiona_ She completed a CELTA course in Vietnam and did some teaching between high school and college. She may have good ideas for you about where to study and to find work.</p>
<p>There are few paying English teaching jobs for high school graduates. Most places want at least some college. CELTA is probably your best option for a short course, but there won’t be any financial aid available, and it isn’t the sort of training that qualifies for student loans. If your parents can’t help you pay for it, are they willing to let you live at home for free while you work and save up your own money for the course and living expenses?</p>
<p>You also should look around where you live, and see if there are any local agencies that offer TESL and/or GED teacher training. Those organizations may also be able to help you find some paying work in your area.</p>
<p>Wishing you all the best!</p>
<p>Okay, I will shoot her a PM. Thanks.</p>