Train as a CELTA English teacher

The ‘Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages’ (CELTA) is a highly regarded training programme for English teachers and provides a grounding in the principles of effective language teaching. The unique combination of theory and practice gives you the expert knowledge you require plus wide-ranging teaching experience – the perfect basis to enable you to teach the English language competently in a range of contexts.

CELTA is recognised internationally and opens doors to prestigious language schools around the world.

At Academia Languages, you will find a people-centred, friendly atmosphere and highly motivated trainers who are approved and accredited by Cambridge Assessment English, ensuring a consistently high standard throughout.

Title CELTA (Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages)
Target group
  • People who want to work as an English teacher
  • People who are looking for a career change or career break
  • People already teaching English without formal training
Course content
  • Language analysis and language awareness
  • Learners, teachers and learning contexts
  • Language skills: reading and listening comprehension, speaking, writing
  • Lesson planning and resources for effective teaching
  • Competent classroom management
  • Developing teaching skills and professionalism
  • Classroom observation
  • Teaching practice, feedback and assisted lesson planning
Is CELTA the right course for you?
  • You are at least 18 years of age
  • You are a native speaker of English or have a near-native level of English (IELTS 8 or level C2)
  • You have completed secondary education to the equivalent level of the Swiss Sek II
  • Exemptions are possible for individuals with relevant work experience
Number of participants Maximum of 12
Due to the demands of the course and in the interest of the candidates, a selection procedure is in place. This comprises submission of an application form, pre-interview tasks and an interview.
Length of course At least 120 contact hours and approximately 80–100 hours of independent learning and preparation.
Course dates Autumn course 2025:
In-person: 10.10. – 08.11.2025
Online via Zoom: 14.11. – 13.12.2025

Both courses will be offered as hybrid courses, combining classroom teaching in Basel and an online component covering teaching practice as well as input.

The mixed-mode format of this CELTA course offers an optimal combination of face-to-face and online teaching and learning. Trainees deliver their teaching practice lessons both in person in a classroom as well as in an online learning environment. Input workshops also take place both in person and online. This combination of learning and teaching formats enhances trainees’ skills and prepares them comprehensively and in a state-of-the-art way for professional life as a teacher.
Course location Academia Languages, Schifflände 3, 4051 Basel, Switzerland
Price CHF 3,750.-
Contact Antoinette Breutel O’Donoghue
Director Academia Languages

+41 58 440 90 90
Certificate of completion Candidates who meet all of the assessment criteria will be awarded a CELTA certificate. The course is assessed; there is no final exam. Both teaching practice and written assignments are assessed.

Teaching practice
Candidates teach for a total of six hours – both online and in person working with adult classes at a minimum of two different levels. Assessment is based on overall performance and personal learning progress during the course.

Written assignments
Candidates submit four written assignments (each 750–1,000 words).
Inquiry CELTA