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
  • Recognise how cultural, linguistic, and individual learning preferences influence the language learning process, and apply this understanding in lesson design.
  • Understand English grammar, lexis, phonology, and key terminology, and apply this knowledge in planning and teaching.
  • Apply principles of lesson planning to design and implement lessons that address different learner needs and contexts.
  • Understand key concepts for teaching reading, listening, speaking, and writing, and apply these effectively to support skills development.
  • Organise classrooms and learning processes effectively, including group work, differentiation strategies, and progress monitoring.
  • Select and use a range of materials, resources, and digital or AI-assisted tools to support effective teaching and learning.
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 Spring course 2026:

In-person course in Basel:
Thurs 09 April, Fri 10 Apr & Sat 11 Apr, Fri 17 Apr & Sat 18 Apr, Fri 24 Apr & Sat 25 Apr,
Fri 01 May – no course; Sat 02 May – course day, Fri 08 May & Sat 09 May
Break: Fri 15 May & Sat 16 May (no course)

Online course via Zoom:
Fri 22 May & Sat 23 May, Fri 29 May & Sat 30 May, Fri 05 Jun & Sat 06 Jun, Fri 12 Jun & Sat 13 Jun, Fri 19 Jun & Sat 20 Jun

Registration deadline: Monday, 9 March 2026

Autumn course 2026:

In-person course in Basel:
Fri 09 Oct & Sat 10 Oct, Fri 16 Oct & Sat 17 Oct, Fri 23 Oct & Sat 24 Oct, Fri 30 Oct & Sat 31 Oct, Fri 06 Nov & Sat 07 Nov

Online course via Zoom:
Fri 13 Nov & Sat 14 Nov, Fri 20 Nov & Sat 21 Nov, Fri 27 Nov & Sat 28 Nov, Fri 04 Dec & Sat 05 Dec, Fri 11 Dec & Sat 12 Dec

Registration deadline: Mon 7 September 2026

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, Steinentorstrasse 30, 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