Palermo, Italy
Why is CELTA so valuable?
Three out of four English language teaching jobs require a CELTA qualification* making this course the gold standard if you want a job in TEFL. The CELTA (Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) is the world’s most widely-recognised qualification for teaching English.
It is highly regarded globally by organisations which employ English language teachers. With a CELTA you can start a life-changing career helping students, and open the door to a world of possibilities.
It is a qualification from Cambridge Assessment English, which is part of the University of Cambridge.
*Source: Cambridge Assessment English website.
About the school
IH Palermo Language Centre is located in the very heart of Palermo, making it an easy commute from all areas of the city, as well as a great base from which to explore wider Sicily and beyond.
We have a long history of excellence in both language teaching and in teacher training. Beginning in 1975, the school’s long standing aim of raising the level of English across Palermo, and the quality of English language teaching throughout Sicily, has gone from strength to strength with every year.
Each year, we welcome both local and international candidates onto our well-established teacher training courses, including CELTA, IHCYLT and TKT CLIL. Our candidates enjoy the friendly atmosphere of the school, with great opportunities to work alongside our experienced teacher trainers, dedicated in-house teachers and supportive administrative staff. Not to mention the chance to take time out to relax in our courtyard garden!
Palermo, the capital of Sicily, is a buzzing Mediterranean port filled with architectural wonders, world-renowned street food and welcoming locals. During the day, you can explore the bustling fresh-produce markets, the grandeur of the historical centre or the 1.5km-stretch of fine white sandy beach at Mondello, before the city comes alive in the evening with street bars, cafes and live music.
An amazing sea landscape, the great warm-heartedness of its inhabitants and an almost perfect warm mediterranean climate, makes Palermo an ideal place to be at any time of the year.
Over centuries, many different cultures have left their mark throughout the island of Sicily. In Palermo the influence of these civilizations can be seen in different architectural styles and traditions – Greek, Byzantine, Norman, Arabic, and Spanish. The Arabic influence can also be felt in the cuisine, which means we have all the benefits of traditional Italian food, but also our own arancini and sfincione.
Palermo is Sicily’s largest city and is one of the largest in the Mediterranean. We have a great cultural vitality and beautiful theatres – the world-famous Massimo Theatre is the 3rd largest in Europe!
If you want to explore out of the city, there are plenty of stunning beaches and beautiful hills and mountains in no distance at all.
Palermo Airport is just out of the city and there are train and bus connections to the city centre every 15 minutes. The 101 bus stops in front of via Q. Sella – where we are! There is a new metro stop about to open in Piazza Castelnuovo and the Airport bus stops in piazza Politeama (in front of Prada).
There are numerous bars and cafés throughout the city – it is Italy after all! The most typical place is Di Martino, 2 minutes walk from the school. The nearest small supermarket is in via Libertà, near the traffic lights. You can get a meal with pasta and a soft drink from between €5 and €15.
Accommodation
We can provide accommodation for you if you would like. We recommend staying with a host family, or in an independent mini-flats or bedsit. Alternatively, you can arrange your own, but we are happy to help with advice on the best locations.
Depending on what you choose, you should budget to spend between €150 and €300 per week.
