Are Tefl Courses Worth It

Online TEFL courses come in many shapes and sizes and their popularity continues to grow year after year. The convenience of being able to study in your own time from wherever you are in the world is one of the biggest attractions of this form of study, as is the relatively low cost. However, before you make a final decision on which type of course suits you best, it is advisable to have all the facts to hand. The subjects covered in our 120-hour online TEFL course and our in-class TEFL courses are virtually identical. The one area that clearly separates the two versions is observed teaching practice (OTP). Our in-class courses include extensive time in a real classroom where you can practice your teaching skills under the guidance of experienced trainers. As a consequence, in-class...  [Read more]

Although the market for TEFL qualified teachers is very strong in many countries, you might find that there is a lot of competition for each available job in the more sought after locations. If your plan is to head to a popular destination overseas, then you might want to consider completing a higher level of TEFL certification before you start applying for jobs. When it comes to the different levels of TEFL certification, it is important to understand that there is no one framework that encompasses the whole EFL teaching world. Some countries such as the USA, the UK, and Australia have their own system, as do other regions, teaching organizations, and some course providers. However, most course level frameworks are based on the same common factors such as the type of certification, the...  [Read more]

Anyone who is thinking about teaching English abroad has most likely received a response along the lines of "Oh, how fun, but what will you do when you get back?" Some people believe that teaching English as a foreign language is not a "real job" but rather something that people do to pay off student debt or simply for fun before settling down into a "normal" job and lifestyle. Many people decide to teach English abroad for these reasons, but there are also many who have made a successful and lucrative career out of it. Yes, you can pursue a long-term career as an EFL teacher. For the vast majority of people who travel abroad to teach English, it all begins with a simple desire to see some of the world while earning some money. After a while, many people realize that they enjoy and are...  [Read more]

If you are thinking about teaching English in the short term, during a gap year break or just for a brief change of scenery, then a single 120-hour TEFL certification course will probably be enough to get you where you want to be. However, if your teaching plans are more long term or you simply want the best possible start to life in an EFL classroom, then you might want to consider taking advantage of a TEFL course bundle. At ITTT we offer a range of course packages that provide a thorough and in-depth introduction to the English language teaching world, as well as providing the very best value for money currently available on the market. This two course package is a great choice if you are particularly interested in teaching English in a virtual classroom. You start your training with...  [Read more]

Many trainees wonder if a 120-hour TEFL certificate is adequate to teach in a classroom or online when looking for a teaching position. It may not appear to be enough time to become a competent teacher, but we guarantee that it is possible. Most ESL employers and schools will want you to complete at least 120 hours of training before applying for their vacant jobs. Some employers may even require that you have some classroom experience alongside the 120 hours of study. There are various TEFL courses available that contain this number of study hours, as well as some level of classroom practice, making them ideal for jobs that require experience. A 120-hour TEFL course is a training program for English speakers who want to teach English in a foreign country or online. "120 hours" means that...  [Read more]

It doesn’t matter whether you choose an in-class TEFL course or an online course, the skills and knowledge gained during an ITTT course will never expire. Successfully completing an ITTT course results in an academic qualification that is valid for life. Trainees of ITTT’s online courses complete regular assessments throughout the course to test their understanding of the course material. A further written summative task is the final task of each course. While your certificate won't expire, it isn't uncommon for teachers to feel the need to improve or refresh their skills. One option is to take a 120-hour online TEFL course to refresh your knowledge. Another option is to take one of our short specialized TEFL courses to extend your skills in a particular area of teaching. There are...  [Read more]

Although it is natural to be a little apprehensive before taking a TEFL/TESOL course, there is no need to get overly anxious or concerned. As long as you are enthusiastic, prepared to put in the hours and are open to new ideas, you should have no problem successfully completing the training. However, there are a few things you can do in the run up to your training course to ensure that it is a smooth process that ends with that all important certificate in your hand. If you take an online course, you will be able to set your own amount of study hours and choose when you do them. In this case, it is important to plan a study schedule and keep to it if you want to complete the course in the time frame you need. Write up a calendar with weekly goals that you can realistically stick to....  [Read more]

TEFL courses are designed to give you all the skills and knowledge you need to start a new career teaching English as a foreign language. Once you have completed a TEFL course and received your TEFL certificate you will be able to apply for a wide range of jobs in countries across the world. Before you choose a TEFL course you should be fully aware of all the course options available to ensure you make the right choice to suit your future plans. Deciding which TEFL course suits your individual learning style, your current situation and your future plans can be difficult as there is no standard length of training or a fixed syllabus that providers have to adhere to. The best advice we can give is don?t simply choose the cheapest or the first option you come across as it may not be...  [Read more]

When selecting a TEFL course, it is best to narrow your focus to the courses that will give you the best chance to achieve your goals. TEFL qualified teachers are employed in a range of roles. Most notably, teaching children in a school setting, teaching business English at a language center, working as a private tutor, or teaching English online. Keeping your options open is a good approach, but it isn't for everyone. Understandably, some teachers limit their options to employment in a specific area or to the flexibility of online teaching jobs. If you wish to teach English via a virtual platform, it is advisable to complete a qualification which includes specific certification in teaching English online. Identifying the type of students that you would like to teach can also impact...  [Read more]

Deciding which TEFL course suits your individual learning style, your current situation and your future plans can be difficult as there is no standard length of training or a fixed syllabus that providers have to adhere to. The best advice we can give is don't simply choose the cheapest or the first option you come across as it may not be suitable for your needs. You should spend time researching what employers expect from job applicants in the countries where you would like to work, as well as any official requirements for work permits and visas etc. Finally you should also research the course provider to ensure they have a good reputation amongst their graduates. The overall length of the course is a good place to start. There are many providers who offer short format online courses...  [Read more]

As there is no standard content or fixed length required for a TEFL certification course, individual providers are free to design their own courses and set whatever fees they see fit. The best advice is not to choose a course simply because it is the cheapest one available. Yes, you can find TEFL courses on discount websites for as little US$49 but will they be accepted by employers in the region that you want to work in? And will they properly prepare you for life in a real classroom? If you want to ensure that the answer to these questions is YES then you should look a little deeper than just the price. In-class TEFL courses usually involve 4-weeks of intensive training that comprehensively covers the most important aspects of English language teaching. During the course you will...  [Read more]

  Natalia took the 120-hour online TEFL course with tutor support and videos with ITTT. In this TEFL review, Natalia tells us she successfully completed the course and went on to complete the Certificate in Teaching English to Young Learners. Natalia found that both courses covered a variety of teaching techniques which will help her in her future teaching career. The videos that come with the tutor support course were very useful for Natalia especially as she is not a native speaker of English. Below you can read feedback from an ITTT graduate regarding one section of their online TEFL certification course. Each of our online courses is broken down into concise units that focus on specific areas of English language teaching. This convenient, highly structured design means that you...  [Read more]

The world of English language teaching is well known for its love of acronyms and unfortunately this can lead to a large amount of confusion amongst potential teachers, as well as those with plenty of experience in the field. Websites for course providers, job boards, recruitment programs, and any other teaching related information you might look at are likely to be littered with acronyms, including TEFL, tesol, and CELTA. So what is the difference between these terms? Short for Teaching English as a Foreign Language, TEFL is probably the most common acronym you will come across when conducting research for teaching English abroad. TEFL does not refer to a single training program, certification, or program provider but is simply a catch-all term for training courses and certification...  [Read more]

Within the TEFL world there is no standardized content or set course length, which allows providers to offer any style of course they want at whatever price they see fit. When choosing the right option to suit you it is best not to simply go for the cheapest one available as it may not be of sufficient quality or depth to satisfy potential employers in the country you wish to work in. Also, cheap courses are unlikely to provide suitable preparation for starting a new career as an EFL teacher. To give yourself the best start to a new life teaching English abroad it is recommended that you consider more than just the initial cost of the TEFL certification course. In-class TEFL courses usually involve 4-weeks of intensive training that comprehensively covers the most important aspects of...  [Read more]

In order to allow potential trainees to compare different courses, many countries, organizations and TEFL course providers have developed their own course-level framework. At ITTT our framework currently runs from level 3 to level 7, covering our full selection of TEFL certification courses. On this scale it is generally agreed that a level 4 course is the minimum level expected by employers who are trying to fill vacancies for mainstream entry-level EFL teaching jobs. However, many trainees choose to start their teaching career with a higher level of training. A level 5 TEFL course will give you a genuine headstart on most other first-time teachers and allow you to apply for a wider range of jobs. A level 5 TEFL course on the ITTT scale is the equivalent of a standard CELTA certification...  [Read more]

We can start with two sayings: 1) These is no such thing as a free lunch And 2) You get what you pay for With these two things in mind let us explore what free TEFL certificates are available and the problems that may be associated with them. This is becoming more common with online courses in all subjects across the curriculum. You are able to take a course for free (or at a minimal cost) but there is no certificate issued with the course. You are then offered certificate options from a PDF emailed version to full hard copy certificate with postage. When you add the certification cost you find it is similar to buying a regular course which has the certificate and regular postage already paid for in the price. There are some legitimate free TEFL courses available as well as many not so...  [Read more]

  Tori is an American living in Japan. Tori took the 120-hour online TEFL course and in this TEFL review, she discusses her experience of teaching English in Japan and studying with ITTT. Teaching English in Japan has challenged Tori to think about the English language in ways she may not have previously considered and by taking the course with ITTT she has been able to better understand ways of explaining things to students in a clear and simple manner. Below you can read feedback from an ITTT graduate regarding one section of their online TEFL certification course. Each of our online courses is broken down into concise units that focus on specific areas of English language teaching. This convenient, highly structured design means that you can quickly get to grips with each...  [Read more]

When it comes to the validity of an individual course it is not really the method of study that is the main issue, it is the overall quality of the course itself. Whether you complete your TEFL training online or via an in-class course is in many ways unimportant. What is really important is the quality of the training that leads to the TEFL qualification awarded. Essentially, the validity of a TEFL qualification is based on the standard of the course and not the method of study. A good quality TEFL course should include a number of essential topics relating to the theory of language teaching, teaching methodology, classroom management techniques, as well as a range of grammar subjects. However, as it is almost impossible to judge an individual course by its syllabus alone, how can you...  [Read more]

Join a TEFL training course in England with ITTT and you will discover a diverse country where ancient castles, rolling green hills and dynamic modern cities combine to make this a truly fascinating place to visit. Our TEFL course in England will also give you the unique opportunity to learn how to teach the English language in the country of its birth. Despite its small size, England has one of the most eventful and rich histories of any country in the world. For its many visitors the country stirs up an eagerness to explore both its charming cities and its verdant landscape. When combined with the country’s other outstanding features: the energetic nightlife, the hearty food, and the diversity within the country, you can understand its allure as a destination for TEFL courses and...  [Read more]

Demand for TEFL qualified teachers is very strong in many parts of the world, which is why our TEFL courses are open to anyone who has a solid grasp of the English language. However, in order to successfully complete the course and go on to find a good quality teaching job you will need to put in some hard work and be willing to embrace new ideas and techniques. First and foremost, anyone thinking about earning their TEFL certification with ITTT needs to be enthusiastic, motivated and determined as every course requires a considerable amount of commitment in terms of both time and effort. If you are fully committed to becoming an English language teacher, either at home or abroad, then you should have little trouble successfully completing the course and becoming a qualified EFL...  [Read more]

Choosing a TEFL certification course can be a difficult decision as there is no standardized duration of training or a fixed syllabus for providers to adhere to. This seemingly free-for-all situation means there are a multitude of companies offering a wide range of courses of varying quality. The good news is there are several long established TEFL course providers out there who do offer high quality courses that provide all the skills and knowledge you need to start a new career as an EFL teacher. The overall length of the course is a good place to start. There are many providers who offer short format online courses of 40 hours or even less, as well as in-class courses that can be completed in one weekend visit. Whilst these courses will give you an introduction to EFL teaching, they...  [Read more]

There is no simple answer to this question as it depends entirely on which type of TEFL course you choose to study. At ITTT we have a range of courses that are designed to suit the various needs of our trainees, each with its own time scale for completion. Online courses are often the quickest route towards TEFL certification. If you are in a real hurry a course such as our 60-hour introduction to TEFL may be a good choice as you can conceivably complete it in as little as five days. Even those who prefer to study at a slower rate should find they can complete the course within one month. However, it is worth remembering that the majority of employers worldwide insist on job applicants having a TEFL certificate of at least 100 hours. If you want to ensure you meet the criteria of...  [Read more]

Our TEFL certification course in the Philippines gives you the opportunity to learn how to teach English in a country made up of over 7,000 different islands. The Philippines is a beautiful archipelago, brimming with friendly people and a rich culture. Its many popular features include marvellous beaches, a wealth of wildlife, and a varied and exciting night life. During your TEFL course you can enjoy some of the best SCUBA diving and snorkelling in the world, indulge in the delicious and inexpensive local cuisine, and participate in the country’s many lively festivals. Attending a TEFL course in the Philippines is sure to be an experience you will never forget. For those interested in training and working in the Philippines, it is worth noting that English is a widely spoken national...  [Read more]

These acronyms are used when referring to training courses that English language teachers undertake, as well as the certification they receive upon completion. TEFL stands for Teaching English as a Foreign Language and tesol stands for Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages. As these terms are essentially the same, they are often used interchangeably, however, TEFL is most commonly used within the UK and tesol is usually preferred in the USA. Although some countries may favor one acronym over the other, it is important to remember that a TEFL certification and a tesol certification are exactly the same thing as the training involved is identical. Although TEFL and tesol training courses are identical and the acronyms are generally used interchangeably, there is a technical...  [Read more]

ITTT is proud to offer Ireland’s best TEFL training course. Located in the city of Limerick, our centre’s facilities are modern and our staff are well-qualified to provide you with the training you need to begin teaching EFL. All course participants are also eligible to receive our wonderful job support service, so finding a paid position after you complete your course shouldn’t be a problem. Whether in Ireland, the neighbouring UK, Europe, or just about anywhere else in the world, we will help you secure a great TEFL job. Besides some TEFL jobs at private language schools, positions are also available at many universities and colleges around the country. However, jobs are often only available during the summer holiday months. It is also worth noting that if you hold a passport from...  [Read more]

Although this is a common question, it is hard to answer as it depends on which course you choose to take. There are a wide variety of TEFL courses available, both online and in-class, and some that are a mixture of the two, and every one has its own average completion time. At ITTT we have developed a range of TEFL course options of varying length, difficulty, and study method to ensure there is something to suit every individual situation. TEFL courses are typically classified by the average number of hours they take to complete and if you look online you will find some courses advertised at around 50 hours or even less. If you have no other commitments and are able to study every day, it would be possible to finish this type of course in less than a week. However, it is worth noting...  [Read more]

If you are bored with the everyday grind and want a new life that is full of travel and adventure, TEFL could be the perfect option for you. First you need to choose the right TEFL course to suit your situation and then work your way through the training. Once you have completed the course and you have your TEFL certificate in hand you will be ready to head overseas to start work as an English language teacher in the country of your choice. These acronyms are used when referring to training courses that English language teachers undertake, as well as the certification they receive upon completion. TEFL stands for Teaching English as a Foreign Language and TESOL stands for Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages. As these terms are essentially the same, they are often used...  [Read more]

  Although sceptical at first, Elias found his 120-hour TEFL course with ITTT to be well designed with plenty of support offered online. In this TEFL review describes how, although finding the course challenging at time, he found it well worth the effort and would recommend the course to anybody. Below you can read feedback from an ITTT graduate regarding one section of their online TEFL certification course. Each of our online courses is broken down into concise units that focus on specific areas of English language teaching. This convenient, highly structured design means that you can quickly get to grips with each section before moving onto the next. This last unit was very helpful in that it covered common problems in the classroom, and solutions to those problems....  [Read more]

  In this TEFL review video trainee Amy talks about her experiences with TEFL in China. Regardless of the course or the course location ITTT offers quality, professional training and you will be given the skills and tools you need to begin your exciting career teaching English abroad. Below you can read feedback from an ITTT graduate regarding one section of their online TEFL certification course. Each of our online courses is broken down into concise units that focus on specific areas of English language teaching. This convenient, highly structured design means that you can quickly get to grips with each section before moving onto the next. Rapport between the teacher and students (and between the students themselves) plays an important part in determining if a class...  [Read more]

  This video covers the difference between 'aisle' and 'isle'. As these two words have a similar pronunciation and spelling, their usage is often confused. The word 'aisle' is a noun and describes a passage between rows of seats in a church, in a theater, an airplane or between shelves in a supermarket. A suitable example sentece for the word 'aisle' would be: The aisle was crowded with people looking for seats. The word 'isle' is also a noun but has a very different meaning. It usually refers to a small island, such as here: The pirates were in search of the lost isle for buried treasure. As you can see, once you know the meanings of the two words, you will not confuse them as their meanings are very different. Below you can read feedback from an ITTT graduate regarding one...  [Read more]