Tefl Certification Length

If you have been researching TEFL certification you will undoubtedly be aware that there are many different options on offer, with a wide range of training hours mentioned. Unfortunately, as there is little standardization within the TEFL world, individual course providers are at liberty to provide any format of training they see fit which can often make it confusing for potential trainees. So within this environment, how do you know which course is right for you? The first thing to consider is what do you want to achieve with your TEFL qualification? One ever-growing opportunity is to spend some time helping others in a developing part of the world by volunteering as an EFL teacher. In many areas there is a huge demand for qualified teachers to provide English language instruction...  [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]

EFL stands for English as a Foreign Language and is to almost all purposes the same as ESL, English as a Second Language. These two are also equivalent to ESOL which means, English to Speakers of Other Languages. For each of these terms, when we talk about the teaching of them, we add a ‘T’ to the front of each acronym and hence we arrive at the terms TEFL, TESL and TESOL. As they are basically the same we will refer to just one from here on, TEFL for the Teaching of English as a Foreign Language and EFL for English as a Foreign Language. Almost all TEFL teaching positions require a minimum qualification of a 100 to 120-hour TEFL certification. Courses provided to cover this certification are usually delivered by one of three methods, namely, onsite courses, online courses and combined...  [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]

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]

In order to be a regular subject teacher in a state school in most countries throughout the world a teaching degree is required. Such degrees are usually three or four years of study dedicated to gaining subject knowledge and teaching skills. The same two areas are covered in any TEFL or TESOL certification course, the timeframe however is greatly reduced. Typically a course may take 120-hours. The teaching of EFL is therefore fairly unique in that it offers you the opportunity to enter the teaching profession in a very short time, compared to the regular teacher training process. There are a number of ways in which TEFL certification can be obtained and these fall into three different categories. Online courses: As the name implies these courses are done via a computer or similar device....  [Read more]

If you are a full-time student or employee, figuring out when you will fit a brand new 120-hour TEFL certification into your schedule can be difficult (especially if you are looking at completing it on-site overseas). The good news is that you can take as long as you want to get your TEFL certification. Structured on-site TEFL courses have start and end dates, so determining how long it will take to complete a TEFL course is as simple as determining the program dates. However, our 120-hour TEFL course can be completed entirely online, thus giving you all the flexibility you need to make it happen on your own terms. As this course is self-paced, it really depends on your own personal learning style and the amount of spare time you have available to study. As a general guideline, the typical...  [Read more]

Navigating your way through the different TEFL certification options can be daunting. Luckily, we are here to shed some light on the different levels available for TEFL courses. The frameworks' general characteristics are often related to various factors, including the total number of hours spent studying, the certification type, if the program includes a practical component, and the method of study (full-time or part-time). A level 5 TEFL course is in the upper range of the framework, meaning it is among the more advanced TEFL certifications out there. A level 5 TEFL qualification is equivalent to a CELTA or Foundation Degree. This level is ideal for obtaining the top TEFL positions available. Whether online or abroad, better-paying TEFL jobs will be easier to find. A level 5...  [Read more]

Completing a TEFL certification course online has been a very popular option for some time as it is a much more convenient approach than an in-class course for many people. If you have any existing commitments that you cannot leave behind, such as work, study, or family, an online TEFL certification course provides a great way to get qualified while working from home in your own time. The other major benefit of an online course over an in-class course is the financial outlay. The bottom line is that an online TEFL certification course is an affordable route into teaching English as the course has far fewer overheads than a traditional classroom based course. There is no one straight answer to this question as TEFL courses tend to vary in length and difficulty, and therefore price. The...  [Read more]

During the past 10 years, more and more teachers have opted to gain their TEFL qualifications online. This was further accelerated due to the coronavirus pandemic and the subsequent restrictions placed on international travel and business practices. However, onsite TEFL training and hybrid type courses that combine online and in-class training are still viable options in many areas. The most commonly taken ESL teaching course is a 120-hour online TEFL certification course. Originally taught across 4 weeks in a classroom, the course content has been adapted into a popular online course by highly experienced TEFL trainers at ITTT. Access to our online courses is possible at any time of the night or day, from any location with an internet connection. Participants can work through the course...  [Read more]

The job market for ESL teachers in China is simply huge and there is no sign that it is going to slow down anytime soon. With a rapidly growing economy and upwards of 300 million students studying English, China offers countless opportunities for foreign teachers to earn a good salary and to save a considerable amount into the bargain. Throughout the country there are a large variety of jobs available with a wide range of salaries, however, first time teachers can reasonably expect to earn between 6000 RMB and 12000 RMB per month which equates to around $1000 to $2000 US dollars. On top of the basic salary, it is also common for teachers to receive free housing or a housing allowance, as well as paid airfare in and out of the country. These added extras, plus a cost of living that...  [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]

Once you have secured a place on one of our in-class TEFL certification courses you will receive extensive information regarding all aspects of the course, including accommodation. The course fee does not typically cover your accommodation, so you will need to factor the cost of housing for the four weeks of your training into your overall budget. Your options will vary from one location to the next, but you can rest assured that we only recommend accommodation providers that have been thoroughly checked for comfort and value for money. Details of our recommended options can be found on each individual course location page, however, below is a brief overview of the most common options available. One of the more common options is to stay in an apartment that is shared with other trainees on...  [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]

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]

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]

The United Arab Emirates is a fascinating country as up to 90% of the population is comprised of expatriates from all over the world. This unique environment provides a great opportunity for teaching English abroad as demand is very high, particularly in the major centers such as Dubai and Abu Dhabi. As the financial rewards are also famously high, competition for the best jobs can be particularly intense. Newly qualified teachers without classroom experience are unlikely to be successful, but those who do meet the criteria can expect to live very comfortably during their stay in the UAE. There are a wide variety of employment options throughout the country, all of which offer very competitive salaries. Monthly rates start in the region of 9,000 AED (currently $2,500 US), and rise to...  [Read more]

Most of Europe has a very strong demand for TEFL qualified teachers and there is usually a big queue of people hoping to take advantage of every vacant position. People from all parts of the world dream of living and working in the UK and many see teaching English as a way to achieve that dream. However, non-UK citizens need to consider a few things before booking a flight to London. There is plenty of demand for English language instruction across the UK as the country has relatively high levels of immigration and a significant refugee population. Government, private, and charity run organizations operate in many areas where they help newcomers and their families to improve their English skills so they can get by on a day to day basis. However, most of these positions will go to local...  [Read more]

TEFL related jobs are available in cities, towns and beach resorts in dozens of countries spread right across the world, but what is the best way to secure the right position for you? Unfortunately there is no simple answer as it varies from one region to the next. Here we look at the main job hunting strategies that you can use to find and land that dream job teaching English abroad. If you are looking for a job outside the country you are currently in, then using online searches is a common option. There are many jobs boards online that post available positions from countries worldwide. The majority of these jobs will be in regions where the demand for teachers is so high that employers are happy to hire teachers without the need for a face-to-face interview. These are most likely to...  [Read more]

  Before we go into looking at the actual receptive skills lesson, if we were thinking about what potential problems there could be in these lessons. So, what things could go wrong in a reading lesson? Well, firstly the students when they are reading in a language that is not their native language, they tend to read every word as a separate piece and by reading word to word it?s very difficult to get an overall impression of what that particular text is saying. Secondly, the sentence length in a lot of articles that we will get will be very long and many of our students will not be used to that structure of language. So, here it's important to have a think about the way in which the text has actually been written and will it be fairly easy to read. The final thing is the actual...  [Read more]

In just a few decades Qatar has grown from a largely unknown stretch of desert on the Persian Gulf, to the vibrant, international destination that it is today. The country is now a major travel hub that is developing rapidly, which goes some way to explaining why it has a huge expat population that makes up around 90% of its inhabitants. Although Qatar is a little less flashy than some others in the region, it is still a safe and comfortable place to live and work. Whatever job you choose you are likely to be teaching in a multicultural classroom that will be a great addition to your CV/resume. Like many countries in the Middle East, teachers are paid a very high salary in Qatar. Depending on the employer and your level of experience, a tax-free salary of between $2,000 and $4,000 USD...  [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]

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]

The Middle East continues to be one of the most popular regions for English language teachers as there are plenty of jobs on offer and the potential salaries are among the highest you will find anywhere in the world. Extra benefits such as paid airfares and free accommodation are also the norm in most cases. However, as the rewards are so good, the requirements and competition for each job is generally very high. There are a wide variety of employment options throughout the country, all of which offer very competitive salaries. Monthly rates start in the region of 9,000 AED (currently $2,500), and rise to over 20,000 AED ($5,500) for those with high levels of qualifications and classroom experience. In addition, most teaching jobs will also include a benefit package that typically...  [Read more]

As there is a strong demand for TEFL qualified teachers in many countries worldwide, most course graduates should have little trouble finding a suitable position. However, to maximise your chances of securing the best jobs there are a few things you should be aware of. Where you should look for work, how to apply for jobs, and how to prepare for that all important interview are all covered below. Among the many attractions of teaching English abroad is the fact that you are free to choose not only the region where you would like to work, but also the specific country or even city. For some teachers the history and culture of Europe appeals most, while others are drawn to exotic destinations across Asia or Latin America. However, before you book your plane tickets you need to be aware...  [Read more]

As a result of government restrictions and official requirements for visa applications, there are a variety of countries where it is hard for teachers to find a job without having a 4-year university degree on their CV/resume. However, if you are able to be flexible and are willing to look for employment in areas where the demand is high and restrictions are less rigorous, TEFL qualified teachers without a degree can still have several great destinations to choose from. To increase your chances of landing a position in the country of your choice, it is highly recommended that you first complete an internationally accredited TEFL certification course. Those who are TEFL qualified will find they have a big advantage over non-qualified teachers in most countries worldwide. Cambodia is...  [Read more]

Completing a TEFL certification course brings many benefits and one of the most popular is that you get to choose exactly which country or region you want to live and work in. As the demand for English language instruction is so strong in many parts of the world, there is never any shortage of job options for TEFL qualified teachers. From tropical countries in Asia to the cooler climes of Northern Europe, there will be something to suit everyone. Whether you prefer a bustling major city or something more off the beaten path, there is sure to be the perfect destination out there waiting for you. This vast continent is home to the largest number of TEFL jobs of any region in the world. Countries such as China, Japan, South Korea and Taiwan all have thriving markets for foreign teachers with...  [Read more]

There’s only a handful of cities in the world that truly deserve ‘must visit’ status and Hanoi is certainly one of them. While most people can only dream about a fleeting trip to Hanoi – if they’re lucky – ‘living like a local’ and working as EFL teacher in this magnificent city is a realistic proposition for anyone with a sense of adventure. Hanoi is Vietnam’s capital city and the seat of government. It’s noticeably smaller than Ho Chi Minh City in the south, but the pace of life is similarly frenetic. While Ho Chi Minh City is often referred to as Vietnam’s ‘engine room’, Hanoi is more of a ‘grand old lady’. It’s tough to pin down what makes Hanoi such a special place. Is it because there’s history, culture and art on display in seemingly every street...  [Read more]

Teaching English abroad is a great way to see the world and get paid while doing it, but what does it actually involve? Before you buy a plane ticket and jet off across the world it is a good idea to research as much as possible about TEFL qualifications, the possible restrictions you might encounter when applying for jobs, and the long term prospects this path might lead to. Here we look at the answers to all these questions and 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...  [Read more]

What does TEFL mean?    The acronym TEFL stands for Teaching English as a Foreign Language. It is commonly used to refer to training courses that almost anyone can take to learn the skills and knowledge required to teach English to non-native speakers in countries all over the world. What is the difference between TESOL and TEFL?    TEFL stands for Teaching English as a Foreign Language and TESOL stands for Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages. These descriptions are generally used interchangeably, however, TESOL is more common in the USA and TEFL is more common in the UK. Do I need a TEFL certificate to teach abroad?    Although it is possible to teach abroad without a TEFL certificate, we recommended that you complete a TEFL...  [Read more]