 Are online TEFL courses valid? 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. What should a good TEFL course include? A good quality TEFL course should include a number of essential topics related 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 decide which courses are the best? What does TEFL course accreditation mean? One important thing that you can do to check the quality of an online TEFL course is to find out if it is accredited. This simply means that an independent body has evaluated the course and concluded that it is worthy of their accreditation. By visiting the website of a course provider, you should easily be able to find any accreditation awarded. Of course, unscrupulous providers can advertise accreditation that they don't actually possess or simply make up an accreditation body. So it is a good idea to do some research into any accreditation advertised if you are unsure of its authenticity. What else can I do to check the quality of an online TEFL course? Another simple yet effective thing you can do is to research the reputation of any course you are interested in. Online searches for the course and its provider should bring up reviews and opinions from individuals who have completed the course. If the majority is less than favorable, then it is probably best avoided, while mainly positive feedback should indicate that the course is indeed valid. As an online TEFL course represents a considerable financial investment into your future, whether you plan to have a long career within the teaching profession or you simply want to earn some spending money in the next half year, it is clearly a good idea to do some research before you part with your hard-earned cash. A bit of time spent on research should ensure you pick a valid course that will get you the jobs that you want when you want them. Are ITTT's online TEFL courses valid? At ITTT, we are equally as proud of our online TEFL courses as we are of our in-class version. Crucially, our courses are fully accredited and we are also affiliated with a number of important bodies within the world of English language teaching. For further information, please visit our Accreditations and Affiliations page. We are also proud of the positive feedback that we receive from the many thousands of graduates who have completed our courses. Why not visit our TEFL graduates' testimonial page to see what they have to say about their course experience? Can non-native English speakers take a TEFL course? Absolutely yes! Large numbers of non-native English speakers complete our TEFL courses each year and go on to have successful careers teaching English either in their home country or further afield. In order to successfully complete the course, you will need to demonstrate a high standard of English but it is certainly not a barrier that will stop you from becoming a fully qualified EFL teacher. In many cases, a non-native English speaker can actually be an advantage in the classroom as you have already been through the same experience that your students are currently facing. This can help you build a good report between the students and the teacher as they are often less afraid of making mistakes in this situation. It can also provide the students with a real incentive to succeed when taught by a teacher who has started from the same position as every other person in the room. A common advantage that non-native speakers have is that their understanding of English grammar is generally better than that of native speakers simply because they have had to learn it from scratch. A large percentage of non-native English speakers complete a TEFL course with the intention of teaching English in their country of origin. This has many advantages for both the teacher and the students. For the teacher, it means they do not have to compete with native English speakers in an unfamiliar country. The students also benefit from the mutual understanding of cultural and language issues. Qualified teachers will also find that their services are welcomed by employers in many fascinating countries all around the world. So whether you are planning on staying in your home country or want to travel and teach your way across the globe, as long as you are a fluent speaker you cannot make your dreams a reality. Can you fail a TEFL course? If you have done your research and are serious about becoming an EFL teacher either at home or in a foreign country, there is no reason why you should not successfully complete your TEFL certification course. However, you do need to be aware that our training courses require a high level of commitment in terms of time and effort and if you do not complete all aspects of the course in the time given it is possible to fail the course. Although failing to complete the course is possible, the vast majority of our students successfully complete their training and go on to start a new career as an EFL teacher. As part of our commitment to our students we provide all the assistance we can to help each and everyone to reach their full potential. Our unique combination of high quality study materials, experienced trainers and staff all combined to provide everything you need for a successful training experience. In-class TEFL certification At ITTT we offer in-class TEFL certification courses that are completed over an intensive four week period at one of our international training centers. If you are able to attend one of our in-class courses you will benefit from dedicated face-to-face tuition from our highly experienced qualified teacher trainers. Many students also like the fact that they can share their learning experience with like-minded individuals who can help each other through the course. While many of our in-class centers are located in exotic and exciting locations you should be aware that the course involves full-time study that includes course work, practical teaching experience and an end-of-course exam. Daily attendance is required so it is unwise to view the course as a spring break or vacation. However, it is not all about study as you will have time at weekends to explore the area and to relax with your classmates. Due to the support and dedication of our training staff, most students who arrive with an open mind and a willingness to learn are able to successfully complete the in-class TEFL course. Online TEFL courses If you choose one of our online courses you will not have the benefit to issue but you can choose to take any of our courses with the guidance of an online tutor. Our highly experienced online tutors can provide assistance with any aspect of the training and are available to guide you through your studies from start to finish. In order to gauge your progress our online courses are continually assessed via automated multiple choice tests as you work through the materials. Thanks to this convenient method there is no final exam to worry about although you will need to submit a final lesson plan task to complete the course. Our online courses are also designed to be as flexible as possible and you will be given enough time to complete all aspects of your training working at whatever pace you choose. As long as you are prepared to put in the required hours you should have little trouble successfully completing an online TEFL course. How do I choose a TEFL course? Choosing a TEFL certification course can be a difficult decision as there is no standardized duration of training or 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. To 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. So what should you look for when choosing the right course for you? 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 are unlikely to provide enough depth to satisfy the majority of employers. It is worth noting that most English language teaching jobs will stipulate a minimum of 100 hours of instruction unless you are simply looking for an insight into language teaching or planning to work in a voluntary capacity these courses are probably not for you. Online courses that include 100 or 120 hours of instruction are a good option for many people as they are generally affordable and should provide a solid grounding in areas such as teaching methodologies classroom management and grammar structures. If you choose this option you should look for a course that is designed to be as practically focused as possible. For example, ITTT's 120 hour TEFL certificate course with tutor and videos provides all the theoretical knowledge required by a novice teacher as well as the selection of videos delivering lessons in a genuine classroom environment. A course such as this also requires the completion of multiple lesson plans that are submitted to a professional teacher trainer for assessment. Although a good quality online course should provide a thorough understanding of the basics of EFL teaching many new teachers choose an in-class course that also includes extensive teaching practice with real learners of the English language. The benefits of an in-class course are self-evident as spending time practicing the theory you have learned in a controlled teaching environment is a great way to prepare for the day when you take control of your very own classroom. Unfortunately, an intensive in-class TEFL course is considerably more expensive than an online option and requires a commitment of around four weeks at an international training center. However, this commitment is certainly worth it if you plan to teach in the long term and start a new career as an English language teacher. The best advice we can give is don't simply choose the cheapest or the first option you come across as they may not be suitable for your needs. Make sure you 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 and so on. Finally, you should also research the course provider to ensure they have a good reputation amongst their graduates. As long as you spend a little time choosing the right course to suit your plans your TEFL career should get off to a smooth start. How do online TEFL courses work? Our range of online courses offer a convenient and affordable route to your initial TEFL qualification, as well as the option of adding specialized or advanced certification to your CV or resume. The obvious advantage of this method of study is that you can complete it in the comfort of your own home at whatever pace you feel comfortable with. All our online courses can be taken with or without the guidance of an experienced online tutor and include our lifelong teaching support and job guidance services. Our online courses is good as in-class courses. The subjects covered in our 120-hour online TEFL course and our in-class TEFL course 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 courses are generally held in a higher regard by employers. While we would recommend the in-class course as the ideal preparation for teaching English abroad, our online courses are still a great alternative for those who lack the sufficient time or funds to complete a four-week residential course. If I choose an online course will I still be issued a full certificate? Yes, if you complete our 120-hour online certification course, you will receive an internationally recognized TEFL qualification that will open the door to thousands of potential jobs in countries all over the world. Our specialized CTEYL and CTBE courses and our advanced diploma course are also fully recognized worldwide. As the widely accepted international standard for TEFL certification dictates that trainees must complete a minimum of 100 hours of study, short format courses do not result in full certification. Our 60-hour online TEFL course provides a great introduction for anyone looking to volunteer as a language teacher, but it is unlikely to be sufficient for many employers. Who accredited our online course certificates? Our range of online courses are externally validated and moderated by OTTSA the online TEFL and TESOL Standards Agency. To ensure we maintain a high standard of service a moderator regularly visits us to inspect all aspects of the course content and delivery. How will I receive the study materials? All the materials you need to complete our online courses are accessed via our online training system. The materials are in PDF format and can be printed off if you wish. How will I be assessed? The online courses are divided into units that each conclude with a short multi-choice test. You do not need to achieve a specific score in each unit. However, you do need to achieve an average of 75% across all the units to reach the required pass rate. Once you have worked through the units, you will then submit a lesson plan for assessment. Once you have completed all the units and your lesson plan has been assessed, you will graduate from the course and receive your certification. How quickly can I finish an online course? All our online courses have a maximum time limit of 6 months with the exception of the diploma course which has a 12 month limit within which you are free to work at any pace you prefer. On average, most students are able to finish the 60 hour course within 4 weeks and the 120 hour course within 8 weeks. However, if you are in a hurry, the 60 hour course can realistically be completed in as little as 5 days while the 120 hour course can be completed in 10 days. How will I receive my certification and how long will it take? All online certificates are sent via registered post upon successful completion of all aspects of the course. Each certificate comes with a cover letter and a unique ID number that employers can use to check its authenticity. Your certificate will be posted within 5 working days and you should allow 2-3 weeks for delivery. If you are in a hurry, we can provide a scanned PDF copy via email as well as an express delivery option via DHL. This service takes 3-4 days and has a flat rate of 50 US dollars regardless of destination. Do the certificates say online on them? No, our certificates do not indicate that they were completed online. All our courses result in specific certification that states a number of study hours involved but not the method of study. How does the combined TEFL course work? Our combined TEFL course is a popular option that incorporates both the convenience of an online course and the practical experience of in-class training. You begin the course by completing 120 hours of training that can be done at your own pace. Once the online section is complete you would then attend one of our international training centers where you will be guided through an extensive program of teaching practice with genuine students of English. Is the combined course as good as the 4-week in-class course? Yes, the combined course covers all the same content as the full in-class course. However, if you are not comfortable with the idea of distance learning or would prefer more interaction with your tutors and other trainees then the in-class TEFL course might be the better option. If I choose the combined course will I still receive a full TEFL certificate? Yes, if you complete the combined course you will be issued with the exact same certificate as those who complete the 4-week in-class training course. How does the online section of the combined course work? The online section consists of 20 individual units that cover a wide variety of important subjects such as teaching methodology, grammar awareness and lesson planning. At the end of each unit you will complete a short assessment before moving on to the next section. After completing all 20 units you must submit a lesson plan for assessment by a tutor. How will I receive the materials? Everything you need to complete the online section of the course can be accessed via our online training system. You are also free to download and print the materials if you wish. Further materials will be provided on arrival at your chosen training center. Do I have to finish the online section before I attend the in-class section? Yes, the online section must be completed before you can start your teaching practice. Where can I complete the in-class section of the combined course? The in-class section can be completed at a variety of international training centers. Our centers in Phuket, Barcelona and Rome offer their training over a two-week period, Monday to Friday with weekends off. At our Paris and New York centers the course is completed in a slightly different format over 8 days. There are also 5 day options available at over a dozen different centers across North America. What are my accommodation options and how much do they cost? Accommodation for the in-class section of the combined course varies depending on which location you choose to attend. For a guide to the options available and their cost please click on the individual pages for the training location of your choice. How long will I have to complete the entire course? In total you are given up to 10 months to complete the combined course. The online section can be completed at your own pace in any period of up to 6 months. Once completed you will have a further 4 months to start your in-class training. How will I receive my certification and how long will it take? Most graduates receive their certificates via registered post with the exception of those who attend our Phuket location where the certificate is presented at the end of the course. Delivery can take up to 2 or 3 weeks so we also offer an express option via DHL. Express delivery takes 3 to 4 days and is charged at a flat rate of 50 US dollars regardless of the delivery address. How does the lifetime job support service work? There is a wide variety of reasons why our trainees undertake a TEFL course but for many it is to open the door to a new life teaching English abroad. Once qualified our graduates are able to apply for all manner of jobs in countries all over the world. Throughout your training course we will do all we can to help you maximize your chances of securing a dream job in the location of your choice. However, our assistance doesn't stop once you have completed your course as we are happy to help in your choice. How will ITTT help me find a job teaching English abroad? At ITTT we offer all course graduates extensive help with finding suitable teaching jobs in their country of choice. As the need for English language teachers is very strong in many countries worldwide, those who are serious about living and working overseas should have little trouble finding a teaching position to help you through the process we provide a variety of services including access to our database of potential employers exclusive leads on unadvertised jobs advice on constructing a high quality CV or resume advice on writing cover letters assistance with planning trial lessons for job interviews consultation on potential job contracts. What is the success rate for graduates finding jobs after a TEFL course? It is impossible to provide a figure for how many of our graduates find work after completing their course as there are many factors to consider. A significant number of our trainees are already employed as teachers before they start a course while others are not looking to find work until a later date. All we can say is that the vast majority of our graduates who take advantage of our job support services go on to find work teaching English at home or abroad. How soon after completing a TEFL course will I find a job? As soon as you begin your training course you will be in a position to start applying for jobs that require a TEFL certification. Some trainees are able to find work before they have even completed the course while most should be able to secure employment within a few weeks of finishing their training. How long does a TEFL course take? 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. Let's break down the various course options. 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 5 days. Even those who prefer to study at a slower rate should find they can complete the course within a 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 these employers and therefore open the door to jobs offering a competitive salary a 120 hour TEFL certificate may be more suitable. The 120 hour TEFL course includes more than enough content to satisfy the majority of employers and is therefore a very popular choice. This course can be completed in as little as 2 weeks if you are extremely motivated and have few other commitments. However, most trainees should expect to spend around 6 to 8 weeks on this course. As the online courses are designed as self-study options the time they take to complete is really down to the individual trainee. In contrast, the in-class TEFL certification course is a full-time course that runs for a set period of time. If you choose this option, you will attend the training center of your choice for a period of 4 weeks. During this time you will complete all the theory lessons and have extensive teaching practice with authentic English language students to ensure you are ready to start work as soon as the 4 week course is complete. As well as these standard TEFL certification courses, we also offer specialized and advanced online courses that allow you to expand your resume. Our specialized courses in teaching young learners and teaching business English are both 50-hour courses that can be completed in as little as 1 week with an average completion time of around 4 weeks. The online Diploma course is an advanced qualification that will take a minimum of 1 month to complete with an average completion time of around 8 months. As you can see, unless you choose the in-class TEFL course which has a fixed time table of 4 weeks the speed at which you complete your training really comes down to how much time you choose to spend on it. The good news is that all our standard online courses have a time limit of up to 6 months which should be plenty of time to complete your certification and start out on your new career as an English language teacher. How much does a TEFL course cost? 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. You can find TEFL courses on this website for as little as 49 US dollars 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 learn about teaching methodologies, lesson planning, classroom management and many other theoretical issues as well as grammar structures and how best to teach them. Most importantly you will have plenty of opportunity to practice what you have learned in front of real language learners in a genuine classroom environment. These practical lessons are guided by an experienced teacher trainer who will provide feedback after every lesson. In class TEFL courses undoubtedly offer the best preparation for new teachers. However because of their intensive nature they are not the cheapest option. A high quality in class course from a reputable provider such as ITTT starts at around 1500 US dollars depending on the location. Although an in class course is highly recommended the overall cost can be an issue for many new teachers. The next best thing is an online TEFL course. Online courses do not include a teaching practice component but they should still address all the theory components that are covered in the in class version. It is worth remembering that some countries and individual employers insist on an in class TEFL certificate. However there are still plenty of job opportunities around the world for teachers with an online qualification. Introductory level courses from ITTT start at 190 US dollars which is a great option for volunteer teachers. While a full 120 hour online TEFL certificate course starts at 240 US dollars. Before you make a decision it is a good idea to research the region where you plan to work as regulations vary greatly. For example many employers in Western Europe and the Middle East will expect an in class certificate. While many in Asia and Latin America will be happy with an online certificate. However as long as you choose an experienced and well respected course provider such as ITTT you will be in a great position to start teaching English abroad. How much is a TEFL course and how do I pay for it? At ITTT we have developed a wide range of TEFL certification courses to suit a variety of situations. Whether you are a complete beginner who is looking to kickstart a new teaching career or an experienced teacher looking to increase their level of qualifications and knowledge we have a good option for you. As each course varies in content they are all priced individually. Simply click on the course page that you are interested in for full details on cost and payment options. How do I pay for my TEFL course? There are several ways for you to complete your course payment. The quickest and easiest method is via a credit or debit card. Card transactions are completed via our online payment page which is both secure and hassle free. We are also happy to accept course payments via Western Union, PayPal and bank transfer although this option can take up to 7 days to process and may include extra bank charges. Can someone else pay for me? Yes. If a friend, colleague or family member wishes to pay for your course simply let us know their name via email once the transaction has been completed. Do you offer any discounts? Yes. We do have regular discounts on many of our courses. Please visit the special offers page for information on our current deals. If you have a group of friends or colleagues who are interested in signing up together simply email us at courses at tesol-tefl.com for details regarding our special group rates. Do you offer any financial aid? Unfortunately, we are not able to offer any scholarships or other financial aid for our training courses. Are there any additional fees at any time during the course? No. The course fees that we advertise on our website are inclusive of all materials as well as other costs such as assessment and certification. You will not be asked for any other payment at any time during your course. Are there any deadlines for making a course payment? We do not have any specific deadlines for online course payments. However, seats in our in-class certification courses cannot be guaranteed until we have received your course deposit. To ensure a course place on the dates of your choice, it is advisable to book as early as possible. Should I take a tefl course online or in a classroom? When choosing a tefl certification course, one of the first decisions you need to make is whether to complete it online as a distance to the course or in-class by attending a training center. Both have their pros and cons so it is down to the individual to decide which best suits their own personal situation. So what are the main differences to consider between an online tefl course and an in-class tefl course? Probably the most significant difference is the inclusion of observed teaching practice, OTP in classroom-based courses. Throughout the four-week course you will spend many hours practicing skills in a real classroom with genuine English language learners. These practice lessons are observed by an experienced course trainer who will provide instant feedback and tips for improvement following each lesson. OTP allows you to hone your teaching skills and gain confidence in your ability before you start teaching in your own classroom, something that is not possible with any standard online course. Classroom-based courses also include daily lessons on grammar and other subjects delivered by qualified teacher trainers. Many students find this classroom-based approach preferable to learning on their own as the subject matter is explained by professional and any questions will be answered immediately rather than via email. Learning within a group setting can also be advantageous as input and ideas from multiple sources can often lead to a more rounded understanding of the subject. The social aspect of an in-class course is one other area that should be acknowledged as making new friends in an interesting and unfamiliar environment should ensure that the overall experience is far more stimulating than distance learning. The big advantage of an online course is that you are free to study in the comfort of your own home at whatever pays suits you. Many people also find they are simply unable to take a month away from their commitments to attend a training center making distance learning the only realistic option. Another big difference that cannot be ignored is the cost. This is often the most important factor as an in-class TEFL course costs in the region of 1500 US dollars or more with accommodation, travel and entertainment not included. Whilst a good quality 120 hour online TEFL course can be completed for around 150 US dollars. One further option is the combined TEFL course which blends different aspects of both the online and in-class courses. With the combined course you complete all the theoretical components via distance learning at any pace you're happy with. Once complete you then attend a training center for two weeks to complete the course and the observed teaching practice sessions. This third option is popular in the commitment but still results in a full TEFL certification. There are several significant differences between the course options but it is clear that the in-class TEFL course is focused on practical teaching skills offers a solid foundation from which to start a teaching career. However, if the costs or time needed to complete the in-class course is prohibitive then an online TEFL course from a reputable company can still provide a convenient and affordable route to TEFL certification. What are specialized TEFL courses? At ITTT we offer two specialized courses that are designed to provide a higher level of knowledge and qualifications for teachers who are already TEFL certified. Our certificate in teaching English to young learners CTEYL and certificate in teaching business English, CTPE are both completed online. The addition of one or both of these qualifications will greatly enhance your CV or resume and make you more desirable to employers worldwide. Can I take a specialized course without prior TEFL certification? As our specialized courses are designed to build on the topics covered in a standard TEFL certification course prior certification is usually required. Exceptions might be made if you have extensive experience in English language teaching. However, if you are not TEFL certified, we are currently offering our CTEYL or CTPE course for free when you sign up for our 120-hour TEFL certification course with tutor support. How will I receive the study materials? Everything you need to complete a specialized course is provided via our online training system. How will I be assessed? Both courses are divided into six individual units. Once you have worked through the materials for each unit, your understanding will be assessed via a short online test. On completion of all six units and their corresponding tests, you then submit a lesson plan for assessment. Once all sections are complete, you will receive your CTEYL or CTPE certification. How quickly can I finish the courses? Both courses have a maximum time limit of six months. The average completion time is between three and five weeks, although it is theoretically possible to complete either course in as little as one week. What are TEFL course hours? 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? What do you want to achieve with your TEFL qualification? What are short format TEFL courses and who are they aimed at? 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 that will allow people to move out of poverty by entering tourism based job markets. In order to acquire the knowledge and skills necessary for these positions, a short format TEFL course is usually sufficient. At ITTT, we offer a 60 hour introductory TEFL course that is specifically designed for this purpose. What are standard length TEFL courses and who are they aimed at? Although there is no definitive length, the general consensus of employers worldwide is that a TEFL certificate of at least 100 hours is desirable for teaching jobs that offer a good salary. Our 120 hour TEFL certification is designed to cover all the most important areas of teaching theory which should enable you to confidently apply for jobs all over the world. If you want to widen your options even further, you can undertake an in-class TEFL certification course that also includes observed teaching practice. ITTT operates in-class courses in dozens of worldwide locations which provide a minimum of 120 hours face-to-face training on the theory of teaching as well as 6 to 10 hours of teaching practice with genuine language learners in an authentic classroom environment. What are advanced and specialized TEFL courses and who are they aimed at? If you have already completed a standard certification course and want to extend your qualifications, a diploma certificate is the logical next step. The addition of a diploma to your CV or resume is a sure-fire way to expand your job prospects and increase your salary and responsibilities. Our 250 hour TEFL diploma is a great choice for anyone looking to move their teaching career forward. Another way to move your career forward is to branch out into specialized areas of EFL teaching. The main two areas that have grown considerably in recent years are in the fields of teaching business English and teaching young learners. To break into these fields, you can complete one or both of our 50 hour specialized TEFL courses that are designed to build on the knowledge covered in the standard certification course. Can a TEFL course be completed quicker than advertised? It is worth noting that while most courses have a specific label that represents the typical hours of study required, this figure is by no means absolute. The amount of time it takes to complete a specific course is largely down to each individual student. If you are fully dedicated to your studies and determined to finish as quickly as possible, it is certainly possible to complete the training in considerably less time than stated in the course literature. What is the best TEFL course to do in Thailand? If you perform an internet search for TEFL courses in Thailand, you will find several pages of teaching providers offering a variety of courses across the country. But how do you know which is the best for you? At ITTT, we are confident that our in-class courses are the best on offer in Thailand as we have developed them over a number of years. Who are the teacher trainers for the TEFL course in Thailand? The key to success of our in-class TEFL courses is the quality of the instruction provided. At all our centers, we only employ trainers who possess a high level of teaching qualifications and several years of experience teaching in an international classroom environment. All our teacher trainers are dedicated to helping each and every trainee to reach their full potential. With their guidance and encouragement, most trainees successfully complete the course and go on to teach in their very own classroom. Will I get real teaching practice during the TEFL course in Thailand? Another crucial element of our in-class training in Thailand which you will not get with every provider is several hours of real teaching practice with genuine English language students. Whichever location you choose, you will receive 6-10 hours of teaching practice under the supervision of a teacher trainer. On conclusion of the lesson, you will also receive detailed feedback on your performance and tips on how you can improve your lessons in the future. The teaching practice sessions are the perfect way to prepare for the realities of classroom teaching. Where can I take the TEFL course in Thailand? As Thailand is relatively large and there are teaching jobs available all over the country, we offer 4 great training locations to suit most preferences. If you want to take advantage of the largest market for foreign teachers and you like the idea of living and working in one of the most exciting cities in the world, you might want to choose our training center in Bangkok. We also have a center in Thailand's capital, Chiang Mai. This is a great choice if you want to explore the cultural heart of the country without the hectic pace of life of the big city. If sandy beaches and the laid-back lifestyle are your thing, the holiday island of Phuket might suit you down to the ground. Our long established center on the island provides the perfect location for enjoying all the exotic highlights of Thailand's premier resort destination. Our fourth option offers a tranquil sanctuary between the big city and the country's highly developed tourist resorts. Our center in the peaceful fishing village of Ban Pei offers our trainees the chance to complete their training in a traditional environment that promises a truly memorable cultural experience. What do previous graduates say about the TEFL course in Thailand? While we are confident that our TEFL courses in Thailand are the very best on offer, you do not simply have to take our word for it. Why not take a look at what our course graduates have to say about their own training experience with ITTT on our video testimonials page? What is the TEFL TESOL Diploma Course? Our TEFL TESOL Diploma is an advanced certification course that is aimed at practicing English language teachers who are looking to increase their knowledge in level of qualification. The course is largely research-based and is completed entirely online. By successfully completing the course you will be in a position to apply for teaching jobs that offer a higher level of responsibility and an increased salary. Can I take the Diploma Course without prior TEFL certification? As the course is of an advanced level and has been designed to build on the subjects covered in a standard TEFL certification course, prior TEFL certification is usually required. Exceptions might be made for practicing teachers who have extensive experience in an English language classroom. However, if you sign up for the Diploma Course now we are currently offering our 120-hour online TEFL certification course for free. Does the Diploma Course come with tutor support? You can choose to take the Diploma Course either with or without the support of an online tutor. Our online tutors are highly experienced teacher-trainers who are available to answer your questions and to offer tips and advice for improving your understanding of the course topics. If you are unfamiliar with distance learning and higher levels of academic study then we strongly recommend you consider the tutored version of the course. Taking the course without a tutor requires a significant amount of independent motivation and academic aptitude. How will I receive to study materials? The course is completed entirely online and all necessary materials are accessed via our online training system. Bear in mind that the Diploma Course requires a large amount of independent research through the internet and other media. How is the Diploma Course assessed? We have broken down into 12 separate modules. The first step is to work through modules 1 to 6 which are then followed by a test based on the subjects covered up to that point. Next you work through modules 7 to 11 which are also followed by a test. Finally for module 12 you will need to produce a research project. Once you have successfully completed both tests and the research project you will receive your TEFL TESOL Diploma Certification. How quickly can I finish the Diploma Course? You are given a maximum of 12 months to finish all aspects of the course. If you are in a particular hurry it is theoretically possible to finish the course in as little as one month, although the average completion time is somewhere between 8 and 10 months. Bear to take a TEFL Course. Where to take a TEFL Course in the Americas? If you would like to complete your TEFL Certification in North America we have many options across the US as well as centers in Canada and Mexico. You might also want to consider South and Central America where we operate training centers in a range of exotic locations including Argentina, Brazil, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Guatemala and Peru. Do you have a TEFL Course in Asia? As Asia contains the largest markets for English language teachers we have plenty of centers to choose from throughout the region. If you want to take advantage of the countless job opportunities in China we have four great locations to pick from. Other popular options are Cambodia, Japan, Thailand, the Philippines and Vietnam. Hong Kong, Indonesia, Nepal, Singapore and South Korea are also available. Where to take a TEFL Course in Europe? If your dream is to teach in Europe you are in luck as we provide training center locations to suit most preferences. You can choose a destination in Western Europe such as France, Ireland, Spain or the UK or somewhere further south or east such as the Czech Republic, Germany, Greece or Italy. Where else to take a TEFL Course? Outside of the above regions we have a few other choices for you to consider. In North Africa we have a center in Alexandria, Egypt. While in the south of the continent we run a course in Cape Town, South Africa. To complete our worldwide portfolio of training centers we offer a course in Sydney, Australia. Things to consider when choosing a TEFL Course location. If you already know where you would like to work it makes perfect sense to take your certification course in the same location. During the month of your course you are likely to meet many local contacts who can help you find the right job once you have graduated. Our teacher trainers at each location also have extensive local knowledge and are able to help you out with job leads and preparations for the interview process. Of course it is not possible to provide our TEFL certification course in every city in every country worldwide. If we don't have a center in the exact location of your choice we will see that there is one within the same region. Regardless of the location you choose you will receive the same high standard of training and our extensive job support program should help you find the right job wherever you want to live and work. Financial points to consider when choosing a TEFL course location. Another important factor to consider is overall cost. For obvious reasons the course fee for our in-class TEFL certification varies depending on the location. The economic realities of putting on the course in cities such as New York and Tokyo mean the course fee is inevitably higher than in cities with a lower cost of living such as Chiapas in Mexico or Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam. As well as the course fee you should also consider the cost of accommodation. Although we endeavor to provide the best value for money accommodation possible a month stay in Rome is likely to cost more than the equivalent of a month stay in Chiang Mai, Thailand. If you are still unsure about where to take your TEFL certification why not have a look at our in-class TEFL course locations page where you will find details of all our great training destinations. Which TEFL courses are accredited? As learning the English language continues to rise in popularity all over the world so too does the number of course providers offering TEFL certification. Fortunately for potential trainees there is little regulation governing TEFL course providers which makes it hard to distinguish between the good the bad and the downright ugly. The good news is there is something you can do to check the quality of a course. If the course is accredited by an independent body then it is fair to assume that it is of a reasonable standard. Essentially an accrediting body is an independent third party who conducts a thorough review of the course providers academic and professional standards and if satisfied they provide their accreditation. How can I tell if a TEFL course is accredited? When researching potential courses you should look out for any accreditation banners on the provider's website. These should be easy to spot as they will be keen to let you know that their courses are accredited. Although most accreditation you come across will be genuine as it is easy for a provider to simply set up their own accrediting body that isn't actually recognized within the TEFL world or by international employers. How else can I check the validity of a TEFL course? Although accreditation by respected teaching organizations is a good indicator of the quality of an individual course you should also do some research into what people have to say about their experience of completing the course. The online search should provide some answers via forums and blogs. If a course is accredited and the feedback from previous trainees is generally positive then you should find that the course will provide you with the training and certification you need to confidently start your new teaching career. Are ITTT TEFL courses accredited? At ITTT we are proud to be accredited by and affiliated to some of the most highly respected organizations within the TEFL world. Full details can be found by visiting our Accreditations and Affiliations page. You can also take a look at what our many graduates have to say about our courses via our TEFL testimonials page. Who can do a TEFL course? Around the world there are always a huge number of IFL teaching jobs waiting to be filled which means there are potential opportunities for almost everyone. Do you have any suggestions, background or characteristics to you require to take a TEFL course? How important is a student's attitude when taking a TEFL course? 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 teacher either at home or abroad then you should have little trouble successfully completing the course and becoming a qualified IFL teacher. How important are English language skills when taking a TEFL course? In order to be an effective English language teacher you do need to have a thorough understanding of the language. In some countries employers actually have a preference for native English speakers but there are also plenty of places where native English speakers with a TEFL certification are sought after in the workplace. Essentially as long as you are a fluent English speaker you are eligible to take our courses and are also eligible to apply for teaching jobs worldwide. How important are academic qualifications when taking a TEFL course? While some TEFL course providers insist that their trainees possess certain qualifications including a degree in some cases at ITTT we have no such criteria. As many employers do not insist on their teachers holding a degree or any similar certification we feel there is no need for us to require it. As long as you are prepared to put in the work we have no interest in your previous academic background. Are there any age restrictions when taking a TEFL course? The only age restriction we have for our range of TEFL certification is you must be at least 18 years old at the start of your course. Crucially, we have absolutely new upper age limit. Over the years we have successfully trained people of all ages many of whom have gone on to enjoy exciting new careers in countries all over the world. While more mature teachers might find it harder to gain employment in the most crowded teaching markets there are always plenty of other great options open to qualified EFL teachers of all ages. Do you consider when looking for TEFL jobs? Although we have few restrictions on who can take our TEFL courses you do need to be aware of the potential restrictions put in place by foreign governments or individual employers. While there are tens of thousands of TEFL qualified teachers working throughout the world without a formal degree there are some countries where this is not possible. In recent years certain countries including China have made it law that teachers are free to qualify for a work permit. Also there are similar restrictions in place in some countries where only native English speakers can work legally. The bottom line is before making any firm plans it is essential that you check the latest visa situation in the country that you are interested in. Even if your choice is not possible don't lose heart as there are many other great options all over the world where a TEFL qualification is all that is required to land in the country.