Choosing the right TEFL course for you :
Now that you have decided you want to get TEFL certified, it is time to think about where you should get your TEFL certification course from. This can be a very daunting task, considering how many companies are providing this service. Before deciding which provider to get your TEFL certification from, you will have to consider a few essential tips, such as whether you want to receive your course online or on-site, the course length, the accreditation, the cost, and various other features. To make this task easier, we have listed essential tips you should consider before picking your TEFL course.
1- Decide whether to receive your TEFL course online or on-site :
Many programs offer a TEFL course which is either on-site or online. You can go for either, depending on your requirements. If you are looking for flexibility and are on a tight budget, then an online course is the best solution. Online programs also offer practicum sessions; that is to say, you can deliver practical demo lessons with real students in front of real trainers.
Whereas, if your desire from this course is to have hands-on experience and make long-term connections, then an on-site course is the right way. Moreover, an on-site course provides more engagement compared to an online course. It is, however, not mandatory that you pick either of the two as the ICT has significantly narrowed the gap between them, making the difference between them rather irrelevant.
Overall, if you go for an onsite TEFL certification, you can find several institutes around. For example, on-site TEFL courses in the USA are available in Chicago, and on-site bridge TEFL in Denver. In England, you can get certification from ITTT in London.
2- Make sure that your TEFL certification is accredited by a verified independent body:
This is one of the most prior questions one should ask before deciding which TEFL program to join. By taking a certification that is accredited by a recognizable body, future employers will know you received quality training from a reputable program.
In brief, a recognized TEFL certification is distinguished by the following main features:
- A recognized TEFL certification is a brand name such as CELTA or TRINITY ,
- A recognized TEFL certification is accredited by a recognizable body (i.e Cambridge University, TRINITY college, ACCET,ALTE … )
- It confirms you have taken enough hours of training.
Take a look here:
Some of the top world TEFL accreditation bodies:
3- Time Management :
This is a very important factor that you need to consider before starting your course. An on-site course will likely not be too long as the teaching is rather rigorous and not a lot of flexibility is provided. An online course, on the other hand, is likely to last 6-12 weeks. To complete the course, you might have to attend online sessions, tests, and assignments. Thus, it is best to consider how much time you can spare for your studies before you choose to receive your TEFL course onsite or online.
4- Are there any internship programs?
Like in any other profession, one of the best ways to land a job teaching is to have beforehand experience. You could apply to various places for an internship as a teacher in your region. Your TEFL course comes into play when they have a good volunteer or internship program. This will significantly help you in landing an internship easily. Thus, it is best to seek out a TEFL company to provide such programs.
5- How much does a TEFL course cost?
Because of the high competition in the TEFL industry, many globally recognized providers now offer attractive pricing. The average costs of TEFL coursescould range from $200 to $2000. That’s why we can find reputable and quality courses like ITTT with affordable prices.However, the general rule says The things that make the expensive courses stand out are their education quality, resources, and more. To decide which place best suits you, it is best to consider what you’re looking for from your TEFL course. If your needs can be met with a course costing $200 for example, then you don’t need to go for anything costing more.
Take a look here :
Can a Cheap TEFL Course be legit and Reputable?:
6- Does your opted TEFL program offer job placement assistance?
A common feature of a professional TEFL program is that they provide job placement assistance at the end of the course. This might not always be the case, and thus it is important to find a program that offers job placement assistance or has contacts in TEFL industries so that getting a job can be easier for you.
7- Does the TEFL course have an Alumni Community?
A TEFL community that connects you with its graduates is likely very professional and, thus, a great institute to join. Through the alumni, you can better understand what your chosen course will provide and how much it will help with your growth. Moreover, having a well-connected alumni society is always very helpful while looking for jobs.
It’s high time to decide :
Now that you know all the basics of what you should look for before choosing a program, it is finally time to decide where you want to go. It is best to pick a TEFL course that offers at least a 120-hour program and has all your basic needs met and be sure to see if your chosen program is fully accredited or not. A TEFL course is one of the biggest stepping stones in your professional teaching career, so it’s best to choose one that would meet all your needs and expectations and help you achieve your goals.
We wish you a happy TEFL life.
Check out our top 10 recommended online TEFL courses
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