What is TEFL certification?
TEFL certification is the essential qualification needed by new English language teachers to become eligible for most teaching positions worldwide. However, the absence of official guidelines governing TEFL certification can make the process of choosing the right program challenging. When conducting an internet search, you will encounter a vast array of courses with significant variations in study time and cost, adding to the complexity of the decision-making process.
To navigate this challenge effectively, it is crucial to thoroughly research and consider factors such as the reputation of the course provider, the course content, the level of support and resources offered, and how well the certification aligns with your specific teaching goals. By making an informed choice, you can ensure that your TEFL certification meets your needs and prepares you for a successful teaching career.
How many study hours should I look for when researching TEFL certification?
A straightforward method for categorizing various TEFL certification courses is to consider the average study hours, typically indicated in the course title. On the lower end of the spectrum, you will encounter cost-effective courses that can be completed in as little as 20 hours. While these may appear to be a budget-friendly shortcut to obtaining a TEFL certification quickly, they often fall short of meeting the requirements for most mainstream TEFL job applications. These abbreviated courses are suitable if your intention is voluntary teaching, but for those aiming for well-paying teaching positions, a higher standard is essential.
To become eligible for the majority of EFL teaching positions, the informal yet widely accepted minimum benchmark is a TEFL certification with a duration of at least 120 hours. At ITTT, we offer three fundamental pathways to attain this level of certification, along with various comprehensive packages and individual courses that can elevate your qualifications well beyond this introductory level. Making the right choice in terms of course duration is a pivotal step toward achieving success in your teaching career.
In-class TEFL certification
The path to TEFL certification via an in-class course typically spans four weeks at a training center led by experienced teacher trainers. Trainees typically arrange nearby accommodation and engage in studies from Monday to Friday, while weekends offer the freedom to socialize and explore the local surroundings.
One significant advantage of this course is the inclusion of practice lessons conducted in a real English language classroom. These practice sessions are closely supervised by a course trainer who offers substantial guidance during the planning phase and then conducts a comprehensive debriefing after the lesson.
Another notable benefit of an in-class TEFL course is that it is often held in areas with a high demand for qualified teachers. If you wish to remain in the area after completing the course, our staff can assist you in identifying potential job openings and provide support with CV/resume preparation and interview readiness.
Additionally, the social aspect of the course should not be underestimated. Spending time with fellow trainees outside of the classroom can lead to lasting friendships and provide opportunities for sharing insights and offering mutual encouragement throughout the training journey. An in-class TEFL course offers:
- In-person instruction
- Real teaching practice
- Excellent employment prospects
- A enjoyable and sociable learning environment
Online TEFL certification
Online TEFL courses provide a quick and convenient path to TEFL certification, accessible from anywhere in the world with a dependable internet connection. This mode of study is inclusive, catering to individuals who might face financial constraints in pursuing a residential in-class course. Due to lower operational costs, online course providers can offer their programs at very reasonable prices. Once you have earned your TEFL certification, you can apply for teaching positions in any country that piques your interest. As long as your TEFL certification meets the widely recognized minimum requirement of 120 hours and is issued by an internationally respected institution like ITTT, you should encounter little difficulty finding a suitable teaching position.
Our most popular online choice is the 120-hour TEFL certification course, which covers the same material as our in-class program. This certification is acknowledged and accepted by employers worldwide, providing abundant opportunities for graduates. While this approach does not incorporate teaching practice within the course curriculum, we offer every online trainee the option to complete optional teaching practice without the need to attend a physical training center. The ability to practice your newly acquired skills in an actual classroom setting before embarking on your first teaching job can instill extra confidence in your capabilities as a professional educator.
Combined TEFL certification
Our third TEFL certification option is a blended course that combines elements of the two preceding methods. This combined TEFL course is essentially divided into two distinct segments: an online component and an in-class component. Your training begins with the online segment, which covers theoretical aspects of the English language and effective teaching methods. The online section allows you to progress at your own pace, as it has no fixed timetable. Once you have completed the theoretical part, you can shift your focus to the in-class segment.
For the in-class component, you will be required to attend one of our training centers for a duration ranging from eight to ten days, depending on your chosen location. During your visit, you will engage in teaching practice sessions and have the opportunity to observe various classes conducted by our highly experienced trainers. The in-class portion of the blended course is available over an eight-day period at our centers located in:
- New York City, USA
- Paris, France
Or over ten days at our centers in:
- Bangkok, Thailand
- Barcelona, Spain
- Phuket, Thailand
- Rome, Italy
Other types of TEFL certification
All three of the aforementioned choices lead to a TEFL certification that qualifies you for desirable teaching positions in the most sought-after locations, including:
- Asia
- Europe
- Latin America
However, if you desire even greater job opportunities and the ability to apply for higher-level positions, you may want to consider supplementing your portfolio with additional TEFL certification. One well-regarded option is an advanced-level Diploma in TESOL, which can be acquired concurrently with your initial 120-hour course and completed consecutively. Upon finishing this advanced program, you will have acquired a substantial qualification that can set you apart from the competition when applying for various teaching roles.
TEFL course packages
An increasingly favored choice is to invest in a package of courses that enables you to expand upon your initial TEFL certification while benefiting from a discounted rate. All our packages commence with the foundational 120-hour online TEFL certification course. Subsequently, you have the flexibility to complete the additional courses within your chosen package in any sequence and at your preferred pace.
For those considering teaching English online, we strongly recommend exploring our 170-hour TEFL course with an online specialization. This in-demand option covers essential teaching principles and delves into the distinctive dynamics of online teaching.
Furthermore, we offer a comprehensive 220-hour Master Package and an extensive 550-hour Expert Package, both of which encompass multiple courses designed to provide you with a significant advantage in the competitive field of English language teaching. In addition to the core 120-hour TEFL course, the Master Package includes two 50-hour courses covering teaching English to young learners and teaching business English. The Expert Package encompasses all these courses, along with the 250-hour Diploma in TESOL and a 50-hour course on teaching English online.
