Are Tefl Certificates Worth It

When it comes to choosing the best online TESOL certification course you need to consider all the main options, what you want the qualification for, and what you hope to achieve with it once certified. First we will look at all the main online course options. The different types of online courses are easily separated by the average number of hours they require to complete them. Weekend courses: These are often marketed as “taster courses” and are done mainly at weekends to give those who are already employed a chance to see what TESOL is about. Due to time constraints (they usually last about 10 hours in total) there is limited material covered in terms of teaching and learning, but they can be useful to help you decide if doing a full course would be worthwhile for you. Short...  [Read more]

When it comes to Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) certifications, there are several types available to individuals looking to pursue a career in teaching English as a foreign language. These certifications vary in terms of the content covered, the duration of the course, and the level of recognition they hold in the field of TEFL. Here are some of the most common types of TESOL certifications: 1. **TESOL Certificate**: A TESOL certificate is a basic certification that provides an introduction to the principles and practices of teaching English as a foreign language. This type of certification is typically suitable for individuals who are new to teaching and want to gain foundational knowledge and skills in TESOL. 2. **CELTA (Certificate in English Language Teaching...  [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...  [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...  [Read more]

If you are looking to obtain TESOL certification as a teaching professional, there are various reputable institutions worldwide offering quality programs. It is essential to choose a program that suits your needs and goals. One of the most well-known and respected organizations offering TESOL certification is the University of Cambridge. Their Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (CELTA) is highly regarded globally and provides a solid foundation for teaching English as a foreign language. Another popular choice is the Trinity College London CertTESOL program, which is also widely recognized and respected in the industry. Both the CELTA and CertTESOL programs are intensive and practical, providing hands-on teaching experience and valuable skills for educators. For...  [Read more]

To get a job teaching English in Belgium, there are several steps you can take to increase your chances of finding a position that suits your qualifications and preferences. Firstly, it's essential to have a strong command of the English language and preferably hold a recognized teaching qualification, such as a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) certificate. This will demonstrate to potential employers that you have the necessary skills and knowledge to teach English effectively to non-native speakers. Networking can also be a valuable tool in finding a teaching job in Belgium. Attending language teaching conferences, workshops, or job fairs can help you make connections with schools, language institutes, or other organizations that may be hiring English teachers....  [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. 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...  [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. Please see below for a breakdown of our 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 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...  [Read more]

Choosing a TESOL certification course is rarely straightforward as there are no set standards that providers have to stick to. Because of this lack of guidelines there are a large number of companies that offer all sorts of TESOL courses in a wide range of styles and quality. The positive thing is that there are a few long established TESOL course providers that offer high quality courses that will ensure you learn all the skills you need to get your teaching career started. The best place to start is by looking at the length of the course. If you go online you can find courses of 40 hours or less and some in-class options that only take a weekend to complete. These courses will provide a decent introduction to ESL teaching, but they are unlikely to be sufficient for the majority of...  [Read more]

Although a large percentage of ESL jobs are filled following face-to-face interviews, there are many countries where it is common practice for schools to recruit teachers from within their home country. This scenario can be a very convenient option for teachers without any previous experience and anyone who is new to international travel. All contact is usually done via email, with the actual interview taking place via phone or webcam. One big benefit of getting a job in advance is it usually means the employer will take care of the paperwork such as visas and work permits. In many cases they will also provide free or subsidized airfares, health insurance and accommodation. The one main downside of this recruitment method is the time it can take to complete the whole process. You...  [Read more]

If you are planning on taking a gap year, need a break from the nine to five, or want to start a whole new life and career, gaining a certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) is one of the most popular ways to go about it. Every year, many thousands of people just like you complete a TESOL qualification and head overseas to teach English in classrooms of all shapes and sizes, in countries right across the world. In order to join them, whether it's for a limited time or for the long term, an internationally accredited TESOL certificate from ITTT is the best place to start.   By gaining this qualification you will have access to a huge number of jobs all over the globe and learn everything you need to confidently start your first teaching role, no matter...  [Read more]

The world of English language teaching is very fond of acronyms and TESOL is one of the most common. TESOL stands for Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages and is used when referring to the act of teaching, as well as the qualification required by teachers wishing to do the teaching. Below are a range of other popular teaching acronyms and their definitions. ESL: English as a Second Language ESL may have had its beginning with the rise of the British Empire in the 15th Century. As more countries were being colonized by Britain the use of English was taught to the native speaking leaders of the country, so they could continue to carry out Britain’s rule after the British left the country. ESOL: English to Speakers of Other Languages. There are two sides to this: the...  [Read more]

  Teaching English in South Korea has become increasingly popular over the last decade and it is no secret that the country offers some of the best salaries for foreign teachers to be found anywhere in the world. English teachers in Korea can expect to earn between $1,500 and $3,000 US per month and it is certainly possible to save up to half of this depending on your lifestyle. On top of the basic salary you can also expect other benefits such as paid airfares, free housing and an end of contract bonus. Unsurprisingly, the high salaries and good benefits on offer have led to a high level of competition for the best jobs. If you have any teaching qualifications and experience in the classroom, you will find you have the pick of the available jobs. However, thanks to a continually...  [Read more]

ITTT is dedicated to assisting you throughout your TESOL training and to providing you with a means of support during your ensuing teaching career. If you have any questions regarding our courses, please see our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) section below. Our TESOL FAQs should be able to answer most of your questions, but if you have any other queries do not hesitate to contact us by submitting them using the form at the bottom of this page. What does TESOL mean?   The acronym TESOL stands for Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages. The term is commonly used when referring to certification courses that provide the skills necessary to teach the English language to non-native speakers in your own country or abroad. Read more What is the difference between TESOL...  [Read more]

If you have discussed teaching English abroad with friends and family, it is likely that you have heard remarks such as ?that sounds like fun, but what will you do when you get back?? Unfortunately, teaching English as a foreign/second language is seen by some as not really a ?proper job?, just something that young people do for a bit of adventure before settling down to a real job. Although many ESL teachers do only teach in the short term and some are only in it for fun, there are many others who take it seriously and go on to enjoy a long and lucrative career as an English language teacher. YES, you can certainly choose to make a long-term career out of teaching English. Most people?s TESOL journey begins with the idea of seeing a bit of the world while earning some money in the...  [Read more]

  The popularity of China as a destination for English language teachers has steadily increased in recent years, and it is now right at the top of the list with an estimated 100,000 foreign teachers working in the country each year. As a result of an extraordinary economic boom, Chinese parents are more willing than ever to spend thousands of dollars on their children's English education to give them the best chance of success in the future. With over 300 million people learning English across the country, China's insatiable demand for English language teachers looks set to continue. As there are often more job opportunities than there are teachers to fill them, schools are willing to offer very good salaries and other benefits to attract teachers. Salaries vary depending on the...  [Read more]

  Globalization and the increasing demand for English speaking professionals all over the world, especially in emerging regions, has brought about a new, steadily growing sector: English as a Second Language (ESL). An ESL teacher is, therefore, an educator who works with English Language Learners (ELLs) whose native language is not English. The goal of the ESL teacher is to help the students reach a certain level of fluency in English, on both a spoken and written level. ESL educators are not to be confused with foreign language teachers. ESL teachers do not share the same native language and are specifically trained to offer explanations and directed teaching methods to non-English speakers. This teaching style is mainly focused on repetition, drills, demonstrations, and...  [Read more]

Located at southern most point of Africa where the Indian and Atlantic oceans meet, the city of Cape Town is one of most multicultural cities in the world. With the magnificent Table Mountain dominating the landscape and areas of outstanding natural beauty surrounding the city, Cape Town has plenty to offer visitors from all over the world. Cape Town is the oldest city in South Africa and is known as “the Mother City”. It has a long history dating back to the fifteenth century when Portuguese explorers first noted the region where Cape Town now lies. Visitors to the city can discover its history and immerse themselves in South African culture. The city has a well-developed urban center and is surrounded by natural beauty providing a great mix of city life and relaxing nature. Cape...  [Read more]

TEFL International's centre in Buenos Aires, Argentina is an unbeatable destination to take the TEFL certification course in Latin America. There are lots of job opportunities for TEFL certified native or fluent English speakers, and you can also learn or improve your Spanish. As the capital city of Argentina, Buenos Aires has so much to offer visitors that it is difficult to narrow down your itinerary to just a few things to do. Buenos Aires is a thriving multicultural city and the best way to explore its diversity is to get out and about in the various neighborhoods that make up the city. By choosing to study with TEFL International in Buenos Aires, you are signing up for an exciting and rewarding time in Argentina. Known as the "Paris of South America", Buenos Aires is one of the most...  [Read more]