How to Pick a TEFL Certification Program

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What is TEFL?

TEFL stands for Teaching English as a Foreign Language and is intended to help teachers who plan to teach abroad in a country where the primary language isn't English. [{ "selector": ".dipep-a", "duration": "1000ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "500ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "opacity": 0}, {"offset": 1, "opacity": 1} ] }, { "selector": ".wwmkg-a", "duration": "500ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "1750ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "opacity": 0}, {"offset": 1, "opacity": 1} ] }, { "selector": ".tthwm-a", "duration": "500ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "1500ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "opacity": 0}, {"offset": 1, "opacity": 1} ] }]

What are the benefits of TEFL?

In addition to helping your teaching application stand out, getting TEFL certified can help you prepare for teaching overseas. You'll learn valuable teaching skills, how to plan lessons, manage a classroom, and more. [{ "selector": ".mzfps-a", "duration": "500ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "1250ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "opacity": 0}, {"offset": 1, "opacity": 1} ] }, { "selector": ".kcujy-a", "duration": "500ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "500ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "opacity": 0}, {"offset": 1, "opacity": 1} ] }, { "selector": ".eqalx-a", "duration": "500ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "1500ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "opacity": 0}, {"offset": 1, "opacity": 1} ] }]

What are some things to look for in a program?

From the instruction length to the cost, there are a lot of different factors to consider, so let's dive in! [{ "selector": ".qsata-a", "duration": "1000ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "750ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "opacity": 0}, {"offset": 1, "opacity": 1} ] }, { "selector": ".zwtwe-a", "duration": "500ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "1500ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "opacity": 0}, {"offset": 1, "opacity": 1} ] }, { "selector": ".avpon-a", "duration": "500ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "1750ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "opacity": 0}, {"offset": 1, "opacity": 1} ] }]

1. Accreditation

It's important that your TEFL program is accredited by a recognized, reputable body or affiliated with a recognizable university. Accreditation can help prove that you received an adequate amount of course instruction and teaching practice to be successful leading a classroom. [{ "selector": ".enypd-a", "duration": "1500ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "500ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "opacity": 0}, {"offset": 1, "opacity": 1} ] }, { "selector": ".rggsg-a", "duration": "500ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "1000ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "opacity": 0}, {"offset": 1, "opacity": 1} ] }, { "selector": ".yfglt-a", "duration": "500ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "1750ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "opacity": 0}, {"offset": 1, "opacity": 1} ] }]

Top TEFL Accreditation Bodies

ACCET ACTDEC IATEFL TQUK Cambridge University (CELTA) ODLQC [{ "selector": ".awtme-a", "duration": "1500ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "500ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "opacity": 0}, {"offset": 1, "opacity": 1} ] }, { "selector": ".uykea-a", "duration": "500ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "500ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "opacity": 0}, {"offset": 1, "opacity": 1} ] }]

2. Certification type

CELTA TESOL Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages Teaching English as a Foreign Language TEFL There are 3 different types of TEFL certifications. TEFL is the general acronym for teaching English as a foreign language, while CELTA is a brand of TEFL and TESOL is a slight variation. [{ "selector": ".nphpm-a", "duration": "500ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "500ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "opacity": 0}, {"offset": 1, "opacity": 1} ] }, { "selector": ".ookzb-a", "duration": "500ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "1750ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "opacity": 0}, {"offset": 1, "opacity": 1} ] }]

3. Instruction length

In order for your TEFL certification to be recognized as professional-level, it must incorporate at least 100 hours of class time and coursework. However, it's important to note the industry standard is 120 hours. [{ "selector": ".pyhjd-a", "duration": "500ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "750ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "opacity": 0}, {"offset": 1, "opacity": 1} ] }, { "selector": ".agwjz-a", "duration": "500ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "1500ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "opacity": 0}, {"offset": 1, "opacity": 1} ] }, { "selector": ".pvhdk-a", "duration": "500ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "1750ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "opacity": 0}, {"offset": 1, "opacity": 1} ] }]

4. Cost

TEFL courses typically cost between $1,000 - $2,500. Online courses are usually less expensive, but it's important to check that it offers actual teaching practice and enough instruction. [{ "selector": ".thuuu-a", "duration": "500ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "750ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "opacity": 0}, {"offset": 1, "opacity": 1} ] }, { "selector": ".thszg-a", "duration": "500ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "1500ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "opacity": 0}, {"offset": 1, "opacity": 1} ] }, { "selector": ".hrpmi-a", "duration": "500ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "1750ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "opacity": 0}, {"offset": 1, "opacity": 1} ] }]

5. Teaching practice

Live teaching practice is a must, whether it's in-person or done virtually! In order to prove to employers that you're ready to teach, it's essential that you choose a program that offers you the ability to work with actual ESL students. [{ "selector": ".cmnfj-a", "duration": "500ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "750ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "opacity": 0}, {"offset": 1, "opacity": 1} ] }, { "selector": ".gjwgn-a", "duration": "500ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "1500ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "opacity": 0}, {"offset": 1, "opacity": 1} ] }, { "selector": ".yqega-a", "duration": "500ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "1750ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "opacity": 0}, {"offset": 1, "opacity": 1} ] }]

What are some red flags in a TEFL program?

Unfortunately, not all TEFL programs are created with teachers' best interests in mind. From shady business practices to no support, here are some major red flags to be cautious of. [{ "selector": ".lzmbu-a", "duration": "500ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "1250ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "opacity": 0}, {"offset": 1, "opacity": 1} ] }, { "selector": ".ckvdg-a", "duration": "500ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "500ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "opacity": 0}, {"offset": 1, "opacity": 1} ] }, { "selector": ".ooawg-a", "duration": "500ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "1500ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "opacity": 0}, {"offset": 1, "opacity": 1} ] }]

1. No contact info

Is the program's website missing an about me page? Is it difficult to contact their support team? If the program can't display their teachers or seem to be hiding their team, it could be a scam. [{ "selector": ".xozrg-a", "duration": "500ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "1500ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "opacity": 0}, {"offset": 1, "opacity": 1} ] }, { "selector": ".blcvv-a", "duration": "500ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "1750ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "opacity": 0}, {"offset": 1, "opacity": 1} ] }, { "selector": ".uxwkx-a", "duration": "1500ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "500ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "opacity": 0}, {"offset": 1, "opacity": 1} ] }]

2. Cheap course

Discovered a $50 TEFL course and ready to hand over your Debit card? Think again. TEFL courses with prices that are too good to be true likely won't provide you with sufficient training and instruction to become a proper teacher abroad. [{ "selector": ".fpgsh-a", "duration": "500ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "750ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "opacity": 0}, {"offset": 1, "opacity": 1} ] }, { "selector": ".bjwic-a", "duration": "500ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "1500ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "opacity": 0}, {"offset": 1, "opacity": 1} ] }, { "selector": ".xikzk-a", "duration": "500ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "1750ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "opacity": 0}, {"offset": 1, "opacity": 1} ] }]

3. No alumni network

Like buying any product or service, it's important to compare reviews and personal experiences. Can't find any reviews on the TEFL course, or the program doesn't have an alumni network? We recommend you keep browsing elsewhere! [{ "selector": ".hklca-a", "duration": "500ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "1500ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "opacity": 0}, {"offset": 1, "opacity": 1} ] }, { "selector": ".rzplh-a", "duration": "500ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "1750ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "opacity": 0}, {"offset": 1, "opacity": 1} ] }, { "selector": ".xzcha-a", "duration": "1500ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "500ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "opacity": 0}, {"offset": 1, "opacity": 1} ] }] Compare TEFL Reviews

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