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Choosing a TEFL course
Updated 24 November 2009
This article has also been featured in the ELT Times.
There are thousands of TEFL course providers to choose from, so how do you know which one is the right one for you? Below are some things to keep in mind when choosing a programme. There are many TEFL certification courses out there. The big three are: SIT, CELTA, and Trinity. Although the above three are the most well-known, there are plenty of other good courses out there. You can find these at TEFL Certification Abroad. Before doing a TEFL course, you're probably going to want to learn more about teaching. Be sure to read Learning about TEFL and Teaching to find all about TEFL.
On-campus vs. Online
Nowadays there are usually two different types of courses. On-campus or online. On-campus courses usually take about four weeks. If you decide to do an on-campus course, you need to decide whether to do it at home or abroad. Read this article to find the pros and cons of each one. There are quite a few TEFL Training Programmes out there. Try searching at TEFL Certification Abroad to find one that suites you.
Online courses can be ok, but make sure they have a practical teaching section. You can also find free information online. Here are two good courses, best of all they're free. The Peace Corps has come up with a Guide to Teaching English. You could also try TEFL Boot Camp.
Here are some popular online courses, you'll have to pay for these. IH London, English International, TEFL training, INTESOL International, TESOL Direct, ACTDEC, OnTESOL. TESOL EVO runs a free course every January.
University Courses
Many universities are offering certificate or diploma courses for TEFL. These courses are usually longer, such as one or two semestres. Try searching the sites below to find a university that offers these courses. Education UK, GTTR for the UK, Scotland, The Good Guides for Australia, Markogilvie for Australia, Kiwi Careers for New Zealand, 50 States for the US, HEA for Ireland
Basic Requirements for a TEFL Course
Remember courses are usually a couple thousand dollars so research your programme carefully. Watch out for TEFL courses claim that TEFL skills can be obtained in a weekend or week long course, this isn't enough.
Whether you are new to teaching or an experienced teacher, a TEFL course can help you out in both theory and practical techniques. These courses are focused and follow a systematic approach. Without some type of training, your teaching could be ineffective and work against students. Getting a TEFL cert will should employers that you're serious about being a TEFL teacher. In addition it will earn you more respect from your boss, students, and co-workers.
While an intensive month long TEFL course isn't the highest qualification that you can earn (Masters, DELTA, and other similar courses are for teachers with more experience) it will help you get a higher salary and give you more chances for advancement than those without TEFL certs. These courses will give you the necessary training to start your career in TEFL. It will teach you the basics of teaching English, such as classroom management (for others, see the curriculum below) as well as help you with grammar and how to answer students' questions.
● 120 Hours : Most employers will only recognize those course that are at least 120 hours. An hour is usually 50 minutes. Make sure it states on your certificate how many hours the course is.
● 6 Teaching Hours : During your training course you will get to teach real students. You need to teach at least 6 hours, this is in addition to any practice teaching that you may do in front of your peers.
● Small classes: There should be a ration of 6:1 trainees to a trainer.
● Professional trainers: They should have a university degree, if they have one in TEFL, TESL, or Education, that's even better. They should also have a TEFL cert and at least 5 years teaching experience in at least 2 countries. You should know who your trainers are beforehand. Reputable courses will have a short bio of each trainer on their website.
● Accessment: There should be written and teaching assessment. For written, it's common to include grammar, and lesson planning. Teaching should include observed lessons and might also include on the spot questions about vocabulary and grammar.
● A solid curriculum: It should contain Grammar, Methodology, Phonology/ Phonetics, Classroom management, Activities, Practice with at least 3different ESL textbook series, Practice working with ESL audio visual aids and materials, and Introduction to international exam series or one business English textbook series.
● Time in Business : How long has the training program been in existence? You might want to steer away from those that only have been going for a year or two.
● Professional Membership or External Certification? : Check if the TEFL training program has any Professional Membership, such as IATEFL or the TEFL Board. Also, see if your course provider has external certification. The British Council often certifies schools that meet their requirements.
● Stand Alone vs Chain? : Chain organization such as TEFL International, CELTA, and Trinity have the same basic requirements for their courses whether they're in Egypt or China, but the trainers are different. So even though their course in one place may be good, it might not be if you go to a different location. However, chain organisations usually have the weight of the chain name behind them and they are often externally accrediated.
The most recognised courses are CELTA, and Trinity and SIT. The CELTA and Trinity are recognized worldwide and are the only certificates on the market that are externally accredited and externally moderated. These certificates can also be used as credit on some University programs. ACELS CELT, TESL Canada accredited courses meet Professional Certificate Standard One Guidelines, and accredited University TEFL programmes are also good.
Stand alone organisations are a bit more risky, but there are still great ones out there. They tend to cater more to their trainees by giving them more personal attention. They often also have contacts with local schools to get you a job.
● Cost: Cost is always going to be a factor, but don't just choose the cheapest one, because it may not be the best. Remember, you get what you pay for.
● Guaranteed Job Placement: Most places should have job placement, but be sure to ask specifically what this is and is may vary from a guaranteed interview to a guaranteed job, which is a huge difference.
● Feedback from Past Students : Many course providers will post feedback from teachers who have participated in their course. You might also ask to be put in touch via email with some students to ask other questions. Forums are also a good place to find out about schools. Dave's ESL Cafe has a forum specifically for teacher training.
● Other things to consider
Try reading 15 more things to consider. And Questions you should ask before signing up for a TEFL course.
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