Choosing a TEFL Course: What to Consider

When it comes to choosing a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) course, it can certainly feel overwhelming to make the right choice with so many options available. Whether you’re taking a gap year to teach English abroad or you’re a licensed teacher seeking a new professional opportunity, a TEFL certification prepares you for the foreign classroom and can put you a step ahead of other candidates.

Here’s our list of what you should consider when choosing a TEFL Certificate.

1. Length – The basic requirement for most TEFL jobs is a 100 hour certification. Anything less than 100 hours will not qualify you for a TEFL position. We recommend a TEFL course that’s between 120 – 150 hours to be fully prepared for teaching abroad.

2. Online vs onsite – This depends on your preferences, schedule and of course, your location. If you choose an onsite course, consider the costs associated with accommodation and expenses on top of the course fees. An online certification is a great option for people with busy schedules who want the convenience of earning their certificate from the comfort of home.

3. Assessments – Make sure you choose a course that tests you! Assessments and assignments are important to show your teaching ability and knowledge, especially in online learning. Ensure that you’re challenged to apply your learning and that the assessments are graded by real people, like professors or TEFL specialists.

4. Accreditation – There is no accrediting body for TEFL courses. This means that TEFL courses can be offered by an accredited organization or university, but there are no truly accredited TEFL courses because there is no existing governing body to accredit these courses. With so many TEFL courses available, it’s important to choose one that is reputable and internationally recognized by employers.

5. Price – TEFL courses range significantly in price, but this can also reflect the quality of the course. Good quality TEFL courses are between $1,000 – $2,500. When it comes to professional development, it’s best to invest. Don’t cut corners when it comes to your education and teaching career!

6. Placement Services – With an internationally recognized TEFL certificate, you are already a step ahead of the competition and should be able to find a job easily as long as you’re flexible. It’s a huge decision to move your life to a foreign country for a job, so make sure the job is a good fit for you. Carefully assess TEFL courses that “guarantee” job placements upon completion.  Research the schools and partnerships first to assess their credibility and any conditions that may apply.  It’s best to choose a TEFL course that’s partnered with a credible recruitment agency to provide you with support and guidance on your quest to find a teaching job abroad

So there you have it, our list of what to consider when choosing a TEFL course.

So there you have it, our list of what to consider when choosing a TEFL course.