What Does Tefl Course Involve

Becoming a proficient TEFL (Teach English as a Foreign Language) instructor can vary in terms of time frame depending on the individual's background, level of commitment, and the specific requirements of the teaching position they are aiming for. Generally, a TEFL certification course can range from 120 hours for a basic certification to 250 hours for a more comprehensive program. The duration of these courses can vary as well, with intensive courses lasting anywhere from 4 to 6 weeks, while part-time courses can take several months to complete. After completing the certification course, many aspiring instructors choose to gain practical experience through teaching practice sessions or volunteer opportunities. This hands-on experience can further enhance their skills and confidence in the...  [Read more]

When choosing a TEFL course that aligns with your career aspirations and goals, there are several factors to consider. The first step is to determine your objectives. Are you looking to teach English abroad or online? Do you want to work with young learners, business professionals, or exam preparation? Understanding your career goals will help you narrow down the options and choose a course that best suits your needs. Next, consider the accreditation of the TEFL course. Accreditation from recognized bodies such as the British Council, Cambridge English, or the Accrediting Council for Continuing Education and Training (ACCET) ensures that the course meets high standards of quality and will be recognized by employers worldwide. Look for courses that offer at least 120 hours of instruction,...  [Read more]

Becoming a proficient TEFL educator is a rewarding journey that requires dedication, time, and effort. The timeline to achieve proficiency can vary depending on several factors such as prior teaching experience, the level of education, and the amount of time dedicated to studying and practicing TEFL methodologies. For individuals with a background in education or language teaching, the process of becoming proficient in TEFL may be quicker due to their existing knowledge and skills. On the other hand, those who are new to teaching may require more time to grasp the essential concepts and techniques. Typically, a TEFL certification course can range from 120 to 150 hours of study. These courses cover a wide range of topics such as lesson planning, classroom management, language skills...  [Read more]

  Teaching English is a huge industry worldwide and as such there are multiple nations involved in regulating the industry. As with most worldwide industries there is no single body representing all the different providers. This is important when answering the question; What is the official TEFL website?  [Read more]

First we need to define what TEFL means before looking at the various ways in which it can be examined to provide a teaching certificate. There are various locations in which a TEFL exam can be taken and different methods of instruction, these will also be considered. The acronym TEFL stands for Teaching English as a Foreign Language and it can be used in any situation where the English language is being taught to non-native English speakers. Technically speaking, TEFL refers to teaching English in countries where English is not the native language. It is a term used mainly in the UK and is used interchangeably with the equivalent USA term TESOL. As with any profession, teaching has a series of exams at different levels. Within the world of ESL the entry level examination for teachers is...  [Read more]

When choosing the right TEFL course to suit your future plans, it is important to understand the different levels of study involved so you are able to pick the right option that provides the qualifications you really need. While a level 3 course can be completed quite quickly and at a very affordable price, it might not give you the level of qualification that employers are looking for in your chosen destination. Equally, if you plan to volunteer as a teacher or work as a teaching assistant, a level 8 Master’s degree in TEFL will involve a bit more time, effort, and money than you really need to be investing. Check out our course levels page for more details. At ITTT we have a course-level framework that has been designed to make it easy for our trainees to compare our different course...  [Read more]

  And so on to the final phase of the ESA lesson, which is called the activate phase. What we have done so far, if you remember, is to engage the students, to get them talking and thinking in English, where possible we've elicited the teaching point from the students and covered any gaps in knowledge to make sure that the teaching point has been fully covered and then we've checked understanding of that teaching point by asking targeted and specific questions. Usually the types of activities that we've done for the study phase will involve using a single word in order to answer those questions correctly this, however, is not how language is actually used. When we use language, we always use it in some form of context. So the purpose of the activate activity is to put that teaching...  [Read more]

The first major factor that has an impact on how long it will take to get TEFL certified is which type of course you choose to take. There are three main TEFL course types to be aware of: The most common form of in-person TEFL course is the four-week, 120-hour TEFL certificate. Trainees on this course usually travel from their home country to one of many locations around the world to take the course. Courses should involve a theory component, covering language awareness and teaching skills, and a practical teaching component where trainees teach classes of real English language learners and receive feedback. These courses usually take four weeks to complete and therefore some form of accommodation is required for the duration of the course. This and the travel aspect, make this form of...  [Read more]

To renew your TEFL certification after it has expired, you have several options available depending on the provider of your original certification. Here are some common steps you can take to renew your TEFL certification: 1. Contact the Certification Provider: The first step is to reach out to the organization or institution that issued your original TEFL certification. They will be able to provide you with specific information on their renewal process and any requirements you need to fulfill. 2. Refresher Courses: Many TEFL certification providers offer refresher courses for individuals looking to renew their certification. These courses typically cover key teaching concepts and methodologies to ensure you are up to date with the latest practices in the field. 3. Continuing Education:...  [Read more]

  The teaching idea covered here is one that would be appropriate for adult English language learners. It involves students writing a CV including personal data such as where they were born, their education history and their work experience. This activity could be a precursor to a job interview activity where students interview each other for different jobs using information from their CVs. By taking one of ITTT's TESOL courses you will learn useful teaching ideas such as the one covered in this video. There are number of options available to study from short 60-hour introductory courses to longer 120-hour TESOL courses. It is also possible to take ITTT's TESOL courses in-class at any one of our training centres around the world. Please visit the link above for more information...  [Read more]

If you are considering a career in educational technology, obtaining a TEFL certification can certainly be beneficial. A TEFL certification demonstrates to potential employers that you have the necessary skills and knowledge to teach English as a foreign language, which can be particularly valuable in the field of educational technology. Educational technology often involves creating and delivering online courses, developing educational software, or designing digital learning materials, all of which may require the ability to effectively communicate and teach in English. Having a TEFL certification can enhance your credibility and marketability as a candidate for positions in educational technology. Employers may see your certification as evidence of your teaching abilities, your...  [Read more]

Becoming a successful TEFL teacher is a journey that varies in length depending on several factors. Here is a breakdown of the steps involved and the estimated time it may take to achieve success in this field. First and foremost, obtaining a TEFL certification is a crucial step towards becoming a successful TEFL teacher. This can typically be done through completing a TEFL course, which can range from 120 hours to 250 hours in length. The time it takes to complete a TEFL course can vary depending on whether you choose to study full-time or part-time. Full-time intensive courses can be completed in as little as 4 weeks, while part-time courses may take anywhere from 3 to 6 months to finish. After obtaining a TEFL certification, gaining practical teaching experience is key to becoming a...  [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 will...  [Read more]

  In the TEFL review, Matt describes how he was living and working as an English teacher in Japan when his employer asked him to get TEFL certified which he did through an online TEFL course with ITTT. Policy changes around the world mean that many countries now require their English teachers to have at least a 120-hour TEFL/TESOL certificate. ITTT's online courses are a great way to gain certification without having to take time off work. Below you can read feedback from an ITTT graduate regarding one section of their online TEFL certification course. Each of our online courses is broken down into concise units that focus on specific areas of English language teaching. This convenient, highly structured design means that you can quickly get to grips with each section before moving...  [Read more]

There are a number of EFL teaching scenarios that involve tutoring. The most obvious is that of one-to-one teaching. This can take place in a school, a language center, at a business or privately. Regardless of the teaching scenario, the route to becoming a TEFL tutor is basically the same as becoming a TEFL teacher. In general there are three ways to gain the certification required to become a TEFL tutor. They all involve a course with a minimum of 120 hours of training. This can be done from anywhere in the world with a computer and an internet connection. Typical 120-hour courses give you up to six months to complete the course, working at your own pace. These courses will cover the main aspects of EFL teaching, those being, learning about teaching methodology and learning how to teach...  [Read more]

To apply for a TEFL course, you typically need to follow a few key steps. First, research different TEFL course providers to find one that suits your needs in terms of course duration, cost, accreditation, and teaching practice opportunities. Once you have selected a TEFL course, you will need to complete an application form on the provider's website. During the application process, you may be asked to provide personal details, educational background, and sometimes a statement of purpose explaining why you want to take the course. Some providers may also require a copy of your resume or CV. It's important to check the specific requirements of each course you are interested in to ensure you provide all the necessary information. After submitting your application, you may need to pay a...  [Read more]

  The idiom "yellow-bellied" refers to a coward or cowardly behavior, for example: My brother called me yellow-bellied when I didn't want to touch the spider in the attic. Below you can read feedback from an ITTT graduate regarding one section of their online TEFL certification course. Each of our online courses is broken down into concise units that focus on specific areas of English language teaching. This convenient, highly structured design means that you can quickly get to grips with each section before moving onto the next. This unit discussed the productive skills. The productive skills are speaking and writing. The lesson encouraged teachers to not leave writing skills out of their lessons. Writing activities are quieter times but they are also incredibly...  [Read more]

We have made it our mission to provide you with the very best teacher training in the industry. This includes comprehensive pre- and post-course support so that all our course graduates can start their new journey as an English teacher in the best way possible. Due to this extensive support, we are proud to say that our pass rate is over 90%, which is one of the highest in the TEFL industry. A high-level TEFL course is comparable to a university course as it involves a great amount of time and effort. However, if you put in the work, review all the course content thoroughly and do well on your assessment tests, chances of failing are very slim. Depending on the TEFL course you choose, you will have between 6 months and a year to complete it. We also have tutor support available for all...  [Read more]

If you have done your homework and are serious about becoming an EFL teacher, there is no reason why you should not successfully complete your TEFL course. However, our training courses do require a strong sense of time commitment. This means, if you do not complete all elements of the course in the required timeframe, you may fail the course. We are very proud of our course pass rate of over 90%. Although it is possible to fail a TEFL course, the vast majority of our students finish their training and go on to become successful EFL teachers. As part of our promise to our teacher trainees, we make every effort to help each and every course taker to reach their full potential. Our one-of-a-kind combination of high-quality study materials, experienced trainers, and dedicated support staff...  [Read more]

If you are looking for financial aid to pursue a TEFL course, there are several options available that can help make your dream of teaching English as a foreign language a reality. Here are some avenues you can explore to secure financial assistance for your TEFL course: Scholarships and Grants: Many organizations, institutions, and universities offer scholarships and grants specifically for students looking to enroll in TEFL courses. These financial awards can help cover some or all of the tuition fees associated with the course. Research online for organizations that support language education or check with the institution where you plan to take the TEFL course for any available scholarships. Government Funding: In some countries, the government provides funding or loans for individuals...  [Read more]

If you are interested in exploring TEFL opportunities, there are various ways to learn more about them. One of the best ways to start is by researching online. There are numerous websites and job boards dedicated to advertising TEFL positions around the world. These platforms often provide detailed information about job requirements, qualifications, and benefits. Another valuable resource is TEFL certification programs. By enrolling in a reputable TEFL course, you not only gain the necessary skills and knowledge to teach English effectively but also access to job placement assistance. Many TEFL certification providers have partnerships with schools and language centers globally, increasing your chances of finding suitable job opportunities. Networking is also key in the TEFL industry....  [Read more]

TEFL certification can certainly be beneficial for those interested in working in language preservation efforts. While TEFL primarily focuses on teaching English as a foreign language, the skills and knowledge acquired during TEFL certification can be applied to various language preservation projects. Here's how TEFL certification can help you in this field: Firstly, TEFL certification equips you with essential teaching skills that are transferable to teaching and preserving minority languages. The methodologies and techniques learned in TEFL courses can be adapted to create curriculum and materials for language preservation programs. Moreover, TEFL certification provides a solid foundation in linguistics, which is crucial for understanding language structures and patterns. This knowledge...  [Read more]

  Paul from Australia is currently living in Manila in the Philippines. Paul took the 120-hour online TESOL course without tutor from ITTT. In this TESOL review video, Paul tells us that he found the course to be challenging and rewarding and had a great time completing but feels it would have been better to take the course with tutor support. Since completing the course Paul has been able to observe ESL lessons at the local international school and is looking forward to starting his new career as a TESOL teacher. Below you can read feedback from an ITTT graduate regarding one section of their online TEFL certification course. Each of our online courses is broken down into concise units that focus on specific areas of English language teaching. This convenient, highly structured...  [Read more]

Did you know that there are multiple levels of TEFL certification, including TEFL level 4, TEFL level 5, and TEFL level 6? Just when you thought picking an appropriate TEFL course would be easy, you discover that there are several levels available! It is crucial to know what each of these TEFL levels means before choosing your TEFL course. This will help you in determining what level is ideal to reach your desired goal and what courses you need to take in order to get the teaching job you are looking for. To begin, keep in mind that TEFL levels are based on the UK qualifications framework. This includes levels 0 through to 8. Check out the graphic below to get a better understanding of what kind of qualification each level corresponds to: A level 3 TEFL certificate corresponds to the AS...  [Read more]

Although you are free to sign up for any course that catches your eye, there is one thing you should always bear in mind: the minimum qualification required by most ESL employers worldwide is a 120-hour TEFL certificate course. The good news for our trainees is that there are a number of ways in which this can be achieved with ITTT. The first distinction in TEFL course type depends upon whether you want to travel to a training center to complete your studies or stay at home. If you wish to travel, then an ‘onsite’ course is best for you. Should you wish to complete your training at home then an ‘online’ course is best. The four-week 120-hour TEFL certification course can be completed at one of many locations spread across the globe. As the name implies, you attend the training...  [Read more]

A hybrid TEFL course, also known as a blended TEFL course, combines online learning with in-person components. This type of course offers a flexible approach to teaching English as a Foreign Language, allowing students to complete some of the coursework online while also participating in face-to-face sessions or practical teaching experiences. One of the main benefits of a hybrid TEFL course is the flexibility it provides to students. By offering a mix of online and in-person components, students can take advantage of the convenience of online learning while also gaining valuable practical experience in a classroom setting. This can be particularly beneficial for students who may not have the time or resources to commit to a full-time, in-person course. In a hybrid TEFL course, students...  [Read more]

Becoming an expert TEFL (Teach English as a Foreign Language) educator is a journey that requires dedication, time, and effort. The timeline to reach expert status can vary depending on several factors, including your starting point, the intensity of your studies, your teaching experience, and your commitment to professional development. While there is no set timeframe for becoming an expert, there are general guidelines that can help you understand the process. Firstly, obtaining a TEFL certification is typically the starting point for aspiring educators. This certification can range from a 120-hour course to more advanced programs that include specialization in areas such as teaching business English or young learners. The time it takes to complete a TEFL certification course can vary...  [Read more]

  This TEFL review was recorded ITTT graduate Kyrylo. Kyrylo took the 120-hour course with tutor support and videos. He found that the units were useful and the tutor responses were fast and clear. Although the final task was challenging, Kyrylo thinks that completing it useful to your future teaching career. Below you can read feedback from an ITTT graduate regarding one section of their online TEFL certification course. Each of our online courses is broken down into concise units that focus on specific areas of English language teaching. This convenient, highly structured design means that you can quickly get to grips with each section before moving onto the next. This unit helps me to prepare a suitable lesson for my students so that they can be more involved with an...  [Read more]

We know it can be difficult to sort through the various TEFL certification courses available on the market. That is why we are here to explain the various levels of TEFL courses. The general characteristics of the frameworks are frequently tied to a variety of elements, including the total amount of study hours, the certification type, if the program contains a practical component, and the study technique applied (full-time or part-time study). A level 6 TEFL course is near the top of the framework, making it one of the most advanced TEFL credentials available. A level 6 TEFL qualification is equivalent to an undergraduate or bachelor’s degree. With this level of TEFL certification, better-paying TEFL jobs are easier to come by, whether online or abroad. A level 6 qualification will also...  [Read more]

Becoming proficient in TEFL methods can vary depending on several factors. These include the individual's prior experience in teaching, their level of English proficiency, the intensity of the TEFL course, and the amount of practice and dedication they put into learning and implementing the methods. For individuals with no prior teaching experience or knowledge of English language teaching principles, it typically takes around 4-6 weeks to complete a standard TEFL certification course. These courses usually consist of 120-150 hours of coursework, including theoretical knowledge, practical teaching skills, and observed teaching practice. During the course, participants learn about lesson planning, classroom management, language analysis, and teaching techniques for different skills...  [Read more]