If you are one of the EFL teachers who are interested in teaching English abroad and considering taking an online or offline TEFL-certified course, continue reading this post.
This post covers everything you need to know about the basics of getting the best TEFL-certified course to teach English abroad & online.
What is a TEFL Course?
“TEFL” is the acronym for Teaching English as a Foreign Language, or simply, English language instruction for non-native speakers.
Obtaining a TEFL certificate is the starting point for most people when they plan to teach English as a foreign language, either abroad, in their own home country, or online.
These certification courses can be completed in one to three months. They are open to anyone with a good command of English and an interest in teaching.
TEFL certification courses often focus on practical applications, such as how to teach the four language skills in the classroom and how to design lesson plans.
When you finish a TEFL certification course, you are qualified for a TEFL job at any school.
Two Main Forms Of TEFL Courses
In-Person Or On-Site TEFL Courses
- These courses offer hands-on training, either in your home country or in the country where you’re interested in teaching.
- Tend to last between three to four weeks.
- Often have structured class days.
- Filled with lectures, classroom observations, and real teaching opportunities.
- Are more expensive since you’ll have to consider flights, lodging, and living expenses unless you take this course in your home country.
Online TEFL Courses
- These programs are fully digital.
- You complete the material at a time that’s right for you.
- You won’t have to travel very far to get certified since you can work on the course, complete it and get certified from the comfort of your home.
- Because they take place online, these types of courses tend to be less expensive than on-site TEFL courses.
- They are preferable for those who want to get certified while balancing a busy schedule.
What Key Topics Will You Learn in a TEFL Course?
TEFL courses generally cover the following topics:
- The basics of teaching theories, strategies and methodology.
- How to create lesson plans for different kinds of skills such as speaking, listening, reading, grammar, and writing.
- Classroom management techniques.
- How to create effective teaching resources, aids, activities, and assessments.
During the course, you will also make connections with some aspiring teachers who are always ready to help and develop you professionally.
What Jobs Can You Get With a TEFL Certification?
Getting TEFL certified will help you qualify for online teaching jobs and traditional classroom teaching positions.
Around the world, accredited TEFL certifications are a necessary requirement for many employers.
Once you’ve completed your TEFL course, you will feel more confident when you begin your EFL teaching career and your application will look much more desirable to future employers.
To ensure that you take the best TEFL course, you must take into account the following seven tips.
7 Key Tips To Choose The Best TEFL Course
1. Be Well Aware of Your Professional Needs
Firstly, think if you really need to take a TEFL course or not and specify exactly why need it and the objectives you want to achieve after finishing it.
Getting a TEFL course is what you need to take if you want to:
- Start teaching English online.
- Apply to teach EFL in a traditional classroom abroad.
- Offer freelance services as an online EFL/ESL instructor.
- Volunteer as an English language educator.
2. Research
Spend as much time as possible researching and comparing TEFL courses.
3. Online or On-Site Classes
See which course is suitable for you more. You may choose to enrol in an online course or on-site classes may be more suitable and useful for you or a combination of the two may be perfect in your case.
4. Consider the Cost
Make a list of each option’s cost and select what suits your budget and objectives as well.
5. Consider How Long the Course Will Last
Consider how long each course lasts (one month? two? Three) and whether or not the dates fit with your schedule.
6. Take Accreditation Seriously
This is something many people often take for granted when pursuing any sort of degree or certificate in TEFL; however, checking out the institution or academy’s accreditation is essential.
7. Reach Them Out & Ask Questions
Don’t be afraid to contact the course providers and ask them any question in your mind to realize that they are in charge of your course as well as committed to you.
The provider whom you find willing to take the time to support and answer your questions as soon as possible must take a privilege.
Takeaway
Whichever TEFL course you decide to enrol in is going to be an important part of your life for the next year or two. So, you should definitely consider a good feeling about it from the very beginning!
To Get started, Compare TEFL Courses at ITA (International TEFL Academy)
ITA (International TEFL Academy) is one of the world’s largest TEFL certification institutions for you to become professionally trained as an English teacher.
So, follow up by researching the accreditation of ITA’s TEFL Certification Courses to see that it’s legitimate and favourably regarded in the education community.
International TEFL Academy (ITA) trains more than 6,000 English teachers annually and offers internationally accredited TEFL-TESOL certification courses online and in 25 locations around the world.
For more information about TEFL certification and teaching English abroad, please visit their site: International TEFL Academy (ITA) to receive a FREE guide now.
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