Signing up for a TEFL certification is a step further to landing your dream job as an English teacher abroad – TEFL is a great way to generate income. International teaching jobs tend to give a pretty pay to TEFL experts.
Additionally, a TEFL certificate is a one-time kind of deal. Why that? You can sign up, complete the course, and earn your certificate immediately. TEFL certification is just like the bitcoin of Teaching English as a Foreign Language.
Choosing an accredited TEFL certification is crucial to get you quality English language training and steer your career teaching English abroad. You might struggle so hard to land a high-paying job if you neglect this factor.
But where do you begin? There are tons of TEFL course providers out there advertising themselves as having the best TEFL course. You should be aware that not all these course providers are legitimate. You need to conduct thorough background research before giving them your money.
I have carefully compiled seven quick tips to know an accredited TEFL course – this will help you a lot.
Are you ready?
Table of Contents
Seven Pointers To Validate The Accreditation Of A TEFL Course
1. The Duration of the TEFL course
Is the duration of the course at least 100 hours?
The standard for accreditation of international TEFL courses is at least 100 hours of academics and 6-20 hours of live practice and interactive teaching. For example, the TEFLPros offer a 120 hours digital TEFL course that features ten modules on the scope of TEFL and a final exam.
Sign up now and get certified as a TEFL expert
Additionally, be careful of the TEFL course providers that tout 120 hours in class but lack practical instructions. As a result, their certificates will not meet international standards. BEWARE!
2. TEFL Accreditation Body
Is the TEFL course provider accredited by a registered accreditation body?
TEFL accreditation is a formal activity done by a third party. The accreditation body vets the professional and academic standards of the TEFL course providers. A body with just 20 or 30 organizations and few years of operation will not seem legitimate to an employer.
Some course providers leverage faux accreditation not recognized in the TEFL field. They set up their website, give it a name and make themselves a TEFL course provider. Certification from these course providers is not recognized by the international TEFL employers.
Bodies that are well-known for accrediting TEFL courses include:
¶ TQUK (Training Qualifications UK)
¶WTEFLAC (The World TEFL Accrediting Commission)
¶ ALTE (Association of Language Testers in Europe)British Council
¶ OFQUAL (The Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation
¶ ODLQC (Open and Distance Learning Quality Council)
Importantly, enroll for a TEFL course with an accredited TEFL course provider. Above all, professional body membership does not equal accreditation; some schools only sign up for a yearly membership with as low as $20 a year. Membership does not verify the academic and professional standards of a TEFL course provider.
3. Course Instructors’ Qualification
Are the courses taught by experts in the field?
Beware of TEFL course providers with less than par tutors. TEFL is a professional course taught by experienced instructors. The tutors should have an equivalent master’s degree in TEFL or a related equivalent field.
Moreover, it all boils down to money. High-quality TEFL course providers tend to charge more fees. Therefore, it will cost you some bucks to get a high-quality TEFL course. Most times, when a TEFL course is ridiculously cheap it features unqualified tutors.
4. Practicum or interactive live student session
Is practicum or interactive live student session incorporated in the course?
This is a very crucial aspect of the TEFL course as it distinguishes the quality of TEFL courses. A practicum helps you to get the necessary skills needed to be an effective teacher.
It gives the teacher confidence and initial nerves to be in front of a class of real students. You can learn tips to improve your teaching methods as you learn from your mistakes.
A course that does not incorporate practicum does not meet international standards and will not be recognized by potential employers.
5. Job Search Guidance
Will you get free job search guidance from experienced career advisors?
During your training, you should be provided with details to get your first job; from writing an international resume to a cover letter to negotiating a contract. Most importantly, many accredited TEFL course providers guide their trainees to their first job and not just give links to apply alone.
An accredited TEFL school with quality professional service will help you find work and support you until you have a teaching schedule that you’re comfortable with. All accredited TEFL courses entail details and guidance on how the trainees can get their first job.
6. Google Reviews, Website, and Social proof
What reviews do people give about them on google and how’s their social presence like?
Check up their google reviews. The more positive reviews, the more proof of validity. You can also use TEFL review sites such as www.TEFLcoursereview.com and Go abroad.
Is their website updated with pictures of real students, someone to speak to, and ask questions?
Is their Facebook and Instagram page active? Do they show pictures of their team in action? Do they display pictures of students that enrolled in the schools? Are there testimonials of graduates? Do they have followers that like and comment on their posts? A positive answer to these questions validates a TEFL course provider to be accredited.
For example, the i-to-i TEFL course provider has a graduate number of over 210,000. Besides, they have built a global name for themselves in the TEFL industry. Click on the link below to register for their 120 hours online TEFL course.
Register now and get certified to teach English abroad
7. The Price of the TEFL Certification Course
Is the course price too good to be true?
If the course price is too low, watch out! Do you expect to get a professional certification and job placement assistance for that price? A professional TEFL certification course will cost you about $75 and above depending on operating costs.
A ridiculous TEFL certification course price is a signal that the course provider might be having a faux accreditation. Nevertheless, some course providers offer discounts on some of their courses. During this period they offer their course at a low tuition fee. For example, you have the luxury of a 35% discount if you register for Mytefl 120 Hours Online TEFL Course via the link below.
ENROL NOW!
Conclusion
Investing in a quality certification will pay off in landing good employment. Moreso, the satisfaction that comes with you confidently providing your students with a rewarding educational experience places you on top of the world. Enroll now for the TEFL course that fits your requirements.