THINGS YOU MOST LIKELY DON’T KNOW ABOUT TEFL COURSES

Do you know that all you’ve read about TEFL courses is not everything about it? If you want to teach English abroad, taking a TEFL course is not an option. Additionally, it will equip you with the proper technique and practical strategy for teaching English as a foreign language.

No employer in the TEFL industry would hire a person who does not have the corresponding skill for the job. As a result, you need a TEFL course to train you.

TEFL course takes you to the front line of your career Teaching English as a Foreign Language. Furthermore, it helps you gain access to employers and schools that need qualified English tutors. Moreover, despite the significance of TEFL courses, there are several tips many are yet to know.

In this blog post, I have carefully explained seven secrets of the TEFL courses. This will further help you have in-depth knowledge and understanding of this course.

So…

7 HIDDEN SECRETS ABOUT THE TEFL CERTIFICATION PROGRAM.

1. Watch out for unreliable courses

According to the insurance information institute, the percentage of internet fraud rose from 13% to 46% between 2016 and 2020. This tells you to be more careful.
Online course registration requires thorough research. There are several courses online; you must therefore be on the lookout for valid ones.

Before registering for any TEFL course, check if it is accredited by the TEFL accrediting body. Don’t trust a course because it is a member of some international organizations. Also, check the testimonials of people who have enrolled in the past. See if these people testify to what they promise to deliver. Visit the website and see if the website has reviews, actual pictures of students, and facilities as proof of what they do.

In all your research, do not rush to conclude on any kind of course. Credibility is important!

2. Online vs. on-site learning

Online or offline, which one does it better?

The TEFL certification program can be taken online or at a physical location – your choice is the determinant. Nevertheless, each of these learning platforms has its advantages.

Courses that are taken online give room for flexibility. This allows you to have time for other commitments. You can always plan and schedule your learning time. On the other hand, on-site learning gives you a better experience with your tutors. It exposes you to teaching practice and classroom experience.

However, online learning compared to face-to-face learning is less expensive. On-site learning requires money to travel and settle in your new home.

3. Consider a course with more hours

Different types of TEFL courses have different lengths. It is more advisable to enroll in a course that has more hours of learning. A 20-hour course may seem less stressful, short, and inexpensive, but it will never give you the quality that a 100-hour course will.

Although the 100-hour program seems ambiguous, it provides detailed and accurate knowledge of everything you need to know. It also prepares you for the intended job. After all, what’s worth doing is worth doing right!

The relief of this is that the courses are divided into different modules of learning. This is to make the course less stressful.

4. Classroom practice is important

As a new teacher in a school, in front of new faces, communication can be difficult, but applying your experience in teaching practice makes things better.

Most online TEFL courses have started implementing classroom practice. This will teach you how to practically manage the classroom. Besides, classroom practice helps you understand student management.

These online courses have adopted a method where they instruct you to act like a real teacher regardless of your location. You have to construct a teaching plan and prepare notes like you have a full class before you.

5. Free Online Courses are exceptional!

Why won’t you want to sign up for a free course that guarantees you a job? That in itself is a great advantage on your side. However, you should expand your research because most online courses advertising themselves to be free are not credible. Oftentimes, most free online TEFL courses are offered by accredited schools.

Firstly, you must apply to these schools. Thereafter, they train you for free. After training, the school hires you and enrolls you as a certified teacher. This ensures that you will not have to look for a job after your training.

6. A TEFL certification makes online teaching possible

If you’ve ever dreamed of teaching on one of those online platforms, a certification can make your dream come true. A TEFL certification shows the world that you can be trusted to teach students online. Most online learning platforms require teachers to have a TEFL certification.

While you are still preparing to travel abroad, you can start learning English as a foreign language online. You get the opportunity to interact with people from different parts of the world. It also adds to your experience file when you apply to any school of your choice. The more your experience, the more you can teach English better.

7. Use post-learning support

Any authentic TEFL course should be there to support you until you have gotten the job you want. Many people find themselves going through the journey alone after completing the course. This leads to frustration and difficulty in delayed placement for a job.

Your tutors know better than you and should be able to direct you on what to do. You can request a letter of recommendation to boost your certification. Although TEFL programs cannot link you to a job directly, they can open you up to opportunities and guide you through till you get them.

Conclusion

Now, you know the seven essentials of TEFL courses and their intricacies. For a smooth adventure, start your journey by applying these principles. They will help you navigate your path through learning and teaching English abroad.

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