What TEFL course should I do?
Your choice of TEFL course will depend on several factors, including your career plans and the time and resources you have to invest in your training.
However, there are other non-negotiables to consider, such as choosing a great course from a reputable course provider.
Read on to learn more about finding the ideal course for you.
What is a TEFL course?
A TEFL course is the first step towards working as a qualified teacher of English as a foreign language.
A TEFL course will teach you TEFL methodology.
By the end of the course, you should be able to teach the receptive skills of listening and reading, and the productive skills of speaking and writing to non native English speakers.
Your TEFL course should also contain modules on teaching grammar, lesson planning and creating engaging course materials.
Once you have achieved TEFL certification, you should be able to apply for a teaching job abroad and be equipped to teach in person as a classroom teacher or personal tutor and online.
Different types of TEFL courses
TEFL courses vary in level from introductory courses that will enable you to get casual English teaching jobs abroad to advanced-level classes that can lead to a Level 5 TEFL Diploma, equivalent to a Foundation Degree.
The different levels will require different time commitments.
For example, an online TEFL course leading to a Level 5 Diploma will take 200 hours of study.
Delivery methods
A key factor in your choice of TEFL course will be how it is delivered and how that fits into your life.
Classroom-based courses
If you want to commit yourself to studying full-time for your TEFL certification, then a classroom-based course with other learners may be right for you.
Online TEFL courses
You can study for your TEFL qualification while working full-or part-time.
If this is the case, then an online TEFL course would be ideal for you.
Our online courses allow you to study when you choose and to work at your own pace.
Hybrid Learning
Some providers offer a mix of both online and in-person teaching.
Finding the best TEFL course provider
You should only consider accredited TEFL courses.
This means that an external body has accredited your course.
It is the role of this third party to verify that the quality of teaching, materials, and student experience on your TEFL course meets the required standards.
You should check that the accrediting body has an excellent international reputation, as language schools and employers worldwide will look for this seal of quality on your CV.
We are internationally accredited by the highly regarded ACCREDITAT.
A TEFL course tailored to your aspirations
Most TEFL courses will cover the basics of teaching English as a foreign language, grammar, and lesson planning; however, if you have aspirations to work in specific areas of the TEFL industry, you may need to develop further skills.
You may fancy teaching young learners or English to business leaders.
You may be planning a career in teaching English online.
If so, you should search for a TEFL course that includes modules or add-on qualifications that equip you to work in these specific areas.
Do I need a level 5 Diploma, or will a lower-level TEFL certificate be enough?
This depends on the type of teaching positions you will be applying for.
A higher-level qualification is more suitable for someone who wants to make a long-term career teaching English abroad in foreign language schools.
If you want to teach English as a foreign language as a way to make money while you travel, then you may not need to make such a significant investment of time and money.
You can find a small TEFL school or online agency that will employ you after completing a shorter course.
Undoubtedly, a diploma-level TEFL course will boost your job prospects more than a shorter course.
It is also required if you want to teach English in Asia or the Middle East, as language schools in these regions often prefer higher-level qualifications.
The right TEFL course for you
The right TEFL course will be one from a recognised international provider like Full Circle that suits your needs and aspirations in terms of content and delivery method.
However, there are other features you should look for and use as benchmarks to find the best TEFL course for you.
Ongoing professional support
The best course providers offer long-term support to their graduates throughout their careers.
Full Circle graduates enjoy the benefit of lifetime access to course materials and lesson planning.
Job guidance
Our new graduates benefit from job placement assistance when they are searching for their first position, but we also offer them lifetime job search assistance for every stage of their TEFL career.
The best TEFL course for you
We offer a broad range of online TEFL courses, designed by experienced TEFL teachers.
You can find our complete list of courses here.