With hundreds of TEFL courses to choose from, it can be hard to know which TEFL course is best. Each course offers something different and there are various different types of TEFL certification available. Therefore, it’s always important to do your research to find the right course for you.
What you should consider when choosing your TEFL course:
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What TEFL course fits with your level of experience and requirements?
When searching for TEFL courses you’ll come across a range of options. These include TEFL, TESOL, CertTESOL, CELTA and DELTA courses. Both the TEFL and TESOL course offers a great entry level option and are ideal if you want to pick up some English teaching work online or abroad.
CELTA courses and the Trinity CertTESOL are generally more expensive and taken by people serious about pursuing a career in TEFL. Whilst DELTA courses are reserved for those with existing teaching experience who want to progress into more senior roles. Each of these are different so make sure you pick the right course, and best TEFL certificate, for you.
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Is it an in class TEFL course, an online TEFL course, or a hybrid TEFL course (both in class and online)?
If you want to get a TEFL job in a specific country it can be a good idea to do your course there. This will help you build your network there and open up opportunities in that country. However, there are also many great online TEFL courses. Obtaining an online TEFL certificate can be equally as effective in securing you a job teaching English abroad, online or at home.
If you can’t decide or want the best of both, you can go for a hybrid course. The first part is usually done online and then you travel out to the country to do your teaching practice and complete the course.
Many employers who ask for a TEFL qualification will expect you to have taken at least a 120 hour TEFL course.
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Is it an accredited TEFL course?
A TEFL accreditation from reputable organizations such as Ofqual, the University of Cambridge, British Council, TQUK and/or ACTDEC are highly valuable. They can provide you with reassurance that you’ll be receiving good quality training and a recognized, trusted TEFL qualification.
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TEFL Level 3, TEFL Level 5 or TEFL Level 7?
You may have seen that some TEFL courses come in levels. These represent the level of the qualification, which is assigned by Ofqual. For the purpose of choosing your course, you should be aware that TEFL level 5 is the same level of study as an undergraduate degree. TEFL level 3 is below this and TEFL level 7 is above it. Most people starting out should be looking at either level 3 or level 5 TEFL courses. You can learn more about what level of TEFL course you should take here.
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How much does the TEFL certification cost?
The price of a TEFL program can range anywhere between $30 -3000, and like with most things in life you do get what you pay for. You’ll still find some great value online TEFL courses around the $100 mark but you should review them carefully. This is important, as you’ll need to ensure that the course matches the requirements of your target online TEFL job or desired location.
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Is it from a reputable TEFL course provider?
If you want to land a your dream teaching job after completing your TEFL certification course, you need to make sure you go with a good TEFL course provider. They will be able to offer you the best TEFL training so that you can take your pick of teaching locations around the world. You can see our list of TEFL course providers here.
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Does it have good reviews?
TEFL course reviews can be particularly helpful when it comes to deciding upon the best course for you. If the course receives good reviews both for its content and instruction you can be fairly sure that it’s worth doing.