If you’re reading this article, it’s likely you’ve spent a lot of time researching online TEFL course options. Everywhere you look, you find intense debates about which type of TEFL course is better. So, let’s look at some of the questions you might ask yourself, including the age-old question – which TEFL course to choose?
Do I Need a TEFL Certification to Teach Abroad or Online?
Teaching English as a foreign language has become one of the most popular freelance gigs around. There is no shortage of enthusiastic learners eager to learn. Some employers allow English teachers to teach without a TEFL qualification. But typically, the more qualified you are, the more earning potential and opportunities you will have.
Getting TEFL certified is a great way to boost your employability if you want to teach abroad or online. While you might meet people who claim otherwise, the reality is that you will certainly need at least a TEFL qualification to teach abroad. Countries like China have become stricter with their hiring processes.
How Do I Decide Whether an Online Course Is Right for Me?
Searching for a TEFL course can be confusing with hundreds of companies operating in such a saturated market. Before you dive into which TEFL course you should choose, consider these important things to look for when searching for the perfect TEFL course.
Identify Your Goals
The first thing to do when thinking about taking an online TEFL course is to identify your goals. Do you want to get TEFL certified quickly, or study over a longer period of time? Do you want to teach English abroad or online? What is your budget?
Time Commitment
The time you are able to commit to studying will often determine the right course for you. If you’re a student, working full-time or have family commitments, then taking an online course may be better for you as you can study in your own free time. However, if you have a more flexible schedule, then you could consider doing an in-person class, or a blended TEFL course.
Your Budget
Next, what’s your budget? In-person courses will usually be more expensive. Whereas online courses have become a more affordable way for teachers to get TEFL certified. Not only this, but they also allow you to learn at your own pace from the comfort of your own home. Most companies allow up to six months for you to complete your course, giving you ample time to get certified.
Quality of Online TEFL Courses
The age-old question of online courses vs in-person courses is one that sparks a lot of debate. Whilst online TEFL courses, in particular, give you the flexibility to study at your own pace, a lot of people worry about their quality and whether they can match up to in-person courses.
Unfortunately, there is a common misconception that online TEFL qualifications aren’t accepted by employers. Some people also think they aren’t as good as in-person courses. In reality, it is the opposite. Online study is perfect if you want to save some money, learn in your own time or if you can’t commit to in-person classes. And if you choose the right course, then be sure it is accredited and recognized by employers.
It doesn’t really make a huge difference to employers whether you have studied in-person or online, as long as you have a minimum of 120 hours of study. On paper, if your course is accredited and meets the study requirements, then it’s as useful as an in-person course.
What Do I Need to Be Aware of with Online TEFL Courses?
Online TEFL certifications are a great way to get your foot in the door when teaching English abroad or online. However, the industry is notoriously unregulated. Finding a course that is appropriately accredited is a crucial step. One of the reasons why people feel that online courses aren’t useful is because they are likely to have come across so many scam companies. This can taint the TEFL industry and tarnish many legitimate companies with the same brush.
You might also come across a lot of cheaper TEFL courses, which may seem appealing at first. But if they are not accredited or don’t have enough hours, then they might not help you secure a job. Most companies that require their teachers to have a TEFL certificate will also require a minimum of an accredited 120-hour course. So be careful if you see a heavily discounted TEFL course. Things that sound too good to be true usually are. It’s likely that the course will not be accredited or recognized by employers.
Which Course Should I Choose?
Lucky for you, our online TEFL courses are very reasonably priced. Investing a TEFL certificate means you will have the potential to travel the world and teach. But if that isn’t up your street, then you can also stay at home and teach in your slippers. What’s better than having access to unlimited cups of tea and coffee?
So, which course should you invest in? Well, it depends on what you want to gain out of the course itself. If you’re just starting off in your English teaching journey, then maybe you might want to start off with our advanced 120-hour course. This tends to be the minimum standard required for most English teaching jobs abroad and online. It would be suitable for those looking to break into the world of teaching English online for the first time and for those searching for entry-level jobs.
If you have already studied for your 120-hour course and want to step up, then you might consider our 180 hour Level 5 TEFL Diploma. This type of course is now recognized as the gold standard of the TEFL industry. It is also the equivalent of a CELTA qualification, foundation degree, and Trinity CertTESOL.
Become a TEFL Superstar
To become a TEFL superstar, we would recommend one of the most in-depth courses in the market. Our 310-hour hybrid course is unique because you can get real-time expert tuition in a virtual classroom without having to commute to an in-person course. In an ever-changing learning environment, online study is a great option.
Our hybrid course is also perfect for beginners. You’ll be able to benefit from our internationally recognized 168 hour Level 5 TEFL course with a virtual teacher studio plus an additional four separate specialist certifications. These are the Teaching Young Learners, Teaching Business English, and both IELTS and TOEIC preparation courses. Having 24/7 access to your online coursework will also give you the freedom to fit your study around your commitments. This makes it the perfect choice for people who are always on the move.
Is Teaching English Online Right for Me?
Teaching English abroad or online is an increasingly viable gig. One that allows you to travel the world and work remotely or teach online from your own home. If you see English teaching as a career and you want to increase your earning potential and opportunities, then you should be qualified.
If you fancy earning a bit of money on the side, then teaching English online may be for you. All you need to be a great teacher is to be passionate about the English language. Sharing that passion and creating an engaging environment to learn in is the key to becoming a successful teacher.
In the end, deciding on whether to take an online TEFL course or an in-person course is a personal decision based on your own individual circumstances. The most important thing to remember when choosing a TEFL course is to identify your goals, research genuine companies, and know what you want to do with your certification.
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