Choosing the Right Online TEFL Course: A Step-by-Step Guide

30 Jan, 2024 Teaching English Program

Perhaps, you have decided to commence your TEFL quest and are prepared to get the ball rolling. Nevertheless, it could be overwhelming when choosing the appropriate course for you. There are endless options when taking a look at the present TEFL course providers. The TEFL course provider can play a significant role in the long run. Here, we have enumerated the benefits of enrolling in online TEFL courses in 2024.

1. Search for accreditation

Try to search for a certified course provider. TEFL courses come with plenty of accrediting bodies right now. These courses can be delivered by someone after being written down. It implies that you must do your research before enrolling. Look for a course accredited by an experienced accreditor. It implies that you believe in the course as well as its contents.

Here, we would like to mention that not every accreditor is created in the same manner. Therefore, you need to search for those who are hugely popular. They must be able to operate under stringent guidelines.

2. Look for a dependable provider

You should look for a globally recognized TEFL course. Go through online reviews, the course fees, and verify industry experience. Moreover, you must likewise review the teaching credentials to come across the best course online. Make sure to find a faithful provider with lots of reputation when it comes to providing TEFL courses online.

3. Focus on the price

Try to find out whether the price is too good to be true. You need to look at the price while purchasing anything. In this way, you will figure out whether the product is okay or not. For example, while purchasing chicken for $6 can be a bargain, a $2 chicken should be a matter of concern. In the same way, suppose somebody is providing you with a 120-hour TEFL course for less than $60. On the other hand, other providers might be charging you much more than that. It is a fact that you will get what you pay for. Therefore, if something appears to be too good to be true, then you should try to avoid purchasing it.

4. Check the duration of the course

Several online TEFL courses might guarantee you that you will become qualified within seven days. However, a TEFL certification will usually be of 100 hours or more. The duration of 100 hours is regarded as the minimum by most employers. Therefore, always try to find a course providing you with over 100 hours of study. It will help you to find a lucrative job in the long run.

5. Go through the course curriculum

The appropriate TEFL course will offer a strong foundation of knowledge required to become a successful teacher. The online TEFL certification must have an online course. Therefore, it is imperative to do comprehensive research before making any decision. The TEFL course should cover the appropriate topics. These should consist of teaching methods, preparation, and classroom management.

6. Must provide job assistance

A well-known TEFL certification provider needs to have an extensive network of recruiters and schools they partner with. The majority of them will offer job assistance for the completion of the course. They will help you to come in touch with a recruiting firm in your preferred location. If this service is offered, ensure that it is provided for the entire duration of your teaching profession. Also, it must not expire after several years. Moreover, the provider should also offer job assistance for free.

7. Will longer TEFL courses be more beneficial?

A 120-hour TEFL certificate will be appropriate for those who want to satisfy the criteria of certain employers. This particular TEFL course will provide you with more than adequate content for the satisfaction of the employers. Moreover, it happens to be a well-known choice as well. It'll be possible to complete this course within a minimum of two weeks. However, for this, you need to be motivated and must not have other commitments. Nevertheless, one should expect to spend approximately eight weeks on this particular course.

8. Course delivery

One more critical factor to consider will be the delivery of the online TEFL courses. It is possible to deliver these courses synchronously or asynchronously. Synchronous courses will feature live sessions with an instructor. However, asynchronous courses will enable the students to study at their convenience. Synchronous courses tend to be ideal for students who like to have a structured and interactive learning experience. Asynchronous courses will be appropriate for those who study according to their individual pace.

9. Course support

The support provided by the course should also be considered. The students must have access to help during the entire course. It can be using chat, email, or phone. However, the support must also incorporate feedback. It'll help the students to enhance their teaching skills in the best possible way. Also, it will make them prepared for their ensuing TEFL careers.

10. Reputation of the course provider

Lastly, we would like to mention the reputation of the provider of the course. Do some research and try to find out whether the provider is reputed in the industry. Students need to look for testimonials and reviews from previous students. They must verify whether the provider comes with any accreditations or awards.

Conclusion

You need to consider all these factors when selecting online TEFL courses. We have done the legwork on your behalf so that you can have peace of mind. After completing the course, you can accept any English teaching language anywhere on the planet.