How to Get Certified: A Step-by-Step Guide to TEFL Courses

Today, most people want to settle abroad for better and more job opportunities, and a quality standard of living. Among them, some want to teach abroad. The most important component of teaching abroad is obtaining a TEFL certification. But, as a beginner, you don’t have any idea about TEFL courses.

Don’t worry! This detailed guide is here at your rescue.

What are TEFL courses?

Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) Courses are provided to learners who want to teach English language to those whose mother tongue is not English. The courses give an overall understanding of teaching methodologies and skills. It prepares learners to face real classroom situations confidently.

Once, the students complete their TEFL course, they are awarded a TEFL certification. Educational institutions abroad look for a 120-hour TEFL certification. But, many institutions offer short-term TEFL courses between 20-100 hours, but they are not often valid and reliable. Moreover, an advanced program that spans 140-250+ hours of TEFL certification focuses on in-depth teaching methodologies.

What modes of TEFL courses are available?

There are several modes of TEFL courses available which you can choose according to your learning needs. Here are a few options:

1. Online TEFL Certification

TEFL certification online is conducted online through live or recorded sessions. It is a great opportunity for those who cannot in-person training. TEFL course online also includes assignments, projects and assessments. Moreover, TEFL course online are affordable than others.

2. In-Person TEFL Courses

In-person TEFL courses are another mode. It is suitable for people who want to get TEFL Certification by visiting the training institution. This mode provides direct interaction with your TEFL trainers and hands-on teaching experience.

3. Blended TEFL courses

One of the excellent options to get TEFL certification is blended TEFL course. They provide a combination of online coursework and some in-person components. This benefits those who want to experience direct interaction with the flexibility to attend online.

How to Choose the Right TEFL Courses?

While choosing the right TEFL courses, certain important areas must be considered. They are –

Accredited TEFL Courses

Seeking accredited TEFL courses is a crucial step in TEFL certification. Many of the organisations prefer globally recognised accreditation. A valid accredited TEFL course ensures that you have met the quality standards of TEFL certification.

Many training centers boast by saying they are accredited by many recognised organizations. But, not mentioning any of them. Beware of such institutes. While approaching institutes for your TEFL course, ensure that they are accredited to internationally recognised bodies like AAEFL, ACCET (Accredited Council for Continuing Education and Training), Cambridge University, Trinity College etc.

Seeking a TEFL course affiliated with prestigious institutions and accredited to internationally recognised bodies will help you embark on your teaching journey online and internationally.

Duration of Your TEFL Certification Courses

Does the hours of TEFL courses really matter? Definitely! The number of hours of TEFL course counts. Though short-term courses such as 40-100 hours are available, most of the prestigious teaching organisations do not accept them.

The standard industry TEFL certification requires 120 hours. This TEFL certification provides a comprehensive curriculum attributing learners with the required knowledge and skills, making them confident to face the real classroom. Moreover, some advanced courses also offer 140-250+ hours.

Qualified TEFL instructors

If you are a person aspiring to be a trained, certified and professional English teacher, make sure you seek the right training from qualified, expert and experienced TEFL trainers. Generally, an instructor who has university-level qualifications holds at least a master’s degree in TESOL, English, or Linguistics and has extensive experience in teaching and training can be considered a qualified TEFL instructor. Professional-level training from these instructors can be a stepping stone to realising your dream of teaching English abroad.

Job Placement Assistance

Job placement assistance may not be a part of TEFL courses curriculum and coursework. However, it is one of the critical elements to look for while enrolling in TEFL courses in institutions. When you invest your time and money in earning a TEFL certification, ensure that you receive reliable and quality job placement support to secure a professional English teacher job in some prestigious institutions overseas.

Mastering the TEFL concepts is not enough, getting guidance from experts and experienced mentors about jobs, resume writing, interviews and recruiters, also plays a crucial role in securing an English teaching job abroad. Hence, enroll in TEFL course provided by prestigious institutions that can offer expertise and personal assistance in preparing resumes and interviews, and resources such as contact of schools and recruiters and connect with alumni.

Additional Support

In addition to the job placement assistance mentioned above, many institutions offer additional support. This includes specialised courses that complement the TEFL courses, great alumni networks, and a membership plan for a year or more. Many institutions provide additional specialised courses such as Business English Teacher Training Programmes, Teaching Young Learners, and Teaching English for Specific Purposes.

Moreover, enrolling yourself in an institution that has a wider alumni network can provide valuable guidance and access to a multitude of job opportunities. Additionally, being a member of a subscription plan provides opportunities to attend some exclusive sessions related to the TEFL courses which can enrich your professional experience. Furthermore, a few institutions offer continuing professional development and access to digital resources and teaching learning materials.

What are the Advantages of TEFL Certification?

Many questions pop up in your mind when you plan to begin your TEFL courses. It includes how can I benefit from the course?, when can I join? and what are the eligibility criteria for TEFL certification? But, among them, the most important question that haunts you till you know all about it is how I can benefit from a TEFL certification. Here are a few points to illustrate how TEFL courses benefits you.

Better and More Job Opportunities

The most exciting benefit of TEFL certification is that it provides a pool of teaching opportunities such as to teach abroad and online platforms. There is a huge demand for English language teachers in foreign countries. Many organisations consider TEFL as a minimum qualification, even though you have a degree or prior teaching experience. Hence, an accredited TEFL certification helps you get a teaching position abroad.

Improved Teaching Skills

Seeking TEFL courses from a prestigious organisation exposes you to a vast curriculum that includes teaching pedagogy, classroom management, understanding of English language skills, vocabulary, grammar, and lesson planning. It also increases your confidence to face real learners.

Cultural Exchange

As a teacher working in schools abroad allows you to explore and experience new and traditional cultures. Also, it enables you to improve your personality by building relationships with colleagues, students and parents from diverse backgrounds.

Competitive Salary

Many countries like South Korea, Latin America and China offer increased payments for teachers with TEFL certification. Additionally, they provide other benefits such as health and travel allowances. Moreover, the online platforms allow teachers to set their own payment rates according to hours of classes.

Flexible Working Options

Securing a TEFL certification enables you to work as a teacher without a formal teaching degree and prior working experience. Also, TEFL certification gives you the flexibility to work in schools and universities abroad, or any online platforms. Moreover, it allows you to work full-time or part-time.

Why Choose Henry Harvin TEFL courses?

Henry Harvin Education is one of the premier institutions that offer TEFL courses online. Recently, Henry Harvin was featured in Forbes with a rating of 4.8. If you want to teach abroad or in a reputed online platform, Henry Harvin TEFL courses are one of the best options for you.

Henry Harvin provides a 120-hour TEFL course online that covers teaching pedagogy. Additionally, it offers a diploma and Master-level Diploma in TEFL which learners pursue to achieve competitive roles. They have expert and experienced trainers who deliver TEFL courses. Moreover, they provide specialised courses, job placement assistance, and membership plans. Furthermore, they have an esteemed alumni network.

Henry Harvin TEFL courses provide AAEFL (American Accredited for English as a Foreign Language) Accreditation. AAEFL is a globally accepted accrediting body for TEFL certification. It is one of the affiliations for you to teach in countries like the USA, Canada, America, Columbia, etc. It assures the standard of the training content and practical content and supports institutions to deliver high-quality TEFL courses.

Conclusion

An accredited TEFL certification can transform your teaching career. It is a key to fulfilling your teaching ambition and building new connections abroad. However, starting a TEFL journey can be overwhelming when you don’t have any idea about the courses and certification. Therefore, this detailed guide helps learners to achieve their dream of teaching abroad.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who can choose TEFL courses?

Ans: Anyone who desires to start a teaching journey can enroll in TEFL courses and get TEFL certified.

2. Does the TEFL certification expire?

Ans: No, TEFL certification is for a lifetime.

3. Do I require prior teaching experience for TEFL courses?

Ans: No. Prior teaching experience is not required for TEFL courses and certification.

4. How can I know about accredited TEFL courses?

Ans: You can do some research to learn about accredited TEFL courses. Go through the websites of certain institutions and read a few blogs to check for ACCET and AAEFL accreditation.

5. How can I apply for jobs after TEFL certification?

You can apply directly for job openings advertised in job portals. Also, you can register in the job assistance portal offered by the institution. Even sharing your certification on social media profiles can help you find jobs.