5 common FAQs about taking a TEFL course answered

So, you’re thinking about taking a TEFL course? Great. But we’re sure you must have some questions. Everyone does. If this is the first time you’ve dipped your toe into the world of teaching, then be sure to start with this guide to five of the basic FAQs that always seem to pop up and pop up again…

What’s the difference between a TEFL course and a TESOL course?

In the world of English language teaching, it can sometimes seem like there are more acronyms going around than in a game of Scrabble. EFL, ESL, CELTA, TTT, STT – there are just so many to get your head around. The two that pop up most often at the stage of choosing the right course are TEFL and TESOL. They are almost the same but there is a key difference…

TESOL is a qualification that’s largely focused on teaching English as a second language. That means a great emphasis on adult learning and fluency. TEFL is for teaching English as a foreign language, so is the better choice if you’re wanting to travel the world and teach as you go. All of our courses are TEFL courses, which are also recognized internationally by schools and institutions from Colombia to China.

Will I need to buy textbooks or any extra learning material to complete the TEFL course?

Nope. You won’t have to fork out anything for extra texts or learning materials if you don’t want to. We’ve made sure that all the information you need to get through your TEFL course is right there in the TEFL course itself. From learning the ins and outs of lesson planning to getting a feel for classroom discipline practices and brushing up on your grammar, it’s all a simple click away. You can even check back and re-read what you’ve been through with ease.

Of course, don’t let that stop you diving into the subject with extra books and whatnot if you want to. Our team is always happy to recommend reading and journals that can help with your teaching skills. It’s a lifelong journey this TEFL thing, after all!

Do I need a 120-hour TEFL course?

You don’t HAVE to get a 120-hour TEFL course. However, we highly recommend going for nothing less than that if you’re serious about making it in the world of English teaching either abroad or over the internet.

The truth is that shorter courses just don’t have enough content to really give you the skills you need to be effective. That’s also no secret to schools who will be your employer down the line, which is why most demand that all applicants hold at least that magic number (120 hours).

Can I teach online with a TEFL course?

You sure can. In fact, we’ve seen the number of digital positions boom in the last two years or so, especially since the pandemic hit and English schools all over the world suddenly realized the value of working online. What’s more, they can pay pretty well, with average hourly salaries sitting between $12-20.

Standard 120-hour TEFL courses are a great baseline qualification for getting into the realm of online teaching. However, we’ve also put together a 140-hour course that includes modules specifically related to online teaching. It has some great extra training for would-be TEFL nomads and should help you get a leg up on the competition at the interview stage!

What’s the difference between an onsite and online TEFL course?

All TEFL courses fall into two categories: Onsite and online. The latter are the most common type. They are conducted entirely over the internet. Students get access to a web portal where they have their lessons and seminars. All tests are done digitally. You’ll even graduate with a digital certificate that you can then send out to prospective school employers all around the globe.

The former option is more hands-on, seeing you actually head to a destination to complete your qualification in person. They’re great if you’re eager to start your travel adventure right away or want to meet likeminded TEFL undergrads. They can also offer valuable extra features like in-person teaching observation and contact with working TEFL teachers already in the field.

We hope that this guide to TEFL FAQs has answered some of the key questions you have about English teaching abroad. If you want any extra information, be sure to get in touch directly or head over to our courses page.