Choosing the Right TEFL Course

TEFL, CELTA, TESOL, TESL, FELT, Cert TESOL...the acronyms used to name different courses in the industry of English Language Teaching are endless. Unfortunately, you can’t say the same for the opportunities those qualifications will provide.

The right course for you depends on a variety of factors, for example, do you expect to get paid for teaching? Do you want just an insight into teaching English, or is this a whole career move for you?

If you're unsure, we always recommend giving us a call at Cactus TEFL. Our TEFL course advisors are all qualified teachers with a lot of experience in the industry. Cactus TEFL grew out of our indignation at having so many course options and no one to point us in the right direction.

What's in a Word?

The biggest misconception is probably surrounding the word TEFL. Many people seem to think that TEFL is a qualification in it’s own right. It’s not. TEFL is simply the name encompassing the industry of English Language Teaching. Within that industry there is a mind-blowing range of courses you can sign up for, ranging from weekend and short introductory courses to 4 week intensive courses that will lead to an internationally recognised qualification. Below you can find a breakdown of courses we offer at Cactus TEFL to give you to help you to choose the right course and guide your first steps into the industry

:: Online Courses

Useful to those who are unable to get time off work to embark on a face-to-face course. There is a good range of quality online courses available starting from 40-hour basic programmes to much more intensive 150 hour courses. Online courses do not include real teaching practice, although some of them do give you a taste for real life teaching by including training videos in DVD format, demonstrating various teaching techniques.

:: Advantages of online TEFL

You can study from the comfort of your own home and you can keep on working whilst heading towards your TEFL future. We always recommend going for a course that includes more hours: the more comprehensive your online programme, the better your chances, and your knowledge and confidence will be boosted accordingly.

:: Limitations of online courses

Although an online course will always provide you with a sound introduction to English Language Teaching, and can even have a syllabus to rival a full-time course, it does miss out on teaching practice (TP), arguably the most vital course component.

An on-site course, no matter how short, will usually include some form of TP, thus arming you with some basic tools for classroom teaching. Throughout the world, employers will show a strong preference for those with classroom experience. So be careful if you are relying on an online course to get you a full-time teaching position and do your research in advance!

:: Short Introductory/Weekend TEFL Courses

These are useful to those who want an insight in TEFL rather than doing the kind of course which will add serious weight to their C.V. These courses range from 20-hour basic onsite courses to week-long introductory courses that are a bit more comprehensive. Courses generally include modules on grammar and pronunciation, classroom management and a small part of the course is dedicated to teaching practice and observation.

Advantages of a short/introductory course

These courses are good fun and not as stressful as the full-time courses. You can simply book them and the application process does not tend to be as rigorous as for a full-time course. They are also generally a lot cheaper. Short term courses will give you that confidence boost and initial feel for what English teaching might have in store for you. They are also an absolute minimum requirement for those who want to support their travel with teaching work, even if this were in countries where you just need a degree to teach. You simply owe it to your students to have some kind of experience teaching the English language before you start imparting your wisdom on others!

Limitations of a short/introductory course

Although cheaper than the full-time courses, these courses are sometimes more expensive pro-rata. Spending money on a short course could be the wrong decision if you are investing in a teaching career. Employers worldwide, and especially in the more competitive teaching destinations like countries in Europe will often insist on their teachers having internationally recognised qualifications. If you want to start your teaching career there and you only have a TEFL certificate from a short course chances are that you will have to apply for a full-time course anyway.

:: Full time 4-week TEFL Courses

For those considering a serious career in TEFL this is the perfect preparation. Within the industry the Cambridge CELTA and the Trinity Cert TESOL are the best well known qualifications and they will be preferred by any employer around the globe. A quick look on any job site and you will find that the majority of TEFL employers will ask for Cambridge CELTA/Trinity Cert TESOL or equivalent. This equivalent can be a course with a similar amount of hours and teaching practice, such as the SIT TESOL Certificate. Just make sure that your course involves at least 100 hours of input and 6 hours of teaching practice and observation and you are generally OK.

Advantages of a full-time course

A certificate from a full-time course is your best chance of securing work and, providing your other credentials are up to scratch, will fulfil most private language schools' requirements. Doing a Cambridge CELTA or Trinity Cert TESOL maximises your options although there are some excellent equivalent courses that you can book through Cactus TEFL. And with a basic industry qualification, nothing will stand in your way to further your career in TEFL by doing a diploma course to move into more managerial roles or using your qualification and experience to start working behind the scenes of the industry once you are back in the UK.

Limitations of a full-time course

There are no real limitations worth mentioning. You can’t teach in further education or state schools with just a CELTA or a Cert TESOL and you may not find a job that easily in the UK, but that’s mainly due to the market being so competitive. The only thing to be aware (and wary) of is the intensity of those courses. The application form will give you an idea of what is required on a course but by no means prepares you for what’s to come. It's all well worth the sense of achievement you will feel after you have finished!

Suzanne Furstner