How Long Does Tefl Course Take

How long does a TEFL course take? There is no simple answer to this question as it depends entirely on which type of TEFL course you choose to study. At ITTT we have a range of courses that are designed to suit the various needs of our trainees, each with its own time scale for completion. Which TEFL course is the quickest to complete? online courses are often the quickest route towards TEFL certification. If you are in a real hurry a course such as our 60-hour introduction to TEFL may be a good choice as you can conceivably complete it in as little as five days. Even those who prefer to study at a slower rate should find they can complete the course within one month. However, it is worth remembering that the majority of employers worldwide insist on job applicants having a TEFL...  [Read more]

How long does the TEFL 120-hour course take? If you are a full-time student or employee, figuring out when you will fit a brand new 120-hour TEFL certification into your schedule can be difficult (especially if you are looking at completing it on-site overseas). The good news is that you can take as long as you want to get your TEFL certification. Structured on-site TEFL courses have start and end dates, so determining how long it will take to complete a TEFL course is as simple as determining the program dates. However, our 120-hour TEFL course can be completed entirely online, thus giving you all the flexibility you need to make it happen on your own terms. How fast can I complete a 120-hour TEFL course? As this course is self-paced, it really depends on your own personal learning style...  [Read more]

How long does it take to get a TEFL job? This is one of the most frequently asked questions we receive from trainees before, during and after every TEFL certification course, it is also one of the hardest to answer. There are many factors that influence how long it takes to secure an English language teaching job, but the good news is that the vast majority of our graduates do land a teaching position after successfully completing their course. How does the destination impact on TEFL job recruitment? One of the biggest factors is where you choose to work, as the demand for teachers varies greatly from region to region and country to country. China has such a huge demand that there are often not enough candidates to fill the available positions. This is particularly good news for newly...  [Read more]

Coursebooks and materials - Cassettes/CDs/DVDs/Video   We now consider what we might call the technology that we could use within the classroom then that could include things such as cassettes, the use of CDs, the use of DVD and video. Some general issues surrounding the use of these types of material, make sure whenever you're using any of this type of technology though you know how it actually works when using it for a listening activity, for example. How long does it take for the whole tape to play through? How long does it take to rewind and so on. Other issues that you might need to think about is if you're using a cassette player or CD or something that you set the volume level before you actually start the lesson so that when you switch on you don't shock everyone with a very...  [Read more]

How long does it take to get a TEFL certificate? Although this is a common question, it is hard to answer as it depends on which course you choose to take. There are a wide variety of TEFL courses available, both online and in-class, and some that are a mixture of the two, and every one has its own average completion time. At ITTT we have developed a range of TEFL course options of varying length, difficulty, and study method to ensure there is something to suit every individual situation. Which TEFL course can be completed the fastest? TEFL courses are typically classified by the average number of hours they take to complete and if you look online you will find some courses advertised at around 50 hours or even less. If you have no other commitments and are able to study every day, it...  [Read more]

How to teach EFL EFL stands for English as a Foreign Language and is to almost all purposes the same as ESL, English as a Second Language. These two are also equivalent to ESOL which means, English to Speakers of Other Languages. For each of these terms, when we talk about the teaching of them, we add a ‘T’ to the front of each acronym and hence we arrive at the terms TEFL, TESL and TESOL. As they are basically the same we will refer to just one from here on, TEFL for the Teaching of English as a Foreign Language and EFL for English as a Foreign Language. TEFL qualifications Almost all TEFL teaching positions require a minimum qualification of a 100 to 120-hour TEFL certification. Courses provided to cover this certification are usually delivered by one of three methods, namely,...  [Read more]

How long do TEFL contracts last? Once you have completed your chosen TEFL course and have that all important certificate in your hand, you can seriously start to plan the next stage of your adventure. Thanks to the sustained demand for English language teachers right across the world there are plenty of countries to choose from, each with its own unique set of attractions. But how long will you have to commit for when you sign the job contract? How long are TEFL contracts in Europe? The most common contract in European schools is for an academic year that generally runs from September to June. The great thing here is you will have a couple of months off during the summer break to travel or earn some extra cash working with private students or at a summer camp. Summer language camps are...  [Read more]

What is a TEFL exam? First we need to define what TEFL means before looking at the various ways in which it can be examined to provide a teaching certificate. There are various locations in which a TEFL exam can be taken and different methods of instruction, these will also be considered. What does TEFL stand for? The acronym TEFL stands for Teaching English as a Foreign Language and it can be used in any situation where the English language is being taught to non-native English speakers. Technically speaking, TEFL refers to teaching English in countries where English is not the native language. It is a term used mainly in the UK and is used interchangeably with the equivalent USA term TESOL. As with any profession, teaching has a series of exams at different levels. Within the world of...  [Read more]

How soon can I get TEFL certified and start teaching English abroad? How long it takes to complete a TEFL course and actually find a job teaching English abroad will depend on a variety of different factors. The outcome will be influenced by the type of training course you sign-up for, the country you choose as your teaching destination, and how determined you are to complete your studies and start working. As a rough guide you should allow four to six months for completing the course, finding a suitable job, and for making all the necessary arrangements. However, there are certainly ways to make this quicker if you want to get cracking! How long will it take if I enrol on an international in-class TEFL course and then stay on to teach? This is typically the quickest route to TEFL...  [Read more]

How does the combined TEFL course work? The combined TEFL course provides a convenient option for anyone who wants the benefit of in-person training from a highly qualified teacher trainer, but who doesn’t have the time to commit to a full in-class course. The course starts with an online section that covers all the theory topics. You then attend one of our training centers to complete your observed teaching practice classes. Is the combined TEFL course as good as the 4-week in-class TEFL course? Yes. The combined course covers all the same content as the full in-class course. However, if you are not comfortable with the idea of distance learning or would prefer more interaction with your tutors and other trainees, then the in-class TEFL course might be the better option. If I...  [Read more]

How long does it take to get TEFL certified? The first major factor that has an impact on how long it will take to get TEFL certified is which type of course you choose to take. There are three main TEFL course types to be aware of: In-person TEFL course The most common form of in-person TEFL course is the four-week, 120-hour TEFL certificate. Trainees on this course usually travel from their home country to one of many locations around the world to take the course. Courses should involve a theory component, covering language awareness and teaching skills, and a practical teaching component where trainees teach classes of real English language learners and receive feedback. These courses usually take four weeks to complete and therefore some form of accommodation is required for the...  [Read more]

Fri, 29 Jul 2022 Federico Riva TEFL Information Teaching Ideas Classroom Materials: Books, Teaching Aids and Other Materials In this blog post, we are going to focus on the use of course books, materials and teaching aids. Watch the video about this topic There are many materials that we can bring to our classroom that will help with the teaching of our lessons and these include though they're not limited to things such as, the wipe board, various types of visual aids created or bought, worksheets, the use of cassettes, CDs and DVDs and the use of video. Also in these classroom materials we can include things such as, dictionaries and course books various types of resource book. Other materials such as a photo copiers, computers and OHP's can also be considered. We will take a...  [Read more]

Wed, 26 Feb 2020 Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Troubleshooting TEFL: How to Overcome Funding-Based Difficulties One of the greatest problems any teacher may face when instructing English is institutional. That is to say, the school the teacher is teaching at may not have the resources or the care to fully fund or supply the teacher with the necessary tools to instruct students. This can be a huge problem, as if the teacher starts from a disadvantaged position, they may feel like there is little hope for them to equip students for English learning. This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Colin R. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. What do teachers truly need? However, a lack of funding is not the end of...  [Read more]

Wed, 13 May 2020 Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Is the Role of the Parents Important in Education? The following essay has the objective of explaining the role that parents perform in the education of their children and to address if it is relevant or not. We have been functioning in a society where the school is an unrelated or a faraway universe to what happens at home. Education has also adopted this faraway simulacrum of real-life development in a classroom, where topics are taught without a clear utility for daily and “real-life” use. This has created that not all parents are aware that they are innately life teachers since the moment they welcome a child in their lives. Education does not just happen in a classroom: it is a lifelong process that takes place in every...  [Read more]

Is a 120-hour TEFL enough? Many trainees wonder if a 120-hour TEFL certificate is adequate to teach in a classroom or online when looking for a teaching position. It may not appear to be enough time to become a competent teacher, but we guarantee that it is possible. Most ESL employers and schools will want you to complete at least 120 hours of training before applying for their vacant jobs. Some employers may even require that you have some classroom experience alongside the 120 hours of study. There are various TEFL courses available that contain this number of study hours, as well as some level of classroom practice, making them ideal for jobs that require experience. What is a 120-hour TEFL course? A 120-hour TEFL course is a training program for English speakers who want to teach...  [Read more]

Thu, 14 Nov 2019 Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas CLT: The Best Way to Teach Grammar “The role of grammar is perhaps one of the most controversial issues in language teaching” (Richards and Renandya, 2002, p.145). From the past to the present, there have been so many changes in methodologists’ views on which grammar items should be taught and how to teach them. This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Man C. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. Traditional Approach In the past, in a traditional classroom, grammatical competence and explicit knowledge of language rules were emphasized. Grammar teaching held such an essential part in language teaching that other aspects became either ignored or...  [Read more]

How does the lifetime job support service work? There are many reasons why our trainees undertake a TEFL course, but for many it is to open the door to a new life teaching English abroad. Once qualified, our graduates are able to apply for all manner of jobs in countries all over the world. Throughout your training course we will do all we can to help you maximize your chances of securing a dream job in the location of your choice. However, our assistance doesn’t stop once you have completed your course, as we are happy to help in your job search for as long as you need us. How will ITTT help me find a job teaching English abroad? At ITTT we offer all course graduates extensive help with finding suitable teaching jobs in their country of choice. As the need for English language...  [Read more]

Fri, 27 Dec 2019 Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Pronunciation Problems for Learners Speaking Chinese as their First Language This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Sheneil J. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. Problems with Consonants Chinese does not have either of the “th” sounds (like “that” and “this”). Most other languages do not have these sounds and they are problematic for most learners of English. The difficulty is the point of articulation- the tongue has to be between the teeth, not behind them. Many people say that English speakers look like they’re sticking their tongues out all the time because of the “th” sounds. It can be difficult to get learners to do this because it...  [Read more]

Is an online TEFL certificate worth it? Online TEFL courses come in a variety of formats and their popularity grows year after year. One of the most appealing aspects of this type of study is the ability to study on your own time from wherever you are in the world, as is the relatively low cost. However, before making a final decision on which type of course is best for you, make sure you know all the options out there. Are online TEFL courses as effective as in-person TEFL courses? Our 120-hour online TEFL course and our in-person TEFL courses cover nearly identical topics. The one area where the two versions differ is observed teaching practice (OTP). Our in-person courses include extensive time in a real classroom where you can hone your teaching skills under the supervision of...  [Read more]

Fri, 06 Mar 2020 Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences The Ever-Changing Role of the Teacher Deciding what role will be held as a teacher as many variables. Teachers can be anywhere from instructors to policemen and many things in between on any given day. Being aware of which role is necessary and when will have an impact on the teacher and students. This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Johnelle M. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. Let us begin with the role of the instructor When taking on the role of instructor, knowledge of what is being taught is important. In this role, the teacher is the one students will look to for an understanding of what they’re looking to learn. When teaching English as a...  [Read more]

Wed, 04 Mar 2020 Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas How Learning a Second Language is Different from the First By the time a child is a year old, they can differentiate between the sounds that make up their first language but can’t distinguish between sounds that aren’t found in their first language. Even in the case of sounds that children may not be able to correctly produce until they are six years old, such as the /r/ sound. So, it would make sense that by the time a child is just a year old the way they learn language changes, as stated in Dr. Ryalls’ class. Further on when a child is finally in school they have some grasp of grammar, even if it isn’t complete by the time the child is school-aged. This means that by the time a child is in school when they would most...  [Read more]

Are online TEFL courses worth it? Online TEFL courses come in many shapes and sizes and their popularity continues to grow year after year. The convenience of being able to study in your own time from wherever you are in the world is one of the biggest attractions of this form of study, as is the relatively low cost. However, before you make a final decision on which type of course suits you best, it is advisable to have all the facts to hand. Are Online TEFL courses as good as in-class TEFL courses? The subjects covered in our 120-hour online TEFL course and our in-class TEFL courses are virtually identical. The one area that clearly separates the two versions is observed teaching practice (OTP). Our in-class courses include extensive time in a real classroom where you can practice...  [Read more]

Thu, 26 Dec 2019 Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas The Role of Teachers in Students ESL Journey I think the teacher plays an important part in teaching English. And to be an English teacher needed professional teaching methods and cultural background. Because for many learners, the teacher is the font of all knowledge on English grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation, and in these areas, they have particular responsibility and authority. At the same time, in different lesson parts, teachers need to switch roles to help students learn English. This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Shu Y. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. Lesson Stages During a different lesson, the teacher will have a different role. And...  [Read more]

Wed, 06 Nov 2019 Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Alumni Experience: Passionate Teaching in China My personal experience being an ESL teacher in China. Does the content of TEFL, YouTube, LinkedIn and Blog’s have more prowess over a newly graduated university student with passion? Let us not forget, most training institutes are businesses first and education institutions second with advertising portraying the latter as their priority. This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Troy D. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. Benefits of teaching To be an ESL teacher is rewarding. It can be tiresome – energized kids and constant attention - but the reward out-weighs the labor. Teaching is not for everyone and...  [Read more]

Thu, 14 May 2020 Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas What Makes Students Follow Classroom Rules Effectively? We have come a long way from when we believed young children to be a ‘blank slate’ for adults to write on and mold. Child psychology has shown us that individuals are born with a personality and have social and emotional needs like adults do. A lot of the times when children appear to be misbehaving or acting strange, it’s either only age-appropriate behavior or their needs are not being met. Let’s look at some of their needs and characteristics and how fulfilling them will help manage a class: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Benazir B. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. 1) They need...  [Read more]

Thu, 28 Nov 2019 Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences The Importance of Effective Classroom Management J.K. Rowling, the brilliant author of the Harry Potter series, is extremely talented and her writing encouraged young adults and children to enjoy reading. This, however, does not necessarily mean that she will be equally successful if asked to teach writing to a group of students. Teaching requires specific skills of its own. The way a teacher manages a classroom can undoubtedly affect how many students in that class learn. This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Ana L. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. Lesson Success A lesson will run smoothly as long as the teacher’s classroom management skills are...  [Read more]

Wed, 28 Aug 2019 Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas How Can Teaching on a One-to-One be Effective? Teaching on a one to one is a real skill and one that takes many months and even years of experience to be able to become proficient at. It is true to say that no matter how long someone has been teaching on a one to one basis, they will always find new strategies to employ. So, how can one-to-one teaching be effective? This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Tammy T. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. My teaching experience As a learning support practitioner for the past 18 years, I have had the privilege of teaching countless students on a one to one basis. It is my favorite part of my job as it gives me the...  [Read more]

Thu, 08 Apr 2021 Federico Riva TEFL Information Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas Learning Teaching Skills: What Does it Take to be an Effective Teacher? Two years ago, I found myself in a remote village deep into the Himalayan Mountains in northern India. I had traveled there with the intention of volunteering in a daycare center in a Thibetan village. When I got there, I was informed that the daycare did not need help, but would I be willing to teach English to the monastery's young monks? I was very nervous at first, as I had no experience with this! Seeing their need, however, I reluctantly agreed. So I spent the next three months teaching what I could, however I could, albeit in a very disjointed and unknowledgeable way. This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate...  [Read more]

Thu, 15 Aug 2019 Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences A Key to The World Anyone and everyone should complete a TEFL course because it turns the English language into a key that opens up the rest of the world. Generally speaking, language can be a barrier between different peoples and countries. However, if you travel with a special intent to share your language, then those barriers have the potential to turn into bridges to new friends and new places that could be called home. Completing a TEFL course provides the necessary training for English to be shared around the world. This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Kaitlin Y. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. Listen to this blog post: What is TEFL For? A...  [Read more]

Wed, 22 May 2019 Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences The Ins and Outs of Lifelong Learning A life long learner, to me, is one who desires to learn new things based on interests, motivations, and knowledge to be gained. As one who is a certified teacher in first through eighth grades (in Louisiana, USA), possesses a master degree in education, as well as having a Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction with a minor in Leadership and Supervision, does not mean that I know it all; far from it. In my middle school teaching days and years of teaching in higher education preparing teachers to teach, I encountered students from other culturally diverse backgrounds; yet, I did not have the basic fundamentals of teaching students whose first language was not English. This I regret. This post...  [Read more]