Do you want to be TEFL or TESOL-certified and teach in Weifeng Zhen? Are you interested in teaching English in Lianyungang Shi? Check out ITTT’s online and in-class courses, Become certified to Teach English as a Foreign Language and start teaching English ONLINE or abroad! ITTT offers a wide variety of Online TEFL Courses and a great number of opportunities for English Teachers and for Teachers of English as a Second Language.
When my search for the perfect TEFL course started 6 months ago, I was overwhelmed by the plethora of options available on the internet. Onsite, online and hybrid courses, each one seemed to have their pros and cons, but at the end of the day, it boiled down to 3 factors, i.e. cost, time and experience. One of the first few things an aspiring TEFL teacher would need to consider before opting for a TEFL certification is the big C, i.e. Costs. What you are willing or able to invest in a course is crucial to proceed with your certification. Affordability needs to be considered just like any other investment made. An online TEFL would cost around USD 350-600, whereas an onsite TEFL could go up to USD 1200-1500 depending on your choice of location. You would also need to consider travel and living expenses for the entire duration of the course, which could take overall costs further up. So, an online course is more suited for the budget-conscious, whereas, the onsite alternative would be costlier but provide more for your penny. Time (or the lack of it) is another crucial factor. An onsite course requires a commitment of at least a month which could prove to be a bit of a challenge for someone working or studying full-time. You will need to follow a schedule and attend regular classes. On the other hand, online learning provides a lot of flexibility. They are convenient and allow you to study when and where you want to. All you require is access to a computer with a stable internet connection. The course you opt for determines your experience. For someone who works better in a classroom setting, thrives on interaction with classmates and professors, an onsite course is a perfect choice. On the other hand, for someone who considers themselves an independent learner and prefers to work on their own pace, an online course is more suitable. An onsite course provides a more hands-on interactive learning experience which is a confidence booster. Additionally, being able to participate in role plays in class presents each student with an opportunity to get direct feedback from their peers and professors. While it does make them vulnerable to make mistakes, it also allows them to correct them. This is something that you would not find in an online course. The biggest USP of an onsite program is the practical classroom teaching which is included in its practicum. For a prospective ESL teacher who has no previous experience, this could probably be a deal-breaker. A simulated classroom teaching experience provides teachers with an opportunity to practice what they have learnt. An onsite course allows you to see and experience a new place and culture. It allows you to meet new people from around the world and learn about their motivation behind pursuing a TEFL certification. To be able to interview at schools in person is another added benefit. Interviewing for jobs while completing your TEFL certification increases your chances of securing that dream job. While trying to secure a job interview from your home country is possible, prospective employers tend to prefer candidates who are available to interview locally and can join immediately. Bottom line, Teaching English as a foreign language is a rapidly growing field and is a lucrative career option for those who have a passion for teaching. Both onsite and online courses have their advantages and drawbacks. Your choice depends on your individual needs and requirements. One thing is definite, native or non-natives, a TEFL certification is a must to boost your employability as an English teacher overseas.
