I did my research and spoke with several schools. I 'm happy I chose ITA. I feel I've received a very through training. The instructors and resources were easy to follow.

The use of in class videos as well as additional lectures added to my training. I used resources outlined in the text to complete assignments. I was also able to find additional resources on my own.

The activities and assignments were in keeping with the lessons. With the available resources, I could complete assignments on time. In addition I liked that I as able to find new resources as I do not like to "reinvent the wheel!"

The course was everything I needed and more. My advisor and instructor were very helpful, and I found that even though the course was challenging, it was very informative. In the beginning, I had zero knowledge of teaching, but now I feel much more confident as I search for my first job overseas. I'd read that this course was very tough, and it's true, but it's a gradually process that goes from slightly easy to really difficult. I'd never before created full lesson plans or activity worksheets from scratch—now that I've done that, I know I can take on anything. It keeps you on your toes and it has shaped me into a better facilitator! I don't have my degree yet, but that still isn't stopping me from achieving my dream of traveling! Future students, I'd say 'go for it and have fun!'

My initial thoughts were that I won't be able to cope with assignments and online tests while having a full-time job + being a mother of 2. As I progressed with my course I saw that it was really not that hectic (as I thought it was going to be). I was able to submit all my assignments on time, every week! I really enjoyed learning something new in every chapter. The content is resourceful and helpful. A tip to future TEFL students, I printed out every weeks chapter readings, and put it in a file. When I got time off at work, during my lunch break, I would study! It also helps to have it printed when you have to do your online tests, because each test has a one hour time limit. It just makes it easier to look up answers instead of searching online. I am glad I took the courage to sign up with ITA!

I truly loved the experience of learning the foundation of what it takes to become an effective ESL teacher. I came in expecting the course to be "easy", but it was challenging. For the money I spent, I am thankful it was challenging because it made me feel as though my money was well spent and, more importantly, my time. If we want to become the best teachers, we have to be great students. In order to go in that direction, we need challenging environments that push us beyond our comfort zones. In life, we are all students and teachers, even if we do not view ourselves as teachers. We teach not only through direct teaching and instruction, but also through modeling. There are always eyes watching us to see what traits can be adopted to include in one's own life. In essence, teachers are always students and students are always teachers.

I will begin by saying that I absolutely recommend the ITA to any person looking to get ESL certified. I took the online certification, so my review is about that option in particular. It was perfect for someone like me who was already working full time and couldn't take weeks off to go do an on-site class. There was enough material to keep me engaged throughout the several month period, but not so much that I couldn't handle the workload. My assigned teacher was there only really to assist if we had questions or problems- I don't remember her doing any real teaching. In that way it was sort of a self study thing, so you do have to be motivated on your own. The coursework was designed in such a way that we had to read the material carefully though, and I thought that the content was of great quality.

Unlike most online courses, the ITA requires students to complete practicum hours which, while potentially difficult to find without assistance, make you more marketable upon completion and enhance the learning experience.

There is tons information avaialable for students as well. Job search info, country-specific information, alumni testamonials, and more. The most valuable part of the whole program and experience for me has been gaining access to the alumni network. I have met ITA alums in several countries and been in friendly contact with many more. Most are very happy to answer any questions you might have, and their photos, blogs, and videos are invaluable insights to the places they are.

ITA was one of the more expensive options, but for what I've gotten, I think it's worth the price. I think this course is the ideal choice for teachers-to-be who are eager and motivated!

My experience with ITA was absolutely amazing! My advisor, Helen, was fantastic and made me feel very comfortable about my decision to go with ITA! She answered my questions thoroughly and didn't try and pressure me to sign up for a course, which is one of the things that first set ITA apart from the other programs I had been looking at. I talked on the phone with her for almost an hour about the online certification program and what services ITA offered their students and not once did I feel awkward or the intense desire to fake an emergency. It didn't feel like a sales pitch- it felt like an actual conversation and that was really important to me because it showed that ITA advisors had different motivations than the ones I talked to with places like CIEE.

The online course I took was fantastic and gave me the tools to succeed as an English teacher. I learned strategies for teaching different age groups, was warned about difficulties students could have when learning about things like synonyms, taught how to make a flawless lesson and activity plan, and offered suggestions on good classroom management styles. My instructor always made sure to give detailed feedback on my assignments and quickly responded to any questions I emailed her with. The lessons I learned, combined with my teaching practicum, helped me gain confidence in my abilities and assured me that getting TEFL certified was the right choice for me.

Even after the course was over though, I never felt like ITA just threw me out into the world with no idea of how to use my new certification. I was sent emails with links to Facebook groups ITA had set up so that I could connect with a community of people who were just like me, given instructions on how ITA would support me in my attempts to find a job, and informed about other services they offered to their students so that they could be sure to succeed.

The aid and encouragement that ITA has given me is amazing! The reason they are the best program out there is because they really care about their students and I guarantee that you won't regret taking this course for even a moment!

The title of this review is a little bit misleading. Well, to be honest, a lot a bit misleading. The only reason one shouldn't come to Japan to teach english is if he or she is not open to new experiences and new cultures (which if that's the case he or she probably shouldn't be traveling at all). Japan is a beautiful and rich culture in so many ways, and whether you live and teach in the countryside or the city the experiences you WILL have are abundant.

My TEFL certification, which I received through the International TEFL Academy, has allowed me to be competitive in the job market as well as confident in the classroom while here in Japan. And honestly, the classroom is just one more interesting and often exciting way to learn about Japanese people, culture, and history while making connections you will never forget. (The students, staff, and fellow teachers are also really wonderful about keeping you up to date on local events and festivals which you can't miss out on)!

I worked for two years as an eikaiwa teacher, teaching students anywhere from the age of just 1 year into 90-something years. The conversations I had and the relationships I formed were unlike most of the relationships I made in any job previously. Also, because of the TEFL certification and the experience I gained through my courses and practicum, I walked into my first lesson (and many following lessons) far more confident and prepared than the teachers who came without a certification.

Following my experience working eikaiwa, I have recently started working as a Junior High School ALT. While the classroom experience, class sizes, and working hours are different from the eikaiwa lifestyle, I have already fallen in love with this position. Once again, I'm surrounded by incredibly open and welcoming co-workers and students-- only this time your students make you feel like a rock star (literally). Due to my previous experience in eikaiwa, as well as the aforementioned TEFL experience, the day to day classroom lifestyle has been incredibly smooth and easy for me. My teachers have mentioned how my teaching style is different from other ALTs, but they also think it's really fun and engaging. The methods I use are ones I wouldn't have learned without my TEFL and practicum experience.

Outside of work, life is always an adventure for me. There is always some sort of event or festival happening. There are so many gorgeous sites to see and rich cultural/historical experiences to engage in. Since moving here, I have also been able to travel to several other countries. I have traveled from Japan to Korea, Hokkaido (which, yes, is part of Japan but it's still very different), Australia, and Taiwan. I have plans to go to Korea again, Hawaii, and Thailand this year alone. I'm also able to do all of these things despite still having to pay off loans and student debt from America.

When I originally decided to get my certification, I didn't know where I wanted to go or how long I would want to do any of this. However, I can honestly say that getting that certification and making the decision to come to Japan has been not only life-changing, but it has been one of the best decisions I have ever made. If you're considering traveling and you want an enjoyable way to work while you do it then you can't go wrong, and Japan is (in my opinion) one of the best places you can go to start your own adventure. I am so grateful to ITA, my practicum teachers, and the classmates I had during my TEFL course for helping encourage and prepare me for the experiences of a life time. I am looking forward to even more!