The Global English Teaching (GET) Academy

This course provided comfortable amenities and consistent guidance throughout the entire experience. If you are up for a bit of challenging work then this course will prepare you to be a more well-rounded teacher as well as set you in the right direction for entering the TEFL world. The teacher are very well informed and are always available to assist you with any queries you may have. As long as you don't mind early mornings and a challenging work load then this course is a good match for you. It is a good opportunity to practice speaking German with fellow colleagues and to experience life in beautiful Austria. The best part was working with over 1000 children in just a short time span. The children are always excited to start English week and they make the experience worthwhile.

I did this course in 2017 for 6 months; it was an intensive learning experience, and for someone who had never taught English before, the learning curve was steep!

The instructors were great, really passionate about what they were doing and eager to help us learn. I was lucky enough to spend two months in each campus, which allowed me to explore more of Austria and be taught by a range of instructors. I met some fantastic people on this course and gained a lot of experience teaching young learners all over beautiful Austria. This course became the perfect stepping stone for me into the TEFL world; even though it was heavy-going and tough at times (what with all the teaching and our own studies for the qualifications), it really helped prepare me for a real-world job afterwards.

The senior staff (academic/course managers and tutors) were able to offer support for a variety of issues due to their range of experiences. Course lectures were spread over a wider period than intensive one month programs which allowed more time for new information to be understood and put into practice within the classroom.

The staff were very approachable and frequently checked in with everyone on the course about day-to-day course commitments and general welfare which created a welcoming atmosphere. I felt personal problems could be frankly discussed so that solutions could be found. Some intermediary staff such as senior teachers had personality clashes with students and weren't always available for support in the school but whenever such concerns were raised, they were dealt with.

The course provided accommodation, travel and a huge amount of experience in comparison to any other 1 month TEFL course which usually provides about 10-20 hours classroom experience rather than 350+ hours. This gave me so much more confidence than other TEFL graduates seem to have after speaking to other English teachers I have since met. Due to the course length there was more opportunity for experimentation to help improve teaching skills and see the theory in practice.

Staff were always keen to recommend social activities and events whilst occasionally offering paid days out to local cities and restaurants.

CVs can be reviewed and advice given about where to look for work whilst utilising a network of schools that have previously hired graduates.

The course is tough and demanding but this definitely prepares you for your first job than rushing through a course with minimal teach experience. Teaching jobs can be very demanding so the large workload helps you to prepare for the realities of ESL employment.

I joined this course in 2017 and completed a 6 month training program.
One of the most important factors worth considering when looking at TEFL programs is how worthwhile the process will be.
The course was definitely challenging, both physically and mentally, but since graduating and working as an ESL teacher I have seen how much of a benefit my training has been compared to other teachers who have completed TEFL programs. Several of these teachers have not been properly trained to teach and have struggled massively with the standards. By comparison I found settling into my new job relatively easy and have enjoyed a relatively stress free process.
Although there was a high work load which often was stressful, the guidance provided by the academic staff was great and really provided an insight into the standards needed to be a good teacher.
Most importantly, the amount of classroom experience gained through this course was fantastic. The design of the course meant that I taught at a diverse range of schools from the middle of the Austrian countryside to right in the centre of Vienna. This provided me with an insight into how different schools vary and prepared me to be ready for a wide range of differing academic levels and behaviours.
As for the social side, I had a great time living with friends, travelling to different parts of Austria and different countries. The accommodation was lovely in Vorchdorf and Wolfsberg with large houses and plenty of space. Admittedly the Pressbaum accommodation wasn't the best but the location was beautiful and it was only a 20 minute train right to Vienna. This definitely made it worth it. It was occasionally hard to live on food vouchers and this did sometimes become problematic but more often than not I had more than I needed and even the problems became part of the fun.
I had a fantastic time during my 6 months despite any mishaps and it has been hugely beneficial to me since leaving.

Whatever your age, whatever your experience and whatever your educational past may be, this course will give you the experience and expertise to become the best EFL Teacher you can be. Gaining over 300 hours of teaching experience, living in one of the most beautiful countries in Europe, and also getting to share the incredible experience with other Student Teachers, some of whom will very quickly become life long friends, is a life-changing experience.
I arrived in Austria in February 2018 having taught EFL a handful of times, and having completed a few TEFL certificates in the UK. To say you're thrown in at the deep-end is an understatement. Teaching students within 10 days of arriving in Austria and barely having begun your studies is daunting, but there lies the beauty of project weeks. You begin a new chapter every week, and can learn and grow as a teacher from your previous weeks mistakes. You will be too harsh one week, you'll be too laid back another, you can have a class who don't have any interest in English one week, then the next you'll have students bringing in books they've written in English in their spare time the next week. Every week holds a new and exciting adventure, sure, you probably won't love every minute of it, but in hindsight you will appreciate every class you have ever taught, as in one way or another, they shaped you into the teacher you are today.
I can not recommend this program highly enough, if you're willing to work hard, want to become an EFL Teacher, or improve your Teaching skills, this course is perfect for you!