Via Lingua

Via Lingua

About

Via Lingua is a worldwide educational organization, with schools and offices in numerous locations. At Via Lingua, our main goals are to assist our students in developing their English language teaching (TEFL) skills in a professional, stimulating, and supportive environment. We aim to provide our students with teaching job opportunities throughout their TEFL career, thanks to their comprehensive training at Via Lingua. In addition, we hope to raise the standard of English language training and instruction around the world. Our personalized mentoring and job guidance program offers each student the opportunity to explore the world of teaching and traveling via language. Our mission at Via Lingua is to train and coach global professionals who are thoughtful, creative and effective practitioners of teaching English as a Foreign Language. Student-centered learning reflects historical and contemporary knowledge, theory, cross-cultural awareness, and ongoing best practices in the field.

Founded
2000

Reviews

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Melissa
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

It's never too late to expand your horizons - at Via Lingua Istanbul!

I retired from full-time teaching in a private elementary school last year and decided to follow my dream of studying TEFL in Istanbul.

This excellent course prepares one for a meaningful, rewarding career in teaching English. Yes, it's every bit as intensive as advertised but absolutely worth it! The instructors are all top-notch and it's clear that they care about their students' success. They were always available to answer questions, give a little pep talk, or just listen to our musings. Their feedback on practice teaching lessons was supportive, with specific examples of where improvements were needed and encouragement to offer more of what most engaging to my students.

The largely interactive lessons helped us acquire in-depth knowledge of TEFL methodologies, grammar, language skills, lesson planning, classroom management, and assessment. The productive atmosphere of the classes and the goodwill of the instructors set me on course to begin teaching English with confidence and enthusiasm. The course books, abundant handouts, and links to helpful websites will be valuable resources for years to come.

One bit of advice: begin on the long-term assignments (portfolio, group project, and individual project) as soon as possible. This will free you up to spend the time needed to plan lessons and prepare for the final exam at a measured pace.

In addition to the interesting classes, the school’s lively surroundings made my time at Via Lingua Istanbul a memorable experience. I made new friends, immersed myself in Turkish culture and language, and cleared more than a few hurdles in navigating the challenges of everyday life in a new (but beloved) setting.

Pros
  • Top-notch instructors, each with their strengths, which they generously share.
  • The course content is well-balanced between theory and practical application.
  • Great location!
Cons
  • The course is quite rigorous! Be prepared to apply yourself almost exclusively to schoolwork during the month-long course. Try to schedule at least an extra week before or after the course dates so you can enjoy the wonders of Istanbul!
Default avatar
Farzaneh
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Intense but worth it

I knew what I was getting myself into before the course and it was everything I expected. The staff are great and help you in all ways to become the teacher you want to be. You won't get to explore much however since you'll be studying and preparing for classes most the time. During my course, Istanbul was hit with one of its worst snowstorms in 20 years and I had lots of laughs on my shitty luck. It is an experience you will hold dear in your life for sure. And if you have any problems Ismail is there to help you!

Default avatar
Jehad
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Review of Via Lingua Istanbul

My experience of the TEFL course in Istanbul was an incredible experience. While all the experienced passionate trainers quenched my academic thirst, they also succeeded at reaching for us on a personal level and guided our training with specialized tips and hints that are tailored to our personalities and style in teaching. They have also established the fundamentals of modern methods of teaching English as a foreign language, all while making us feel comfortable and at ease in the school. By the end of the course, I was feeling as a well prepared teacher ready to take on a class with confidence. They have also gave a well rounded guidance for entering the market of English teaching in Turkey (especially in Istanbul). Overall the experience was very pleasant and I would recommend it for anyone wishing to get a teaching job in Istanbul or even for teachers in the making who would like to obtain the TEFL certificate in Istanbul for the experience of the city and teach later in another country.

What was the most unfamiliar thing you ate?
While looking for a late night snake I saw a big rolling greasy meat pole and assumed it was the ever famous doner of Turkey. I tried asking for the doner with the less than a dozen of Turkish words that I knew aided with gestures. After doing a quick google search on what was that sandwich I've had, I came to the realization that I've had a sandwich of lamb guts. Experience: 10/10 Taste : 7/10
Default avatar
Victoria
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Great TEFL course

It was a great course! I now have the expertise required to teach TEFL. The staff is amazing and the teachers are great! I think that anyone with enough drive can do this. The course was very rigorous and we learned a lot in terms of grammar and teaching practices. I made lifelong friends and my teachers are now my mentors. Teaching English is not as easy as it looks, therefore it's important to receive the proper training... There are myriads of TEFL courses to choose from online but they may not all be legitimate. I truly believe that I chose correctly. I even found a job straight out of the course! I cannot recommend it enough.

What was the most nerve-racking moment and how did you overcome it?
The final exam. However, with enough studying, everyone can do it!
Default avatar
Amina
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

TEFL course in Istanbul Nov.2021

The course in Istanbul was great, I loved my time there and would 100% recommend it as a destination for completing the TEFL course.

The centre had all the facilities required and the employees were very friendly and approachable- I never needed anything, the centre provided all the material. Additionally, the centre is well located in the heart of the vibrant Kadikoy.

The course tutors were fantastic and there experience was evident from the start- I learnt a great deal from them all. I was able to work on my grammar, pace and confidence all which were goals of mine prior to completing the course. I am therefore, grateful for the time I spent in Istanbul.

What was the most nerve-racking moment and how did you overcome it?
My first teaching practice, I was so very nervous and didn't know how I would do it and what the students would think of me. I overcame it by taking to my course instructors and colleagues who reassured me that I am well prepared and that the first time is always difficult - I did end up having a great first lesson and continued to grow and develop which each teaching practice.

Programs

Displaying 1 - 6 of 6

Staff Interviews

These are in-depth Q&A sessions with program leaders.

Steve Patten

Job Title
Head Trainer
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What is your favorite travel memory?

Getting lost in Tokyo! I boarded the wrong train and ended up at a rural station where no one spoke English. Luckily, I was rescued by a Japanese family who, although they spoke little English, befriended me and took me for a meal.

We became great friends and are still in contact today. I plan to visit them in 2020 when I attend the next Summer Olympics.

How have you changed/grown since working for your current company?

Absolutely. Being a member of the Via Lingua family is a wonderfully creative, supportive and challenging experience.

Working collaboratively with colleagues continually provides me with new ideas and approaches. The positive and critical feedback from both fellow instructors and trainee teachers has never ceased to stimulate me to improve and grow.

What is the best story you've heard from a return student?

Many students remain in contact with Via Lingua via our alumni association so we frequently hear of their progress in the field of TEFL.

The best story is of the trainee teacher who, after teaching for several years post qualification, continued her studies with one of our partner universities. Receiving study credits in recognition of her Via Lingua qualification, she not only went on to complete her MA TESOL, but also to secure a teaching and research post at a leading US university.

If you could go on any program that your company offers, which one would you choose and why?

I would choose the Via Lingua CTEFL program.

This is such a great way to both access the world of language teaching and immerse oneself in a new culture. The course provides a perfect balance between theory and practice.

Skills and knowledge introduced in the training sessions are applied in the classroom, where trainee teachers work with authentic second language learners. In addition, living and studying in a culture different from one's own is both a challenging and rewarding experience, one which lasts a lifetime.

What makes your company unique? When were you especially proud of your team?

Via Lingua is unique in the field of TEFL training programs because it offers a holistic approach that provides opportunities for trainee teachers to:

  • study and work alongside experienced TEFL teachers;
  • apply theoretical knowledge when working with multiple levels of authentic second language learners (a minimum of 10 hours practical experience);
  • engage in guided research projects and activities;
  • immerse themselves in the culture of the host country and learn a foreign language;
  • further develop existing skills and talents;
  • develop skills and qualities associated with life-long learning.

What do you believe to be the biggest factor in being a successful company?

I believe that there are three key factors involved here, all of which are fundamental to the way Via Lingua has designed its business model: invest in the professional development of employees (the training staff), invest in identifying the needs of clients (the trainee teachers), and invest in research and development (language acquisition, training programs, and training materials).

Professional Associations

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