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The TEFL Academy

Why choose The TEFL Academy?

The TEFL Academy specialises in TEFL courses and nothing else. TEFL is not only in our name, but it is also the backbone of our academy. All of our trainers are experienced EFL professionals. They have all qualified as TEFL teachers themselves, gained years of actual teaching experience and are now passing on their working knowledge to our TEFL course students.

Accreditation is a major factor that should be considered when choosing a TEFL course. The TEFL Academy is fully accredited by Qualifi, (UK government department) and the DEAC, (US government department); two regulated awarding bodies.

Reviews

Default avatar
Abigail
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Level 5 with the TEFL Academy

My experience with the TEFL Academy’s online course was highly rewarding and educational. As an operations administrator in Johannesburg with a passion for teaching, I found this program to be a perfect fit for my schedule and career aspirations.

The course material was exceptionally well-structured and easy to navigate. Each module built on the previous one, providing a comprehensive understanding of TEFL principles. The interactive components, such as quizzes and assignments, kept me engaged and allowed me to apply what I had learned in practical ways.

The support from the tutors was outstanding. They were always available to answer questions and provided detailed feedback on assignments. This personalized attention made a significant difference in my learning experience. I particularly appreciated the constructive criticism, which helped me improve continuously.

One area that could be improved is the incorporation of more live sessions or webinars. While the course content was excellent, having real-time interaction with tutors and fellow students would have enhanced the learning experience further. Peer collaboration opportunities, such as discussion forums or group projects, would also be beneficial in creating a sense of community.

Despite the few areas for improvement, the TEFL Academy excelled in preparing me for a career in teaching English. The career support services, including resume building and job placement assistance, were invaluable and gave me confidence as I entered the job market.

Overall, I highly recommend the TEFL Academy’s online course to anyone looking to teach English as a foreign language. The thorough and supportive learning environment, combined with the practical skills gained, made this an exceptional educational experience

What would you improve about this program?

I recently completed the TEFL Academy online program and, overall, it was a valuable experience that has equipped me well for my teaching career. However, there are several areas where the program could be improved to enhance the learning experience further.

Firstly, while the content is comprehensive, adding more interactive elements like quizzes, interactive videos, and gamified modules would make the learning process more engaging. Additionally, the inclusion of more live sessions with experienced instructors would be beneficial for real-time interaction and feedback.

The program provides feedback on assignments, but it could be more detailed and personalized to help students understand their strengths and areas for improvement better. Moreover, offering more practical teaching experiences, such as virtual classrooms and peer teaching sessions, would better prepare students for real-world teaching scenarios.

Another area for improvement is the variety of teaching resources available. Expanding the library of lesson plans, teaching aids, and ESL materials would be helpful. Furthermore, fostering a stronger sense of community among students through discussion forums, study groups, and social media groups could enhance peer support and collaboration.

The career support services are helpful, but they could be more comprehensive. Assistance with resume writing, interview preparation, and job placement services would be valuable for graduates seeking teaching positions. Flexible learning schedules and self-paced modules would also accommodate students' varying time commitments and learning paces better.

Including modules on cultural sensitivity and awareness would prepare teachers for working with diverse student backgrounds. Finally, offering ongoing professional development opportunities, such as advanced courses, webinars, and workshops, would help graduates stay updated with the latest teaching methodologies and trends.

Overall, the TEFL Academy online program is a solid foundation for anyone looking to start a career in teaching English as a foreign language. With these suggested improvements, it could be even more effective and rewarding for aspiring teacher.
Pros
  • Comprehensive Curriculum
  • Flexibility
  • Practical experience opportunities
Cons
  • Limited interactivity
  • Insufficient personalized feedback
  • Community building
Default avatar
Dallas
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Easy work through, supportive staff

There were no deficiencies, I was able to achieve what I set out to do given the platform provided. The TEFL course provided a comprehensive introduction to teaching English as a foreign language. It covered essential topics like lesson planning, classroom management, and language assessment. The interactive modules and practical assignments were particularly valuable for gaining hands-on experience. Highly recommended for aspiring teachers! Make sure you complete the face to face lesson plan before completely before duplicating it and starting the online lesson plan!

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

Level 5 TEFL course

I recently completed my level 5 TEFL course and this course is definitely worth the money.
Enough time and resources are provided to pass this course, relevant and helpful feedback also gets given after you complete assignments. It was fun and interactive to complete. It is challenging but with all resources provided you can definitely make a success of this course. This course was amazing compared to other online courses, I would definitely recommend this course to everyone who has an interest in teaching English online or abroad.

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

Professional qualification at a great price

After 28 years of TESOL teaching, I recently enrolled at The TEFL Academy for a refresher certificate. What a wonderfully enriching experience! Their guidelines, support, and comprehensive course materials made for a seamless and rewarding learning process. I was really impressed by their prompt feedback and assessment. Within a couple of weeks after completion, I had both electronic and hard copies of my internationally accredited certificate. Impressive and highly recommended. It is certainly ideal for new teachers!

What would you improve about this program?
Whereas there is almost nothing to fault about this course, I'd have loved for prospective teachers to have more interaction time during the 10-hour face-to-face session. More time for teachers to collaborate and less Trainer Talk Time.
Pros
  • Excellent online material
  • User-friendly with great support
  • Fast constructive feedback
Cons
  • A bit more practice during the face-to-face
Default avatar
Mariangel
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Excellent option to get a TEFL certificate

I recently completed the Level 5 TEFL Certificate online course from The TEFL Academy, and I couldn't be happier with my experience. From the beginning, the course material was well-organized and easy to navigate. Each module was packed with comprehensive information, covering essential topics such as lesson planning, classroom management, and language skills. The interactive activities and quizzes helped reinforce my understanding and made learning enjoyable.

The flexibility of the online format was a significant advantage for me. As someone with a busy schedule, I appreciated being able to study at my own pace and fit the coursework around my other commitments. The course also included plenty of practical examples and real-life teaching scenarios, which I found extremely valuable.

The Level 5 certification is internationally recognized, and I have already started applying for teaching positions abroad. Overall, I highly recommend The TEFL Academy's Level 5 TEFL Certificate online course to anyone looking to pursue a career in ESL teaching.

Pros
  • The course offers a well-rounded curriculum that covers all essential aspects of teaching English as a foreign language, including lesson planning, classroom management, and language skills.
  • The tutors provide timely and detailed feedback, ensuring that students receive the guidance and encouragement they need to succeed.
  • The online platform is easy to navigate and allows students to study at their own pace, making it ideal for those with busy schedules or other commitments.
Cons
  • The assignments and course material can be demanding, requiring significant time and effort to complete, which might be challenging for those with other commitments.

Programs

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Alumni Interviews

These are in-depth Q&A sessions with verified alumni.

Quentellus Ladale Toliver

Why did you choose this program?

Because of geological location; however, the reason I chose this particular program was in part due to it looking more official than the others. On my trip to a foreign country (South Korea), I was told by my friend that I was very knowledgeable about what I knew and wondered how I would do at teaching. With my current job, it made sense with the way the program was laid out.

What did your program provider (or university) assist you with, and what did you have to organize on your own?

The provider assisted with making me dig deeper into what I already knew about the subjects; on my own, it was up to me to decide mine on topics' materials for every assignment (the provider also assisted in the matter by providing templates). When it came to reviews, the assessor assisted in what I need to improve and what was good, if not great.

What is one piece of advice you'd give to someone going on your program?

If I had to give advice to someone that wanted this program, it would be to take their time. Although it can be done as quickly as needed, I would recommend them to take their time. Rushing will make them impatient and the longer lessons seem daunting, making one miss the simple things one already knows.

Be prepared to not have reviews on some of the lessons, as it will seem as they are abundant in the beginning.

What does an average day/week look like as a participant of this program?

An average day, as it is an online course, is, however, the students want it to be. However, I would recommend doing half a lesson in 2 to 3 days, then the other. Even so, that is still pushing it for those who are struggling; spending 1 hr a day may be enough, depending on how much one covers in that hour.

I myself tried to cover a lesson a day; in the beginning, it worked out fine, until you get to the longer lessons; then you have to take into account the assignments, which would take almost a week to perform properly.

Going into your experience abroad, what was your biggest fear, and how did you overcome it? How did your views on the issue change?

When going abroad, I was fearing that I would not be able to answer the questions that were being asked. But after a while, I felt more comfortable about that.

There are still times I feel I would not have the answer to some questions, but I am comfortable now that, if asked a question I don't know, I could easily answer it with the appropriate response.

Is there any type of information you would like to point out to others?

Yes. I would point out that it would be a good idea to find out what requirements one needs for the teaching job they want. It is important to note that there is paperwork that is needed as well when going abroad that needs to be taken into account. These two things are easily missed in the thought process.

Staff Interviews

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

Jess Morris

Job Title
Student Services
Hi! My name is Jess and I am a part of the Student Services Team here in The TEFL Academy! We deal with everything, from enrolling to certificates and are here to help existing, potential and alumni students with whatever questions they may have.
Jess Morris

What is your favorite travel memory?

One of my favourite travel memories is when I was in Croatia with a friend and we decided to venture in Bosnia Herzegovina for a few days. We stayed in a crazy hostel, with even crazier owners! They brought us to a rave in a cave which was so much fun. The next day we got to explore Mostar and we also traveled to Sarajevo and did a walking tour. It was so interesting!

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

Getting to work for The TEFL Academy has given me opportunity to grow in many different ways. I speak to a range of different people from different places daily which is really interesting and sometimes we do have little chats about where in the world we are! I've also significantly improved my geography, which is handy!

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

My favourite stories are from teachers who teach young learners. The students get so attached to their teachers and they always have gifts from them that the children have made! I love to see the photos also; we often share these on our social media (with consent). It's a good way to show current and future students the opportunities out there when they get their qualifications.

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

I would love to go on our Vietnam internship! I've always wanted to travel to Vietnam because it does look absolutely beautiful, but the internship sounds like a very rewarding one also. Getting to travel the world by also helping those to further their future prospects is an amazing opportunity.

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

I think our company is unique in many different ways. Our organization is special because we really do believe in the power of education. We all, in some way or another, have traveled to many different places across the world, and the majority of us have taught also. This gives us a real insight into the actual world of TEFL and the teachers.

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

Being successful means a lot of different things for different people. I think a successful company really values what they are intending to do, and I believe The TEFL Academy does it in every way. My hope for our organization is that it grows and expands to cover all across the world! Providing a course that helps individuals to further themselves but also to educate others is something that is very special.