Vantage TEFL Certification

Vantage TEFL Certification

Why choose Vantage TEFL Certification?

American Accreditation | Internationally Recognized | Earn 3 College Credits

Established in 2007, and Thailand’s highest-rated TEFL program, Bangkok-based Vantage TEFL offers two separate TEFL certification programs.

Our award-winning program is a 120-hour In-Class Course that’s given over four weeks. This includes six hours of OTP (Observed Teaching Practice)

Our online option is our Combined Hybrid Course where you study teaching methodologies online first in a 20-unit sourcebook, and then complete your OTPs in a real school with non-English speaking students.

Vantage provides guaranteed lifetime job support. We will craft your Power Resume, formulate a personal job search strategy, and coach you on interviewing techniques. Then we will network within our comprehensive network of schools, universities, academies, and language institutions.

Reviews

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

Realizing My Aspirations

From day one, I felt like the entire Vantage team was devoted to realizing my aspirations of becoming a teacher. They covered everything I needed to feel comfortable in this uncertain career transition.

While I took the 20-unit coursebook online through their Combined Course, I was also allowed to attend their In-Class TEFL sessions. It’s the same coursebook for both TEFL programs, but the quality of the trainers—with their decades of experience—really augmented the curriculum.

My observed teaching practices were where I really became competent in the classroom. Teaching theory, through practical application, became the skill set I needed to be successful in the classroom.

My six practice classes spanned young, secondary-aged, and adult English learners—across different English proficiency levels.

Vantage’s course also had Thai cultural sessions which not only prepare you for life in Thailand but importantly, the “do’s and don’ts” to use in a Thai classroom.

Vantage also has a dedicated Jobs Coach. We had a Power Resume session that adapted my current CV to appeal to Thai employers in the education sector. There is a substantial difference between England and Thailand in regard to what they want on CVs so this was invaluable. Vantage also offered advice on location, and schools, and even recommended me to specific English education providers who place qualified teachers in scores of schools throughout the Kingdom.

My bottom line? Go with Vantage! Especially if you’re thinking about making a career teaching English.

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

Super Supportive

I initially took Vantage’s Combined Course, which involves completing the 20-unit coursebook online and then Observing Teaching Practices (OTPs) in a real school with non-English-speaking students.

Vantage allowed me to sit into their In-Class Course before I did my actual OTPs. While the coursebook is very good, there is a big difference when that same curriculum is delivered by trainers who have decades of experience in the classroom.

The practice teaching part of the course stood out. I got the opportunity to teach at different schools, and now have experience with many different age groups and language proficiency levels. I felt I got better with each practice teaching session. I taught. I really grew in my confidence in managing a classroom.

All six of our OTPs were organized by Vantage, as well as the logistics of arranging meeting points and transportation to the schools.

The Vantage team has been very supportive throughout my training, giving recommendations, building resumes, etc. Vantage has their own Jobs Coach, who was especially helpful in guiding me after the course had finished in terms of opportunities for job openings which was a big relief as someone a little anxious about starting a new job in a new country.

I can’t recommend Vantage TEFL Certification enough. They guided me every step of the way and really built up my confidence to teach anyone anywhere. If you are looking to get your teaching qualification and start a teaching career, these are the guys to talk to.

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

Building a Great Teaching Foundation

Vantage TEFL Certification provided a great 4-week, 120-hour TEFL certification course!

I'm glad that I chose to complete Vantage’s In-Person course because I was able to ask questions, receive feedback, and get personal assistance throughout my TEFL training. I wa guided each step of the way.

Even though I am a native speaker, I had forgotten a lot of my English grammar. But trainer Chris, provided helpful feedback and instruction throughout and allowed me to ask as many questions as necessary in order to get my English knowledge up to speed.

For me, one of the most valuable parts of the course was the real-world “Teaching Practices.” I got valuable feedback from the trainers and I got a little better after each of my six teaching sessions. It also gave me a great "feel" for what teaching non-English speaking Thai students would be like.

Vantage also was excellent in their job support services. Coach Kevin was an excellent resource for designing a powerful resume to be used in targeting schools and language institutions. He also coached us on how ‘stories’ can be a highly effective way to handle questions and any potential objections that may arise.

If you are contemplating whether to do this course, I highly recommend it—particularly if you are looking for a career teaching English overseas.

Default avatar
H.
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Got Better After Each Practice Class

I enrolled in Vantage’s last program for 2024 and thoroughly enjoyed my time on the course.

We were a small group, which was very beneficial as the instructors had more time to coach each trainee individually. The instructors were highly educated and had decades of teaching experience.

Importantly, they seemed to care about our success genuinely. Even after I completed the course, they have stayed in touch and have been very helpful in crafting a great resume.

Overall the general course curriculum was highly relevant if you want to teach English as a second language and especially helpful to me as working in a classroom was a completely new experience.

All the feedback we received on our observed practice teaching sessions was very beneficial. I felt I got better after each practice class. It was here I developed the skills I needed to be successful in the classroom.

I would highly recommend this program to anyone. Thank you Vantage TEFL!

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

Highly recommended

The Vantage TEFL Certification Programme is an excellent choice for aspiring English teachers, offering a comprehensive curriculum that balances theoretical knowledge with practical application.

The course covers key teaching methodologies, lesson planning, and classroom management while providing hands-on teaching practice with real students to build confidence and experience. The trainers are highly knowledgeable, supportive, and passionate, offering
valuable feedback to enhance participants' teaching skills.

While the course is intensive, its thorough preparation and ample resources make it worthwhile. Vantage TEFL equips participants with the tools needed to excel in English language education. Additionally, the program includes robust career guidance, helping graduates secure international teaching opportunities. Resume writing, job documentation support, and interview coaching were all part of Vantage’s TEFL program.

I recommend Vantage without hesitation.

Programs

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Alumni Interviews

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

Why did you choose this program?

I decided to do my TEFL when I was stuck in a dead end job with zero ambition. I looked at various way of traveling the world while earning some money and came across TEFL, and decided that I have nothing to lose and everything to gain. I love children and that is a main reason why I decided to do the TEFL.

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

I sent an email asking about the course and what it would entail. The institution (Vantage TEFL) I worked with had fast responses and answers to all my questions. They made it very easy to understand the requirements with constant feedback. I never had any doubt that I could do this through the confidence they gave me. A truly professional approach and I really enjoyed the journey of doing my TEFL.

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

I moved to Thailand without doing any research about my surroundings and the cultural differences were the most challenging when I moved here, but people are so polite and friendly (it is contagious) that you adapt easily. I wish I knew about this earlier, as I would have loved to do this earlier in my life. Last piece of advice is to not underestimate the course as it was intense but enjoyable, and I truly believe, after this course I can teach English as a second language to anyone willing to learn.

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

My course was a 9:00 to 17:00 on weekdays for a month long. It is long days and sometimes you had to get the the facility at 07:00 to do practice teaching. On an average day, you are guided through the English language and it is not to teach you English it is to help you to teach English. You also get exposed to practice teaching, which really helps you gain confidence as an English teacher and removes all doubt you would have (I also had a lot of doubt and anxiety, but the practice teachings ensured that I gained confidence and became comfortable in teaching).

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

Biggest fear I had was that I never left my hometown for more than 6 weeks before. I always thought how would I adapt to a place I do not know and people that I do not understand? To answer that question, the answer lies within yourself. You need to decide that you want to do this. Once you open yourself up to the idea, it is strange how things just fall into place through meeting amazing people and experiencing unique cultures.

I have no doubt this is one of the biggest changes I made in my life and I have no regrets that I did it. Sometimes fear dictates our decision making, but just think of all the amazing experiences you will have and be able to share with your friends and family when they come visit.

What do I think prospective travelers would like to know?

My answer will be based on Thailand, as this is where I am currently.

Firstly, food is absolutely amazing. I have gained so much weight just by indulging in Thai cuisine.

Secondly, make sure that, if you want to work here, that your employer can speak English where both parties understand to avoid unnecessary confusion.

What would I change or do differently?

I have not been here to long and I would say there is currently nothing I would change, as the experience has been challenging and breathtaking at the same time.

Last thing that I would say: do not run from you fears. Embrace them and just do it; you will not regret it.

Staff Interviews

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

Chris Demetsopoullos

Job Title
Lead TEFL Trainer
Headshot of staff

Chris, tell us about yourself.

Originally from the UK, I started my teaching career in the early 1990s where I taught a diverse range of Thai students. I then moved up to positions of corporate English assignments, which led to work as a developer of customized curriculums -- increasingly in digital eLearning materials -- for business skills courses and workshops.

Today, I specialize in one-on-one Executive Coaching for personal development programs and Leadership Coaching for Thailand’s blue chip corporations as well as being the Lead Trainer for Vantage’s TEFL program.

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

I have many years of business English teaching and corporate training with previous companies, along with training materials development.

However, I’ve really honed that skill with Vantage, as we offer customized corporate training programs — business English and management and corporate skills on an exclusive basis.

We specialize in blended learning programs, so a new and important skill I’ve developed is eLearning instructional design.

I’ve also become a teacher trainer since working at Vantage Siam, for which my experience and varied roles have been invaluable. Vantage has given me the opportunity to grow and develop professionally, and I’m sure there’s more to come.

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

We had a recent trainee who had had a rather troubled past. He decided to essentially “grow up” and better himself by getting himself a respectable career.

He contacted us and, after meeting with him, we were pretty sure he could become a good English teacher. However, he had very little confidence that he could make it.

We soon discovered he was very good at drawing out language from the students by use of questions, prompts and cueing during the first phase of the ESA methodology (Engage, Study, and Activate).

With subsequent training in the Study and Activate phases -- along with observed teaching practices -- he became highly effective in delivering a class to non-English speaking students in a live classroom. In short, this ‘raw recruit” became a highly skilled teacher. The surprise was that we had no idea in the beginning how good he would turn out to be.

We then helped get him a good teaching position at a prestigious school that is very appreciative of the way he motivates his students into successful English language acquisition.

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

Vantage has always embraced the cutting edge in educational technology. We were among the first to offer customized courses in English for Special Purposes. We embraced eLearning and blended instruction in our classrooms in Thailand over fifteen years ago. We have been advocating computer-adaptive proficiency testing. Later this year, we will be educating the market in the first speaking and writing tests to be scored by AI technology.

And while we teach an American accredited TFFL course, we do supplement the curriculum with an introduction to both assessment methodology and emerging teaching technologies.

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

I think one of the key factors in being successful is the ability to re-invent yourself -- or at least being open to change. And to change yourself effectively, you need to be able to hear what’s going on in the world around.

We like to think we’re good listeners. We listen to a couple of key voices to help point the company into head winds that we lead us to future successes.

We listen what the market is telling us in terms of what skills schools need for successful teachers.

We also hear what our TEFL candidates tell us during our time with us. We look at what skills they bring on day one --
what we do throughout the course -- and what the final product turned out to be. In other words, how well can they teach in a real classroom at the end of their training.

And finally, we follow key thought leaders in the education field. People that are talking today about what may be mainstream in learning tomorrow.