I recently completed The TEFL Academy's Level 5 Combined Course, which includes a 168-hour online portion and 10 hours of face-to-face training, and it exceeded my expectations. The course was well-structured, offering a solid balance of theory and practical application, with flexible online study and valuable hands-on experience during the in-person sessions. The 168-hour online portion was comprehensive and flexible, allowing me to study at my own pace while providing in-depth resources on teaching methodology, grammar, and lesson planning. The tutors were supportive and provided detailed feedback, helping me feel well-prepared for the classroom. A highlight was the face-to-face training, where I gained confidence by practicing teaching in a real setting. Overall, this course is an excellent foundation for anyone pursuing a TEFL career.
What would you improve about this program?
I would have loved the face-to-face portion of the course to be extended over more than one day. It was a long day and although the lecturer made sure we were fully engaged throughout the day, I was exhausted by the end of the day. I also enjoyed interacting with other coursetakers and would have liked to spend another day with them.
What other participants should know
- While flexible, the 168 hours of coursework can be quite demanding for those balancing other responsibilities.
- The 10-hour in-person training, though valuable, may feel too short for those who prefer more hands-on experience.
- The online nature of the course means you need to be disciplined and self-motivated to stay on track without regular in-person guidance.