Program Reviews

I had high expectations for the International TEFL Academy (ITA) based on their marketing, but my experience with both their online TEFL course and job placement program was deeply disappointing. ITA consistently overpromised and underdelivered, to the point that I would consider it misrepresentation.

First, their job placement support was nearly useless. The country data they provided was already two years out of date, which made it difficult to plan realistically for job opportunities. Given how quickly visa regulations and hiring trends change, I expected current information—something they claim to provide but clearly do not.

The online TEFL course itself was equally disappointing. My instructor barely participated in the class, offering only a single, generic post each week. Her comments on student work were brief, generic, and lacked any real engagement or useful feedback. It was obvious she was just phoning it in, which made me question the value of the course as a whole.

For the price ITA charges, I expected a much higher level of quality, engagement, and support. Unfortunately, what I got was an impersonal experience and outdated resources. If you're serious about getting TEFL certified and finding a job, I’d strongly recommend looking elsewhere.

If you want a job that allows you to live anywhere in the world, this course is for you. You can study at any time and from any place you choose. The information is very comprehensive, so by the end of the course, you will feel confident enough to teach online or in person, from young children to adults or professionals who want to improve their quality of life by learning this language.

Knowing a language doesn't mean you know how to teach it. This course provides you with all the tools, including websites where you can find valuable and high-quality materials to include in your classes. The course is super interactive, so in addition to learning, you'll have fun in the process.

The TEFL academy course was well rounded, interesting and accessible. The course content was appropriately broken down, with videos, activities and texts in each topic. There was a good feedback system which means the assignments are transferable to real life teaching. I used the lesson planning skills in an interview today, and got the job. So very valuable. I’m a native speaker and it got me analysing the language and learning more, which is so interesting! There’s also a job section on the website which is so useful. Thank you to the TEFL academy.

I loved my time in Costa Rica!! I felt like a learned so much in a month while also having so much fun the whole time, and it made me really excited to teach! By the end of it I felt prepared to go off and confidently step into any classroom knowing I had the tools to plan and teach a good English lesson to any level or age. The ITA tools helped me find a job right after graduating the course and I am planning on using them in many more places in the future! :) I know it’s a bit more expensive than some other TEFL programs out there, but in my opinion it is totally worth it.

ITA Costa Rica truly stands out as exceptional. Mike, our instructor, is nothing short of amazing. His friendly, down-to-earth demeanor and relatable teaching style made classes incredibly enjoyable and easy to grasp. Even now, I find myself using the activities he taught us. Moreover, the school facilitated connections within the community, a vital aspect of living abroad. This sense of belonging they fostered is invaluable. Thanks to their seamless job placement assistance, I'm still happily employed at the same school. Living the Pura Vida lifestyle in Costa Rica is an added bonus. With its breathtaking natural beauty, commitment to sustainability, and warm culture, the country has so much to offer. Without hesitation, I would recommend ITA Costa Rica to anyone seeking an ESL school. They are simply incredible!

Doing this course was such a great experience, as well as a great opportunity to learn how to teach and learn about Costa Rican culture at the same time. The classes are packed full of helpful, relevant information given by an experienced TEFL teacher, and it's great to connect with other students, who are from all different walks of life. I don't have a college degree, any previous teaching experience, or a lot of work experience in general, but now I have an online teaching job! The town itself is beautiful, and the locals are very friendly. I'm so glad I decided to take this course!

I enjoyed this course and found it incredibly useful! It wasn't too difficult to take because of the great instruction, but it also wasn't so easy that it felt useless. After the course, I made my money back and more through jobs in the area. ITA is active in the community and does well to connect you with people looking for employees. It was easier to find a position as an ITA graduate than it would have been with other accreditations. I have been able to enjoy a happy life while living in Costa Rica, and it wouldn't have been possible without ITA Costa Rica!

This TEFL certification course in Heredia, Costa Rica has changed my life in more ways than one. I learned so much in this course, made lifelong friends, and discovered my passion for teaching. This course allowed me to secure a job teaching abroad in one of the most beautiful countries in the world. It's been a dream come true.
I highly recommend this course to anyone that has ever wanted to teach while traveling abroad. This course opens the door to so many opportunities, virtual and in-person, and helps you create the best memories along the way.

My overall experience of the course was wonderful! Our instructor Mike made classes interesting and fun and prepared us well for the assignments.

I also made friends for life and have left the course as a confident TEFL teacher and person.

The TEFL certification with ITA Costa Rica was life changing :) the class was awesome and helped me find a job teaching immediately. I know this program also has job search guidance to other countries as well.

The class also had a lot of group bonding activities, such as salsa dancing, graduation parties, and a trip to a nearby waterfall. I met really amazing people here! You can choose to stay with a host family or in the student house. I stayed with a host family and I would recommend for sure.