International TEFL Academy

Program Reviews

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Deepa
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

The best experience yet!

I do not even know where to begin! When I got to Thailand, I did not think I would have met amazing people, and build such great friendships that have lasted from 2013 when I did my course in Chiang Mai!
Learning how to teach Eng was not as easy as I thought, but, it was one of the best things I could have done for myself, as I love to travel! The results of learning this skill set has brought me so much joy as I get to give the gift of education, another language to another human being. There is no other joy that could have filled my heart!
TEFL allowed me to go to the place I loved the most, BRAZIL! :D I am forever grateful!

Thank you to TEFL for allowing me to spread joy in my own way to the children and adults seeking to learn! :D

THANK YOU!

Deepa

What would you improve about this program?
I have no complaints. Challenges are going to be met with every course we take. But, it just takes determination to get through it and studying. I was happy with everything.
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Margaret
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

One of the Best Experiences of My Life

I obtained my TEFL certification at Via Lingua in Florence, Italy. It was one of the best things I’ve done for myself in two years. I knew I wanted to teach English, and I chose Via Lingua because it offers the opportunity to practice-teach real Italian students (and because I love Italy).

I was one of three students taking the course, so we got to know each other and the teachers very well. The course itself was challenging, but the teachers were always eager to answer our questions and help us look towards our futures as teachers. Because the three of us students became so close, we often studied together over gelato and always helped each other understand tricky course material. We had fun doing our group projects—some of them barely felt like homework.

Via Lingua provided me with everything I needed to start my career as an English teacher. I believe the quality of the teachers and the institution is among the highest the International TEFL Academy has to offer (not to mention the incredible location—central Florence, just 5 minutes from the Duomo). I would recommend the course to anyone interested in becoming TEFL certified (and in fact, I already have to several friends).

What would you improve about this program?
No suggestions.
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Rania
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

ITA TEFL Certification in Guadalajara (Mexico)

ITA's TEFL program in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico is great! The partner school, ITTO, that runs the TEFL Certification course really gives you all of the tools you need to go above and beyond in the TEFL world. The course is intense, don't get me wrong, but it is so worth the long days and somewhat sleepless nights. You really have to work hard- it's 4 weeks of early mornings and late nights, occasional weekend work, homework, lesson plans, student work, a little bit of tears (stress), and tons of laughter. My favorite part of the program was going over to the English language school around the corner for the teaching practicum everyday. Having the privilege of working with students throughout the certification process is something that I am so grateful for. Your fellow TEFL classmates become your family for that month- you eat most meals together, lesson plan together, bounce ideas off each other, and help each other through everything the 4 weeks throw at you. At the end of the 4-week intensive course, you get out there and the job search begins. You not only have ITTO's help, but you also have full access to guidance from ITA- that's double the opportunity to land a job. I highly recommend the program to anyone who is interested!

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Krislyn
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Amazing!

In a sentence, ITA allowed me to make my dreams come true. From the Admission Advisors to the TEFL courses to the Job search assistance to the communities it created, ITA went above my expectations. The course work is not easy, but neither is teaching! ITA understood that while taking the class, I was working full time and made reasonable requirements for the work to be due. The most beneficial part, in my opinion, was learning how to present yourself to international employers. It’s easy to forget that each country has different expectations when applying for jobs and ITA prepared you for that. It really helped to give me a push in the right direction to living our my dreams. I will forever be grateful to ITA!

What would you improve about this program?
Maybe more interaction between students in the classes.
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Rose
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Guadalajara TEFL Course

The TEFL course in Guadalajara was an excellent choice for me. The city is amazing and full of opportunities to teach English. The course was challenging enough to adequately prepare me for teaching but also left plenty of free time and energy to explore the city and its surroundings. I really enjoyed the small class size and the staff were very accommodating and attentive. Our teaching practice at the partner school was great for feeling more comfortable in front of a classroom. After completing this course I felt prepared to teach and have stayed in Guadalajara teaching since.

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Jessica
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

TEFL certification in Guadalajara, México

My experience getting certified in Guadalajara greatly exceeded my expectations. It is a city oozing with charm, friendly people, rich Mexican culture, and still the benefits of a larger city. The staff at this location made us feel like a family throughout the whole month of the course. I never felt like i wasn't recieving the support or attention that i needed to succeed. It was the perfect balance of a friendly yet proffesional environment. We got to teach lesson plans that we made in class to actual students at the language school right across the street.
I felt extremely prepared to start teaching with real life practice, feedback, guidance, knowledge of methods, focused grammar training, a portfolio of my lesson plans and a CV for teaching that was created with proffesional guidance. Anyone looking for a super affordable country to get your TEFL certification that also offers a lively, cultural city experience should consider Guadalajara, México.

What would you improve about this program?
host family placements closer to the school.
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Kiya
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Guadalajara ITA TEFL Course

I LOVED my Guadalajara, Mexico TEFL course. The course was challenging enough that it prompted me to learn a lot, study, and work hard. It did not feel gratuitously difficult, or like busy work though. My instructor was very sweet, helpful, and really cared about and supported her students. I enjoyed the small class sizes, and the regular practice class with feedback. This program really shaped and refined my teaching skills, confidence, and classroom management. I am very happy with the results of the program, and would recommend it to anyone!

Ryan
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Why ITA may be right for you.

When I was preparing myself to teach abroad, I had some obstacles I had to get through. I still had a full time job and personal responsibilities to attend to. I needed a program that would work around my busy schedule but I also wanted a quality program with great support as I started the process of living and teaching abroad. International TEFL Academy (ITA) was definitely that program for me. I looked into many programs, talked to many advisors and concluded that ITA checked all the boxes I was looking for when considering the right program. The staff was great during the processes of choosing a country and answering questions. The program had great materials to use when developing your teaching skills. The instructor did a great job communicating to me personally and the entire group. Lastly, the additional resources they provide were exactly what I needed to find a job in the country I wanted to go to. I have already referred the program to some of my friends.

What would you improve about this program?
I would like to see this programs have more video demonstration of what a classroom in a different country looks like and demonstration videos on how different teachers deliver instructions.
Ted
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Great Experience!!

ITA's TEFL program was critical in helping me move abroad and secure a job teaching English in Spain. Overall it was a smooth process and they provided me with all the necessary tools to get set up and still continue to play a critical role with the large network of alumni. They helped me with getting my student visa from the beginning of the process until the end. They provided an excellent onsite 4 week training course in Madrid to learn "how" to actually teach English and they are still available in case I need anything. Plus I love the idea that I can now teach English practically anywhere in the world!

What would you improve about this program?
Keep inspiring!
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David
4/5
No, I don't recommend this program

Job guiding

Not being a native English speaker I was told that I would have less "opportunities" than a native speaker. I was clear about that but they didn't say the wouldn't try to help me once I was done with the course. I would expect a change for future with non-native English speakers that have a dream to spread their knowledge and start the adventure of living abroad teaching English and need to obtain a TEFL certification. This is a hard step to make from many people so choosing the right company to get certified with is key too. Also, the course completely focuses on the American culture, while there were Canadians, Australians and among other nationalities. So, it should be diversified.

What would you improve about this program?
They should provide a better guidance and also have a list of non-native requirements schools and actually stand up for their students because I was "interviewed" before I became a student to know how my English level was. I finished the course with an A/Outstanding grade. I achieved high-level score and everything. So, they should support their alumni no matter what. Once they are enrolled they'll represent your certification company. So, you should fight for all of them. they decided to choose you over the other ones, not for being "cheaper" certainly. So, the best you can do is provide help.
Response from International TEFL Academy

Hi David,

Thanks for taking the time to write this detailed review and share your feedback. As mentioned in previous correspondence a few months ago, ITA does our best to assist every single graduate with his/her job search - no matter if you’re a native English speaker or a non-native English speaker. It is entirely up to each employer (or entire an country for that matter) if they want to hire someone. ITA as an organization does not set hiring standards for specific schools nor do we have any say in what credentials school’s require.

We also do not guarantee jobs for any English teachers (native or non-native). As you mention in your review, all non-native English speaking students are also thoroughly educated by ITA of the added challenges they may face teaching abroad. We do require all non-native students who plan to enroll in an ITA TEFL class to take a test to ensure his/her English skills are high enough to succeed in the course and ultimately teach the English language. We talk with every student who plans to enroll in one of our TEFL courses, native or non-native. We do this because we don’t want anyone enrolling in a course and wasting their time & money if they aren’t a good fit for the class.

In regards to your job search, it looks like our Student Affairs team has communicated with you 25+ times to assist you with your job search. We’ve worked with you on your resume, a letter stating that you completed the course so you could begin applying to schools before you received your certificate, and in addition to our job search resources available for all students; a list of a few schools in Santiago directly that do hire non-native teachers when we found out that you were having issues finding a job. Another point to note is that the best way to find a teaching job in Chile is by interviewing and applying in-person upon arrival, especially as a non-native teacher. So as previously discussed, because you were emailing schools in-advance instead of applying face-to-face in Chile, you likely saw this impact your opportunties.

We absolutely support each and every one of our alumni (non-native English speakers or not). We are always happy to communicate with you further on your job search, so always feel free to get in touch and we will do our very best to assist you.