Program Reviews

I wanted to start my TEFL career with a strong strong foundation and as in-depth knowledge as I could reasonably afford to do at the time.

This left me with two options: Teaching House Chicago (CELTA) and International TEFL Academy (Level 5 TEFL). I spent quite a while comparing programs and the curricula seemed remarkably similar, but ITA offered lifetime job placement help, while Teaching House offered nothing. Additionally, ITA was half the cost of CELTA, while offering the same amount of course hours. ITA was simply a better deal than Teaching house.

Overall, ITA helped me review teaching methodology and pushed me to be creative in my lesson planning. The teachers, Jan and Gosha, were patient, caring, and provided thorough explanations. Moreover, they were very experienced ESL teachers and were able to provide two different perspectives and styles of teaching. They were attentive to students' needs and were fully capable of answering students' questions.

The practicum at ITA was an invaluable experience which made me much more confident as a teacher. One of the best aspects of the practicum was being able to work with students of all levels and being forced to design a lesson plan from scratch. I also really enjoyed the final project of the course, developing a three-day lesson plan showing growth and development of a concept over time.

I chose the International TEFL Academy to get my certification because it provides one with the most recognized TEFL certificate in the world. The pre-enrollment was helpful because it gave me an idea of what kind of work would be required to learn as much as possible in a short period of time in order to gain great teaching knowledge for potential learners, who could be children or adults. International TEFL Academy made the learning experience of being a teacher that much greater by giving me and my classmates a real teaching experience - an invaluable practice for those who have never taught at any level. As a result, I taught in China (Shenzhen) for two years, and it was all thanks to ITA's Job Search Guide, which allowed me to get hired one month after completing the class. I also use Facebook's Alumni page to stay up to date on any new hiring developments as far as Visa requirements, salary ranges and cultural customs for any potential country I may want to visit and teach in the future. Teaching abroad is a priceless experience, because it allows a person to grow spiritually by providing them with a world different from the one they grew up in, and by expanding their horizons, those who teach English abroad are able to become more tolerant, acceptable and appreciative of foreign cultures, foreign languages, foreign customs and foreign people altogether.

I was lucky enough to have two awesome teachers for this course, both having a different teaching approach but being equally engaging and helpful. They told my class straight up that the course was going to be difficult; it was a six-week course stuffed into four weeks. But they also told us it was very doable, as long as we stayed on top of our assignments. And they were always available after class to help us.

Melanie and Luke taught our classes in the same manner as we would teach our own classes, making us learn firsthand how our own students might react to certain activities and lesson plans. While class is class, there were several times where laughter was a big part of our day. My teachers definitely had a sense of humor while challenging us to create our own lesson plans and pushing us to master what we learned (which meant starting the day answering grammar questions from Luke).

Of course this class couldn't do everything. The teaching practicum is great practice, but it does not nearly prepare you enough for the real world of teaching. Teaching gets only better with practice and I wish we had more time to keep practicing. But unfortunately it is only a four week course.

What I loved especially about this course is that my teachers weren't only mentors, but friends. Melanie and Luke didn't sugar coat things. Not only did they share their personal experiences as examples for situations we might encounter, but they also acknowledge the very real epidemic of culture shock. They explain what it is, when it happens and how to cure it (and according to Luke the real cure is getting a boyfriend or girlfriend native to that country in order to become a part of the culture, learn the language, make native friends and feel a sense of belonging...he ended up getting married to a Costa Rican).

I honestly loved this class and only wish I had the opportunity to learn more. And it's in Costa Rica! Such a beautiful country with friendly people (and awesome host parents!).

I graduated from college in May of 2012. A year before I had graduated I had already set my mind on going somewhere, doing something. Whether it were volunteering, taking a vacation or getting a job, I was going to do something overseas. I hadn't traveled much, but something inside of me was so eager to see the world, to do what I hadn't had the chance to do before. During my last semester at school, I saw a flyer on the wall, in the languages building, about getting certified to teach English abroad. I hadn't even known that it was an option at the time, but it really got my gears turning. Things had become more concrete. I now knew of an option. I had a clue to follow.

I started researching online, and before I knew it, someone had told me that a girl I went to high school with was doing the same in Spain. I put myself in contact with her (man is social media helpful) and asked about what she had to do and how she liked it. I probably bothered her a heck of a lot come to think of it. But hey, I had to know. She told me that she took the course at International TEFL Academy in downtown Chicago and that she liked it and it really helped her. I was from Chicago and was moving back after graduation, so things were looking good for my future abroad. Of course at this point I had already gotten excited and started fantasizing about what my life in a land far, far away would be like, but I had to keep my eyes on the prize. I put myself in contact with International TEFL Academy over the phone. I talked with Cassie Wells, an amazing, super energetic, motivating, and positive young girl who didn't hesitate to answer any of my questions and continued to answer via e-mail. I even went to the office downtown with my mom, who wasn't feeling so sure about the whole thing, to have a good talk about it. I found Cassie to be super honest, she didn't sugar coat anything and told us all about her experience. The deal was done. I'd been sold. Within the next few days I had signed up and put down the payment for the class. Enrolling was super easy and straightforward. I was on my way! If it hadn't been for the friendly staff, especially Cassie, who was willing to go above and beyond (always with a smile) to make my mom and I (mostly my mom) feel comfortable about the whole thing, things could have turned out differently. Not only was she happy to help, but she was patient and hadn't become jaded by so many others asking the same questions I had.

My TEFL class really prepared me for what to expect. I had great teachers, who were foreign, and also had experience teaching abroad. One was Polish and the other was from the Czech Republic. Both had a lot of great advice and had a lot of material and information. They were also patient, knowledgable and fun. We learned things from grammar review to cultural differences in the classroom. The best and most helpful part though was doing our practicum. Teaching for your first time and putting everything you learned in class into action, while being reviewed, can be nerve-racking. So having a somewhat controlled environment with lots of support and feedback was key. Of course I was nervous and uncomfortable at times, but overall my students were great and came from all backgrounds! After a few times you start feeling more confident of your abilities and less awkward. I can't imagine getting thrown into teaching without this kind of buffer.

I'm currently teaching in Vietnam, country #2!. However, I first taught in Ecuador...and ended up staying 2. 5 years! The first time around I did use a lot of the guidance materials to help me with making contact and to know a little bit about what to expect. I also kept in close contact with Christie Koness, the job search guidance counselor. She was great! Also friendly, helpful, and always there. (She and the rest of the ITEFLA staff also have a passion for travel, which makes them very passionate and understanding). We kept in touch for the fun of it after a bit and I even gave her some information about the visa processes and some things I found out along the way, which I thought would be helpful for other students looking to teach in Ecuador. After your first job or country you start to feel more confident, and you network and realize all of the jobs and countries that are out there. You work with like-minded people and finding jobs becomes easier and even more of an adventure. You stop worrying about the little details because you've already proven to yourself you can do it, and the truth is, you can! I also belong to the Ecuador and Vietnam Alumni Network groups on Facebook and check in on them from time to time. I think they are helpful and great to have there just in case, but I personally usually try to find information from co-workers, locals, or other people around me before resorting to the Facebook page. That is just personal preference though, because it does seem like there is a lot of involvement on the pages and that people are more than willing to lend the information they have. Always nice to know you have it there as a safety cushion.

Teaching abroad. There are so many things to say about it! It's exciting, it's confusing, it's rewarding, it's frustrating, it's eye-opening, it's testing. It's everything you could get working in your own country and more. You work and earn money, but you can also explore. Everyday is filled with little challenges to overcome and lots of little surprises. Every moment is new and exciting. The food and flavors, the language, the culture, the music, the transportation, the points of view, activities, ways of doing things. Literally everything. You're living it everyday. So, you are working, but your life doesn't become as monotonous. You can find beauty and a lesson in everything. Just going in to the market and successfully buying something, can leave you walking out with a big smile and puffed-out chest of accomplishment. Just in your immediate area you have adventures and experiences waiting for you. But don't forget you'll have the opportunity to explore the rest of the country, and hopefully even go beyond its boarders to get a taste of something new.

I have now taught abroad in two very different countries, lived in two different continents, and done adventure travel, while there, as well. Both are amazing and offer great opportunities. Do I recommend both of them? Yes, yes, and absolutely yes. Although I advocate travel, I highly suggest teaching abroad. It allows you the chance to really delve into the country, to what it's all about and everything it has to offer. You learn about the geography and the language, you create a life for yourself with so many new friends, both local and foreign. For example, you don't go back forgetting the name of a delicious food you tried, like you could just taking a trip. It's actually the contrary. You go back with a huge list of foods you loved eating and are now missing now that you're gone! More than anything, I think that you get pushed out of your comfort zone and sometimes to your limit. You're definitely tested. Although it could be a potentially uncomfortable and new experience, I believe that these tests, you may not have had the opportunity to "take" while living back home, give you an incomparable amount of growth and life experience, while allowing your mind to completely open and accept all that is happening with and around you. After all, we only get one shot at this thing we call life, we might as well do and see as much as possible while we still can. See you on the other side of the border!

I had a wonderful experience with ITA. They were the first company I looked into when I decided to pursue teaching, and after speaking with the first representative from the company, I didn't look elsewhere. The people I worked with made my life easy. They explained everything, gave me a ton of information, answered all of my questions promptly, and showed me real concern and attention. Once I started the course, I was impressed with the content and really appreciated the opportunity to learn from and communicate with other students going through the same experience.

I clicked the "request information" button on the ITA website on June 22, 2015. I was enrolled in the course by June 30 and I moved to Manama, Bahrain with a job lined up on Sept. 26, 2015. I've now been in Bahrain almost three months and have been incredibly happy with my experience so far, all thanks to ITA. I would recommend them to anyone.

I was astounded by how helpful the International TEFL Academy was with finding a job after I completed the course. Like all course applicants I was nervous about the type of support and assistance I would get with an on-line program and not an in-person class. After I completed the course I contacted the student services right away. They helped me to decide what country was best for me, and contact recruiters there. They also helped me to write a resume based on the requirements of the specific country I wanted to apply to. After my first year abroad, I started to search for a new job. I sent me resume to ITA student services again and they helped me edit and update it. They always promptly responded and provided much more information than I asked for. They were an amazing wealth of information, and so willing to do what they could to help. I owe where I am today to ITA!

Getting my TEFL Certification has opened up a whole new world of opportunity that I had never really, honestly considered before. I had studied English Language Arts teaching in college, and after getting my Master's Degree, I was still struggling to find a job as an ELA teacher that felt like a good fit. That's when I decided to take a chance and make a move. I couldn't possibly be happier about that choice.

After making the choice to investigate TEFL programs, I was nervous to call International TEFL Academy because I was wary of trying to be sold something - but the advisor I spoke to was so kind, comforting, and honest. It wasn't about making a sale, it was about informing me, finding out what my concerns were, and coming to a decision without any pressure.

The class provided great basics for teaching ESL, and the part that made it stand out from other courses was the Practicum Requirement. I wanted to be able to brag that I went above and beyond the standard TEFL course requirements because I sought out real-life practice in the process. It was manageable to fit the online course into my daily life, while saving up for my trip.

The greatest part was the job search guidance. International TEFL Academy helped me get in touch with some contacts shortly after moving to Thailand, one of which soon became my employer. My life hasn't been the same since! Since I've returned from abroad, I've continued to use my certification. I teach ESL here in the States, and I meet fascinating people from all over the world. I'm also really excited by the fact that if/when I choose to teach abroad again, International TEFL Academy will help me with my search.

When I decided to make a career switch, I wanted to find a reputable, but affordable program for earning a TEFL/TESOL certification. I found that International TEFL Academy was it. They have a friendly staff with a well-rounded course load and the hours provided for the course will satisfy most schools looking for an ESL teacher. They also provide assistance in looking for a new position. I fully recommend International TEFL Academy.

TEFL Academy Nicaragua is no walk in the park, but the school will provide you with the tools you need to be a successful teacher. After reading a few reviews, I thought the coursework was an exaggeration.....let me tell you..its not. The school is a lot of work, but it is meaningful work. Each assignment is designed to make you a better teacher and provide you with the skills to be successful.

Both teachers, Carmen and Heather are extremely knowledgeable and dedicated to what they do. My school advisor, Jon, was also really helpful throughout the whole process.

I am so glad I chose TEFL Academy and I look forward to using my TEFL certificate in the future. I am glad I chose Leon and I wouldn't have it any other way.

It's true what they say-you will used to the heat.

My only suggestion would be to avoid Host Family Maria. It's not much a of host family experience and there are too many rules.

The course was challenging and time-consuming but the material taught has been very useful. I felt comfortable creating lesson plans and standing in front of a classroom upon completion of the course.