International TEFL Academy

Program Reviews

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Dessy Savitri
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

11-WEEK PART-TIME ONLINE COURSE

Having TEFL-certified in International TEFL Academy was an excellent experience.
The materials in the course help me to prepare my start-from-zero journey in English teaching. It is a comprehensive course that ensures the student is prepared to become a teacher. The course itself covers all things that a good teacher is required to have.
What I love the most is the student’s support or here it is called Student Affairs. It is like a wonderful job search department with complete information about potential employers and all things you need to know before you step out to teach in the place that you have been aiming to. You don’t have to worry about what you will do after finishing the course because they are ready to help you with everything that comes next. Another wonderful thing is the connection between fellow alumni from the ITA that will help you to consider better where to teach based on the experiences that they keep sharing in groups. The tuition cost me a fortune but it was worth the money. I had my doubts before I got my feet wet in teaching ESL but ITA helped me get through it.

Pros
  • Student's support
  • Coursework
  • Job search guidance
Cons
  • -
  • -
  • -
Response from International TEFL Academy

Hi Dessy,

Thanks for taking the time to write a review about taking your online TEFL course with ITA and also working with our Student Affairs Team. We're so glad to hear that you were able to get a lot out of the course. As you proceed with your TEFL adventure, remember to get in touch for assistance and guidance. Our team is here to help!

Cheers - The ITA Team

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Luca
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Excellent Preparatory Course and Great Included Resources

Despite being an online course, I felt very engaged by both the material and my instructor's teaching approach. Each week, he would send updates on lesson plans, tips on how to 'ace' each assignment, and times he would be available for additional, free lessons. Overall, this course prepared me to become a teacher of English, and added onto my undergraduate degrees I already had obtained. I've received several job offers already, due to ITA's reputation and my teaching ability this class gave me.

Pros
  • Engaging Video lessons to accompany the textbook
  • Discussion forums with fellow students
  • Incredible support / job guidance after the program
Cons
  • Only online learning
  • Rare technical difficulty with assignment submission
Response from International TEFL Academy

Hi Luca,

Thanks for taking the time to share experience and writing a review - we really appreciate it. We're also glad to hear you've been receiving job offers. Remember, you can always call on our job search guidance resources and our staff for assistance and guidance. Our team is here to help!

Cheers - The ITA Team

This image is a tribute art piece of the late mangaka, Kentaro Miura, and of his main character, Gatsu, from my favourite manga titled "Berserk". One of the themes in Berserk is that no matter how hard everything may become, we push and struggle forward towards our goals and dreams.
Nashwah
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Among the Best TEFL Programs

During my research of choosing which TEFL program that would be the best for me to attend, International TEFL Academy (ITA) was one of the schools that I knew had an established and successful reputation. I have so much to say in few words.

I'm grateful that I had chosen ITA because for starters, the recruiters and admissions , they do not try to pressure you. They make themselves available and answered all of my questions. My instructor was very knowledgeable, motivating, and has a passion for their job. The instructor was always available to guide me through success of the course. The materials, books, and tools that were provided were informative, up-to-date, and stimulating. The school also offers optional assistance with finding a Practicum and with job assistance and preparation after completion of the program.

With ITA, you know who's rooting for you in your corner... steps closer to your dreams. Thank you ITA.

Pros
  • The school has one of the best ITA programs.
  • The instructors are phenomenal and legitimate.
  • They genuinely want to see you succeed.
Cons
  • It isn't cheap. Yet, none of the best schools are. In the end it's worth investing into your future.
Response from International TEFL Academy

Hi Nashwah,
Thanks for taking the time to write a review and sharing your experience taking ITA's TEFL course - we really appreciate it. Please get in touch with any questions or concerns and to get any needed assistance you need with your job search or other matters. Our team is here to help!

Cheers - The ITA Team

Default avatar
K
1/5
No, I don't recommend this program

Safety Concerns

I attended the in person class in Barcelona and was very uncomfortable nearly the entire time. One of the other students in my class was a registered sex offender that had committed crimes against children and this person was my partner in the class. TEFL organizes student teaching at a language school for children, yet they don't require any sort of background check to ensure they aren't aiding a sex offender to work with children. When brought to the schools attention, they merely said that it is the future employer who is responsible to do background checks not TEFL's responsibility. The entire experience was draining and uncomfortable. They wouldn't even take our groups picture at the end because they didn't want the sex offender featured on their website. I would not reccomend it.

Pros
  • None
Cons
  • Uncomfortable experience
  • No background checks
  • Allows sex offenders
Response from International TEFL Academy

Hi K B,

Thanks for taking the time to share your experience. We’re truly sorry that you were put in this position and had to deal with this unfortunate situation. Since this situation occurred 4 years ago, we have taken whatever steps we can to ensure that no children are placed in any practicum classes taught by somebody with such a background. The Barcelona course no longer has young learners in their practicum classes. Also, we want to assure you that the person in question did not receive a certification from ITA.

ITA offers TEFL courses in countries worldwide, and laws can vary regarding the information we can obtain about our students. The TEFL school in Barcelona does not have the ability to require background checks as part of the European Union's GDPR privacy protection.

The TEFL school in Barcelona contracts with a language school to provide free English language classes where TEFL students can complete their practice teaching. When teacher training organizations - like TEFL schools - partner with primary and secondary schools to organize practice teaching, the primary/secondary schools set the requirements of screening for any participants in student teaching. Student teaching is always supervised by a trainer. As much as ITA or any other organizations wish to screen the students, each organization is bound by the laws of the country they operate in.

Note: To clarify, the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is the EU law, which governs data protection and privacy in European Union (EU) nations, which includes Spain.

It should be pointed out that as a training school, we do not hire our students, and in most cases, it is the legal responsibility of schools that actually employ teachers to run background checks as required by law in that country.

We take these situations very seriously, and if we receive any information regarding a teacher or student that is such an offender, we do not work with them to obtain employment or allow them to receive our certification. We always work to improve our courses and the experience of our students and we will do everything we can to ensure such a situation does not occur in the future.

Again, we’re sorry you had to deal with this situation. Please get in touch if you have further questions or want more information.

Regards – The ITA Team

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Bernie
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

International Tefl Academy

I would highly recommend International Tefl Academy because of the quality of their program. Their program surpassed my expectations and really prepares you for real life situations.
I also found the staff very approachable and their communication skills excellent. The response rate at getting back to you asap was reassuring and so helpful.
In addition, the staff gave ongoing support and help after you have qualified. I found this invaluable knowing I had their support and guidance after I qualified while trying to secure experience. This is what helped me get experience and subsequent employment during and after the pandemic.
They are truly a great place to start your Tefl journey.

Pros
  • Quality program and teaching
  • Great communication
  • Support after you become qualified
Response from International TEFL Academy

Hi Bernie,

We really appreciate you taking the time to write this review. Your positive experience can help others take the initiative to begin your own personal journey of getting TEFL certified and teaching English abroad or online. Please do not hesitate to reach out for job search guidance or if you have any questions. Our team is here to help!

Cheers - The ITA Team

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Pasqual
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Changed my life forever!

I searched many programs and this program seemed to be the most legit. I was totally happy with the program's experience. The material was easy to understand without it being too simplified. I was able to learn things at a decent paste and I felt I was getting my money's worth. It felt like a college course and I was able to receive grades and feedback from the instructors of ITA. It's great for those who know nothing about teaching and for those who may need a refresher. Although, the actual real experience will teach things as well, this program helped me add more to the classrooms that I have taught.

Response from International TEFL Academy

Hi Pasqual,

Thanks for sharing your experience and your experience - our team truly appreciates it. We also love the photo! Please remember to get in touch at any time to access job search guidance resources and assistance. Our team is committed to your success!

Cheers - The ITA Team

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Jean
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

ITA's online course

I'm delighted I took the online course and highly recommend it to anyone that is interested. It qualified me to teach abroad, which effectively changed my life. The people I met and my experiences abroad reshaped the world in my view. Even though I'm considered 'mature', my recommendation is for all ages. The world is a fascinating place with many things to experience. ITA's online, or in-person course will open up the possibility of working as you travel the globe. Whether you decide to live in one country abroad or more, you will be forever changed.

Pros
  • Meeting people from all over the world
  • 'Tasting' the culture and cuisine personally
  • Traveling
Cons
  • Ageism in hiring
  • My foreign language skills were lacking
  • n/a
Response from International TEFL Academy

Hi Jean,

Thanks for taking the time to share your positive experience taking ITA's Online TEFL Course. We love to hear from more "mature" students like yourself because folks who are a bit more advanced in life often think that teaching English abroad is not for them, even though that is not the case! We're glad to hear that taking the course positively impacted your life and helped you enjoy a life-changing experience teaching English abroad. Even though you completed your TEFL course in 2019, please remember that you can always get in touch for job search guidance if and when you decide to pursue new opportunities. Our team is here to help!

Cheers - The ITA Team

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Amanda
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Amazing Experience

I randomly discovered International TEFL back in 2015. I was in my second year at UIC and was walking around the Lakeview neighborhood and stumbled upon it. I walked in and got a brochure. I want to say that the people working there were helpful and nice. Many had experiences teaching abroad. It really inspired me. The idea to teach abroad stuck with me for the next few years while getting my degree. When I graduated in 2018, I knew I wanted to finally move abroad. But I didn't know where or how. That's when I reached out to Intl TEFL again and was set up with an advisor. She was helpful and informative. She helped me pick a country that suits me best. In January 2019, I signed up to take the class. By that November, I was living and teaching in South Korea! I was very nervous but felt prepared thanks to the class. I also had a salary advantage with a TEFL certificate. I am still in South Korea and have had the best experiences of my life here. As a history major, I am happy I get to visit many historical sites in my free time. I love to travel around the country. I hope soon, because covid restrictions are mostly over, that I can travel around Asia. I am very grateful for my experience with this company.

Pros
  • Lesson planning
  • Guidance
  • Advisors
Cons
  • Cost is a little high
  • For one assignment, I submitted a paper but it didn't actually get submitted. I didn't notice until it was too late and I wasn't allowed to submit it. So be careful about that!
Response from International TEFL Academy

Hi Amanda,

Thanks for taking the time to write a review! We love to hear stories about students who come across our headquarters in Chicago and end up going abroad to have to the experience of their lives! We're also so glad to see that you've been having a great experience in South Korea, which is a truly fantastic country with so much to offer, including great opportunities for teaching English abroad.

Please remember that any time you want to pursue new opportunities in South Korea or elsewhere, you can call on our staff and resources - our team is here to help!

Cheers - The ITA Team

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Suzanne
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Well Prepared

I was very happy with the instruction I received. Moreover, It had been a long time since I attended school and a lot had changed. My instructor was a wealth of assistance and information and she was so patient and understanding. I was employed immediately after finishing my course and have worked steadily for almost a year and a half now. I use all of the skills I learned on a daily basis. The course was not easy but I enjoyed it and I am pleased with the experience. I can recommend this program with confidence.

Pros
  • Comprehensive course
  • Flexibility of study time
  • Feedback from instructor
Cons
  • A bit expensive
  • A bit difficult
  • Not a lot of opportunity for older folks like me
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Hamish
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

tefl

As an ITA graduate with a 120 hours TEFL certificate, I profoundly and wholeheartedly recommend this course of study to anyone who’s looking for flexible and rewarding employment. My decision for completing the TEFL certificate was based on the two forementioned reasons. I was able to teach as soon as I graduated. I thought from home and also freely traveled as well, while maintaining my teaching schedule, with my students. It’s been a gratifying experience and one that I fully recommend for anyone who wants stability, flexibility and financial rewards.

Pros
  • Flexible study time
  • Excellent student support
  • Great student teacher communication