International TEFL Academy Reviews

I personally used this program while I was still obtaining my college degrees. I spent an average of three hours a week on the course work. I would read the materials for the unit we were studying and use any of the tools or hints where I volunteered during my undergraduate. I may be an alumnus but I did not use the job search service that is offered by the program. It honestly seemed difficult to use and the interface could use a facelift. Nevertheless, I would recommend the program to any college undergraduate or graduate student because it only takes a semester and takes up about as much time out of your week as a survey course.

I was able to sharpen my English skills thanks to "International TEFL Academy" I had gained the interest of many schools because I had a certification, and that led to many open doors when I went to teach in Peru.

ITA has made it their personal goal to provide a personalized experience for anyone interested in teaching abroad. From the beginning, I have been in constant contact via e-mail or phone with advisors and instructors. Any question I had was answered before I could even ask.

I was enrolled in the online course. This was recommended by my advisor, as it fit within my timeline and fit around my college work schedule. I was hesitant, but I was given a guest access to view the course before making a final decision. This was the selling point for me.

I did not have a grammar book when I began the course; I thought I could begin the course and get one later. I had to quickly correct that, as the course demands access to a book. I would recommend purchasing a grammar book before taking the online course.

The job search assistance has been incredible, especially when you are working on a tight schedule. Thanks to ITA, I was put in contact with recruiters before I even completed my course. It has definitely made the experience less stressful.

I was torn about where I wanted to go for teach abroad (This is perhaps the best part of choosing ITA). My advisor provided personal photos of his experience and spent almost an hour on the phone guiding me through resources to help pick a location. This experience alone would make me suggest ITA to anyone. The personal attention is truly unique.

The experience ITA has provided is something that I will carry with me into my career. I have been given the tools and resources I need in order to be successful working in a foreign country. The constant contact through Facebook has made sharing experiences easy and exciting. Using the alumni page has helped me in connecting personally with other ITA alumni in my area or in an area I want to travel to.

For several years I had been watching with envy as many of my friends were moving or traveling to other parts of the world. Photos posted on Facebook showed famous monuments, delicious meals, and breathtaking views of places I had never been to. I knew I wanted to travel and see the world but the opportunity never seemed to present itself. Finally, I decided I was going to stop waiting as life passed me by and make the opportunity for myself.

I was intrigued by stories of some of my fellow teacher-friends about teaching English overseas so I started to do some research. When I found International TEFL Academy, I requested further information about the course. Almost immediately, I received an e-mail from Matthew Birgy and, after one discussion on the phone, I was hooked. This was the opportunity I had been hoping for.

I enrolled in the online TEFL course starting that summer. The instructor, Jennifer, was a great resource. She provided quick and helpful feedback and was always available to answer any questions or concerns we had. I had a chance to talk to other students in the course and realized that we came from all different walks of life. Some of us were experienced teachers, others had never set foot in the classroom as an educator; some had traveled the world while others were just starting to plan their first trip. We all supported each other, asking and answering questions and concerns as best as we could. The online course - while I had my doubts at first as to the ability to connect to the instructor and other students - was an incredible resource.

I am currently in the process of moving to South Korea to teach English at a public middle school. This opportunity would never have come about if I had not taken the step to request more information from International TEFL Academy. The amount of support I have received since that first e-mail has been consistent and nothing but positive. I'm glad I took the time to send that first e-mail... it truly was the first step to the rest of my life.

I took my online TEFL course through International TEFL Academy while working full time. I read and studied on week nights and usually did most of my work and projects on the weekends. It required some time management, but was definitely do-able. The grammar review was helpful, along with the interesting articles and content on teaching theory. The practice lesson plans were also very helpful. After completing the course, saving some money, and tying up loose ends at home, I quit my job and moved to Costa Rica to teach. Nothing really prepares you for what it is like, but getting TEFL certified helped me start off on a better foot with great resources and a network of great people to seek info and advice from. I wouldn't do it any other way. I have been teaching English in Costa Rica for 5 months now, and I plan to stay through next year.

I found the ITA online class to be exactly what I needed. The teacher was extremely informative,prompt, supportive, and helpful. Any time I emailed her with a question or thought, she would respond with an accurate, detailed reply, usually no more than a few hours later. In the event she would be unavailable she let the class know a head of time. Extremely professional and well put together program.

To find a ESL job abroad it is essential to have a TEFL/ESL certificate. Any job that does not require one, I would be very leery of.

ITA taught me grammar. Not only grammar, but how to turn around and teach that to someone else. They taught me how to form and put together an effective lesson plan and structure. They teach you what are and are not good teaching practices. How to apply the good ones, and how to avoid the bad ones.

I completed the TEFL course in September 2014 and it was one of the best things I've done. I learnt so much from the teachers and made good friends with everyone there. The support was and still is great and although it was challenging at times, I managed to push through and complete the course.

The school has an amazing environment which really makes you feel comfortable and at home, the students were always willing to assist me with any troubles and everyone was supportive of one another when it got too much for them.

Overall I thought the course was great and I recommend anyone who is thinking of taking this course to do it in Leon, Nicaragua as they will only benefit from it.

My experience taking the 4-week TEFL course in Leon, Nicaragua was incredible. It was a life changing trip in which I was constantly challenged. With that said, the motivation and inspiration I felt throughout the course made it possible to overcome all obstacles. Furthermore, the benefit of having two brilliant teachers who gave limitless support was beyond belief. Taking this course has opened up a world of opportunities. Although I could travel to any end of the globe with my certification, I have decided to stay in Leon. Nicaragua has stolen my heart. The only danger in coming to Leon; never leaving :)

Hi,my name is Pedro Alvarado,Nicaraguan.I graduated from the TEFL in Marhc 2O14.Taking this course was one of the best experiences in my life.After teaching for more than ten years,I thought I already had all the skills to teach,and guess what, I was wrong.It is amazing the skills,warm up activities I learnt in the course.I can say how well prepared and supportive Liza and Heather are.They were always there to help me when I had a problem with the things I had to do in class.

I can also say it was not easy at all,classes were from 8:30 to 4:30 every day,Monday through Friday.
It was a great experience honestly,a small group but a nice one.
Another thing I would like to say about the TEFL is that you need to read a lot in order to achieve your goal,getting certified.

I also enjoyed the fact of learning from Heather and Liza.They do have a lot of experience teaching and they know what they are doing.

One important fact of taking the TEFF in Nicaragua,especially Leon,is that food,transportation and housing costs are not expensive for someone who is not from Nicaragua
I highly recommend this course,especially in Nicaragua

Hi my name is Marie-Eve, I graduated from TELF in March 2014. It was one of the most challenging experience of my life so far. I found it hard, I am not going to lie but so rewarding.
I got up every morning at 5 am to get ahead of my work and did not leave the class room until 2 or 3 hours after class to be able to finish my homework. Heather and Lisa we're brilliant teachers very different from each other but both greatly knowledgeable and so helpful. John did an amazing job at coordinating everything and everyone. We felt like family at the end of the course.
Everyday we learnt new ways how to motivate the students and ourselves, I think for me it was the biggest lesson. The practicum part of the course is definitely nerve racking, but like any new experience you can only grow and learn from it.
I highly recommend this course to anyone who likes a little challenge. Nicaragua is one of the most beautiful country I have visited in central america, the locals are warm and welcoming, the food is tasty and inexpensive. I have always felt very safe as a woman travelling by my self in Nicaragua especially Leon.