Vantage | 120-Hour TEFL/TESOL Certification | Hybrid Option

About

Vantage is an American accredited, internationally recognized, and validated by Lamar University (Texas, USA).

Thailand’s highest-rated TEFL program, established in 2007, offers two TEFL certification programs.

The in-Class Course is given onsite over four weeks. This includes six hours of observed teaching practices (OTP).

The Combined Hybrid Course is where you study teaching methodologies online first and then complete your OTPs in a real school.

All Vantage courses include a full practicum of six observed teaching practices with non-English speaking students in real classrooms.

Vantage provides lifetime job support. They will craft your own Power Resume, formulate a personal job search strategy, and coach you on interviewing techniques. Vantage alumni are working in Thailand, throughout Asia, and around the world.

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Highlights

  • Vantage won #1 in Instruction, Support & Job Assistance in the worldwide 2022 Community Choice Awards.
  • 4-Week, 120-hour, In-Class TEFL Training Course in Bangkok - Visa Assistance - 6 Job Support – Six Observed Teaching Practices in Real Schools -
  • Provide lifelong job support. They have partnerships with leading Thai English education providers that place hundreds of teachers in prestigious Thai schools every year.
  • Vantage’s Hybrid Combined Course—a blend of online study + observed teaching practice in real classrooms—was named #1 in “The 9 Best Online TEFL Courses.”
  • A TEFL Treasure Trove of information.

Related Programs

Questions & Answers

Reviews

4.99 Rating
based on 182 reviews
  • 5 rating 99.45%
  • 4 rating 0.55%
  • 3 rating 0%
  • 2 rating 0%
  • 1 rating 0%
  • Instruction 5
  • Support 5
  • Value 5
  • Academic Rigor 4.9
  • Job Assistance 5
Showing 9 - 16 of 182 reviews
Default avatar
Robi
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Essential Teacher Training

I heartily recommend Vantage’s TEFL certification course. It was a very positive experience, and it provided me with the essential training I needed to prepare for teaching English to speakers of other languages.

The course was divided into separate modules that covered everything from teaching methodology and classroom management to grammar and, probably most important, lesson planning.

I learned a lot about the challenges English learners face and effective teaching strategies to help them acquire a second language. I also learned techniques for assessing different proficiency levels and engaging different age groups.

My favorite part of the course was the observed teaching practices. I got great feedback after each of my six practice sessions—suggestions that help build my confidence with each subsequent class.

Vantage guided me each step of the way and their feedback was detailed, which helped me develop my teaching skills. I am now prepared to teach anyone, anywhere.

Vantage also provided extensive job support. There were classes on resume building, interview tips, and how to find good TEFL teaching jobs.

I highly recommend Vantage to anyone who wants to start a career teaching English. It provided me with a solid foundation, and the skills to be successful in the classroom. I couldn’t ask for more

27 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Cathy
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Top of Your List

I recently completed Vantge’s TEFL certification course and wanted to share my thoughts on the experience. Overall, it was a very positive and enriching journey that has prepared me well for teaching English to non-native speakers.

The course I took was 120 hours long—the standard for TEFL certification. It was divided into several modules covering everything from teaching methodology and classroom management to grammar and lesson planning.

I learned a lot about the principles of language acquisition, the challenges learners face, and effective teaching strategies. The course also included valuable tips on teaching different age groups and proficiency levels. I particularly liked the focus on teaching techniques that promote student engagement and communication, as these are key for language learning.

Vantage was excellent in the practical teaching sessions. I got great feedback after each of my six practice classes. This part of the course was essential in building my confidence in front of students. My trainers’ guidance was detailed and always included suggestions for improvement, which helped me refine my teaching skills. I am now prepared to manage a classroom after these sessions.

A huge benefit of this TEFL course was the career support provided at the end. There were workshops on resume building, interview tips, and how to find TEFL jobs abroad or online. The course provider also had partnerships with schools, which helped me start my job search with some good leads.

I highly recommend Vantage to anyone serious about teaching English abroad. It provided me with a solid foundation, and the skills to be successful in the classroom. If you’re passionate about teaching and want a rewarding career helping others learn English, this course should be top of your list!

33 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Greg
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Practice Makes Perfect

I recently completed Vantage’s 120-hour TEFL course that included a strong emphasis on practice teaching. The course was well-structured, combining theory with hands-on practical teaching experience, which made it both highly engaging and effective.

The course covered all the essential areas for teaching English as a foreign language, including:
• Language skills (speaking, listening, reading, writing)
• Grammar and vocabulary instruction
• Classroom management techniques
• Lesson planning and development
• Teaching different age groups and proficiency levels

For me, the standout feature of Vantage was the practice teaching component in a real-world application. I taught lessons to groups of kids to adult learners and was able to apply all the teaching techniques I learned in the course.

After each observed teaching practice session, I received excellent feedback, which was incredibly helpful in developing my teaching style and my classroom management skills.

The practice teaching was a great confidence booster. Before the sessions, I was nervous about managing a real class, but the hands-on experience helped me become more comfortable and effective in front of students.

I highly recommend Vantage TEFL for anyone serious about becoming an English teacher. The practice teaching component, in particular, sets it apart from other courses, giving you the chance to apply your knowledge in a real-world setting. It’s an excellent way to gain practical experience and be successful in the classroom.

40 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Heera
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

A Friend's Recommendation

A close friend told me all about Vantage’s TEFL course. She said it was the best TEFL course available iin Thailand and gave her both the training and the Thai cultural orientation she needed to lauanch her teaching career here.

My favorate part of the course were the six observed teaching practices I did both in a foundation and a primary school. I first learned how to formulate effective lesson plans and execute them well to real non-English speaking students.

It really boosted the development of my teaching skills. I grew more confident after each class.

But it didn’t stop there. Vantage have great job assistant services too. They have their own dedicated job coach. I learned how to create a “Power Resume” which has helped me stand out and I am now getting several job interviews.

Chris, Kevin and Ryan—the Vantage training team—are resourceful, engaging and have decades of experience in the educational sector.

I really enjoyed the course, had a lot of fun, and simultaneously attained knowledge and experiences.

If you want to start a new career as a teacher, Vantage TEFL Certification is the place!

38 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Dakota
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Awesome TEFL Training

I recently took Vantage TEFL's 4-week TEFL certification course in Bangkok.

I’m really glad that I chose the In-Class course, which is done 100% in person because I was able to ask questions and receive feedback throughout my TEFL studies.

As a native English speaker, I was challenged in this course (I had forgotten a lot of the grammar), but teacher Chris provided fantastic feedback and instruction throughout. He also covered teaching aspects that aren’t in the book—taken from his three decades of experience teaching in Thailand.

My favorite part of the course was the “Observed Teaching Practices” Not only was it fun, but I also learned the most about how I taught and the areas where I needed to improve. Vantage likes to say that new teachers are born in the classroom and now I understand why.

Kevin is Vantage’s Jobs Coach and he was an excellent resource for designing a powerful resume and connecting to my teaching options here in Bangkok. Vantage even found me a full-time contract position even before I graduated. Wow! What can I say?

If you are looking for a new career in education, I highly recommend contacting the team at Vantage.

35 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
K.
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Five Star School!

I just finished my Bangkok-based TEFL In-Class course.

If you’re looking to get your TEFL certification and work abroad, these are the guys you should be talking to. The Vantage team of instructors—Chris, Kevin, and Ryan are incredible trainers. I learned so much from them!

Chris was the lead trainer. His knowledge of English is impeccable. Chris’ lessons were never boring. They were interesting, straightforward, and always engaging. He has a way of making mundane subjects entertaining and enlightening with real-life examples that always piqued my interest. The time flew by as we were so happily immersed in becoming effective teachers.

This TEFL course is comprehensive. We learned how to formulate fail-proof lesson plans that made for successful classes. We taught various age groups. The feedback I got after each observed teaching practice helped boost my confidence, gave me invaluable experience, and developed the skillset I need to be successful in the classroom.
On the professional side, I was offered a job and secured a placement even before the course ended!

Kevin is Vantage’s Jobs Coach and he played a huge role in helping me find a job. His résumé creation and interview prep lessons were spot on—he really nailed what schools are looking for in applicants. I especially appreciated the marketing approach where I learned how to differentiate myself in the job market. Even after you finish the course, Vantage is still available to help you find a job.

I researched a lot of TEFL programs, and I know I chose the best one. I feel fully prepared to teach anyone, anywhere. Thank you, Vantage.

38 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
M
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

A Filmaker turns Teacher

I have been all in my career as an artist and filmmaker and I have extensive experience in the cinematic world. Yet I jumped at the opportunity to learn how to teach professionally when I learned who Vantage was and what they did.

For me, it was more than just getting certified. A lot of programs promised that. I want to be good as good in this new craft as I was at making films.

At Vantage, I learned how to teach a language throught the communicative teaching methodology. It’s highly effective because it helps students to speak and practice a new language. My students were highly engaged in all my classes. That, in turn, gave me real confidence in my new role as a teacher. Now I feel like I can teach anyone, anywhere.

The Vantage team of trainers, Chris and Kevin and Ryan are great instructors. All Vamtage training classes were highly engaging and we had a lot of fun throughout the course. There was never a boring moment. Every lesson was highly productive.

If you want a teaching opportunity in Thailand, I highly recommend getting your TESOL training at Vantage in Bangkok. I have learned so much from them. And if you are looking for a teaching career, these are the people you need to be talking to.

36 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Laura
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Every Step of the Way

I previously had some experience teaching, but it was training in a different discipline. I also wanted to learn how to work with students learning English as a second language. I mastered all that. But I also learned a lot more—including many things I hadn’t considered before.

Vantage does a superb job of teaching how to formulate a professional lesson plan. But that’s only the beginning. I also learned to source the materials I needed to prepare my plans and then finally deliver a class to non-native English speakers. They guided me every step of the way. I learned how to be effective and successful in the classroom. Indeed, some of my students thought I was an experienced language teacher—not a TEFL trainee!

Chris, the lead trainer, is an amazing instructor who ensures everything is understood while at the same time keeping theoretical lessons fun and engaging. Vantage reviewed all the lesson plans I created before I stepped into the classroom. Most importantly, the constructive feedback I got back after each practice class helped me develop into the professional English teacher I am today.

The center also is extremely helpful in supporting you in your job search and even instructs you how to write an effective Power Resume and coaches you in interview techniques.

I highly recommend the TESOL certification at Vantage. What I have learned has been invaluable for my teaching career. I’m not only certified, but more importantly, today I’m confident I can teach successfully in any school anywhere.

40 people found this review helpful.

Alumni Interviews

These are in-depth Q&A sessions with verified alumni.

Why did you choose this program?

I decided to do my TEFL when I was stuck in a dead end job with zero ambition. I looked at various way of traveling the world while earning some money and came across TEFL, and decided that I have nothing to lose and everything to gain. I love children and that is a main reason why I decided to do the TEFL.

What did your program provider assist you with, and what did you have to organize on your own?

I sent an email asking about the course and what it would entail. The institution (Vantage TEFL) I worked with had fast responses and answers to all my questions. They made it very easy to understand the requirements with constant feedback. I never had any doubt that I could do this through the confidence they gave me. A truly professional approach and I really enjoyed the journey of doing my TEFL.

What is one piece of advice you'd give to someone going on your program?

I moved to Thailand without doing any research about my surroundings and the cultural differences were the most challenging when I moved here, but people are so polite and friendly (it is contagious) that you adapt easily. I wish I knew about this earlier, as I would have loved to do this earlier in my life. Last piece of advice is to not underestimate the course as it was intense but enjoyable, and I truly believe, after this course I can teach English as a second language to anyone willing to learn.

What does an average day/week look like as a participant of this program?

My course was a 9:00 to 17:00 on weekdays for a month long. It is long days and sometimes you had to get the the facility at 07:00 to do practice teaching. On an average day, you are guided through the English language and it is not to teach you English it is to help you to teach English. You also get exposed to practice teaching, which really helps you gain confidence as an English teacher and removes all doubt you would have (I also had a lot of doubt and anxiety, but the practice teachings ensured that I gained confidence and became comfortable in teaching).

Going into your experience abroad, what was your biggest fear, and how did you overcome it? How did your views on the issue change?

Biggest fear I had was that I never left my hometown for more than 6 weeks before. I always thought how would I adapt to a place I do not know and people that I do not understand? To answer that question, the answer lies within yourself. You need to decide that you want to do this. Once you open yourself up to the idea, it is strange how things just fall into place through meeting amazing people and experiencing unique cultures.

I have no doubt this is one of the biggest changes I made in my life and I have no regrets that I did it. Sometimes fear dictates our decision making, but just think of all the amazing experiences you will have and be able to share with your friends and family when they come visit.

What do I think prospective travelers would like to know?

My answer will be based on Thailand, as this is where I am currently.

Firstly, food is absolutely amazing. I have gained so much weight just by indulging in Thai cuisine.

Secondly, make sure that, if you want to work here, that your employer can speak English where both parties understand to avoid unnecessary confusion.

What would I change or do differently?

I have not been here to long and I would say there is currently nothing I would change, as the experience has been challenging and breathtaking at the same time.

Last thing that I would say: do not run from you fears. Embrace them and just do it; you will not regret it.

Staff Interviews

These are in-depth Q&A sessions with program leaders.

Chris Demetsopoullos

Job Title
Lead TEFL Trainer
Headshot of staff

Chris, tell us about yourself.

Originally from the UK, I started my teaching career in the early 1990s where I taught a diverse range of Thai students. I then moved up to positions of corporate English assignments, which led to work as a developer of customized curriculums -- increasingly in digital eLearning materials -- for business skills courses and workshops.

Today, I specialize in one-on-one Executive Coaching for personal development programs and Leadership Coaching for Thailand’s blue chip corporations as well as being the Lead Trainer for Vantage’s TEFL program.

How have you changed/grown since working for your current company?

I have many years of business English teaching and corporate training with previous companies, along with training materials development.

However, I’ve really honed that skill with Vantage, as we offer customized corporate training programs — business English and management and corporate skills on an exclusive basis.

We specialize in blended learning programs, so a new and important skill I’ve developed is eLearning instructional design.

I’ve also become a teacher trainer since working at Vantage Siam, for which my experience and varied roles have been invaluable. Vantage has given me the opportunity to grow and develop professionally, and I’m sure there’s more to come.

What is the best story you’ve heard from a return student?

We had a recent trainee who had had a rather troubled past. He decided to essentially “grow up” and better himself by getting himself a respectable career.

He contacted us and, after meeting with him, we were pretty sure he could become a good English teacher. However, he had very little confidence that he could make it.

We soon discovered he was very good at drawing out language from the students by use of questions, prompts and cueing during the first phase of the ESA methodology (Engage, Study, and Activate).

With subsequent training in the Study and Activate phases -- along with observed teaching practices -- he became highly effective in delivering a class to non-English speaking students in a live classroom. In short, this ‘raw recruit” became a highly skilled teacher. The surprise was that we had no idea in the beginning how good he would turn out to be.

We then helped get him a good teaching position at a prestigious school that is very appreciative of the way he motivates his students into successful English language acquisition.

What makes your company unique? When were you especially proud of your team?

Vantage has always embraced the cutting edge in educational technology. We were among the first to offer customized courses in English for Special Purposes. We embraced eLearning and blended instruction in our classrooms in Thailand over fifteen years ago. We have been advocating computer-adaptive proficiency testing. Later this year, we will be educating the market in the first speaking and writing tests to be scored by AI technology.

And while we teach an American accredited TFFL course, we do supplement the curriculum with an introduction to both assessment methodology and emerging teaching technologies.

What do you believe to be the biggest factor in being a successful company?

I think one of the key factors in being successful is the ability to re-invent yourself -- or at least being open to change. And to change yourself effectively, you need to be able to hear what’s going on in the world around.

We like to think we’re good listeners. We listen to a couple of key voices to help point the company into head winds that we lead us to future successes.

We listen what the market is telling us in terms of what skills schools need for successful teachers.

We also hear what our TEFL candidates tell us during our time with us. We look at what skills they bring on day one --
what we do throughout the course -- and what the final product turned out to be. In other words, how well can they teach in a real classroom at the end of their training.

And finally, we follow key thought leaders in the education field. People that are talking today about what may be mainstream in learning tomorrow.

About Vantage TEFL Certification

American Accreditation | Internationally Recognized | Earn 3 College Credits Established in 2007, and Thailand’s highest-rated TEFL program, Bangkok-based Vantage TEFL offers two separate TEFL certification programs. Our award-winning program is a 120-hour In-Class Course that’s given over four weeks. This includes six hours of OTP (Observed...

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