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 three 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’ll craft your own Power Resume, formulate a personal job search strategy, and coach you on interviewing techniques.

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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. Download the free "Teaching in Thailand eBook:" https://bit.ly/2YQGEmf

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Questions & Answers

Reviews

4.99 Rating
based on 164 reviews
  • 5 rating 99.39%
  • 4 rating 0.61%
  • 3 rating 0%
  • 2 rating 0%
  • 1 rating 0%
  • Instruction 5
  • Support 5
  • Value 5
  • Academic Rigor 4.9
  • Job Assistance 5
Showing 33 - 40 of 164 reviews
Default avatar
M
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

The Complete Package

My time at Vantage was excellent. I came in with close to zero formal or professional teaching experience and left with confidence, knowledge, resources, and connections.

The course itself is highly informative. I did not expect to learn as much as I did in such a short time. Despite the intensive schedule, we also managed to have a lot of fun. It may be hard to believe that discussions about grammar and pronunciation could be enjoyable, but I actually looked forward to the days when we talked about these topics.

The practice teaching lessons were invaluable. I would’ve liked some in-person practice, but giving the current state of things, online teaching may be the only option for awhile. Teaching via Zoom and other apps has its own set of complications, so I’m glad we got experience with a skill that employers will be looking for.

In addition to the course, we were given professional resources as well. This included CV assistance, interview skills, and job prospects. I actually had an interview before the course ended, which would’ve never happened if not for the Vantage staff.

I highly recommend going through Vantage. Can’t comment on any other TEFL providers, but all my needs and expectations were met or surpassed here.

What was the most nerve-racking moment and how did you overcome it?
The practice lessons. Even though they were done with students via Zoom, my complete lack of teaching experience made the first lesson extremely stressful. Chris helped us every step of the way though, and by the last few lessons I was actually enjoying myself.
74 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Noah
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Absolutely Satisfied

I was very lucky to come across Vantage. I could not have been happier in the end.

This is a full, 120 hour, In-Class TEFL program. In four intensive weeks we acquired the foundational skill set to be successful English teachers in the classroom. Vantage’s lead instructor, Chris, is a great trainer who can even make the grammar units engaging.

After learning how to make an effective Lesson Plan, we studied how to effectively deliver our lessons through the ESA teaching methodology.

Then we taught is a series of observed teaching practices to Thai nursing students. After each class we first did our own self-reflection on how the teaching session went. Then we got great feedback from Vantage’s trainers going over what worked in our sessions and what we could improve on.

This teaching practice is a great way to get actual classroom experience and to develop the skills we’ll need to be successful anywhere.

We even had classes on what Vantage called “foreign language experience.” I really loved the “The Do’s and Don’ts in a Thai Classroom” session which highlight key cultural differences to help avoid mishaps in a Thai classroom.

Vantage also provides comprehensive job support and the course covers resume and cover letter creation and, importantly, support in finding a teaching position after you complete your TEFL through their network of schools.

I am absolutely satisfied and would recommend Vantage to anyone who wants to teach in Thailand—or anywhere else for that matter.

78 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Irina
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Inspiring, professional and fun educational experience

I am more than pleased with my experience at Vantage. I expected a few simple classes on teaching but got so much more. During the course I learned about lesson planning, teaching styles, writing resumes, how to be more organized and how to be a good teacher.

Chris, the lead trainer, is professional, knowledgeable and makes the whole experience fun and engaging. Even though there was a lot to be larned, I enjoyed studying more than ever thanks to people at Vantage. Everything that we have learned has been useful and I intend to apply it in my future career.

Thanks to peer teaching practice observation, personal teaching practice and received feedback I improved after every step, gained more confidence and learned what I needed to plan and execute a successful lesson.

I recommend Vantage school to everyone who is interested in education, no matter their nationality or previous career choices because after this course they will most certainly develop skills and passion for teaching.

88 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Kevin
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Professional Teacher Training

I was looking to become TEFL trained and certified. While there are many programs out there, Vantage easily made the shortlist. I soon found myself in the classroom, enrolled in their one-month In-Class course to train for my TEFL certification.

The course was thought-provoking. We were introduced to the communicative approach to language teaching—the ESA methodology in particular—and we learned how to create a professional lesson plan.

We also reviewed key grammar points such as verb forms, nouns, adverbs and English language structure. The tutorials were highly engaging; and Vantage’s trainers would talk about each grammar point in a hands-on workshop style.

After laying a foundation in the first part of the course, we then started our observed teaching practice classes. First, we observed experienced teachers delivering professional-level lessons. Then were created our own lesson plans and taught them to non-English speaking students. We got valuable feedback from our trainers and incorporated their guidance into our next practice session.

The entire course integrated a lot of personal reflection, and I spent many evenings recording my thoughts on the activities throughout the day.

I would recommend Vantage to those looking for a path in how to be a professional teacher.

79 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Asaad
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Developing Teaching Skills

Even though I was already teaching, this was the perfect course for me as I wanted to develop higher-level skills that I didn’t have before.

The coursebook is where I learned a teaching approach and a methodology to be successful in the classroom. That was great.

But it was after each observed teaching practice (OTP) session I taught—I did six, each one on a separate language topic—where I saw myself getting better and better as an instructor.

This was one of the best parts of the course. Vantage’s trainers offered me real-life teaching practices where I implemented all the theories I learned. Their feedback after each OTP was invaluable.

So if you are interested in becoming a professional teacher, Vantage TEFL Certification is the right course for you. It comes highly recommend Vantage.

79 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Veronica
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Smooth as Silk

I’m a former flight attendant that, due to coronavirus crisis, had to find a new career as the friendly skies I had been flying could now only be seen from the ground.

So I decided to pursue a new career teaching English. I realized that, just as in my former profession, I would need excellent training if I was going to be successful in my new job.

I looked at Thailand to do my training as I had family and friends there and I wanted to immediately hit the ground post-TEFL and get some teaching experience so I could, in a post Covid era, teach anywhere in the world.

My research led me to Vantage. I was first surprised to learn that they were among the top-rated TEFL programs on the planet—let along in Thailand. Moreover, they were among the few courses that were still doing teaching practices during the pandemic.

So I moved halfway around the world to begin my TEFL training.

In Vantage, I found a program that used an interactive learning style than combined innovative teaching methods. Particularly in my observed practice teaching classes, I had a ton of guidance in developing six separate lesson plans and then fabulous feedback after each class session. This is where I developed teaching skills. And I got better with each practice class.

Vantage’s trainers always went the extra distance me to ensure I was developing the teaching skills I will need in the classroom.

My career transition went seamlessly—smooth as silk. If you have an urgent need to establish yourself in a new industry, Vantage are the education career specialists.

69 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
John
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Embarking on a New Teaching Career

I did a lot of research on TEFL programs, attended some webinars, asked a lot of questions, but it was hard to get a handle on how they did their teacher training.

I stopped when I discovered Vantage. I emailed them loads of questions and got prompt, detailed replies. They called me before I even came to Thailand and we had a very detailed conversation about what a TEFL is all about, the type of training I would be getting and what we my long term prospects in the English teaching industry.

My preference was to attend their In-Class course as I wanted F2F training. But Covid considerations prevailing, I ended up with their Combined Course which included a full practicum of six observed teaching practices (OTPs).

I really liked the online course as it was concise and very clearly presented. It came with full tutor support. I did the twenty unit course in about one month.

I got a lot of knowledge from the course, but where I really developed my teaching skills was in my practice teaching. I taught real non-English speaking Thai students and working professionals over a two week period.

I first learned how to make a professional lesson plan. Vantage’s Director of Training was very patient in working with me in developing lesson plans for all my OTPs—each one on a different language topic. During the actual teaching demos, Chris and Kevin took turns in observing my classes and they have both been very great in providing valuable and insightful feedback. I felt I got better as a teacher with each session.

I’m more than happy to have chosen Vantage. Kevin and Chris were nothing but helpful, accommodating, and always professional.

I recommend Vantage without hesitation to anyone who, like me, wishes to embark on a new teaching career.

68 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Emily
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

In the Right Place

After my first day at Vantage TEFL, I knew that the earlier concerns I had beforehand were misplaced.

I came to the TEFL certification course with some apprehension. My first question was if I needed to even do a TEFL as my plans were not so much to teach, but to develop my business is a consultant to the Thai education sector.

One of my jobs is to find good teacher for my client schools. So I really wanted to learn was what makes a good teacher and how I could identify that for my clients. I soon realized that I made a great decision to do professional TEFL training.

The practicum was one of the highlights of the course. Vantage say that new teaching skills are developed classroom and now I couldn’t agree more. This is where the knowledge I got from the course was transformed into the teaching skills I need in the classroom. All this has given me a great insight on how to assess new teachers for my clients.

Vantage doesn’t run lecture room sized classes and that meant I got lots of personal attention. The course goes into a lot of depth and their trainers added a lot of personal insight from decades of experience in the Thai education sector.

I now have a comprehensive path that I’ve incorporated into my lesson plans. I’ve seen a big jump in my confidence levels and my private students have commented on how much I’ve improved as a teacher as well.

The whole Vantage team is super helpful. These guys want to see you succeed. I highly recommend taking the TEFL certification course with my new friends at Vantage.

66 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 Siam (Vantage TEFL Certification)

American Accreditation | Internationally Recognized | Validated by Lamar University (Texas, USA) Established in 2007, and Thailand’s highest-rated TEFL program, Bangkok-based Vantage TEFL offers three separate TEFL certification programs. The newest program is Virtual Vantage. You do the coursebook online then teach your observed teaching practices...
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