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 149 reviews
  • 5 rating 99.33%
  • 4 rating 0.67%
  • 3 rating 0%
  • 2 rating 0%
  • 1 rating 0%
  • Instruction 5
  • Support 5
  • Value 5
  • Academic Rigor 4.9
  • Job Assistance 5
Showing 1 - 8 of 149 reviews
Default avatar
Grant
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

I Never Write Online Reviews

This is probably the first in a very long time. But I’m writing this one because Vantage did such an outstanding job in taking me through the TEFL teacher training process to graduation.

Where Vantage really shined was in its ability to create a program that met my individual requirements. I needed to be out of Thailand for a visa run at the same time I wanted to start my course.

Vantage offer a “Combined” course that allowed me to do the course book online, which you then couple with the “practicum” part of the course which involved observed teaching practice in front of non-English speaking students.

This was perfect in my situation.

I was on a visa run outside Thailand, so I worked my way through the online work in about 2 weeks. Then, when I returned to Bangkok, Vantage allowed me to sit in with their current In-Class, which served as a great review. If you are comfortable with independent study, this online/in-person hybrid is ideal,

A real highlight for me was the actual teaching sessions. I wanted to be sure to have that experience, and that’s why I opted against “online only” TEFL courses. I just couldn’t see why anyone would hire me if I hadn’t taught real students in a live classroom being a native English speaker.

We prepared lessons and taught in front of grade school kids (3-4th grade) and nursing college students. With the feedback I got from Vantage, I came out confident to begin teaching students in any classroom.

Vantage also have a Jobs Coach and he works will you on developing your own resumes and support documentation. I’ve had decades of work experience and have landed many jobs with my current resume strategy, but Vantage’s approach to creating resumes and applying for jobs really helped me do a total re-think of how I will do things going forward, both for TEFL jobs and for other jobs.

The Vantage trainers have been teaching for decades and are smart, knowledgeable, and witty. The quality of TEFL instruction I got here was absolutely world-class..

As I stated in the beginning, I don’t write reviews. But in the case of Kevin, Chris, Ryan, and the Vantage team, I am making a very rare exception. I can’t recommend Vantage enough.

3 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
G
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Beyond My Expectations

What I expected to get out of my TEFL—and what I got—were miles apart. The quality of Vantage’s TEFL program went far past the goalposts I originally set for myself.

As far as the teaching training went, their lead trainer Chris has rich experience in English teaching over his three-plus decades of training in Thailand. He was friendly, and always engaging even when he covered the ‘drier’ aspects like English grammar. He shared his experiences in Thai classrooms while teaching us how to teach. His many personal anecdotes were invaluable and this is something you can’t get online.

I also worked a lot with their Jobs Coach. Together we crafted my own Power Resume, Cover Letters and other job support documentation. I was coached in interviewing techniques such as how to present my skills and how to handle objections.

Ryan does Vantage’s foreign language component that gives new teachers a student’s perspective on the other side of the desk. He’s Thai and he also covers key cultural issues relevant to would-be teachers in his “Do’s and Don’ts in a Thai classroom.”

Our observed teaching practices were unforgettable and the most valuable part of the course. I learned something from each class I taught as I got great feedback from Vantage trainers. It was here that I really learned to teach.

If you are like me and looking at teaching as a potential new career, Vantage are the people you should be talking to.

9 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Sunny
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Never a Dull Moment

Vantage TEFL’s course was, as advertised, a pretty intense course. But it was always engaging and the time just flew by.

For me, the best part was the six observed teaching practices we had to do. It was here that I got to practice the methods and techniques that Vantage taught us.

I got more and more comfortable in the classroom each time I taught. Importantly, my students had a really good class as well as I learn how to engage them and make learning English fun.

Vantage’s TEFL program is ideal for those, like me, who are looking at making a career change into the education field. I feel I now have the foundational skills to begin my new like as a professional teacher.

9 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Shwe
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Time and Money Well Spent

When deciding on the best TEFL program, I first did a ton of online research for a program that would meet my needs.

As I am a non-native speaker, I required a highly professional class course that would make me successful in the classroom. In my case, l wasn’t just looking for a job. I was also searching for a program that could help me build a new career in the education field.

Vantage turned out to be my ticket. Throughout the entire course, they helped me clear my doubts and insecurities until the end of the course

We did six observed teaching practices (OTPs) during the course. The teaching sessions gave me the confidence to start believing in myself and my capability as a teacher.

Without the Vantage team's—Kevin, Chris, and Ryan—continuous support, it would have been impossible for me to get through all those OTPs. My money was very well spent going to Vantage TEFL. They like to say new teachers are born in the classroom. That certainly was true in my case.

I really enjoyed my time on the course and learned a lot. Thank you Vantage TEFL!

23 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Sajiv
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

All my Concerns Addressed

I did a lot of research—and had many questions—in choosing the right TEFL provider. Vantage easily and promptly answered all my queries and guided me through every step of the process of getting my visa and getting set up in Thailand.

The TEFL course was always challenging—there was a lot of material that was covered—but Vantage’s Lead Trainer was always engaging and he made every unit of the course thought-provoking. He made my TEFL dreams a reality.

The courses took me through all the different aspects of TEFL teaching efficiently so I now have a clear understanding of English grammar, pronunciation, and teaching—and importantly how to manage a classroom.

Vantage also presented a foreign cultural orientation and their “do’s and don’ts’” in a Thai classroom was a vital part a gave me insight into the Thai culture It was put into practice during my six observed teaching practices to Thai-speaking students.

I am very gratified to have worked with the professionals at Vantage TEFL.

26 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
J.
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Not Enough Good Things to Say

It’s the Vantage Team that makes their TEFL experience invaluable.

Lead Trainer Chris, has a perfect grasp of the material and the wit to make it all accessible. He is funny, astute and always engaging which motivated everyone in my class

The most valuable part of the course for me was the observed teaching practices. I acquired practical, hands-on experience across a variety of different classroom situations. The feedback I got from Vantage provided a realistic assessment of my strengths—and areas I still needed to work on—by an experienced practitioner.

Ryan’s foreign language sessions showed me what’s its like to be on the other side of the desk as a struggling student. I also learned the basics of Thai culture and Thai language. This should be very useful as I adjust to a very different country.

The Jobs strategy sessions surprised me. I thought I had heard all there was on this subject, but Kevin provided compelling content I had not considered before. And bottom line, Vantage found me a job with a good employer before graduation.

That alone merits my strongest recommendation.

If you are coming to Thailand to teach English, these are the guys you need to talk to.

29 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Daniel
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

The Successful Start

At the beginning of my TEFL journey, I researched many TEFL programs from many countries throughout South East Asia.

Vantage was the only program to professionally answer all my questions. Their professionalism was then extended throughout the course and I can say without hesitation that I made the right choice.

Chris, their Lead Trainer, was always clear with his presentations and he always tried to get more out of his students. This made it easy for me to participate in the class discussions and motivated me to really learn the material. He has a way of making the course content even more interesting and engaging with jokes and references.

I could not have asked for a better teacher to help me become a teacher.

I will definitely use all the methods and techniques I’ve learned at Vantage at my new school where I will be teaching.

But it didn’t stop with the TEFL training. Vantage helped tremendously in landing me a great teaching position—I signed my contract with an exclusive school in Bangkok before even graduating from the course!

I’m not sure where else you get opportunities like this!

If you are embarking on a new education career like I am, these are the people than can turn your dreams into reality.

32 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Ramesh
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Vantage has it All!

When I first began considering TEFL graining, I first researched the need for even doing a TEFL and then spent a lot of time comparing the various programmes.

I've contacted Vantage’s course director, and he gave me invaluable support. Initially, I was unable to obtain a visa, so I asked Vantage and they sent all the paperwork I needed to get my visa in hand.

Chris, the lead TEFL instructor, has decades of teaching experience. He displays the methods he uses when instructing others on how to teach. Even the grammar lessons were engaging and surprising quite interesting. His teaching method, which is a workshop-based approach, is an excellent example of how to be a great teacher.

The course was more intensive and challenging than I expected, but Vantage motivated and supported me every step of the way. Especially in our observed practice teaching sessions. Throughout the course, we were always engaged and motivated by the camaraderie and energy in the classroom.

We also learned about Thai culture and language from Ryan. We also discussed what you can and can't do in a Thai classroom, which I found very beneficial.

In the last week of the program, I got a lot of help in job support and interview coaching. Vantage went above and beyond to help students with resumes, cover letters, and other job-related needs.

Vantage had it all—in one highly professional package.

41 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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