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 160 reviews
  • 5 rating 99.38%
  • 4 rating 0.63%
  • 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 160 reviews
Default avatar
Vivien
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Five Stars!

I did Vantage’s Combined TEFL course, where you do the coursebook online and then, in phase two, do your observed teaching practices (OTPs) in a classroom with real students. While I was waiting to do my practice teaching, Vantage invited by to ‘sit in’ any of the In-Class TEFL sessions that I wanted.

This is different than the online course. I could see that their lead trainer Chris is an awesome instructor! It has some sort of magic power to make lessons easy to understand. He also gave great guidance on our lesson planning before we proceeded with the OTPs.

As for the 6 OTPs, we did four hours of teaching in a real classroom and two hours of online teaching. We got to teach Thai students of different ages—from kindergarten to college students. We also observed professional teachers in action as well.

After each teaching session, we received feedback from the Vantage trainers who shared their own teaching experiences while giving me valuable detailed feedback on my performance in the classroom.

This really helped us improve for the next teaching session. got better with each practice class. This was truly a great experience!

Ryan’s class about Thai culture is really interesting and his ‘dos and don’ts in Thai schools are crucial for those who want to teach English in Thailand.

Kevin’s resume writing class is really useful, and I’m looking forward to landing a teaching job in Bangkok soon.

Besides the trainers, I had really lovely classmates who supported and motivated each other all the time. I was lucky to be with the right people at the right time.

Overall, Vantage’s trainers are very approachable, supportive, and knowledgeable. If there are any doubts about the course content, or visa-related concerns, or wanting to know more about a teaching career in Thailand, just talk to these amazing trainers. They gave good advice and shared interesting stories too.

On a more practical note, for those who worry about Vantage’s location and neighborhood…. their locale has got you covered. The nearest Skytrain station is Ratchayothin, only a five-minute walk away. And there’s a lot of local food and also fast-food restaurants at nearby malls.

I like to give, a huge shoutout to Vantage’s Chris, Kevin, and Ryan! You guys have been nothing but the best! If you want to be successful in the classroom, Vantage TEFL is the one!

Five stars all the way!

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

From 0% to Classroom Ready

I just graduated from my TEFL course last Friday.

A very super thank you to Chris, Kevin and Ryan for making Vantage one of the best TEFL programs out there. I’m not surprised they have won so many awards!

A month ago, I had zero teaching experience. Today I can proudly claim that I feel comfortable teaching in any classroom, I can create effective lesson plans that meet the teaching goals I want my students to achieve.

The Vantage team will believe in you, yet push your limits. They will improve your teaching skills to make you feel comfortable as a new professional.

I’m definitely more than satisfied with my experience. I recommend Vantage to anyone who wants a career teaching in the educational field. Stop thinking about it. Just do it!

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

A Perfect 10!

It was not easy searching for TEFL courses in Bangkok and deciding on the best one to attend. There are so many to choose from.

However, after I chose Vantage all my stress and doubts were gone.

Everything, from day one to my graduation was unbelievable. I got a lot of teaching knowledge and my confidence in the classroom increased through the great feedback I got after each practice teaching session.

I did a lot of private tutoring before I did my TEFL so I had significant teaching experience. Having said that, the methodology and techniques I learned here have made me a far better teacher than I ever was before.

Coming to Vantage was the best decision I ever made.

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

A Transformative Experience

My participation in Vantage’s TEFL/TESOL course was an incredibly rewarding experience. Vantage’s instructors on the course --Chris, Ryan and Kevin—were simply outstanding trainers.

Their expertise and passion for teaching English were evident from the beginning. They provided comprehensive, well-structured lessons that covered a wide range of teaching methodologies, classroom management techniques, and language acquisition theories. With their guidance, I was able to gain a clear understanding of the most effective strategies for fostering language learning in diverse classrooms.

The course curriculum was impressively comprehensive. From the foundations of TEFL/TESOL teaching to in-depth lessons on lesson planning, assessment, and individual student needs, every aspect was thoughtfully designed and delivered. The material was both engaging and accessible, ensuring that everyone could benefit equally.

Where this course really stood out was the emphasis on practicality. Not only did we gain theoretical knowledge, but we also had the chance to observe experienced teachers in real classroom settings, which gave us invaluable insights into effective teaching practices.

The course also incorporated opportunities for us to plan and deliver our own lessons under supervision, receiving invaluable feedback from both instructors and peers. This practical approach allowed us to develop our skills while building confidence in our abilities as future EFL/ESL teachers.

The support provided during the course was exceptional. The instructors were readily available to answer questions, provide guidance, and offer suggestions for further development. Support at this level nurtured a positive learning atmosphere, where collaboration and peer-to-peer learning were actively encouraged. Vantage’s program felt like a community of aspiring professionals coming together to learn and to grow.

My experience with this TEFL course has been nothing short of transformative. This course has equipped me with the skills, knowledge, and confidence needed to excel in teaching English language as a second language.

I would highly recommend Vantage Tefl Certification to anyone embarking on a career in English language education. It truly exceeded my expectations and has equipped me with all the tools I need to make a positive impact in the lives of English language learners.

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

Mentored by the Best

TELF is run by three instructors. Lead trainer Chris instructs the actual teaching training. Much of the instruction is by elicitation and you will take an active part in class discussions. Chris is a very experienced teacher with a very pleasant demeanor. He makes training look effortless, but it takes many years of experience to become so polished.

The course is comprehensive and ranges from English grammar to, teaching techniques, to observed teaching practices. Previous teaching is not required, but there is much content that requires extensive study. This course is intensive. One aspect I found challenging was keeping a daily journal. I didn’t always enjoy working on my journal after a long day of study, but in the end, I found the work worthwhile.

The course content was much more extensive than I was ever taught at school. Today I feel I am ready to deal with almost any aspect of the English language. I am ready to be successful in the classroom.

The two other instructors, Kevin and Ryan, teach aspects relating to job interviews and Thai culture as well as Thai language. I found that all the instructors were very approachable and offered good advice when asked.

In conclusion, I recommend this course to anyone who aspires to teaching English as a foreign language and I commend the professionalism with which the instructors carried out their duties.

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

A Great Experience

I had a truly great time at Vantage TEFL. A big thanks to their trainers—Chris, Ryan and Kevin, for their dedicated support.

Before I started the course, I was nervous and unsure. By the end of the first day of the course, the Vantage team melted all of that away. They are awesome!

I learned so much from this course over the 4 weeks. It was quite intensive at times, but always fun and always engaging.

Lead trainer Chris presented the TEFL curriculum as he taught important language points with key examples. He shared his decades of teaching experience in Thai classrooms. This is stuff you just can’t get from an online course. He is also hilarious.

We learned to teach through the ESA teaching methodology, how to craft lesson plans, and then we taught six observed teaching practices. After each class, we would first do a self-evaluation and then get valuable feedback from the Vantage trainers. This is where I learned how to be successful in the classroom.

Vantage has their own dedicated Jobs Coach. Kevin showed us how to create Power Resumes and other job documentation. He has been an amazing help to me after the course in applying for jobs around Bangkok.

Ryan was an awesome instructor in teaching about Thai culture and lessons on Thai Language.

One area Vantage excels is in its support. Whenever I needed help it was always available. Just a call or email away. I would recommend this course to anyone who’s thinking about a career in Teaching ESL.

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

Much More than my Expectations!

I feel highly satisfied with my time training with Vantage. I learned a lot from their intensive classes. Sometimes it was a bit tiring, but it was always highly engaging.

Vantage provided a very positive class environment with excellent teachers. I learned valuable teaching skills and new ways to motivate students.

I didn’t take this class to find a job. I’m already a teacher back home. I wanted to learn more professional techniques and teaching methods to be even better in the classroom.

My expectations have been more than realized. Vantage has been a truly great experience. It was a great decision to learn at Vantage TEFL.

I really loved my practice teaching sessions, Vantage trainers observed and gave valuable feedback, after each session. I improved my teaching skills and learned how to be more successful in the classroom.

The teaching practices were for different ages and proficiency levels—from young learners to primary and secondary school to college-aged nursing students were really an unforgettable experience.

Vantage TEFL is the complete program. Whether you just want to start out as a teacher or you’ve been a teacher for years, these are the people to talk to.

7 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Johan
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

A Very Big 'Thank You'

A big thank you directed to Chris, Kevin and Ryan, and the Vantage team for this excellent 120-hour In-Class TEFL course! It far exceeded my expectations.

The new communications approach to langue teaching was emphasized. In particular, the ESA lesson planning approach was eye-opening and completely changed my idea of how to effectively teach a language.

Vantage provided me with guidance on how to become a successful English Teacher every step of the way. I now feel very confident to help my students raise their English proficiency regardless of starting level or their age.

24 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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