My favorite part about working with International TEFL Academy was my advisor, Jessie. She was so helpful and always very willing to answer any question I had. I am now currently teaching in Seoul, South Korea, which is where Jessie also taught. Having an advisor who has experienced teaching in the same location I was planning on going to was great! She gave me a lot of helpful tips and recomendations of things I should do when I arrived. I still keep in touch with Jessie to this day! I could never imagine working with any other academy to get my TEFL certification!

Getting my TEFL certification through International TEFL Academy was the best decision in regard to furthering my teaching opportunities. Prior to attending ITA, I had been teaching in South Korea where TEFL certification isn't required. I realized how much I love teaching and wanted to keep doing it while experiencing new cultures. I signed up for the program and was contacted by a pre-admissions advisor. Turns out my advisor had also taught in Korea, so we had a lot to talk about. He was extremely helpful with answering all of my questions. Even though I was on the other side of the world, I felt totally prepared for the class. ITA sent a pre-course email with further information about the course, where to find the books, and some suggestions on where to stay if you're from out of town. Once the class started, it was a lot of work. I was at school 10 to 11 hours a day (sometimes by choice), and then I would go home to finish quizzes or other homework. Even though it was a lot of work in a very short time, I never felt overwhelmed. The students in my class were supportive and encouraging, the teachers offered assistance in every way possible, and even my advisor gave some suggestions on where to go/what to do to de-stress. Once a week during the course, we had mini seminars on different topics; resume writing, teaching in Asia, teaching in Latin America, teaching in Europe and the Middle East. These seminars sparked my interest in new countries I'd never considered. The advisors leading the seminars have a wealth of knowledge to share. They can tell you about the different visa options, where to go if you want to teach children/adults/both, salary ranges for each country, volunteer options abroad, and more. I couldn't have asked for a better experience. I still stay in touch with some of the students from my class, and we often reminisce about our time in Chicago. Though it was a tough four weeks, it was a rewarding experience that I would do over again in a heartbeat.

I can honestly say that enrolling with ITA has changed the course of my life for the better. I was unsure as to which program would benefit me the most in my future, and I am super glad I decided upon the 190-minute in class practicum ITA offers.

Not only did it prepare me for teaching abroad, but the teaching staff, recruiting staff and everyone involved was kind and helpful along the way. I never felt uncomfortable or lost throughout the course, and found it to be a welcomed challenge.

The alumni program is also great; I've met some super great friends here in Korea that I otherwise wouldn't have known - all through the ITA alumni program!

Overall, I highly recommend anyone thinking of obtaining an internationally recognized TEFL certification to immediately start considering enrolling with ITA.

ITA's pre-enrollment was extremely helpful in providing me everything I needed to pick the best certification. The course over-qualified me to teach English abroad as well. If I could add anything to the company, it would be to hire someone in each market who can serve as a link between the companies or schools and teaching candidates.

Despite my experience volunteering with Interexchange at an exorbitant cost and being placed in a very difficult family situation, I chose to pursue teaching abroad and TEFL certification. After much online research and shopping around, I settled on a couple of options. I corresponded with a few, receiving generic responses or finding their process or costs practically impossible. Finally, after a skype session with Matthew Birgy from International TEFL Academy, my decision became cemented. Not only did he show up for the skype session, but he also answered my questions and alleviated my fears in regard to finding work and getting along. As a former teacher himself, he drew from his own experience and applied the relevant aspects to my own situation.

What a steal! I managed to get a great deal on the course as well! It was an easily navigable online course that I could access from anywhere - Italy, France, Switzerland, or wherever I may have traveled at the time. The teacher was nice and prompt in answering my questions. I found the material to be simple and I liked having the practice in lesson planning for a younger age group.

With the help of the excellent and reputable program and Matthew Birgy, I was offered several jobs up to a month before I even finished the course. I accepted my current job in Nakhon Si Thammarat. Once again I had a lot of help in getting things arranged. I did not go through a company (as advised), so I got to keep all of my paycheck and choose where I would teach.

I wouldn't recommend that anyone look anywhere else. It has been close to a year since I signed up for the program and I can still shoot Matt an email with my questions or ask advice concerning my next adventure. This was far more than just a TEFL certification. This was a major life choice. I am so glad that I chose so well. I love my school. I love Thailand. I know that I will love my next exploit as well! I am fully prepared and ready to go!

Be ready to work hard and know how to balance your time. Jobs do not come easily, after graduation the real work begins. I suggest studying up on English Grammar before beginning the program. You have to be very self motivated finding teaching jobs and tutoring. They do not help you get a job afterward. It is just in and out with a new group full of naive students filling their seats with $1800 in hand. It is all very rushed, you will spend ALL your time doing homework if you want this program to be successful. However, there is no way I would have had the knowledge to teach others English without this program.

Although a TEFL certificate is definitely not needed for teaching in Thailand the networking that I had access to because of this class was invaluable. Upon landing in the country I felt like I already had friends willing to meet up, travel together, and help me look for jobs. I've met some of my best friends through International TEFL Academy.

Registering with International TEFL Academy was one of the best decisions of my life. The staff were so supportive and always made you feel excited about the possibilities and doors that would open once I became certified. Working with ITEFL Academy to get certified creates limitless possibilities for you!