I completed the TEFL certification program in August 2017. The fact that the course was located in Florence, Italy, made a great experience even better! From the first day of class, it was clear that the instructors had high expectations of the students, and that we students were facing four weeks of serious work and learning. However, it was also clear that the course was being taught by outstanding professionals. The organized schedule provided to students on the first day made it evident that much time and consideration had been given to designing a schedule that would maximize learning during the four weeks of the course. I felt from the very beginning that I was getting a great return on my money and time!
I entered the program with many years of teaching experience, however, I learned something new every day of the TEFL course. Ironically, I found the teaching practice to be the most challenging part, as the communicative method of teaching was unfamiliar to me. However, the teachers always provided constructive feedback, and time was always provided for reflection and analysis of teaching practice and learning experiences. Both the instructors and the administrator of the Vial Lingua Florence program were highly professional, experienced, knowledgeable and supportive.
Via Lingua Florence also devoted several sessions to the topic of employment. The instructors surveyed our desired locations and types of employment. The school provided a database of language schools with contact information. Instructors provided assistance in the development of CVs, and question-and-answer sessions were also very helpful. Short of actually securing a job for me, I felt that Via Lingua provided more than adequate employment support.
For anyone wishing to teach English to foreign speakers, I would strongly recommend taking the TEFL certification course through Via Lingua Florence. After completing the course, I feel so much more confident in my abilities, and I know I will be a much better teacher to my students!

After several years of helping Italians improve their English, I was eager to learn more about teaching methodology. Via Lingua's TEFL course in Florence, Italy, did not disappoint me! I discovered the "communicative" method of teaching which is innovative and stimulating for both ESL students and their teachers. My favorite part of the course was the actual teaching experience. At first, planning lessons using this new methodology was challenging, but the knowledgeable and supportive teachers helped me acquire new skills and by the end of the month I felt confident about them. I strongly recommend this course...highly qualified teachers and the unique location of Florence guarantee an unforgettable and worthwhile experience!

To provide context, this was a mid-career break for me. I wanted to travel and learn a skill, so I decided to get certified to teach English even though my previous career path was not in education and I was also not decided if I would actually go into teaching. However, the skills learnt can be applied to many aspects of a job, not just as an EL Teacher.
It was definitely a great choice to take the course at Via Lingua Florence. Florence was amazing with its picturesque buildings and rich history, the school is located in the heart of the historic centre and I got to walk to school everyday surrounded by so much art and culture. The teachers and team at the school were very supportive, sincere, and genuine. Never once did I feel like I was the odd one out being the only Asian face on site. The workload might seem intimidating at first, but it was given out and worked on in chunks so it was manageable, and you will feel really proud of your achievement at the end of it.
The classes were relevant, grammar (once a hated subject) became my favourite, which speaks volume of how enjoyable it was, and I was being taught how to make it enjoyable for my students too.
The constant feedback given for our participation in class, for teaching practices and for our general progress was really clear and constructive. You also get to evaluate yourself in a journal so you can keep track of your improvements.
I was very fortunate as I had awesome classmates from different parts of the world whom I got to work with, which made the whole experience very enriching as you learn from each other. The classes draw many interesting people with many interesting stories to tell, so that was one of my biggest takeaway from this experience.

After completing the course and doing a bit of travel around Italy, I did a short volunteer stint teaching English in Thailand to University students. The course equipped me with the structure to make my limited time with the students more fulfilling.

As said the course doesn't only teach you how to teach English, but provides you with skills you can apply in any job - presentation skills, public speaking, planning and communication strategy etc.

I would give a 100% yes if you are considering on taking the course.

Doing the TEFL Course at Via Lingua Florence was one of the best things I have ever done! Florence has always been one of my favourite cities but to study there for a month and live the way Fiorentinos live, gave me an unforgettable experience! I still do feel the great spirit and excitement when I think about those days! For this, I think I should thank the fantastic Via Lingua Florence team. Every one of them was so well-organized and experienced and helpful that I could find answers -even further explanations and suggestions- to all my questions about the lessons or the city. Although we had to spend a lot of time to do the projects - the assignments or to practice teachings, the trainers and the management was so great that not only me but everyone in the class could still enjoy the aperitivos or the magnificent city Florence.
I have already had BA in ELT but by getting this certificate, I had the chance to criticise and improve myself not only as a teacher but also as a person. It also gave me amazing new friends from different backgrounds and cultures.
Thank you every single one who is working at Via Lingua Florence for making my experience wonderful!

Before taking the TEFL course, I researched all the schools in Florence. I chose Via Lingua Florence because the staff was so nice and helpful when I went in to visit the school. I took the TEFL course in June of 2017 and I am so happy that I did. The teachers and staff were amazing!

I was very scared to take this course because I knew that my grammar needed some major improvements. Throughout the course grammar became my favorite subject and with everyone's help I was able to get through every challenge I faced. I was also very fortunate to have a great group as my classmates. We were like a little family and we all got through challenges together. Our teachers were always there for us and they would help us with any problems we would face. Having their help and support helped all of us in the class succeed.

The course taught me so much about me as a person, teacher, and professional. I feel more than ready to teach English. Thank you Via Lingua Florence!

The Via Lingua TEFL course was incredibly comprehensive, clear and enjoyable. From the very first day of class you could tell how much thought and work had gone into the course. Not only did the pre-arrival materials correspond to the real experience, the people---both administrative and instructional—were always ready to help in any way. Each section of the course, from grammar to culture to teaching to life skills, allowed us to grow personally and professionally. By tracking our progress in a portfolio we actually learned to observe, reflect and develop into the kind of teacher we want to be. And this is probably what makes Via Lingua Florence so special: within a rigorous academic syllabus, there is room for us to discover our own talents and strengths. We live and learn and understand that we can change the world. I learned so much about Italian culture and even more about my own! Now, not only am I ready to step into a classroom, I can’t wait!

26/08/2017

I have completed the Via Lingua TEFL course in May 2017 and I couldn't have been happier with this experience. The course was very well organised and it provided me with all the necessary knowledge to start building on my teaching career. Professional and supportive trainers, as well as a very helpful administration, made this course absolutely perfect.

After taking this course I've been working in China and as an online teacher and I don't think I could have done it without the support and training I received at Via Lingua!

In fact the experience in Florence wasn't just about learning theories on books: apart from having real students to teach to, it was an international environment where we got to know more about different cultures and countries. I met lifelong friends there, all coming from different backgrounds: we shared experiences and opinions and worked together to achieve our goals!

I will never be thankful enough for these four weeks at Via Lingua and I can't do anything but recommend this experience to anyone interested in teaching!

I completed the VL TEFL Course in October 2016 and I couldn't have been happier with my experience. The program was highly organized and the course structure was comprehensive. The trainers were knowledgeable, supportive, and approachable. They guided myself and my classmates through the program, provided us with the necessary resources, and answered all of our questions. In addition to having high caliber trainers, the administration was extremely helpful in acquainting us with Florence (restaurant recommendations, nearby pharmacies, etc), housing, and job guidance.

Not only did the trainers and administration contribute to making my experience so enjoyable, my classmates were fantastic. I had the opportunity to spend 4 weeks with people from all over the world, some with teaching experience and some with none. I absolutely loved how diverse my group was, as it gave me the chance to learn about their cultures and countries. My classmates and I grew very close and have remained in contact ever since.

The Via Lingua TEFL Program in Florence was life-changing. Not only did I learn how to become an effective teacher, but also someone who can fearlessly communicate with people of all ages and from completely different backgrounds. I highly recommend this program, trust me, I can guarantee you will acquire a new set of skills and the confidence to go out and teach English as a Foreign Language to people of all ages.