Pleasantly surprised by how good an affordable course could be

First of all, the main reason I decided to write this review is because I don't understand why so many of the online TEFL courses are so expensive, 99% are well above $100 and most getting above $200 or $300. I don't really know what they could possibly offer that this waaaay cheaper simpleTEFL course doesn't offer? I genuinely don't understand why their prices are so inflated.

Basically, I've been looking to do a TEFL course for some time, and came close to enrolling a few times on a number of different websites. I always backed out though because it can feel quite an expensive investment, and you don't really know what you are going to get in return.

Ultimately I decided to go for simpleTEFL's course because it was one of the most affordable I could find at $29 for lifetime access, and it had all the hallmarks of a professional reputable site - nice looking website, responsive customer support, job placements etc. But despite all this, I really didn't know what to expect buying a pretty cheap course. I mean, was it just cheap because it was really bad? At $29 it felt like a punt I could take without much risk really - although I know not everyone will feel that way.

As soon as I had paid and was lead to the first page of the course, you could see that it absolutely was not a scam or badly made. The course platform, layout, and dashboard (whatever all that stuff is called) is really easy to use, clear and laid out exactly what I was going to be learning on the course.

The course content was presented in a clear and concise manner, which made it easy to understand and digest. It was definitely simple like the name suggested, well as simple as it could be I suppose but I don't think I ever had any moments where I struggled to understand what they were trying to teach me. It covered all the essential topics I needed to know to begin teaching English as a foreign language.

What I appreciated the most about this course was its focus on practical teaching skills. The modules were well-structured, and the assignments were designed to help me apply what I had learned. The course also included helpful resources and teaching materials that I can use in my future teaching.

Finally, when I completed everything I actually felt like I had learned something and improved myself. I did apply myself and take the course seriously because I desperately wanted to teach abroad, but I am honestly surprised by how much I felt I got out of it. When I think about it, I can't imagine there are many situations in a classroom that I won't be able to handle. Maybe I am being naive? But I digested such a massive range of useful information in the course that I just feel pretty confident about things right now.

As soon as I finished the course I could download a pdf of my certificate (which actually looks really cool, yet professional. Some other places just seem to use generic certificate templates?) and I am currently in the process of applying for a job to live and teach in Thailand that I accessed through their website as well. If everything goes well I should be setting off in around a month or so.

Basically, I've got everything out of a TEFL course that I could hope for - actually learned how to properly teach English, manage classes, come up with lessons plans, get help finding a job, and get a respected certificate - and all I've had to pay was $29... If you are thinking of paying hundreds of dollars for a course you need to have a think about it