Marketing ploy: The course itself may be free or cheap, but legitimate TEFL / TESOL certification comes at a cost.
This practice is increasingly common across various online course providers. While you can access the course content for free or at a minimal fee, obtaining a certificate often requires an additional payment. Essentially, you end up paying for the certification, making the overall cost similar to that of a regular course where certification is included in the price.
Table of Contents
Hours: Free TEFL / TESOL courses often lack the necessary study hours.
Accreditation: Most free TEFL / TESOL courses lack recognition.
Considering the adage "You get what you pay for?.
A checklist for evaluating TEFL / TESOL courses.
Hours: Free TEFL / TESOL courses often lack the necessary study hours.
While there are some legitimate free TEFL / TESOL courses available, many fall short in terms of usefulness. Free or cheap courses usually offer only a few hours of study, such as Introduction to TEFL / TESOL or weekend TEFL courses. However, these courses, despite offering some form of certification, may not meet the standard minimum requirement of 120 hours of study expected by most employers.
Accreditation: Most free TEFL / TESOL courses lack recognition.
It's essential to verify the accreditation of any free TEFL / TESOL course. While many employers accept certificates from a wide range of TEFL / TESOL companies, it's crucial to ensure that your certificate is recognized by the authorities in the country where you intend to teach. This recognition is often necessary for obtaining a visa and work permit.
Considering the adage "You get what you pay for?.
This age-old saying, coined around 1800 in England, still holds true today. Just as one might find items of questionable quality at a dollar store or pound shop, the same principle applies to education, including TEFL / TESOL courses. A quality course, with well-designed curriculum and accreditation, typically requires investment.
A checklist for evaluating TEFL / TESOL courses.
- Is the TEFL / TESOL certificate internationally recognized?
- Does the course offer a hardcopy certificate suitable for work permit applications?
- Does the course provide at least 120 hours of study?
- Does the course cover teaching skills and language awareness?
- Does the course offer ongoing job guidance and support?
- Does the course provide opportunities for higher-level certificates and specializations?
It's improbable to find a free or cheap TEFL / TESOL course that meets all of these criteria. When considering employment prospects, it's essential not to compromise on these important factors. Why choose ITTT?
Video Testimonials.
What do ITTT past graduates have to say about their experience with ITTT?
