Once you have made the decision that teaching English abroad is the right path for you to take, the next step is to complete a TEFL certification course that will give you the qualification and knowledge you need to find a good job and be confident and successful in the classroom. However, when it comes to choosing a TEFL course there are many different options available and each has a different time frame from sign-up to completion.
Table of Contents
When should I sign-up for an in-class TEFL course?
How important are hiring seasons when deciding on a TEFL course date?
When should I sign up for an online TEFL course?
When should I sign-up for an in-class TEFL course?
When considering when to sign-up for an in-class TEFL course, it is advisable to enroll at least three to six months prior to the start date. Although last-minute enrollments days before commencement are possible, early registration offers several advantages:
- Limited Availability: In-class TEFL courses often cap the number of students, filling up months in advance, especially during peak hiring seasons in regions like Europe and Latin America.
- Strategic Timing: If planning for hiring seasons in countries like Spain or Italy, enrolling early, such as at the beginning of the year, ensures a spot during popular months like August or September.
- Preparation Time: Enrolling early affords ample time for travel arrangements, housing, and other logistics, especially if the course is abroad.
- Financial Benefits: Spreading the course's cost over several months can be more manageable, and early flight bookings usually come at a reduced rate.
How important are hiring seasons when deciding on a TEFL course date?
Understanding hiring seasons is crucial when selecting a TEFL course date. In Europe and Latin America, schools commonly hire teachers biannually, aligning with their academic calendars. For destinations like Spain, Italy, or Argentina, where in-person recruitment is prevalent, it is strategic to take your TEFL course a month before a primary hiring season. For instance, with September being a peak recruitment month in Western Europe, an August TEFL course is ideal. However, in regions like Asia or the Middle East, where hiring often occurs remotely, aim to complete your TEFL course (whether domestic, foreign, or online) 3-6 months before your desired teaching start date. This time frame accommodates interviews, contract finalizations, visa processing, and travel planning.
When should I sign up for an online TEFL course?
When considering when to sign up for an online TEFL course, it is essential to account for both course availability and your study plan. Online TEFL courses, while flexible and comprehensive, sometimes have enrollment caps and can fill up well in advance. Although the duration varies, many reputable courses are at least 120 hours long. To ensure timely completion, map out a feasible study schedule. For instance, with a 120-hour course, a typical approach might involve dedicating 10 hours weekly over 12 weeks. This strategy allows you to finish the course well ahead of any planned teaching assignments or travels.
