Taking a TEFL course online is a very popular option as it provides a high level of flexibility and convenience. Distance learning is also a cost effective route towards TEFL certification as the course prices for this study method are typically lower than traditional in-class courses. If you are happy to work through your training independently and have the motivation to study in your free time, then this could be a great choice for you. So what are the main benefits of taking a TEFL course online?
Table of Contents
Online TEFL course convenience
Online TEFL course flexibility
Online TEFL course tutor support
Online TEFL course job support
Online TEFL course optional teaching practice
Online TEFL course convenience
Studying a TEFL course via distance learning is super convenient as you can study any time you like and from any location you choose. All you need is an internet connection and a device to run it on. For many people this means studying at home in the evenings or on weekends. However, online TEFL courses do not necessarily have to be studied at home as you can work through them on any device, whether it is a PC, laptop, tablet, or even a smartphone. This means you can do a bit of study whenever the mood takes you. The boring bus ride to work could be the perfect time to finish off the previous day's reading, or you could even take an end-of-unit assessment during your lunch break.
Even more exciting is the fact that you are not tied to studying your course from your own country. Many of our trainees take their online TEFL course while traveling away from home on a gap year or after making a major life change by moving to a new country. However or wherever you study best, you will always be in control while studying a TEFL course online.
Online TEFL course flexibility
Online TEFL courses are clearly convenient, but they are also very flexible. At ITTT we have no set timetable for our online courses, so you can decide exactly when you put the work in. You do not need to be online at any particular time for input sessions or tutor-led discussions and there are no weekly deadlines for handing in work or taking assessments. The only restriction we have on study time is a six month overall time limit to ensure that the early parts of the course are still fresh in your mind by the time you reach the later stages. This limit applies to all our online course options except the advanced Diploma in TESOL which has a time limit of one year.
Online TEFL course value
Online study is typically much cheaper than in-class equivalents as the overheads involved are greatly reduced. If you plan to teach English online or in your local area, an online course makes perfect sense as it can be completed in your own time and at minimal cost. Even if you are planning to head overseas to teach, an online TEFL course could be the right option as it allows you to get your certification without blowing too much of your budget before you have even got going. The initial costs of starting a teaching abroad adventure can add up, so saving on your training can be a huge bonus. You can also continue working right up until you are fully TEFL qualified and ready to leave home, allowing more time to save up for your departure.
Online TEFL course tutor support
Although online courses are designed to be completed independently, at ITTT we ensure you have the best chance of reaching your full potential by including access to an online tutor at no extra cost. Your online tutor will be available from day one of your studies and their sole purpose is to guide you through every step of the process. You can contact your tutor with any questions you have about the course materials, unit assessments, or any technical problems you might encounter. Your tutor will quickly respond with everything you need to get your studies back on track. This backup from professional teacher trainers can make a massive difference to your overall course experience and for some it can even be the difference between getting qualified or giving up through a lack of understanding.
Online TEFL course job support
While our online courses offer a relatively quick and efficient way to get TEFL certified, our assistance doesn't stop once you receive your end-of-course certificate. Every ITTT course graduate receives ongoing access to our extensive job support services for as long as they require them. That's right, you can take advantage of our job support no matter how long you have been qualified with us. Whenever you feel like a change of location or just a new challenge in the same area, you can contact us for all the support you need. Our job support services include a range of services, such as:
- Access to our own database of potential employers
- Exclusive leads on unadvertised jobs
- Advice on constructing a high-quality CV/resume
- Advice on writing cover letters
- Assistance with interview preparation and planning trial lessons
- Advice on job contracts
- Access to our database of downloadable teaching materials and lesson plans
Online TEFL course optional teaching practice
One of the traditional drawbacks of online TEFL courses is that they do not normally include any form of teaching practice. However, at ITTT we have developed a teaching practice option that is open to every trainee no matter which online course they have chosen. This optional teaching practice can be completed without attending one of our training centers and is completely free of charge for anyone who wishes to complete it. With a few valuable hours of teaching practice under your belt before heading off to your first teaching position you will be much better prepared for whatever the classroom has in store for you.
The optional teaching practice can be completed in two different ways. You can either:
- Locate a school or language center (either in-class or online) and teach your lessons there. The school will confirm that you have completed the lessons and will send us your documents for verification.
- Locate your own student/s and teach your lessons independently, either in-class or online. With this option you will need to video a one hour lesson and then send it to us for verification.
