Free TEFL courses: 10 reasons they're not worth it

Who doesn’t love free stuff? Modern life is expensive, and when we find a way to save a little money while getting ahead, chances are we’re going to take it.

But sometimes, just because something’s “free” doesn’t mean it’s worthwhile.

Take a TEFL course for instance. TEFL (teaching English as a foreign language) can completely change your life, giving you the skills, confidence and experience to teach in classrooms all over the world, opening you up to a world of opportunities.

But can you really get all of this from a free course? Let’s take a look. 

1. Free TEFL courses aren’t accredited

A legitimate, high-quality TEFL course comes with a quality seal of approval from a respected, independent organisation. Many free TEFL courses try to claim a respectable status by setting up their own ‘independent’ bodies to self-regulate their courses. Take a look at our Guide to TEFL Accreditation for more info.

At TEFL Iberia in Barcelona, Spain, our courses are accredited by Trinity College London, a UK-based academic institution that created the Trinity CertTESOL qualification. Aside from the Trinity Certificate, the Cambridge-accredited CELTA qualification is the other highly-respected qualification in the TEFL industry.

2. You miss out on getting the right skills you need to be a TEFL teacher

A free TEFL course may give you basic knowledge, but it certainly won’t prepare you for the realities of teaching in a classroom.

For those who have little or no formal experience, a foundational TEFL course gives you everything you need to launch a career teaching English abroad. From technical knowledge to communication skills and the confidence to express your unique teaching style, you’ll get the essential grounding to thrive in the classroom. 

3. Lack of peer-to-peer interaction

The best TEFL course providers know that the learning experience is improved when it’s shared with others. Peer interaction is an essential element of TEFL training, and free TEFL courses don’t provide you with the chance to collaborate, share ideas and learn from your peers. 

Aside from the practical point-of-view, taking a free TEFL course means you might miss out on sharing the amazing experience of studying TEFL abroad with like-minded people – many of our graduates have formed long-lasting friendships while studying in Barcelona!

4. You won’t get guided learning

Most free TEFL courses consist of a series of multiple-choice questions that you have to answer again and again until you pass. Without the feedback of an experienced teacher, you might be unsure of whether you’ve grasped a concept correctly and which areas of study you need to focus on. 

With the face-to-face feedback and one-to-one formative assessments that come from the best TEFL courses, you’ll deepen your understanding of teaching English as a foreign language. What's more, face-to-face interaction with a real, experienced TEFL teacher can inspire you to get the best out of your learning experience and to actively enjoy the journey.

5. Lack of practical classroom experience

Confucius said “I hear and I forget; I see and I remember; I do and I understand.” Indeed, practical classroom experience is key when it comes to learning to become a TEFL teacher.

By giving you the chance to teach groups of real students, a high-quality TEFL course gives you a deeper understanding of the art of teaching. Something a free TEFL course just cannot provide.

6. Don’t expect assistance getting a job after you graduate 

Free TEFL courses offer the bare minimum – introductory knowledge to teaching English, without any consideration of how to actually get a job after you ‘graduate’ from the program.

On the other hand, the best TEFL academies come with a dedicated careers service. This helps you hit the ground running after you graduate and gives you the skills, confidence and connections you need to land you that all-important first job teaching English as a foreign language within weeks of completing your course. 

7. No cultural immersion activities

Taking a free TEFL course often involves studying online. While you can learn from the comfort of your own home, you’ll miss out on an incredible adventure.

Studying TEFL abroad might seem daunting at first. But just ask our graduates at TEFL Iberia – studying to teach English in Barcelona can be life-changing! We’ll help ease you into life in Barcelona with organised cultural immersions like day trips and nights out, helping you to integrate with local life and discover all there is to offer in this amazing city.

8. When it comes to getting a visa, you’re on your own

If you have plans to teach English abroad once you’ve finished your free TEFL course, chances are you’ll need a visa. Gathering the right paperwork, navigating the application process and actually getting hold of your visa can be a stressful, time-consuming experience.

However, when you apply to study at a respected TEFL school, you’ll receive help via a special student visa programme. We offer this service at TEFL Iberia. From helping you get the right documents together to helping you complete the application form, we’re with you every step of the way. We even help you get your Spanish ID card when you arrive!

9. Some free TEFL courses have hidden fees

Ah, those hidden fees. If only we could pay them with hidden payments, right?

Many of the free TEFL courses online come with the dreaded caveat of fees later down the line. So, you might register for free to begin with, only to be hit with fees at the end of the course, whether it’s to receive your certificate or unlock certain content that’s necessary to pass the course.

10. Your certificate will be worth nothing

Okay, so now we get to the nub of the issue. After graduating a free TEFL course, the reality is that your TEFL certificate will barely be worth the paper it’s written on. That’s if you even receive a certificate.

At TEFL Iberia, we offer our students an everlasting internationally recognised qualification that enables them to teach English anywhere in the world. Your CertTESOL certificate will be an indicator of quality, meaning you’ll be able to command a higher salary from the moment you begin your career as a TEFL teacher. 

Looking to gain an internationally recognised TEFL qualification? Take a look at our courses on offer. And feel free to get in touch with us to discuss your next steps.