How To Choose a TEFL Course: 5 Essential Factors

Teaching English as a foreign language (TEFL) is a dream for many people. Not only does it give you a chance to travel and immerse yourself in exciting cultures, but it also enables you the opportunity to empower others by helping them gain a skill that can change their lives. 

It's incredibly rewarding and a ticket to unforgettable adventures. But with so many options available, choosing the best TEFL course can be a challenge.

So, what factors do you need to consider when it comes to finding the right TEFL course for you? And how do you know if a TEFL course is legit? Let’s take a look at how to find a TEFL course that best prepares you for a career teaching English as a foreign language with a qualification that will be recognised by employers worldwide.

How to choose a TEFL course  

1. Choose an accredited course

The most important aspect of choosing a TEFL course is to make sure that it’s fully accredited.

That’s because TEFL accreditation is the ultimate indication of quality. By having accreditation, a TEFL course will have been designed to meet certain standards set by an independent organisation. 

Respected accreditors include TQUK, ACCET and IATQuO, while many TEFL courses are accredited by leading universities and national exam boards. For example, at TEFL Iberia, our CertTESOL programme is accredited by Trinity College London. 

One red flag to be aware of is when a TEFL school claims to have been certified by its own accrediting body. This more than likely means that they’ve set up a system to self-regulate their courses. This is not recognized by the TEFL industry and is considered highly unethical. 

2. Consider the TEFL course length and timing

Most courses have a total length of between 120 to 160 hours. These can take 10-12 weeks for standard courses. However, the best TEFL academies also offer intensive courses, meaning you can become a fully certified English teacher in just four weeks. 

Steer clear of so-called “weekend courses”. These usually include a maximum of 20 hours of total study, which falls way below the minimum number of academic hours required for a certified TEFL course. 

Also, does the TEFL school offer courses that run throughout the year? The regularity of courses is a good indication of quality, as providing regular courses points to a well-run, professional school staffed by experienced tutors. On the other hand, if courses are sporadic, expect a disorganised, unprofessional teaching environment. 

3. Location, location, location!

There are TEFL schools and academies all over the world to choose from. Finding the right one depends on where you want to teach after you graduate.

Maybe you want to travel to South Korea to teach English. Or perhaps of living the good life in Spain. Whatever your situation, it’s always best to study to become an English teacher in the location where you’ll be working in the future. That way, you can immerse yourself in the local culture while you study. 

Consider admin factors. Some places require a visa to study and work, while others can be even more complex when it comes to signing up for a TEFL course, with all kinds of bureaucracy to navigate.

Also, look for a location with a healthy English jobs market. Big cities such as Barcelona have a thriving startup scene, increasing the demand for English-speaking skills. These tech hubs are ideal places for English teachers to make a living. 

Work aside, if you’re planning on making your study location your home, do your research. Is it a city you think you could live in long term? If so, go for it! 

4. Focus on course content

Once you’ve found a good selection of accredited TEFL schools in the location of your choice, it’s time to focus on the details of the course itself. There are a few important factors to consider:

Does it offer in-class practice? 

It doesn’t matter where in the world you are – the best TEFL courses in Spain, South America and South Korea all have one thing in common… they provide you with real teaching experiences to prepare you for the classroom experience.

Look for a TEFL course that provides more than six hours of observed teaching practice with real students. This form of hands-on, experiential learning gives you those all-important soft skills and foundational confidence that you need after graduation. 

What’s the maximum group size?

Look for courses that offer a smaller group size – anything below 12 is ideal. Smaller groups give you a more focused, personalised educational experience.

Does the course focus on group dynamics?

A good teaching environment is one that’s organised and efficient. A great teaching environment is one that inspires you to connect with your fellow classmates and fully embrace a shared learning experience.

For example, many of the best TEFL courses in Barcelona will take full advantage of the amazing cultural opportunities in the city  

5. Look for good reviews and those all-important extras

A good reputation goes a long way when it comes to choosing a TEFL school. Take a look online at Google reviews and also check TEFL review platforms, such as Go Abroad and Go Overseas?

The best TEFL schools offer support services that augment the classroom experience. For example, some offer special accommodation services at an extra price, making sure you’ve got a comfortable home near campus. Another important thing to consider is whether or not they offer a student visa service and support with bureaucracy, like getting a citizen ID.

Most good TEFL academies offer a dedicated career service that will give you extensive post-course preparation to prepare you for life as an English teacher. This could include everything from job market orientation and CV workshops to exclusive access to collaborative local employers.

The final thing to consider is the vibe you get from the school. Check their social media pages to get a feel for them and, if you like what you see, reach out. After you contact them, consider how they replied. Were they quick to answer you in a helpful way? If you’ve got doubts, don’t discount them. Your gut instinct exists for a reason. Trust it.

Become a TEFL teacher at TEFL Iberia

At TEFL Iberia, our team of passionate experienced professionals have been working in the industry for many years. Today, we’re one of the highest-ranked TEFL schools in the country.

Want to find out more about our TEFL courses? Contact us at coordination@tefl-iberia.com or check out our courses on offer.