Online TEFL vs. In-Person TEFL: Which is the Best Option For You?

Are you a wannabe English teacher, stuck between the idea of taking a TEFL course online and learning to teach English in a traditional classroom environment?

Ah, 21st century problems…

Don’t worry, you’re not alone. The rise of remote learning means that many English teachers are now deciding to get their TEFL certification online.

But is it a wise choice? Can you really replicate the feeling of being in a classroom? Let’s break down the details and compare online TEFL and in-person TEFL certification, to give you a clearer idea of which would work best for you.

Should I take a TEFL course online or in person?

It depends on your personal situation. Both options have their good and bad points. For example, online TEFL courses offer a level of convenience and flexibility that classroom courses can’t provide. On the other hand, taking a TEFL course in a classroom is more immersive and benefits from face-to-face instruction and instant feedback.

Let’s take a closer look at the differences between the two.

TEFL in the classroom

Pros

• Learning in a classroom makes it easier for your teacher to get ideas across and be more effective
• The classroom offers an authentic academic experience, with hands-on learning
• A classroom provides a distraction free environment 
• You can easily make connections with your classmates
• Help ease you into life abroad and immerse yourself into a new cultural environment
• More likely to be delivered by trusted organisations, as many online providers are not accredited
• Improve your employment chances, as in-person TEFL academies often have links to employers in the area

Cons

• Typically more expensive than online TEFL
• Can sometimes be less flexible
• Location specific – you can’t enrol from anywhere in the world

TEFL online

Pros

• Usually more flexible than in-class TEFL courses
• Better suited to those on a tight budget
• Can learn from the comfort of your own home 
• Great practice if you’re considering teaching English online
• Can be a good launchpad towards an in-person TEFL course

Cons

• Classes can suffer from technical issues 
• There can be potential distractions
• Lack of immersion compared to learning in the classroom
• Difficult to fully connect with your teacher and classmates

Should I take a TEFL online course? 

If you’re looking to study for TEFL certification while still working, or prefer to learn over a less intense, longer period of time, an online TEFL course might be for you. It’s also a great option for those living in an area lacking good TEFL academies who are unable to relocate.

Another reason to enrol on an online TEFL course is if you’re considering teaching English online after graduation. Becoming familiar with the online teaching environment is a huge bonus. In fact, the best online TEFL courses include six hours or more of observed and assessed teaching practice with real students, which brings valuable experience and will give you all those valuable online teaching hacks – something you wouldn’t get if you took a TEFL course in a classroom environment.

For those on a tighter budget with a need for greater flexibility, an online TEFL course is a great option when it comes to learning everything you need to know about teaching English as a foreign language.

Should I take an in-person TEFL course? 

While advancements in technology have led to massive improvement in online teaching, there’s still nothing quite like learning in a classroom. Imagine learning to drive. Would you feel confident going out onto the road after having only done an online theory course?

If you’re looking for that fully immersive learning environment, where you can learn to manage a classroom and interact with students, the distraction-free setting of the classroom is for you.

For those planning on teaching English abroad, learning to be a TEFL teacher in your host country comes with added benefits. For example, if you dream of living and teaching English in Spain, there’s nothing better than actually taking a TEFL course in Spain to prepare you for life living and working as an English teacher in Spain.

The best TEFL courses in Spain not only prepare you to be an excellent teacher in the classroom, but they also help you get set up in the country, with everything from accommodation services to help getting a student visa, while also helping you experience Spanish culture at its best! 

Want to find out more about becoming an English teacher in Spain? Contact us at coordination@tefl-iberia.com or check out our courses on offer.