How do I become ESL certified?
To become ESL certified, which is essential for securing quality teaching positions worldwide, you need to obtain a TESOL certification. The prerequisites for a TESOL course are straightforward: you should be a native or fluent English speaker, over the age of 18, and possess a keen interest in teaching English. The TESOL course will equip you with all the necessary skills and knowledge for a career in ESL teaching, covering aspects such as language instruction methodologies, lesson planning, and classroom management. Upon completion of the course, the TESOL certification will be added to your CV/resume, making you eligible for various ESL teaching roles in numerous countries.
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What TESOL qualification do I need?
Which type of TESOL course is right for me?
What TESOL qualification do I need?
To obtain the necessary TESOL qualification for teaching English to speakers of other languages, aspiring educators should aim for a course with at least 120 hours of study. This level of training is typically sought after by international employers and is suitable for full-time classroom teaching roles. Shorter courses, often less than 100 hours, may be more appropriate for volunteers or teaching assistants. When choosing a TESOL course, there are three main formats to consider: online, traditional classroom, or a hybrid approach. All these formats provide the same level of qualification, allowing candidates to select based on personal preference and learning style. After achieving a basic TESOL certification, many teachers opt to further their qualifications with specialized or advanced courses, which can lead to higher-level positions and opportunities in the field.
Which type of TESOL course is right for me?
The choice of whether to take an online, in-class, or combined TESOL course is entirely up to the individual trainee as all three result in the same qualification, although the study method will be very different with each one.
In-class TESOL course
This is the most traditional route towards TESOL certification and it is still seen by many as the most thorough method of study due to its intensive design. The course runs over a set four-week period, at a training center that is staffed by highly experienced teacher trainers. You get to choose the location that suits you best and for many this is in or near the country or region where they are keen to find a teaching job once qualified. One reason why people choose this option is that it includes several hours of observed teaching practice where you get to practice what you have learned in real life ESL classrooms, under the supervision of your course trainers. If this sounds like the right study method for you, you are able to choose from a list of amazing locations across Europe, Asia, and the Americas.
Take a look at our in-class TESOL course page
Online TESOL course
If you have limited time to study due to work, family, or other commitments, an online TESOL course might be best for you as you get to choose your own study schedule. This convenient option can be completed 100% online, from any location with an internet connection. There are no online classes to attend or any specific times when you have to be online, so it is open to anyone, no matter what their situation. The other major highlight of an online course is that it has fewer overheads than an in-class course, making it significantly cheaper. For many people, the lower cost and flexible schedule mean that an online course is the most convenient option for them.
Take a look at our online TESOL course page
Combined TESOL course
For some trainees, the benefits offered by both of the above study options can be combined into a hybrid type course. With this option you study all the theory of teaching online, in the same way as a regular online course. However, once complete, you then attend one of our centers to complete the course and to gain some invaluable teaching practice. The combined course results in the same certification as an in-class course, but the attendance at a training center is only for 8 or 10 days, rather than the full four weeks. Although the in-class section of this course is not available at all of our centers, you can still choose from some of our most popular locations, such as Bangkok, Phuket, New York, Paris, Rome, and Barcelona.
Take a look at our combined TESOL course page
