TESOL/TEFL Training Courses

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TESOL Course Checklist

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The checklist below lists some of the key questions you should ask when comparing TESOL Courses. Obviously, your specific goals and circumstances are the most important factor when choosing a course, but the following questions will help you organize your options and weigh them carefully.

• How many hours of training does the course contain? (100-120 is the standard)
• Is the course accredited by an external educational organization? (see Teach English Worldwide’s “TESOL Course Accreditations” section for a list of common organizations)
  • If the TESOL Course is not accredited, why not?
  • How will the fact that it is not accredited affect you? Will potential employers still recognize your certificate? If you want to continue your TESOL training, will universities or other advanced training programs recognize your certificate?
• Does the course have a significant amount of observed teaching practice?
  • How many hours of teaching practice does it include?
  • Are you teaching actual students (non-native English speakers) when conducting your teaching, or are you just practicing on other trainees?
• What is the course format (Onsite Intensive, Part-time, Distance/Online, Introductory, etc.)?
  • Is this the best choice for you schedule, budget, teaching goals, etc…
• What is the cost of the course?
• How long is the course?
• Does the course offer job guidance/job assistance during and after the course?
  • What does this guidance/assistance entail?
  • Does it offer lifetime job assistance?
  • Does the course have close ties to any employers in the region where you want to teach?
• Can the course provide you with the names and contact information of past students, who can tell you about their experiences during and after the course?
• Do any online TESOL message boards or forums contain positive or negative postings about the course? (see Teach English Worldwide’s “Helpful Links” section for popular TESOL message boards)