Testimonials
Don’t just take our word for it. Listen to what others have to say about the course!
Name: Al Bergen From: Canada Program: Phuket, Thailand
This course was a marvelous experience. The course was very intense but I feel like I got the best preparation for teaching that was possible in such a short period.
Trainers were very thorough, competent and professional. Excellent value for the money. I would recommend the course without hesitation!
Name: Chantelle du Plessis From: South Africa Program: Phuket, Thailand
I had an unforgettable experience studying at TEFL International in Thailand, Phuket. Not only did I obtain my TESOL certificate but I also met some incredible people from all over the world.
The course was quite intense, especially for a non-native English speaker, but very rewarding! The teachers was really helpful throughout the course, and they definitely went the extra mile to ensure that you pass the course.
Most of my classmates found a teaching job immediately after the course was completed, therefore I can personally vouch that you can start a new exciting career as soon as you complete the course… so you have nothing to lose!
The course is your ‘meal-ticket’ around the world, that can make all your dreams a reality, so don’t wait apply for the course as soon as possible – you won’t regret it!
Name: Kira Calder From: US Program: Seville, 2011
I just wanted to let you know that my experience in the program was amazing. Once I arrived in Seville the administration was there to pick me up, right on schedule, and was exceptionally friendly and welcoming. Throughout the program, they kept up with all the questions my classmates and I had, which ranged from further accommodation to health insurance. Similarly, the teacher was wonderful. The course was definitely more strenuous than I had anticipated but the teacher did an amazing job at preparing us for each lesson and clarifying miscommunications along the way. During the course, I had a personal epiphany, in which I have decided that Education is truly a passion of mine. I believe that this epiphany would not have been reached if it weren’t for the TEFL staff that was profoundly helpful, passionate, and hard working. I hope every TEFL student’s experience is as life changing as mine.
Name: Annie Malcolm From: US Program: Corinth, Greece 2011
Quote: “Although I knew I wanted to get certified as an ESL teacher, I did not expect to attend a TEFL International course in Greece. I arrived in Egypt January 25th, 2011, ready to stay 5 weeks, and left 5 harrowing days later on an emergency flight. I arrived during the most significant time in Egypt’s history, but also the most unstable. Tony Glass warmly helped my best friend Anna and I transfer to the course in Greece and we were on our way.
We arrived in Greece, to the quaint, quiet seaside town of Vrahati where we would live in a house with the other teachers-in-training. An orange tree in the front yard and an orange tree in the back yard, I knew I had ended up, albeit by chance, in the perfect place to immerse myself in learning and working.
Our mornings were long and intense; Peter taught us the essentials of teaching grammar, managing a classroom and designing lesson plans. I learned intricacies about the English language I had never thought of, and began to understand the process by which second language acquisition occurs. Lunch was full of olive oil from Angeliki’s parents’ farm. Throughout the afternoon, we were supported and encouraged as we prepared for the evening’s lesson. Amy and Peter suggested ways to experiment with the material, present the day’s grammar, and organize our time. When I went into the classroom, I always felt armed with the necessities.
The first time I had ever taught in a classroom was my second day of TEFL, and I was nervous. Although the first lesson was not my best, by the end of the month, I had my students laughing, chatting and role-playing in English. The in-classroom hours were my favorite of the course. I solidified my love of teaching, my ability to engage with children and my passion for language, in all its beauty and complexity.
Our evenings at the house were full of fresh vegetables from the green grocer down the street and local wine. Weekends were spent driving the country roads and exploring the region, as well as studying and preparing for the week.
The TEFL course really prepared me for the teaching world; I have recently been hired by Kaplan in New York City to teach three-hour English classes to adults from all over the world. I’m looking forward to putting my skills to use!”
Name: Rosamund McCarthy From: UK Program: London 2011
Quote: ”I wanted a new direction, had had enough of my work and wanted to do something that would be both satisfying and meaningful. But what did I have to offer? Not much in my opinion, apart from the ability to speak English. So I asked about and it was suggested to me that I try this course. I have never been on a more intensive, work loaded, four week course in my entire life! I feel that in the blurb it should come with a health warning! Stock up your larder and prepare to do nothing but eat, sleep, and learn how to teach English!
I loved every minute of it, from the learning of grammar, the lesson planning and even my first lesson seemed to go well and was over before I knew it! The homework load seemed very heavy, but as the weeks went by I realized that they were great revision tools, and through completing it, on time, managed to pass the exams. It was so intensive that I didn’t notice the four weeks fly past.”
Name: David Lovejoy From: USA Program: Italian Immersion Program | Rome/Florence, Italy, 2007
Quote: “I was very satisfied with the level of customer service I received from TEFL Services International while studying abroad. The team always did their best to accommodate my wishes and was happy to do so. The TEFL course was very informative, and while the language program was fun and useful in Italy, the knowledge and experience gained from the TEFL course is applicable everywhere else.
Teaching is a real challenge, no two students are alike, but I do feel much more confident in my teaching abilities after having participated in the TEFL course because I had to teach in a variety of environments to students whose age ranged from teenager to senior citizen. During each session I was observed by both a faculty member and a fellow trainee, whose accurate feedback and constructive criticism helped a great deal.”
David is currently working as an ESL instructor in Pasadena, California while applying for teaching positions in Japan.
Name: Kit Patterson From: USA Program: TEFL Immersion | Florence, Italy, 2006
Quote: “Dear TEFL Services International, I had a good time in my training. I very much liked the actual teaching practice through which I met a banker who invited me to stay at her parents’ farm in Italy, milking cows and eating fresh fruit. I am now in Istanbul on a 9 month teaching contract. I’m staying with a Turkish family right by the Marmara Sea.
I think the best move I made–thanks to your help–was taking the 2 week Italian language component beforehand. My apartment was right above the mercato centrale, 2 minutes from Il Duomo. In addition, because my roommates were from the Italian language school, they were from many different countries–Slovenia, Greece, Bulgaria, Poland, Switzerland, and Turkey. Through the Slovenian I met French friends who I was later able to visit in Paris.
Anyway, this experience, I can safely say, has been the best of my life, and so I send you a long overdue thank you for all of your work in making it happen! Ciao!”
“This is a very sound course held in a stimulating environment, equipping trainees with the basic skills – and above all the real-life classroom experience – to take on ESOL classes, big and small, anywhere in the world.” Tony Foster, Trinity College London TESOL Certificate Moderator
“I examined course syllabi, extensive and detailed course materials, and other relevant documentation.” “We feel that having students start their ESL teaching careers abroad with the training and supervision provided by TEFL International will make them excellent candidates for future employment and/or graduate study.” Professor Sandra Silberstein, Ph.D., University of Washington
“I have recently finished the cert. course at TEFL International and couldn’t imagine going out into the world of teaching without the tools they have provided. I would without hesitation recommend this course to anyone who is about to pursue a career in this area as well as anyone who is currently teaching and wants to refine their skills and methods.” Paul Oldfield, Course Graduate
“It was a wonderful course, I enjoyed my teacher. I am very happy!” Jillian, Course Graduate
“This course is of exceptional value. The information is highly valuable and accurate. The trainers are compassionate and knowledgeable. All have ample experience in the field and instruction is geared towards real life teaching situations.” Michael Leslie, Course Graduate
“I found the course invaluable. Everything I needed to know before beginning my teaching career was covered. First class instruction and highly practical throughout.” John McArthur, Course Graduate
“This is a serious course, offered with integrity.” Steve Blume, Course Graduate
“In February I took the TESOL course with TEFL International and had a wonderful experience academically and socially. I cannot say enough positive things about the course they run. They are thoroughly professional and generous people and I consider myself well trained for teaching ESL.” Shannon, Course Graduate
“As a veteran of twenty five years of teaching seminars my expectations were that I would profit mostly from the English language input sessions. Much to my surprise and gratification I also learned a good deal about teaching methods. The TEFL International program is the best value going for learning how to teach English as a foreign language. Not only that, I had a lot of fun. I highly recommend the program.” Edward Hahn, Course Graduate
“I want to see the world. They are showing me exactly how to make that a practical reality” Robin L. Christoff, Course Graduate
“TEFL International is so much more than a school! It’s an immersion into a different culture! Their professional and friendly approach makes you feel at home in such a comfortable setting. After taking the course I feel confident to use my skills and collective resources within any classroom. TEFL is much more than I expected.. You not only finish the course with a certificate and many teaching opportunities, but with friends for life.” Melissa Parra, Course Graduate
“For a spontaneous decision, this has been one of the best decisions of my life. The course was well organized and, although I found it hard going, there was enough humor and support to make me always feel I was doing the right thing. You have opened a whole new field to me and one in which I am enjoying myself a lot.” Simone Allène, Course Graduate
“Writing lesson plans on the balcony with the crystal clear blue sea on one side and the green far-away hills on the other has to be teaching practice heaven!” Linda Randall, Course Graduate
“The course in Ban Phe, Thailand is exceptional. I finished it in July and can not say enough about the facility, trainers, course administrator, and location. For the same price as a program in the states that does not include anything except tuition, you can spend a month in a very typical and un-touristy Thai fishing village, housing included, and even pay for your airfare to boot. The course is demanding but certainly manageable, the kids you’ll be teaching in the practicum are wonderful, the family that runs the course will make you feel at home the moment you step onto the premises, and you may very well meet some people in your class who you’ll want to know for a long time to come. I highly recommend this experience. You won’t forget it.” Natasha, Course Graduate
“This is one of the best decisions I have ever made. I felt so at home in front of my students. I felt really comfortable. I can’t say a bad thing about this course.” John Ruff, Course Graduate