How to Choose the Right TESOL Course

Choosing a Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) course can be a bit overwhelming, especially if you don't know where to start. Understanding what to look for in a certification programme can greatly assist you in your search for the right TESOL course.

One of the most important factors is location. TESOL courses can be taken in a classroom setting in your home country, on-site in the country where you wish to teach, or even online. If you're considering teaching English as an option but aren't fully committed yet, an online TESOL course might be the best choice.

Online TESOL courses provide content that is very similar to their in-class counterparts. The main difference, however, is that you typically have a longer time frame to complete the training. The key benefit is convenience. Choosing an online TESOL course allows you to work through each unit at your own pace, from anywhere in the world.

Online courses are also ideal if you have a full or part-time job, or if you have too much going on to focus on the training full-time. While completing the course, you will gain access to a wealth of information and video content. The course material will give you an insight into teaching and serve as a taster to help you decide if this is the right career move for you!

There are also several online TESOL courses that have a hybrid structure. These courses allow you to work on most of the training at your own pace, while offering interaction with teachers or mentors online through forums. Some curricula may include class meetings from time to time (though not all). Supplemental teaching practice within a classroom setting may also be available, but this is typically in major cities. These hybrid qualifications provide you with the opportunity to gain classroom teaching experience after learning the theories and methodologies online.

An in-class TESOL course offers several benefits. With this type of course, you have the opportunity to gain practical experience within a classroom setting, better preparing you for teaching English to a class of students. In-class courses allow you to learn with others and communicate in person, as well as practice teaching English to an actual class. Typically, they are more effective in helping you feel comfortable teaching in a classroom, making it easier when you begin your teaching job abroad.

In-class TESOL courses are generally full-time. Full-time courses often require a more significant time investment than their online counterparts. Most in-class sessions last around one month. During these four weeks, you will work in a classroom setting, helping you to gain valuable teaching skills. You will learn more about classroom management, contingency lesson planning, and how to use "realia" (props) to aid learning. These courses will provide you with the confidence you need to start teaching English without worry.

In addition to deciding whether to complete a TESOL course online or in a classroom, you should also consider the number of hours in the TESOL course. The amount of time you spend on training can influence whether you secure the teaching job you want. The standard minimum for a TESOL course is 120 hours. Some TESOL courses, however, offer 150-hour qualifications as more advanced training. There are also courses that provide quick-start programmes with as little as 40 hours, but it might be more challenging to find a job with one of these. It's best to look for a course with at least 120 hours of training.

Do you have a specific type of English or age group you would like to teach? There are TESOL courses available that are more specialised. Some courses focus on teaching business English, adult learners, young learners, or early education. These additional course features could help set you apart from other candidates when applying for specific teaching positions abroad.