What are some reliable TEFL/TESOL programs to consider?

7 comments

1. Not all TEFL/TESOL courses are built the same, and some drastically improve your ability to get hired while others may be a money-sink that may not add much in terms of qualifications.

   There are minor certificates and short courses in TESOL that’ll do you no better in most cases from what I’ve heard, and then there are the TESOL courses you do as your graduate capstone for your Masters on TESOL that is highly regarded in many countries internationally (especially if your employer is looking to see if you are on the road to publications or accredited tenure). That said, it is mostly subject to the quality and difficulty of the course level.

   EDIT: There are courses that are far more assessable, especially ones from universities that are offering distance/online learning to help you complete the course while you are teaching.

2. – TEFL? Don’t bother.

   – TESOL… just do a master of TESOL at a uni that you trust. Dunno Canada’s fee structure but don’t strap yourself to a whole heap of debt.

3. I used BridgeTEFL and did the 150-hour online course (it’s the longest TEFL course they offer so it’s suggested to do that one) and it took about 3 months maybe 3 and a half months to finish. I haven’t used it yet as I’m still getting my bachelor’s, but the course itself wasn’t super challenging and you are set up with a group of people like a class and assigned a teacher, so you can all communicate, and ask questions, etc.

4. does your university offer it? i feel like getting it from a reputable university is the best thing you can do. i just got a minor (included certificate) in it through my university but i’m also going to get my masters in it as well.

5. [deleted]

6. If you’ll teach in Canada before or after your Japan stint, see this –
   https://www.tesl.ca/training/tesl-canada-recognized-teacher-training-programs/recognized-teacher-training-directory.html

7. Check out TESOL PLUS program at Sheridan College.