| #ffffff;" /> | | | | information. They'll have done their research just like |
| Classroom learning – it's what we're all used to | | | | you, so you can swap stories and information. |
| and the way we expect to study. Or is it? A | | | | A qualification that counts |
| classroom TEFL course is nothing like the lessons you | | | | Classroom TEFL courses are accepted by language |
| took in school; expect it to be more intensive but a lot | | | | schools around the world; just make sure you choose |
| more fun. But before you decide if a classroom TEFL | | | | a reputable organisation that's accredited by an |
| course is right for you, take a look at the pros and | | | | independent body. That'll give your qualification extra |
| cons. | | | | weight, putting you in a better position when you're |
| So do you want the good news or the bad news? | | | | applying for jobs. |
| Good, you say? Here we go then! | | | | The cons |
| The Pros | | | | One long weekend |
| Practical experience | | | | Classroom TEFL courses are great fun, but they're |
| The best thing about a classroom course is the | | | | also hard work. The hours are long and you're always |
| opportunity to get practical experience. You'll be | | | | on the go, so by the end of the weekend you'll |
| working in groups, learning through activities and finding | | | | probably be tired. Returning to work on the Monday |
| fun ways to absorb the all the information. So basically, | | | | after such an intensive course can be tough. You can |
| you'll learn TEFL through the very techniques you'll be | | | | avoid this problem by taking an online TEFL course |
| using when you teach abroad. Then when you've got | | | | and spreading your study over a couple of months. |
| a grasp of the techniques you've been studying, you'll | | | | But online courses have pros and cons too, so maybe |
| get the chance to put them into action by creating and | | | | you should just take the Monday off! |
| giving your very own lesson. | | | | Just skimming the surface |
| A fun and interactive learning environment | | | | Classroom TEFL courses cover half the time of online |
| Learning doesn't get much better than this. It's fun, | | | | courses and a lot of that time is spent doing practical |
| interactive and completely different from those boring | | | | activities. This means you'll get to put your new skills |
| lesson you had to put up with in school. You'll be | | | | into action and cement your learning, but it also means |
| running around, playing games and doing quizzes | | | | you have less time to concentrate on developing your |
| – and that's only the beginning. Put simply, your | | | | understanding of TEFL teaching. This can be rectified |
| tutor will teach you in exactly the same way that you'll | | | | by adding an online TEFL course to your training or |
| be teaching your own students when you arrive | | | | even by buying a couple of books to read before you |
| overseas. | | | | go. |
| Make new friends along the way | | | | A spare weekend is a must |
| You'll be in a group of about 20 people, depending on | | | | The thing about classroom TEFL courses is that you |
| demand, and they'll all be like you: people who want to | | | | have to do them in one fell swoop. And you know |
| travel and earn as they go. It's a great opportunity to | | | | what that means – you have to find a free |
| make new friends and maybe find a travel buddy or | | | | weekend. |
| two. Plus, your new friends will be a great source of | | | | |