| There's a lot of debate around online TEFL courses. | | | | TEFL job. |
| Are they as good as classroom TEFL courses? Do | | | | Professional support from people who've done it |
| language schools accept them? And will they prepare | | | | Never underestimate just how useful an online tutor |
| you for a life of teaching English abroad? The truth is; | | | | can be. They're there to answer your questions, give |
| they have their pros and their cons – just like | | | | you constructive feedback and motivate you. So even |
| classroom TEFL courses. For some people, they'll be | | | | if you lock yourself away with your laptop, you'll never |
| ideal and for others, they'll be wrong. You'll have to | | | | be alone. |
| weigh up the pros and cons and decide if an online | | | | A little extra cash in your pocket |
| TEFL course is right for you. | | | | That's right, online TEFL courses are usually cheaper |
| So do you want the good news or the bad news? | | | | than classroom TEFL courses. Plus, you'll save money |
| Good, you say? Here we go then! | | | | on travel too. And you know what that means – |
| The pros... | | | | you'll have that little bit extra to spend while you're out |
| Fit your course around your life | | | | there teaching! |
| Whether you're working your notice or running around | | | | The cons |
| planning your travels, you can fit an online TEFL course | | | | Self-motivation is a must |
| around you. Most can be spread over six months, | | | | The important thing to remember about online TEFL |
| which allows you to do a little every now and then until | | | | courses is that if you aren't motivated, you just won't |
| you've completed your course. Of course, if you've got | | | | do it. There's nobody to remind you or push you to get |
| a lot of time on your hands, you could complete the | | | | it done, it's all on you. If you're the kind of person who |
| whole course in just over a week! | | | | procrastinates, this could mean trouble! On the other |
| Study on the go | | | | hand, if you can sit down and motivate yourself, you |
| One of the best things about an online TEFL course is | | | | shouldn't have a problem. |
| that you can do it from anywhere in the world – | | | | Experience not included |
| just as long as you've got an internet connection. So if | | | | An online TEFL course is great for developing the skills |
| you live out in the sticks or decide to teach after | | | | you need to teach English abroad and by the end of |
| you've set off on your travels, you can still get certified. | | | | the course you'll be ready to start teaching. What it |
| A qualification that counts | | | | doesn't give you is the opportunity to practice those |
| It's an online course, but that doesn't make it any less | | | | skills. Combining your online course with a classroom |
| respected. As long as your course is from a reputable | | | | course can solve this problem or if you have some |
| provider who's accredited by an independent body, | | | | spare time and money, volunteer teaching can really |
| you shouldn't have any trouble finding a job. You'll get | | | | add to your resume. |
| the same training and the same qualification, so you | | | | Friends come later |
| can apply for the same TEFL jobs and still be in with a | | | | When you take a classroom TEFL course, you'll meet |
| fighting chance. | | | | loads of new people, but when you do an online TEFL |
| In-depth study | | | | course, it's just you and your computer. Whether or |
| Online TEFL courses give you the opportunity to | | | | not this is a problem depends on what you want from |
| explore subjects at your own pace. Many often | | | | your course. If you're simply looking for a qualification |
| include links to supplementary resources meaning you | | | | to get out there and teach, then it really doesn't matter. |
| can get a solid understanding of every area of TEFL. | | | | But if you're after something more social, a classroom |
| This is the ideal foundation on which to base your | | | | course is a better choice. |
| teaching and will be invaluable when you start your | | | | |