Many schools hiring foreign language teachers require that applicants earn a Teaching English as a Second Language (TEFL) certification. Whether one takes the program on the Internet or in a traditional classroom setting, the course typically includes instruction and practice in teaching English to non-native speakers and also covers classroom management, assessment methods and learning technologies. If one is not able to attend the certification course in a classroom, online courses can provide the same training as traditional courses. Some of the benefits of online TEFL certification courses include flexibility, different price levels, career assistance, additional learning opportunities and private tutoring.
Flexibility is one of the most notable benefits of an online TEFL certification program, especially for people with full-time jobs and nontraditional schedules. While traditional TEFL courses require students to be in a classroom at certain times and days each week, many online programs do not have a scheduling requirement. Online TEFL certification programs often allow students to complete the course at their own pace, which can decrease the amount of time needed to earn the certification. Some schools may make all the material available online at once, while others may email assignments and require the student to contact the school for further lessons.
Online TEFL certification courses are often more affordable than classroom courses. The price ultimately depends on the number of hours of lessons the program includes and whether a personal tutor comes with the program. Programs that only have the minimum amount of hours needed to earn the certification typically cost the least; however, the student should check with potential employers before settling with one of these programs. The additional cost of a personal tutor varies, because many schools offer the service at all levels of the TEFL courses. As the level of the material increases, both the course costs and tutor fees may increase.
Job search assistance, letters of recommendation and opportunities for further learning also are benefits of online TEFL certification. Career assistance benefits vary by school and may provide one-on-one assistance or help through an online career assistance portal. One-on-one assistance can include mock job interviews, resume help and job leads. Many schools also are willing to send letters of recommendation to potential employers. If one's interested in additional learning opportunities, some programs include online video libraries, free electronic books, advanced learning modules and online grammar exercises that one can use during and after the certification program.
