I have been acquainted with TEFL International for over six years. I
thoroughly researched TEFL International several years ago when I developed
foreign experience programs at the University of Washington, looking for
foreign learning experiences that would be educational, socially beneficial,
affordable, and attractive. Good TEFL courses can meet these criteria but
not all do. TEFL International does. It is a great organization - one of the
best in the business of training people to teach English and one of the most
affordable.
I visited their school in Ban Phe Thailand, sat in on classes, interviewed
students, and reviewed their curriculum. I was very impressed and learned a
lot from sitting in on some of their classes (even though I have been
teaching for nearly 30 years). I shared my findings with the head of the MA
TESOL Program in the English Department at the University of Washington. She
also visited the program in Thailand and found that it was academically
sound and credit worthy at the University of Washington. Credit has been
awarded to UW students who have attended TEFL International trainings. I
have met with several students upon their return, and they praised it as an
excellent experience.
Unfortunately, because the university program neglected to get approval from
some key administrators at the university, the UW relationship with TEFL
International has been discontinued. However, I have stayed in touch with
the school as it has grown, and I can vouch for its quality. In fact I have
recently completed a course credit evaluation of TEFL International courses
(to document how many quarter and semester credits universities should grant
to students who attend TEFL International courses), and I regularly offer
assistance to both students and college advisors as they work with their
individual universities to get credit for participation in TEFL
International programs. I currently consult in program evaluation with a
specialty in evaluating education programs, and I am an instructor of
Program Evaluation at the University of Washington (where I teach the
foundation course and advise students in the year-long Program Evaluation
Certificate Program managed by University of Washington Extension).
I am happy to discuss my experiences with TEFL International and answer
questions from prospective students and college administrators.
Bill Leon, Ph.D., President, Geo Education & Research and instructor of
Program Evaluation at the University of Washington. |
“We feel that having students start their ESL teaching careers abroad with the
training and supervision provided by TEFL International will make them excellent
candidates for future employment and/or graduate study.”
Letter dated November 7, 2001, from Professor Sandra Silberstein
(then Director, University of Washington MATESOL Program)
who had examined “course syllabi, extensive and detailed course materials, and
other relevant documentation” of TEFL International course then offered in
Thailand, China, and Morocco. [Note: Professor Silberstein, who sent this letter to
TEFL International for it to use for possible accreditation purposes, has no current
opinion as to TEFL International operations]. |
"It's a great course for any aspiring teacher and it was without a doubt
the best experience of my life!" - Nollaig, November 2006 |
"The staff is always available and helpful, and the observers and
positive and supportive." - Ciara, February 2007 |
|
"Don't think about it; just do it!" - Grant, February 2007 |
"The moderator was impressed by the achievements and high degree of satisfaction demonstrated by the participants, and by the dedication and effectiveness of the tutors.
This is one of the most comprehensive sets of feedback ever obtained by this moderator. The points raised by the trainees surely reflect the achievement of the maximum number of objectives such training courses could hope to attain....it should rank among the most effective on the market."
- Dr. Alan Moller, Former Chief Examiner - Trinity College London |
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This
is a very sound course held in a stimulating environment, equipping trainees
with the basic skills – and above all the real-life classroom experience
– to take on ESOL classes, big and small, anywhere in the world. -Tony
Foster, Trinity College London TESOL Certificate Moderator, BA Hons, MA,
LTCL Dip TESOL |
|
"I want to see the world. They are showing me exactly how to make that a practical reality."
- Robin L Christoff |
|
I
have recently finished the cert. course at TEFL International and couldn't
imagine going out into the world of teaching without the tools they have
provided. I would without hesitation recommend this course to anyone who is
about to pursue a career in this area as well as anyone who is currently
teaching and wants to refine their skills and methods. -Paul
Oldfield |
|
This
course is of exceptional value. The information is highly valuable and
accurate. The trainers are compassionate and knowledgeable. All have ample
experience in the field and instruction is geared towards real life teaching
situations. -Michael
Leslie |
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I
found the course invaluable. Everything I needed to know before beginning my
teaching career was covered. First class instruction and highly practical
throughout. -John
McArthur |
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This
is a serious course, offered with integrity.. -Steve
Blume |
|
In
February I took the TESOL course with TEFL International and had a wonderful
experience academically and socially. I cannot say enough positive things
about the course they run. They are thoroughly professional and generous
people and I consider myself well trained for teaching ESL. –Shannon |
|
As
a veteran of twenty five years of teaching seminars my expectations were
that I would profit mostly from the English language input sessions. Much to
my surprise and gratification I also learned a good deal about teaching
methods. The TEFL International program is the best value going for learning
how to teach English as a foreign language. Not only that, I had a lot of
fun. I highly recommend the program. -Edward
J. Hahn |
|
I
want to see the world. They are showing me exactly how to make that a
practical reality-Robin
L Christoff |
|
TEFL
International is so much more than a school! It's an immersion into a
different culture! Their professional and friendly approach makes you feel
at home in such a comfortable setting. After taking the course I feel
confident to use my skills and collective resources within any classroom.
TEFL is much more than I expected…. You not only finish the course with a
certificate and many teaching opportunities, but with friends for life. -Melissa
Parra |
|
For
a spontaneous decision, this has been one of the best decisions of my life.
The course was well organized and, although I found it hard going, there was
enough humor and support to make me always feel I was doing the right thing.
You have opened a whole new field to me and one in which I am enjoying
myself a lot. -Simone
Allène |
|
Writing
lesson plans on the balcony with the crystal clear blue sea on one side and
the green far-away hills on the other has to be teaching practice heaven! -Linda
Randall |
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The
course in Ban Phe, Thailand, is exceptional. I finished it in July and can
not say enough about the facility, trainers, course administrator, and
location. For the same price as a program in the states that does not
include anything except tuition, you can spend a month in a very typical and
un-touristy Thai fishing village, housing included, and even pay for your
airfare to boot. The course is demanding but certainly manageable, the kids
you'll be teaching in the practicum are wonderful, the family that runs the
course will make you feel at home the moment you step onto the premises, and
you may very well meet some people in your class who you'll want to know for
a long time to come. I highly recommend this experience. You won't forget
it. –Natasha |
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This
is one of the best decisions I have ever made. I felt so at home in front of
my students. I felt really comfortable. I can't say a bad thing about this
course. -John
Ruff |
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This
experience rekindled my enthusiasm for teaching. -John
Funk |
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"This is one of the best decisions I have ever made. I felt so at home in front of my students. I felt really comfortable. I can't say a bad thing about this course."
- John Ruff |
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"Doing this course has been like a breath of fresh air. I now feel ready to start on my teaching career." -
Craig Johnson |
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"This experience rekindled my enthusiasm for teaching." - John Funk |
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"A well organized and useful course. It has given me a lot to think about, as well as improving my typing skills." -
Joshua Woods |
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"The class was worth more than every penny and every minute spent. I certainly feel that I spent the time and money for an excellent education. I've spent a lot of time and money in the past on technical (IT) certification courses and, on an analogous basis, your course heads the list. Thank you for a quality service." -
Ron Wong |
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"I have just started my first teaching job. It was nice to have the opportunity to put the theory into practice. The teaching tips were especially realistic and helpful." -
Joyce Townsend |
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"The course is as practical as possible. I enjoyed it greatly!" - Pauline Geller |
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"I'm very happy with my choice of TEFL school. The course is well structured, and the accommodation / facilities are well located. The team of friendly staff make for a pleasant atmosphere..I like the fact that English language students come to the training centre daily to be taught, and that they are of a wide range of abilities." -
Simon Godwin |
