What Makes the Best TEFL Companies? 9 Must-Have Inclusions

Becoming a certified TEFL instructor is your ticket to see the world. TEFL offers a unique opportunity to travel around the globe, visit exotic destinations, integrate into a new culture, all while making a difference in the education of locals. After all, English language skills are sought after in every corner of the world, creating a high demand for well-qualified TEFL teachers.

The best TEFL companies are out there, waiting to make you a successful international teacher!

Before diving head first into the first TEFL course that comes up on your Google search, take some time to do your research. Whether you’re considering teaching English abroad for a gap year or paving a long-term career path, it’s important to consider how to make the most of your money and reap the benefits of teaching abroad jobs.

Ask for TEFL advice from friends, browse the best companies to teach English abroad, and take note of various TEFL course details to see what’s out there. And most importantly, keep an eye out for the options below when deciding which TEFL course is best for you.

9 things the best TEFL companies offer

If you’re wondering how to choose a TEFL course, here’s the best advice: look at the inclusions. The best TEFL companies offer more than just a certification; they offer perks. Here are a few you won’t be able to pass up.

1. Pre-departure support

If you’ve started your research on the best TEFL companies, you may be feeling a little overwhelmed by the options presented, as well as the logistics involved with moving abroad to teach English in a foreign country. How many hours do I need to study to get certified? How do I actually find a placement? And what kind of visa do I need to apply for?

Luckily, the best TEFL companies offer pre-departure support, so you aren’t alone in the process. Whether you need assistance during the application process or advice on the nitty gritty of moving abroad, look for pre-departure assistance when choosing which TEFL course to take. 

2. In-classroom courses

Top TEFL advice? Classroom learning is a vital component for many trainees.

It’s tempting to enroll in a TEFL course that you can do at your own pace from the comfort of your own home. But the easy way is not always the best way when choosing which TEFL course to take. If you want to teach in a classroom environment abroad, then entering a classroom setting is the best way to learn those skills.

In-classroom courses allow practical teaching opportunities, so you can hone your skills with real students before setting out to manage your own classroom. While it’s possible to gain accreditation solely online, take this TEFL advice: classroom experience will help you become the best teacher.

3. Online flexibility

Let’s be realistic. While classroom experience is often offered by the best companies to teach English abroad, not everyone has the ability to drop everything to study TEFL full-time. While it’s not ideal to take a full course online, the best TEFL companies offer flexibility.

Check out the TEFL course details and look for a mix of online and in-class material. This will offer the best of both worlds, gaining hands-on experience in a real world setting with some flexibility to study in your free time.

4. 120 hours of material

While it’s definitely possible to find TEFL courses out there with a smaller time commitment, don’t settle for less than 120 hours of course material. Shorter, cheaper courses teach the basics for teaching English abroad, but the best TEFL companies offer longer courses so you can ensure you graduate with an accredited TEFL certificate.

Don’t skimp due to price! Invest in a 120-hour course and you’re guaranteed to be accepted and respected by future employers. In the end, the investment will be worth it, and you’ll make your money back in no time while teaching in the destination of your dreams.

5. In-country learning

TEFL certification is a great way to get out there and see the world — before you’re a full time international teacher.

The best part of top-notch TEFL companies, like The Language House TEFL, CIEE, and others, is the option for in-country learning. After all, if you’re ready to hit the ground running, why not earn your TEFL certification on-site? If you have the time and the money, in-country learning offers the ultimate learning package.

Not only can you learn in person, but you’ll also have the opportunity for cultural immersion and practical teaching experience in the cultural setting where you’ll eventually work. It ensures a smooth transition into the “real” teaching world, as well as connections to jobs in your destination.

6. Job assistance

Speaking of jobs, when considering which TEFL course is best, look for courses that offer job assistance. Earning a TEFL certification doesn’t always guarantee a job, but many of the best TEFL companies offer job assistance so you won’t be left on your own.

Some courses promise job placements in one specific destination, while others can help you find jobs all over the world. Some even offer lifetime job assistance, so you can hop from one country to another with the help of your original TEFL program.

Not only will this relieve some stress from the job hunting process, but it can send you on your way to becoming a global citizen in no time.

7. 24/7 on-site support

Life in another country can be difficult. You’re bound to feel moments of culture shock even in the best of times, and at the worst, you may run into obstacles you never knew existed. That’s why it’s always important to look for on-the-ground assistance when considering how to choose a TEFL course.

While most TEFL companies offer some type of on-site support, the best TEFL companies take it one step further, offering 24/7 support. Whether you need help organizing airport transfers upon arrival, finding accommodation in-country, or find yourself in an emergency situation, 24/7 on-site support promises that you will never be alone.

8. Cultural experiences

Soak up all the cultural experiences you can.

Part of the excitement of teaching English abroad is the cultural experience that goes with it. You won’t be spending every waking moment in the classroom, and you’ll want to be a part of a program that gets you out of your comfort zone and encourages you to integrate into the culture of your new home.

Look for programs that allow you to move in with a host family so you can live like a local. Take salsa lessons in Guatemala, cooking classes in Thailand, or take part in language exchange classes in Vietnam. The best TEFL companies offer excursions and other cultural experiences that help you learn about your destination while having a blast.

9. Networking

TEFL is a worldwide industry with opportunities in almost every country around the globe. While most enter the TEFL world in hopes of finding a rewarding way to spend a gap year abroad, it’s easy to make TEFL into a career path that takes you to all of your bucket list destinations.

When considering which TEFL course to take, why not look for opportunities for networking so you can become an active member in the industry? The best companies to teach English abroad offer community events, including conferences, pub nights, and even online platforms, so you can meet other teachers in the industry and learn of new opportunities in the wonderful world of TEFL.

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Don’t just choose a TEFL course — choose inclusions!

Pay attention to inclusions, and the best TEFL companies will make themselves obvious!

If you’re going to teach English abroad, don’t settle for anything less than the best programs out there. Do your research and take notice of the TEFL course details so you can get the most for your money.

Consider what’s important to you in a program: the teaching environment, support offered, and cultural immersion opportunities.

The best TEFL companies always offer inclusions. So take your time before jumping on your first option. In no time, your research will reveal which TEFL course is best to help you make your wildest dreams come true!

Explore ALL TEFL Courses Abroad on GoAbroad.com

This article was written with help from The Language House TEFL. The Language House TEFL prides themselves on their commitment to their trainees, and their mission to help them feel part of a greater community. Since 2004, over 3000 ESL teachers have graduated from The Language House TEFL, which offers programs online and in Prague, Czech Republic.