Hybrid 120-Hour Combined TEFL Course

I did a lot of research on how and where to do professional teacher training. I would typically ask my shortlist of TELF programs how they trained and what learner outcomes I would achieve upon graduation. Most replies just referred me to their website. But when I emailed Vantage I got prompt and detailed answers. They phone me even before I came to Thailand and we had a very detailed conversation about what a TEFL is all about, the type of training and teaching methodologies I would be studying, and how their practice teaching worked. They also presented me with my immediate job prospects upon TEFL certification and. importantly, what were my long-term prospects in the English teaching industry. That was important as I was investing in developing new skills that I could use in a new position and a different industry. I did Vantage’s Combined Course which included a full practicum of six observed teaching practices. The course book was online, which was ideal in these days of Covid lockdowns. I got a lot of teaching theory and knowledge from the coursebook, but where I really developed my teaching skills was in my observed practice teaching (OTPs as Vantage called them). I taught real non-English speaking Thai students and working professionals over a two-week period. But first I needed to know how to make a professional lesson plan. Vantage’s Director of Training was very patient in working with me in developing lesson plans for all six of my OTPs—each one on a different language topic. Then, during the actual teaching demos, Vantage trainers observed all of my classes after which they presented valuable and insightful feedback. I learned what I did well (more than I thought) and what they wanted to see more of in the next class session. I got better as a teacher with each session I taught. My students noticed it too! For me, taking a TEFL without practice teaching is like learning to play guitar without ever strumming the instrument. The team at Vantage was more than helpful as well as accommodating, and professional. If, like me, you are launching yourself in a new teaching career, these are the guys to talk to.

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I first did the 20 unit course book online for Vantage’s Combined course. I completed this before I came to Thailand. The next step was to do my practice teaching in Bangkok. As I showed up a week early, the trainers invited me to sit in on any of their In-Class course sessions I wanted. It was so good on the first couple of days that I ended up sitting on the whole course again. I got the best of both worlds! The online part was really good, but attending a class with a lead trainer that has some 25 years of experience is a whole different story. He added a lot of insight that went well beyond the course book. He also uses a workshop style that makes for a lot of discussion and role-playing. It was my six observed teaching practices where that knowledge I learned online was transformed into effective teaching skills I could use in a classroom. After each teaching session, I had a private consultation on what went well and what they challenged me to try in my next class. I couldn’t imagine doing a TEFL with a practice teaching component. In the end, I felt completely confident to teach to anyone anywhere. Thank you Vantage!

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