Vantage TEFL Certification

Vantage’s TEFL course is intensive as I was advised before enrolling. Having said that, it’s not that the course is difficult to understand, it’s that there is a lot of material to get your head around. I found if I kept at it each day, it was quite manageable. Even when talking about grammar—just part of the course—the course instructors made the subject manageable and highly engaging. My observed teaching practices were where Vantage truly excelled. The feedback I got after each class was instrumental in developing the teaching skills I will need to be a successful in the classroom. Vantage was always there every step of the way to reassure me and kept building my confidence with each practice session. Vantage’s job services was also great. Their Jobs Coach showed us how to build a professional resume and cover letters and we also covered interviewing techniques to get schools interest in you. I was interviewing with multiple schools the first week out the door. In the end, I landed a fantastic job with an annual contract at a leading international school in Bangkok. Vantage was an amazing experience. I would definite recommended working with these guys for anyone looking to build a teaching career.

While doing my research I saw there were a lot of TEFL programs in Thailand but not many in Bangkok, especially not good quality ones that have an in-class training. Based on the reviews and conditions that weren't hard for me to fulfill as a non-native English speaker to join the course, I decided Vantage would be a good choice. After a visit to the school, I was convinced that Vantage was the right place to be and I wasn't wrong. TEFL training was intensive, but I've come to learn so much during the 120-hours course. Our group was small so we had the full attention of the trainers and we were able to express any doubts we had and get personalized feedback. I wasn't sure I was cut out to be a teacher but after the course and especially the practical part where we had to teach Thai students, I gained confidence and was able to improve my abilities while applying what I've learned. I would recommend this school and especially in-person classes to anyone who wishes to start a teaching career, whether they've had experience teaching or want to switch careers like me. Vantage trainers are knowledgeable and offer great support when it comes to seeking job opportunities. Plus with this school you'll have some fun while studying, which should always be a part of a great unforgettable learning experience

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.