TEFL Courses & Certification in British Columbia, Canada

When shopping around for TEFL abroad in British Columbia, there are a few important factors to take into consideration before you make your decision.

Course structure/format. If you are interested to just teach at the elementary level after you get TEFL certified in British Columbia, a 100 or 120-hour certificate from any school would be sufficient to teach in many countries. If you are looking to teach as a career or at a higher level, the CELTA or DELTA might be the best choice for you.

Length of courses/requirements. Many TEFL certification classes in British Columbia are 3-4 weeks in duration. Most have classes five days per week, but options are available for blended online and weekend classes. This flexible option could leave you plenty of time to explore BC during the week! Options include 100-hour, 120-hour, and CELTA/DELTA certification. 

Job placement assistance. Job placements are included with many TEFL courses in British Columbia. However, it’s important to note that job placement is typically outside of Canada. Competition for English teaching positions in Canada is extremely competitive, as Canada has a plethora of native English speaking citizens to fill the slots.

In addition to the costs of TEFL courses in British Columbia, you will need to consider the cost of living in Western Canada. British Columbia, particularly Vancouver, is known for being a very expensive place to live. Some programs offer homestay options, which enable you to engage with Canadian culture outside of your classes. This type of arrangement would typically provide some meals as well, so it could be a way to save money! There is also the option of student housing, so you could live with other travelers who are taking TEFL courses in British Columbia.

The student house option could provide a great choice for students age 19 or older who want to live with other students without the stress of finding independent housing on their own. Many students also choose to rent their own apartment during TEFL abroad in British Columbia. Since most of the TEFL courses in BC are only a few weeks in duration, finding a monthly rental through Airbnb might be your best bet, as landlords might be reluctant to rent to someone for only one month. Hostels or lower cost hotels could also be an option you might consider in BC.

One might think, why pay to get TEFL certified in British Columbia rather than get one in my home city? One benefit is the opportunity to test out living in a new country before taking the plunge into full time teaching abroad. If you have never lived abroad before, you might be nervous about homesickness, learning your way around a new country, or any of the other worries that plague new travelers. Taking TEFL certification classes in British Columbia can be a great way to dip your toes into expat living while still being immersed in a Western, English-speaking environment.

Outside of class, British Columbia offers many activities to keep TEFL students busy! Whale watching is a popular activity between the months of March and October. For a true Canadian experience, you could check out a Vancouver Canucks (a major Canadian hockey team) game. And of course, British Columbia is famous for their city of Whistler, home to one of the largest ski resorts in North America. British Columbia is a great option for students who want to learn to teach English in one of the most beautiful regions of North America.