TEFL Courses & Certification in Chicago, United States

I would highly recommend this program to anyone looking for the opportunity to teach and travel abroad. I think that it is super beneficial to take the in person course as opposed to the online course. I think it makes a big difference to be able to form the relationships with the other teachers and the instructors of the course. I found so much value in spending time with like minded individuals and have made some wonderful friendships.

Having taken these TEFL courses of ITA, I have learnt much and gained valuable teaching methods and experience under the supervision of Nicole and Juliana. This course is dedicatedly designed for tefl/tesol learners in order for them to succeed in their future TEFL. I have studied a lot that I did not know before in this pedogogical sphere of English within this short period of time. Every day I returned back home with new thoughts, experiences, innovative teaching methods that were taught in the very ITA. I feel thankful for the efforts of ITA and ever-helping instructors and do recommend for newcomers to taste the sweetness of ITA. At the same time I would like to remind that nothing will come ease, as most of you know easy comes easy goes, so great things come with challenges. Then, ready for challenge? Good luck!

If you're just looking to travel abroad just for fun and scratch that "digital nomad" itch, this course is not for you. Instead, choose one of the TEFL courses on the market with phrases like, "get certified in a weekend!" and "TEFL certification for only $25.00!" ITA's 190-hour course is for people who take the responsibility of teaching seriously. Don't get me wrong: traveling and living abroad were both reasons why I wanted to get certified in the first place. But If you want to feel confident standing in front of a classroom of foreign language learners, this is where you need to study. I took the course within a class of eight. We each received personalized, well-thought-out feedback from our morning and evening instructors. We worked as a team and developed close bonds with one another. Even before I graduated I gained access to teacher networks, lesson-planning materials, and job boards that compiled positions from credible schools and recruiters. This course is not for the casual EFL teacher. If you choose to enroll, be ready to WORK. But you'll walk away with a massive support system and a variety of tools that will make you a formidable language teacher.

This was truly an excellent experience. The class was challenging, the work was hard, and the instructors were fantastic. I mean this sincerely. it far exceeded my expectations. Also, I developed strong relationships with my fellow students and now colleagues. I highly recommended this. You come out of this course ready to roll! The future is so bright, you have to wear shades!

I studied at the Chicago location with International Tefl Academy. I'm so glad that I took this in person course instead of an online course! The material reviewed was incredibly thorough and the practicum hours were convenient. This school offers lifetime assistance for job searching and resume help - that alone pays for the course. I can't recommend this school enough!

Going abroad to teach English was always something in the back of my mind but never seriously considered. When I did finally give some serious thought to it, the International TEFL Academy answered my questions and provided more material on the entire process. My admission adviser, Robert, helped me draw up a timeline of when and where I would like to begin my journey. Nicole and Juliana were very thorough on their lessons; the classes went beyond class room management and grammar. The practicum provided experience teaching ESL students of all levels and learning types.

I’m glad that I decided to enroll at ITA to pursue my goals of teaching abroad. I feel thoroughly equipped to go out and carve my path now that I have been certified. I do not come a teaching English education background so each and every day at the Chicago course was immensely helpful to me. The lessons taught to our class were second to none and I am very fortunate to have been apart of the June 2019 class!

My experience at the International TEFL Academy (ITA) has been wonderful! Having had no prior teaching experience, I have learned so much in only 4 weeks. I feel much more comfortable and prepared to teach foreign students English. While ITA offers this course online, I'm so glad I took the in person class in Chicago. I loved having professors and fellow students to bounce ideas off of and the practicum was already set-up for me to complete. All of their staff are highly knowledgeable and have taught English abroad. The fact I had to speak to actual human being before I could even apply, showed me just how seriously they take their job. While it is an expensive and intensive program, it is definitely worth it!

My course at the International TEFL Academy (Chicago) was a very humble experience packed with determined students, eager ESLs, encouraging instructors, and supportive staff members. I went into the program doubting my every move. However, over time I became so comfortable and eager to test my limits. It's just for weeks but it was just enough time for me to overcome 80% of my fears with teaching overseas.

The class overall was hard but it makes you think differently about is this what I really want to do. Even if by end of the class you still not sure at least you stuck it out and will have so many more options available to you. It was like a bootcamp for grammar but still wouldn't change anything about it. You cant pick you classmates unfortunately, but I will say at least the one thing you don't have to worry about is the teachers they were all amazing in class and wish I could take them with me everywhere ^_^.

This was by far the best academic experience of my entire life- and I've finished my four-year degree. The sense of community was amazing and I'm so lucky to have spent this class with other people who were so dedicated and committed to doing well academically.

This course was amazing. Although it is a lot of hard work, it is well worth it. I loved getting the opportunity to teach actual ESL students before having to do it abroad. The instructors were great and very knowledgable about their topics. I give this course a 10/10!!

This TEFL course in Chicago allowed myself and many others to have hands on training and knowledge from instructors who have traveled abroad and taught. In addition, students will have the opportunity to teach and make lesson plans for ESL students from around the world. If I could I would take this class again in a heart beat, I truly feel prepared to go abroad and teach students English.

It's very intense, lots of things are packed into just 1 month. But you can learn useful things and it gives you some preparation to teach ESL/EFL students. I recommend it if you are okay with doing practically nothing but studying/working all day, for a month

This course was intense and demanding and I wouldn't change one minute of it! My instructors were knowledgeable and always available for help or even just an encouraging word. The culture of the entire place is so warm and uplifting. Every staff member I encountered genuinely wants you to succeed. With this type of environment, the course load doesn't seem so daunting. The classes were thorough and packed to the gills with information. But all that is worth it just for the student teaching! The primary reason I selected this course was for the practicum and trust me you won't regret it! I gained so much valuable insight and experience from my practicum teaching. I couldn't imagine taking the course online and having to manage it on my own. There are so many resources available to you just by being in the building. Whatever excuses you have, just stop it and sign up for the course. You won't regret it and you will most definitely get a return on the investment in yourself!

Everyone is very professional but personable to the students. They’ve all been to bunch of different places so it was easy to pick their brain and decide where you want to travel to as well. Not to mention students affairs couldn’t be any easier to contact and get help from.

I took the in person class in Chicago, IL. It was more expensive and more educationally rigorous than the average TEFL certification, but it was 100% worth it. I learned so much from the instructors, and I feel fully prepared to go and teach abroad. In addition to the quality education, I made friends who have a passion for travel. We are already planning to visit each other when we are abroad!

The Chicago TEFL course was no joke! It was a very busy program, but everything we learned was practical and enjoyable. The two instructors are incredible and the practicum is life changing. ITA Chicago is a wonderful atmosphere and there are some very friendly people (and dogs) who are always willing to help and chat. I will recommend this program to anyone and everyone. I loved my time there and made some lifelong friends.

This course gives you all of the tools you need to be successful abroad. You will have access to some of the material covered to use in your future classrooms and be able to relate it back to in class lessons. As a class you practice many activities together for all age groups. The two professors share their practical experience abroad and push you out of your comfort zone in the right ways. After taking this course I feel confident in my abilities and I'm happy to have access to a supportive community in the future!

Taking this class was honestly the best decision I have ever made. It is four weeks of hard work, but I have also never had so much fun in one class. Going to class for 7+ hours a day might some intimidating at first, but don't let it scare you off! I learned so much and the instructors were so knowledgeable that there was never a dull moment in class. Even after four years of college, I can easily and confidently say that the instructors/teachers at ITA are the best I have ever had. Saying that they inspired me is an understatement. I am so happy that I chose to do an in person course. One of my favorite parts was having the opportunity to teach real ESL students for the practicum. ITA also is like one big family and you will get close to your classmates as well as the staff. The entire staff has once gone through the course and they want to see you succeed. You can meet with them at any time for job search guidance. This is going to sound cheesy, but I walked away with more than a TEFL certificaiton. I walked away with warm memories and new friendships. If you are even thinking about getting a TEFL certificaiton do it through ITA.