How do I choose which TEFL/TESOL school to go to?
Some useful questions to ask yourself about choosing a TEFL course.
- Is there a 'Selection Task'?
If the school has a Selection Task, it indicates that the school is selective about its trainees and not just a money making enterprise.
- Is there an interview as a part of the application process?
Filling in a selection task should not be the end of the selection process. Again an interview shows the school is serious about its selection procedure and if you are accepted you can feel confident that you have the ability to pass the course.
- Who is conducting the interview?
Many course have agencies, or other bodies selling the course. This means your interviewer might be someone who has never even visited the centre. If your interviewer is working at the centre then they can answer your questions accurately and give you realistic expectations.
- Is the school externally validated?
If the school has external validation then it is bound by the validation guidelines and the quality of the course is assessed by an independent body.
- If the school is externally validated, by whom is it?
Trinity and Cambridge are the most widely recognised bodies.
- Is the Certificate obtained upon graduation recognized by The British
Council?
If your certificate is not recognised by The British Council you could have difficulty finding work in some areas such as the UK.
- Is there a limit number of a course members?
Some course have as many as 40 trainees on the course.
- What is the ratio of training staff to trainees?
One trainer per four or five trainees seems like a sensible ratio.