A TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) course can be a perfect gateway to international adventures and a fulfilling career in teaching English abroad.
However, not all TEFL courses are viewed equally and accreditation plays an important role. To ensure you receive the best training and opportunities, it's essential to understand the role of accreditation in the TEFL industry.
Wits Plus 9 Oct 2023
TEFL accreditation is a certification process through which a TEFL course is evaluated and recognised as meeting specific quality standards. Accreditation ensures that the course content, instructors, and teaching methods are of high quality, providing you with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in the field of English language teaching. Unfortunately, there is no singular accreditation body for TEFL and accreditation can vary vastly within the industry.
Quality assurance: Accreditation guarantees that your TEFL course meets internationally recognised standards. It ensures that you receive a high-quality education that prepares you for the challenges of teaching English effectively to non-native speakers.
Employability: Many employers worldwide, especially reputable language schools and educational institutions, require TEFL teachers to have completed accredited courses. Holding an accredited TEFL certificate can significantly enhance your job prospects and earning potential.
Visa requirements: Some countries have specific visa requirements for English teachers, and accredited TEFL certification may be a prerequisite for obtaining a work visa.
Before enrolling in a TEFL course, always verify the accreditation claims made by the provider. Make sure you understand the terminology being used in the marketing and do your own research into what the accreditation of the course involves. It’s not necessary to be accredited by several organisations – more accreditation doesn’t mean better quality. Here’s how to verify accreditation:
- Check the website: accredited courses usually display their accreditation information prominently on their websites. Look for logos or certificates from recognised accrediting bodies.
- Contact the accrediting body:- Read reviews: look for reviews and testimonials from students who have completed the course. Positive feedback from satisfied graduates can be a good indicator of the course's quality.
- Ask questions: don't hesitate to contact the TEFL course provider and ask questions about their accreditation status, course content, and the instructors’ experience and expertise.
University-accredited TEFL courses tend to have higher quality assurance standards for several reasons:
- Academic rigour: university-accredited TEFL programmes are often designed with the same level of academic rigor as other university courses. This ensures that you receive a comprehensive and well-structured education.
- Qualified instructors: universities typically employ experienced instructors with advanced degrees in education or linguistics, contributing to the quality of instruction.
- Ongoing oversight: university programmes are subject to ongoing academic scrutiny and quality assessment, which helps maintain the high standards of the courses.
In conclusion, accreditation ensures that you receive a high-quality education, which will open doors to exciting teaching opportunities around the world. By choosing an accredited TEFL programme, you're investing in your future as a successful and confident English language teacher, ready to make a positive impact on the lives of your students. So, take the time to research and choose the right accredited TEFL course that aligns with your career goals and aspirations.
Self-paced and fully online TEFL courses over eight weeks start on the first Monday of every month at the Wits Plus Language School.
