The Importance Of An Accredited TEFL Program

TEFL Accreditation

Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL), whether domestically or abroad, can be an immensely rewarding profession. It is one that not only delivers a high level of satisfaction but also offers a great variety of opportunity for one’s world to expand. Given the impact that teaching English as a foreign language can have, it is important that you seek a program that has the full and appropriate certification from the international TEFL accrediting body.

Throughout English and especially in the greater London area, there are a large number of organisations or programs that offer courses in how to become a teacher of English as a foreign language. Some are in person, some are online and some offer courses in both modalities. The cost, format and length of the whole program will no doubt factor into your decision as to which program to enroll in. However, one should not overlook the importance of approval from the governing TEFL accrediting body.

When undertaking a course of study, you should be mindful of not only the classes and material to be covered but of what your end goal is. You will want to have in hand upon completion of your program what will essentially become your passport to a new profession—and the world, in some manner as well. If you waste your time on a program that is not fully certified by the global TEFL accreditation body, you may have a very difficult time in finding employment as a teacher of English as a foreign language. Most schools or institutes that offer English as a second language courses require completion of a course that is fully accredited by the World TEFL Accrediting Commision (WTEFLAC). If you do not have this certification, you may be out of the running for many teaching positions, irregardless of where they are located or any past experience you may have.

Just as you would take great care in selecting a university course, you should take the time up front to research the various programs that offer certification in teaching English as a foreign langauge. Find out first and foremost if they are recognised by the TEFL Accreditation Body. Then you will want to find out how long they have had their accreditation and how many students they have graduated in that time. All of this will tell you the overall commitment the organisation has to their accreditation and, therefore, to the profession of teaching English as a foreign language overall. The greater their commitment, the better prepared you know that you will be once you complete your course of studies.