Our top Online TEFL/TESOL Certificate Choices

As the world becomes more interconnected, the demand for English language teachers is on the rise. However, the supply of teachers now exceeds this demand, leading to a market flooded with newly certified teachers holding less-than-ideal teaching certificates. If you find yourself in this situation, don’t panic. Before embarking on your TEFL journey, make sure it’s accredited by checking this link: Guide to TEFL Accrediting Bodies.

If you have a passion for teaching and exploring new cultures, obtaining a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) certificate is an excellent way to embark on a rewarding career while immersing yourself in unique experiences. but, it can be daunting, there are so many TEFL companies out there, who to trust?  TEFL Freedom is independent so we’ve done the hard work and chosen the best online courses  because we truly believe getting a cheap online TEFL course is just a waste of time and effort, and that is why we only work with companies that give practical teaching skills with Job Guidance Online or Placements in Country, needed in today’s competitive ESL teaching market, so you can confidently begin a teaching career and not just be left wondering, ‘what do I do next?’

So let’s get started!!

Xplores-LEVEL 5 TESOL: Best Value and Culture Orientation

When it comes to maximizing the value of your investment, look no further than Xplores Online Level 5 TESOL—it stands out as the ultimate all-around seller. Boasting a Level 5 TESOL certification, fully accredited by UK OfQual this program excels in delivering exceptional quality while maintaining affordability, placing it in a league of its own. What sets it apart is not only its certification level but also the ongoing support this certificate gives you to find students—a unique feature that solidifies its position as the best choice for aspiring teachers.

Competitively priced, the course fee reflects the inclusive nature of the offering. This isn’t just any TESOL course; it’s a high-quality investment that goes beyond the ordinary. Moreover, this TESOL program takes pride in its comprehensive cultural orientation, providing valuable insights into local customs, traditions, and languages of potential teaching destinations. The emphasis on cultural immersion is a distinguishing factor, ensuring that you are well-equipped to tackle the challenges of teaching online or in foreign countries.

But the value doesn’t stop there. This TESOL program goes the extra mile by offering  job placement program alongside for those looking to teach abroad. For those interested in forging a career in teaching abroad, lifetime job support is also on the table. In essence, it’s not just a TESOL program; it’s a pathway to a fulfilling your teaching career.

In summary, this Online TESOL is our top pick for the best value, seamlessly combining a teaching practicum, and a host of support services. It’s more than a certification—it’s your gateway to a successful and rewarding teaching journey.

TEFL UK Accredited Online TEFL & Teaching Practicum Course

Our next in line is a newbie to the table and its not just because we partner with them, its because they are independently owned, award winning TEFL provider who are passionate about their community. You can also choose from the advanced range of TEFL courses, and their team of tutors, IQAs, writers and keyboard warriors are dotted around the world, making this a truly international bunch but with a local feel.

Why take this course?

Over 93% of students recommend TEFL UK

TEFL is a year round industry with 1,000s of job opportunities available every month, No prior teaching experience necessary to take our courses and you can study anywhere on a mobile, laptop or tablet. Lifetime access to course materials and you can teach English online, overseas, set up your own teaching company. The possibilities with TEFL are endless!

Over 1 billion people worldwide are learning English which means TEFL offers literally a world of opportunities for part-and full-time work. We support English Education in the world’s poorest communities.

International TEFL and TESOL Training (ITTT)

International TEFL and TESOL Training (ITTT) is another option for obtaining a TEFL certificate. They offer a comprehensive 550-hour expert diploma courses, including a TEFL/TESOL Certificate and Diploma in Young Learners and Business in this 550-hour course, along with practical experience through a practicum online.

Although I’m not a fan of TEFL diplomas and I believe that 550 hours is not necessary, this particular course still offers some valuable features.. To avoid overwhelming you with too much information at once, the course is conveniently divided into twenty individual units that gradually build on each other to enhance your understanding. Despite my reservations about online TEFL  diplomas programs, I can appreciate the user-friendly design of this course, which allows you to comfortably work through it at your preferred pace. Additionally, most of the course units include supplementary videos that provide additional depth to each subject. Thus, despite my skepticism towards TEFL diplomas, I recognize that this course’s unique combination of materials provides a comprehensive introduction to EFL teaching theory and practice.

While ITTT may not provide the same level of extensive job placement assistance, as other online courses, it offers One-on-One Live Job Consultancy.

The TEFL Academy with Practicum 

For those on a tighter budget, The TEFL Academy  offers a cost-effective alternative. With their affordable course fees, The TEFL Academy provides a comprehensive TEFL certification program, including an optional practicum component. I highly recommend doing the practicum at the same time as their online course because without the practicum, you may find some Schools will not see this as qualified, so don’t think you will be saving money by doing the cheaper course, pay for both as this is the best online Course going for those who want to gain experience and need the TEFL Cert.  I am going to add this as this was the Course I took, I did this course back in 2017, when 20 hours of practicum was a requirement, so for those that think you can do it alone, think again, this practicum element was valuable beyond the 20 hours, I could never be the teacher I am without it.

The TEFL Academy is an Award Winning Provider and the Level 3 and Level 5 Diploma courses, are internationally recognized qualification. They provide optional modules that focus on teaching young learners or teaching business English. These additional modules can help you specialize in specific areas of teaching, making you more competitive in the job market.

It’s also important to note that the course fee do not includ

e job placement support. However, if you are confident in your ability to adapt to new cultures and secure teaching positions independently, The TEFL Academy can be an excellent choice for obtaining your TEFL certification, no other online TEFL company would I recommend without Job placements, but their support was invaluable, so I didn’t feel like I was left alone. I had all the tools and went and applied and found a job in the first week.

Premier TEFL offers an Online Level 5 TEFL Diploma course

Premier TEFL offers an Online Level 5 TEFL Diploma course, which is a highly regarded qualification in the industry. At the moment they are offering Free gifts with purchase of 180 hour course

It provides comprehensive training and prepares you for teaching English as a foreign language in a variety of settings. What I love about Premier is they also offer a range of add-on extension courses that allow you to specialize in specific areas such as teaching young learners, teaching business English, or IELTS and teaching online. These extension courses provide valuable additional skills and knowledge, enhancing your teaching abilities and expanding your job prospects.

Overall, Our Top Seller the Level 5 TESOL which stands out as the top choice for its exceptional value for money as they offer a well-rounded TESOL certification program, job placement guarantee and support for online teaching. International TEFL and TESOL Training (ITTT) provides a solid foundation through their expert diploma course self paced over a longer time period, while The TEFL Academy & TEFL UK offers a budget-friendly option with an optional practicum, Premier TEFL offers some great add on options. And whilst there are literally 100’s of companies out there, these 4 will all give you the skills you need to become an excellent teacher.

As each option caters to different preferences and priorities, it’s important to consider your individual needs and budget when deciding. Want to find out more – speak to TEFL Freedom  and book a call on our website and although you always see, ‘Native Speakers’ only, anyone can take a TEFL Course online and many non natives teach online, teaching abroad however, can be more challenging, so do check out eligibility to teach abroad. 

We’ve done the hard work for you so you don’t have to!

Written by Debra Mann 3/7/2023 updated 24/6/2024