Frequently Asked Questions

INTESOL Recognition

First of all, why should you choose INTESOL?
INTESOL International is a global organisation that prides itself on the quality of tuition and support we lavish on all of our trainees, whether they be studying onsite or by distance learning. INTESOL may not be the cheapest provider of accredited TESOL courses but we do provide the greatest value for money. Providing an excellent service is about more than just quality course materials (although this is of upmost importance of course!), it's also about the level of support you receive as a student and as a graduate. The support network of INTESOL International is second to none. When you need help with any aspect of your course, a friendly Advisor is only a phone call or email away.

Are INTESOL courses internationally recognised?
Yes. Our prestigious accreditation with OCNW means INTESOL will provide you with a fully internationally recognised qualification recognised and respected by employers worldwide.

On completion of an INTESOL course what will be my teacher status?
You will be an accredited international English teacher, qualified to teach English to anyone who doesn't have English as their first language, in any country around the world.

Is INTESOL an accredited course provider?
Yes, our accreditation with the OCNW means that you will gain a professional, internationally recognised TEFL certificate.

Our accreditation with the ODLQC means INTESOL has achieved the high standards required as an Open and Distance Learning provider; Learning with an ODLQC-accredited provider means being sure of good service.

Are your distance learning TESOL/TEFL courses as equally respected as your onsite TESOL/TEFL courses?
The course materials are the same but the method of study is different. Both methods of study lead to the same award - OCNW Level 4 Certificate in TESOL. Issued certificates do not mention the method of study you have opted for, but those who have attended an onsite TEFL course that involved teaching practice will receive an additional Teaching Practice Certificate with performance report.

What are the most widely recognised and respected accreditation/validation bodies for TESOL?
When choosing a TESOL/TEFL course, whether it be onsite or online, you should make sure it is externally accredited/validated by one of the following bodies, which are recognised worldwide:

• OCNW (or any QCA approved awarding body)
• Cambridge/RSA
• Trinity College
• Any accredited University
• SIT
• RELSA
• College of Teachers

You will come accross other validation bodies (the actual validity of some being disputed), but for your own peace of mind we recommend you choose one of the above.

I've seen short (20/40/60 hour) courses that say they are accredited. Do these courses meet the requirements of employers who require certification?
In a word, NO. To access the best jobs and give yourself the best opportunities you should choose a course that fulfills the following criteria:

• The course must be at least 100 hours in length.
• The course must be externally validated by one of the previously mentioned validation/accreditation bodies.
• You should be able to gain observed and assessed teaching practice of at least 6 hours as part of the course programme.*
  
  *Some employers will hire teachers without observed teaching practice, but opportunities are more limited in some countries.

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Entry Requirements

What qualifications do I need?

• Native English speaker or a TOEFL score of 280 or higher
• Over 18 years of age
• Minimum of A levels/High School Diploma (although work experience and life experience are taken into account for those who have opted for a vocational path rather than an academic one)

Do I have to be a native English speaker to teach English?
No. Many non native English speakers are currently enjoying teaching English. A good command of written and spoken English is essential. Many schools like to employ non native English teachers because they feel they understand what it is like to learn English as a second language and this enables them to explain and empathise with their students. We request a minimum TOEFL score of 280.

What are the entry requirements for the INTESOL Diploma?
The prestigious INTESOL Diploma in TESOL is accredited by OCNW as being at Level 5 on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) for those wishing to access positions such as Lead Teacher, Assistant Director of Studies, Director of Studies and Teacher Trainer. An accredited TEFL/TESOL certificate* and at least one year of EFL/ESOL teaching experience is required.

*Please note that one-day, weekend, and 1 week TESOL/TEFL courses are not sufficient. Your certificate should have contained at least 100 hours of tuition and must be accredited by a professional educational body. The most widely respected validation bodies are the OCNW, College of Teachers, Cambridge/RSA CELTA, Trinity TESOL, RELSA, SIT or any University.

What are the entry requirements for the INTESOL Teaching Practice Programme?
The INTESOL teaching practice programme is only available to existing INTESOL students and is designed to follow the INTESOL distance learning online tefl course.

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General TEFL Questions

TEFL, TESOL and TESL what do they all mean?
Basically they all mean the same thing. They are terms used to describe the teaching of the English Language to students who are not native English speakers. The main difference is where the teaching takes place.

TEFL - Teaching English as a Foreign Language
Refers to teaching English overseas to those whose first language is not English.

TESL - Teaching English as a Second Language
Refers to teaching English in your home country to those whose first language is not English.

TESOL - Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages
A more up to date term that encompasses both TEFL and TESL, widely recognised worldwide

TEFL and TESOL tend to be used interchangeably in practice, which is why we use both terms on our website.

What is a Certificate in TEFL/TESOL?
An accredited Certificate such as the INTESOL Cert TESOL is an initial qualification that qualifies you to teach English to speakers of other languages in a variety of environments, i.e. public schools, private institutes and companies. In order for a Certificate to be internationally recognised it must be at least 100 hours in length, therefore introductory certificates shorter than 100 hours are not considered suitable. The INTESOL Cert TESOL is around 150 hours in length and externally validated and moderated by the OCNW, as being at level 4 on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF).

What is a Diploma in TEFL/TESOL?
A Diploma in TESOL is an advanced level course designed for practising teachers with at least one year of post-certificate teaching experience. Diploma courses are generally 300 - 400 hours in length and require you to be teaching at the time of study. A Diploma in TESOL gives you access to higher level positions such as Director of Studies, Assistant Director of Studies, Lead Teacher and Teacher Trainer. Beware of course providers labelling courses as 'diploma' if they are less than 300 hours in length and do not require you to already hold a certificate with at least one year of post-certificate experience; these are not recognised Diplomas!

Where can I teach English?
You have many countries to choose from. At last count there were over 190 counties in the world (or up 266 depending on who you speak to!) and ESL employment opportunities exist in all but the very few (The countries of North Korea, Bhutan and Iraq have all rejected westernism and English). For more detailed information about where to work view our TESOL careers pages.

Do I need a TEFL certificate to teach?
There are still a few schools around who will take on unqualified teachers but they will typically pay less and be in less desirable locations. As an INTESOL graduate you will have access to the best jobs in the most popular locations. You will also be fully prepared for your teaching experience.

Can I teach English in a native English speaking country?
Yes, many jobs are available in summer schools. Competition for positions in year round language schools will be more competitive making teaching practice/experience and life/vocational experience all the more important.

Do I need to speak the local language of the country in which I'm teaching?
No. In fact more often than not you will be asked not to speak the local language in class even if you do know it!

Can I use INTESOL as a referee for TEFL job applications?
Yes, you can use the INTESOL Course Director as a referee for all future TEFL job applications.

Studying with INTESOL

What courses does INTESOL offer?

1. Online Certificate in TESOL TEFL Course (with optional teaching practice)
2. Onsite Certificate in TESOL TEFL Course

Both the Onsite and Online TEFL course lead to the Cert.TESOL award accredited by the OCNW.

We also have specialised TEFL courses:

1. Certificate in English for Specific Purposes (ESP) by distance learning
2. Certificate in Teaching English to Young Learners (TEYL) by distance learning
3. Diploma in TESOL by distance learning

I'm currently a QTS/ESOL teacher. Which course should I choose?
If you've got some sound teaching experience and now need an internationally recognised certificate to aid promotion and career progression we recommend our online/distance learning TEFL course. For those who want to experience teaching foreign learners then we can offer you an optional week of teaching practice at a UK language school.

Can I teach business English?
The INTESOL Certificate in ESP (English for Specific Purposes) certification goes into great depth on teaching various specialised areas related to adult teaching.

Distance learning

How long will it take to complete the course?
The INTESOL distance learning approach enables you to work as quickly or as slowly as you wish. Here are the approximate course lengths so that you can calculate how long it may take you.
Online TEFL Course - 120 to 150 hours (150 hours assumes you have little or no experience and do the recommended background reading).
The minimum requirement for an internationally recognised certificate is 100 hours.
The current record for completion is 4 weeks, although average timescales for those working at the same time are 3 months. There is no time limit so if you need longer that is absolutely fine.
Certificate in English for Specific Purposes - ESP - 90 hours. Most trainees complete this course is 1 - 2 months.
Certificate in Teaching English to Young Learners - EYL - 70 hours. Most trainees complete this course is 1 - 2 months.
Diploma in TESOL - 350 hours. Most trainees complete this course in 6 - 12 months.

Do I need a computer?
It's up to you.
Yes, if you choose to receive your course on CD ROM and to submit your work by e-mail. You will need access to a computer with an Internet connection for work submission.
No, if you choose to receive the course in a paper format and submit your work by post.

What support will I receive during the course?
Your personal tutor will support you through detailed feedback and guidance.
A centralised team of TESOL Advisors are also available to assist you. If you feel you are in difficulties with any aspect of the course you are able to contact us by email, phone, fax or letter.

Who are the tutors?
All of our tutors are experienced teachers that are qualified to a high level. To meet them individually please see Meet the Tutors.

When will my work be returned to me?
It is the policy of INTESOL for tutors to return all course work within 7 working days of receipt. If you need to complete the course within a short timeframe please let us know and we will assign you a tutor who will work with you to achieve your goal. You are able to work on your next course module whilst marking is in progress.

When will I receive my certificates?
As soon as you have completed and passed your INTESOL course your certificates will be printed and forwarded to you.

Onsite courses

How long will it take to complete an onsite course?
You can choose The INTESOL 4 week TESOL or the INTESOL Flexible TESOL, which combines 2 weeks of home study and 2 weeks onsite.

If I opt for the Flexible TESOL and study some of the course by distance learning, will I be disadvantaged when looking for a job?
No.  The most important element of any onsite TESOL course is observed and assessed teaching practice, and this is what you will be dedicating a large portion of your time to during your 2 weeks onsite.  As an entry-level teacher in particular, employers will be most concerned that you have gained some practical experience in the classroom, with performance assessments for them to view if they wish.  The fact that you have gained some of the theory by distance learning will not hinder you as a teacher nor when looking for work.

Can I work straight after graduating?
Yes, many of our trainees wish to work and travel in Europe after their course. You will receive our Job guidance workshop as part of your course and we will put you in touch with local employers.

What are my chances of finding work locally after the course?
Very good; local demand for INTESOL graduates is high and many trainees stay on to work in Europe. Demand for both American and British English is high.

What support will I get during the course?
INTESOL will give you all the support you need to fulfil your potential.

When will I receive my certificates?
Immediately after the successful completion of your studies.

Visa Requirements
For citizens of European Union member countries visas are not required for Spain or the Czech Republic. Other nationalities will find a guide below.

Can you provide accommodation?
Yes, you are free to source your own accommodation if you wish but the majority of INTESOL trainees will utilise the quality accommodation we can offer you.

Will you help me adapt to the new environment?
Yes, INTESOL will take time to introduce you to the staff, other students and the city.

Who are the tutors?
You can meet the tutors individually by clicking here.

Can you describe a typical day?
A typical day will consist of input sessions in the morning and early afternoon followed by teaching practice (where you practice teaching and observe other trainees). After teaching practice a critique session is held where both trainees and trainer sit together, exchange constructive criticism and reflect on the different lessons they observed.

A typical daily schedule may look like this:

10.00 am - 12.30 pm: Input sessions
12.30 pm - 13.30 pm: Lunch
13.30 pm - 15.00 pm: Input sessions
15.15 pm - 16.30 pm: preparation for teaching practice
16.30 pm - 18.00 pm: Teaching practice
18.00 pm - 19.00 pm: Critique session

Assuming I pass what will I actually receive?
Upon successful completion of the course you are entitled to receive 3 certificates and a reference upon request:

• The INTESOL Certificate in TESOL.
• OCNW Certificate in TESOL
• OCNW Course Transcript
• The INTESOL Teaching Practice Certificate with performance report.
• INTESOL will provide written references for you on request.

Teaching Practice

How long is the teaching practice element?
Teaching practice takes place over a full week, Monday to Friday for 8 hours per day.

What will I get?
You will gain live classroom experience in a real language school with experienced English teachers and overseas English students. You will gain confidence, experience and receive the INTESOL Teaching Practice Certificate with performance report.

Where can you offer me teaching practice?

• London, UK (2 centres)
• Nantwich, Cheshire, UK
• Great Yarmouth, UK

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After the course

Does INTESOL offer Job placement assistance?
Yes. We provide students with a comprehensive listing of overseas language schools, agencies, recruiters, and web sites advertising over 20,000 teaching jobs every month.
You will also have access to our online careers advice service.
In addition, onsite trainees will receive a comprehensive job guidance workshop and assistance will be given to introduce them to local employers.

Does the INTESOL certificate expire?
No, INTESOL provides you with qualifications and life skills that last for life.

Lifetime Job Guarantee
We offer a lifetime job guarantee with our online TEFL courses the Cert TESOL and Cert TESOL PLUS. You'll get a job, or we'll give you your money back. Terms and conditions apply.

Cancellations and refunds
Please check our terms and conditions carefully.