About INTESOL

Introduction to INTESOL

Thousands of INTESOL graduates have studied for a variety of reasons, but primarily:

• To fulfil their dream of living and working overseas
• To enjoy a change of career
• To further their career and personal development

Or to simply flex their minds!

Typically, INTESOL helps those wishing to enjoy a TEFL career break, career change or develop their current TEFL teaching career. With no upper age limits (you must be 18 or over) and no previous teaching experience required, we attract a broad mix of students.

We are ranked amongst the top TEFL course providers for the quality of our teaching so, whatever your reason for studying, you'll find yourself in expert hands.

With INTESOL you have the option to gain your accredited TEFL certificate via the traditional Onsite Intensive Approach, or by flexible online/distance learning.

Our Mission

The overall mission of INTESOL is to help people from a broad range of backgrounds achieve a varied and fulfilling lifestyle through teaching English and living abroad.

Our aim is to help you develop and grow as a person by showing you how to become a confident, well-resourced, professional ESOL/EFL teacher.

Through continuing research and development INTESOL seeks to be the world leader in quality TESOL/TEFL training; TESOL/TEFL training that takes into account the demands of every day life.

History of INTESOL

Course Director Lynda Hazelwood founded INTESOL in 1993 on the belief that TEFL tuition should be available to all, regardless of age, race, gender, work and family commitments. Lynda believed that anyone with the ability to communicate clearly in English should be given the opportunity and encouragement to gain a professional qualification in TESOL/TEFL.

In the beginning INTESOL ran weekend introductory TESOL/TEFL courses. Research found that 80% of the participants then wanted to take a TESOL/TEFL course that would qualify them to teach ESOL/EFL, but most could not give up four weeks of their time to attend an intensive TESOL/TEFL course. In response to this, Lynda Hazelwood began to develop teaching materials that could be used for distance learning. The Certificate of Educational Studies in TESOL by distance learning was born!

A short time later the INTESOL TESOL/TEFL certificate course gained accreditation from the College of Teachers, the chartered body for the teaching profession in the UK.

Today, INTESOL is a truly global TEFL/TESOL training organisation with new branches opening every year throughout the world, running both onsite and distance learning TESOL/TEFL courses.

INTESOL graduates are working in all corners of the globe, from Spain to Thailand, from Korea to Costa Rica.

Study Options with INTESOL

INTESOL has two main styles of teaching: Supported Distance Learning and Classroom Based Learning.

Supported Distance Learning means you will be learning in your own time, by reading course material, working on course activities and completing tasks.

INTESOL uses a carefully structured approach to learning and will help you every step of the way. Your personal tutor will support you. With each returned module you will receive an assessment sheet, which allows your trainer to comment on your progress, giving advice and guidance for future modules.

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.

Classroom Based Learning means you will attend an onsite class where you will be taught by a number of trainers and have the opportunity to interact with other TEFL trainees. Classroom based learning also includes teaching practice on real language students.

Each module of your course will be illustrated by practical methods and strategies for use in the ESOL classroom, with a real balance between theory and practice.

Onsite TESOL/TEFL Courses

Onsite intensive TESOL/TEFL courses have long been the traditional route to getting qualified before teaching English abroad. We have a choice of locations in the TEFL hot spots of the World, which means you can coincide your TESOL/TEFL course with the beginning of your new overseas adventure.

Distance Learning Online TESOL/TEFL Courses

Whilst our 4 week onsite TESOL/TEFL courses have always been popular, most students require greater flexibility due to work or family commitments. These students benefit greatly from being able to study part-time, working from home or wherever it's convenient. Our unique method of study - supported distance learning - means that you can set your own timetable around the way you live.

We provide top quality teaching materials, regular feedback on your progress and help when you need it. You can receive the course on CD-ROM or in paper format, whatever works best for you.

From the start, you will be in touch with our support centre and allocated a personal tutor. You'll also have the opportunity to exchange ideas with other students.

Observed Teaching Practice in UK Accredited Language Schools

In the early years, many INTESOL distance TESOL/TEFL course trainees asked us how they could enhance their skills and confidence before going live in the classroom. In response to this need, we pioneered flexible TESOL/TEFL training methods unrivalled by any other TESOL/TEFL course provider. You can choose to combine supported distance learning with one or two weeks of classroom based learning at a choice of centres in worldwide.

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Studying Outside the UK

INTESOLs 'supported distance learning' TESOL/TEFL courses enable you to study from anywhere in the world.

If you wish to study outside the UK, we can offer you support by email, post, phone, or fax. The fastest and most efficient method of study involves the submission of work by email, although we can arrange for pen to paper submission if this is more suitable.

You might also be able to contact other students to organise your own informal study group. Your local INTESOL representative or regional centre will be happy to help arrange a study group for you.

We currently have students studying in over 30 different countries worldwide. We have local representatives in some countries. Please contact INTESOL Central Admissions for more information on .

Recognition of INTESOL TESOL/TEFL Qualifications

TESOL/TEFL qualifications awarded by INTESOL are recognised by TEFL institutions throughout the UK, the European Union and the rest of the world. They are the mark of your academic success but also have added value because they show that you have commitment, ambition and self-discipline - qualities important to prospective TEFL employers.

Over the years, language schools all over the world have encouraged and sponsored their staff to take INTESOL TESOL/TEFL courses.

TESOL/TEFL Course Accreditation

External accreditation by a reputable educational body is essential if you wish to gain a qualification that is internationally recognised and respected.

INTESOL is proud to be an accredited centre of The College of Teachers.

The examining body responsible for validating both distance and onsite TESOL/TEFL courses is the College of Teachers, the chartered body for the teaching profession in the UK. This validating body was chartered in 1849 and is authorised to provide professional qualifications to teachers in the UK and abroad.

The standing of an accredited qualification awarded under the charter of The College of Teachers is considered equivalent to qualifications awarded by British Universities.

In a recent statement, regarding recognition, the British Council in London wrote:

"Currently we consider reputable ELT validating bodies to include UCLES, Trinity College, any UK University and the College of Teachers."

In addition to TESOL/TEFL courses being accredited by the College of Teachers, INTESOL has achieved accreditation with the ODLQC (Open and Distance Learning Quality Council). Established in 1969 by a joint government/private sector initiative, ODLQC is the national body that assesses quality in open and distance learning in the UK. Its role is to recognise quality of service through its accreditation scheme, and to protect the interests of the learner.
ODLQC accreditation is awarded only after rigorous assessment, by independent experts, of the educational service offered by a provider, to ensure that it meets the Standards set by the Council.

All INTESOL Teaching Practice Centres are accredited by the Association of British Language Schools. As the only TESOL training provider authorised to offer teaching practice programmes with ABLS accredited English language schools, INTESOL offers you the unique opportunity to gain valuable observed and assessed teaching practice within a quality, controlled environment.
ABLS schools are recognised by the UK authorities in exactly the same way as schools connected to the British Council. ABLS requires prospective schools to pass an initial inspection, covering legal requirements, premises, management, academic standards, teaching and learning, resources, student welfare and social programme. However, the world of English language teaching is very dynamic and ABLS believes that up to date accreditation requires further inspection every two years.

Admissions

INTESOL requires that all students are education to at least 'A' Level/High School Diploma standard or above. If you don't have these qualifications, but have at least 5 years commercial experience you may also apply.

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TESOL Careers

Our TESOL Careers Centre will help you make decisions about all aspects of your TEFL career planning and development, as well as give you up-to-date advice on producing CVs and coping with interviews.

Study Groups

INTESOL can arrange a study group for you. Over the years, we have arranged study groups for language schools, academic institutions and independent groups.

If you are a group of 3 to 15 people and would like to study as a group then INTESOL can help you arrange that group and how you will study. We can also offer you a group discount. Please contact to find out more.

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