Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most difficult thing about taking the course?
Taking the first step! It seems like a big decision . . .travelling to an exotic country, changing your job, meeting new people, preparing to travel, etc. Because of the changes, many people -- comfortable or afraid of changes -- will convince themselves not to take that first step. And yet, those that do, have a life-changing experience and gain new skills, friends and more. (see our testimonials page).
At TI Krabi, we are with you every step of the way on your new TEFL journey, and we have helped thousands make that first step. Change is good .. you can always go back to your current lifestyle in a month of more if you feel like it.
But don't let your irrational fears or doubts keep you from this life-changing experience. All you have to do really is . . . get a ticket to Thailand and get to the airport!
Will I get a job after my TEFL International Course?
Yes! You are guaranteed a job after your 4 week TEFL Int'l Krabi course. Contact us for a free consultation before you sign up for the course, so we can tell you your job options.
How much will I earn as a teacher after the course?
It depends on where you wish to work. In Thailand, the average teaching salary is between 30,000 baht and 50,00 baht for starting English teachers (more for experienced). In Cambodia, it is around US !,0000 per month.
Tell us what country you are interested in working in, and we will tell you the salary expectations. Our trainers have worked in, and are connected with, educational employers all over the world.
Can I make a career out of teaching?
Yes, many of our graduates have turned their 1 month TEFL course and post course job into a fulfilling teaching career, travelling the world and living in the most amazing places. English teachers with our TEFL Int'l certificate have become "lifers" , after discovering our lifetime job guidance and the popular demand of our internationally-accredited TESOL certificates.
How valuable is my TEFL Int'l TESOL Certificate?
TEFL International has been established for over 50 years in 40 locations worldwide, with methods that train teachers very well to teach both children and adults. Considered an "Equivalent", to CELTA, we meet all international TEFL standard requirements including 6 hours of observed teaching practice, observations of experienced teachers, and minimal 120 hours of studies.
TEFL International past TESOL programs have been moderated by experts in the industry such as authors David Nunan, Mark Helgesen, Jack Richards, Alan Maley, Mario Rinvolucri and Brian Tomlinson.
Our programs have been used extensively with national and regional governments, as well as universities throughout South Korea, China, Thailand, Vietnam and UK.
Many educational institutes in North and South Asia, as well as South America and Europe prefer the TEFL International certificate over other TESOL / TEFL training institutes.
Finally, many 120 hour TEFL programs have similar types of classes in the training. What makes them different is how the teacher trainer and the trainers' experiences can help you with the training and job searching. Our teacher trainers have more experience than the majority of other institutes. Always check the teacher trainers 'credentials and experience when comparing TEFL programs.
What is your TESOL / TEFL Accreditation?
TEFL International Krabi is accredited and credit-bearing by the Paris University of International Education (PUIE).
TEFL Int'l Krabi graduates Candidates receive three undergraduate college credits, an official transcript from PUIE, and their TEFL International Certificate.
French-based PUIE is a college that offers Bachelor, Master, and Ph.D. programs and cooperates exclusively with TEFL International to accredit and offer TEFL International TESOL certificate course transcripts.
PUIE is a higher education institution recognized by the Paris Academy as degree-granting. The Rectorate of the Paris Academy is under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of National Education and the Ministry of Higher Education, Research, and Innovation.
To verify PUIE, visit the French Ministry of Higher Education Database and search “Paris University of International Education.”
Your transcript is demonstrable proof that your TEFL course is accredited and your program includes a practicum--a requirement that more selective schools increasingly require their new teachers to have.
TEFL International Krabi's online & Onsite Hybrid TEFL Courses are also fully accredited by PUIE (please see the top of the page for details).
They are a professional education organization dedicated to raising industry standards for online TEFL/TESOL teacher training courses.
How does the TEFL Int'l accreditation compare to other programs? Are you a TEFL Level 5?
If you research, you will find there is NO official internationally accrediting body for TESOL Courses.
Most TEFL companies will tell you they are accredited by a private educational institute they are associated with (for example IATEFL, or Cambridge University for the CELTA). Some will say they MEET (not accredited) the UK OFQAL Level 5 educational standards. QFUAL and OFQUAL do NOT accredit overseas TEFL institutes. Meeting a level 5 means, in the UK only, the TEFL has the same quality of education taught at a UK University. This is where you can check honesty, ask the level 5 tefl program if they are "significantly more than the 120-hour industry standard" and if so, ask them how.
If we were to apply the OFQUAL levels to our TEFL Int'l Krabi programs, we would find us above the level 5, perhaps the level 6 (degree apprenticeship)-- as many or our programs have been used in conjunction with Master's Degree teacher training programs at universities around Asia., your guaranteed job and direct teaching practicum is considered a degree apprenticeship - required by level 6)
What support do you
offer?
Our values centre around Kindness, Honesty & Clarity, and we are with you each step of the way on your teaching journey. From providing you with answers on the industry, an appraisal of your job opportunities and teaching career path, to making your travel arrangements. From getting off the plane, to connecting with the community, and getting through the course components. You are connected to the industry globally through our extensive partners in the industry, we will sort out your job as you're doing your course, and you have lifetime job guidance from us.
Why is the course more expensive than other programs?
Our course is cheaper than the CELTA course, and provides you with a more extensive training program, and full support (multiple methods, job, connections with your teaching community).
Why do I need to do the course onsite? Do you offer an online course?
Teaching, like language learning, are practical skills. Teachers, and schools, expect TEFL students to physically try out the new skills they obtain. So a practicum with the students you will be teaching in the future, is important. Taking an online only course, and paying for a piece of paper alone, will not adequately prepare you for your new teaching job.
That said, we understand the need to spend less time overseas ,and a desire to start your program with some online preparation. As such, twice a year only (in April & October), TEFL International Krabi offers our "Special Thai " Hybrid Course. On this course, you spend 16 Saturdays doing the majority of the course theory online, and then spend the last 10 days of your program in Thailand to practice and be observed with your new teaching skills before beginning your guaranteed job at locations all over Thailand..
Are there any additional costs after tuition fees are paid?
You are required to cover any of your travel costs to Krabi, Thailand. If you are enrolled in our Ruby (Viet-Thai) or Sapphire (Khmer-Thai) TEFL programs, you also need to cover a one way flight from Krabi to Saigon or Siem Reap (cost approximately $100 US).
Also, most of our students arrive on a tourist visa for the 28 day tefl program, However, any additional visa costs you must cover as well.
You will have to cover your accommodation costs while on the course (which we assist you in finding the most economical choice that suits your needs)
Why do you offer 6 different TEFL Programs and how do they differ?
Our TEFL courses are very connected to the communities we work with and personalized to your professional goals and interests. As such, we have developed 6 different programs that you may choose from. All 6 programs contain the same course content, with some additional methods and techniques for each, some different kindness activities for the community and different local activities for you to enjoy while with us.
Why volunteer? Do I need to volunteer in order to take one of the programs?
One of the elements that makes our TEFL Int'l Krabi TEFL programs the best, is our connections to local communities and our mission statement around Kindness. On our programs, we offer community volunteer projects.
By dedicating 90 minutes a week to helping locals with their health, learning about Thai culture or local history, assisting with eco-tourism or local teachers, or building friendships -- you will do a kindness to others and have connections in the community.
As a Kindness in return, we provide volunteers with local weekend activities for free such as boxing, rock-climbing, meditation retreats, local trips, IELTs or Thai classes and much more.
Do I need a university degree to take the course or get a teaching job?
Not necessarily. On our course, you will get all the practical skills you need to provide incredible classes to your students and school. However, some countries require a university degree (not the school itself), simply because they are legal work visa laws for foreigners.
That said, there are many countries in South America, Asia and Europe that accept our English teachers without a university degree.
Also, through our connections in the global educational industry, we can sometimes find opportunities in visa-required countries, such as we did for Mark Seeley.
Do I need to be a native speaker to take the course and get a job?
Not at all! Many teachers we provide work with are non-native English speaking teachers (NNES). NNES teachers are in high demand in many locations, and the educational partners of TEFL Int'l Krabi (who we provide Kindness too . . . )work with us to help our NNES grads obtain local teaching work as well
NNES TEFL students need a CEFR level of at least B2 (Upper Intermediate level), or IELTs band of 6.5. Contact us to discuss possible job opportunities for you if you are an NNES, or for a free IELTS level test and classes (if you are enrolled in our Garnet - Educational Program).
Do I need to speak the local language where I will be teaching?
No. In fact, many overseas teaching institutes prefer that you don't. Because it forces the students to speak with you in English rather than their own language. On our program we show you how to teach using only English .. starting from your first tefl class with us!
That said, learning a foreign language can help you understand the difficulties your own english student shave. It's also fun, and connects you better with the community. Our TEFL programs provide you with free Thai, Vietnamese and Khmer language classes as well.
Are there any age limits to taking the course or getting a job?
TEFL Course participants should be over the age of 18 years of age. There is no maximum age level for the course. Some of our past graduates are over 70 years old. Overseas schools love to hire retired teachers and couples that are keen.
Where can I stay in Krabi when taking the course?
We offer budget accommodation choices ($300 US per month, or your own house for one month rental ($500 US). Likewise, you are welcome to find your own accommodation for the 4 week program in Krabi or Ao Nang, and we would be happy to assist you with your search as well.
Do I need medical insurance?
We recommend you obtain travel insurance while attending your 4 week tefl program. Once you have started your guaranteed teaching job, and have a work permit, you will have social security and access to local health care (better than ..yes, ..even Canada...)
What size are the classes?
Our class sizes are limited to 12 students per 4 week course.
What new skills will I gain after the course?
Besides new teaching skills which you can use to teach any language, or prepare any sort of lesson plans for other fields of study?
You will also gain valuable new skills in a foreign language, networking internationally, managing people and events, as well as time and resource management. Leadership, communication, presentation and international skills all in demand for most jobs by employers worldwide.