Frequently Asked Questions | TEFL TESOL Courses in the USA.

Do I need a certificate to teach English?
It is sometimes possible to obtain a position without a teaching certificate, especially in areas of the world where English speakers are rare. However, it is increasingly difficult in many countries to obtain a position, especially a good one, without some official proof of your qualifications. Many positions require a TEFL certificate. Moreover, the teacher training you receive will also help to make you feel both prepared for your position as well as equipped with the necessary tools to grow as an English teaching professional.

What kind of certificate do you offer and is it valid internationally?
We offer the TEFL certificate, recognized in virtually every country in the world.

Who are your teachers?
The teachers in Our Partner School's TEFL Teacher Training Boston program are highly qualified teachers of English as a Second/Foreign Language. All have training in both language learning theory and pedagogy. Many of our teachers have experience teaching both in the U.S. and overseas, and all of our teachers have worked with students of all ability levels. Your teachers believe in a hands-on approach to training future ESL teachers and thus act as facilitators so you will have numerous opportunities to use the skills learned in class.

With whom will I Practice Teach?
You will practice your lessons first on your peers, and then on actual ESL students who are part of the program.

How do you help students find teaching positions?
In addition to editing your resume and videotaping practice interviews, we require that all students put together a personal teaching portfolio which will enable you to present your qualifications as a professional. We have personal contact with ESL schools abroad and will provide you with letters of introduction. Finally, we provide access to hundreds of ESL job postings around the world.

How big are the classes?
All classes have twelve students or less. This allows for personal attention from the trainers and facilitates more discussion among classmates.

Why should I choose ITTO?
There are numerous TEFL courses in Boston and across the US. However, there are a few factors that make Our Partner School unique. Not only are they an actual language school as well as a teacher training center, but the course itself is taught by actual EFL teachers with years of teaching experience. This school is also a member of variety of ESL organizations including the ACCET. Our Partner School has smaller sized classes than most other centers in the city and abroad

What is the difference between a TEFL, TESOL, TESL, and TEAL?
TEFL, TESOL, TESL are virtually the same, just variations on wordings. These certifications are all dedicated to teaching English as a foreign or second language.
- TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Second or Other Languages) and TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) are standard terms for English language teaching in non-English speaking countries.
- TESL (Teaching English as a Second Language) and TEAL (Teaching English as an Additional Language) are normally related to English teaching among immigrant and refugee communities in English-speaking countries.
- TEFL and TESL are more frequently used in Europe as acronyms while TESOL and TEAL are more commonly used in North America.

What should I bring with me?
Clothes for warm and cold weather are a must. During the course, students are expected to look and conduct themselves in a professional manner, and it is actually a part of their grade. So bring a set of clothes for work. Other important information on what to bring can be emailed if requested. All students who apply for the course receive extensive arrival information about 4 weeks before their course begins.

How early should I apply?
Depending on the month, courses can become filled pretty quickly. It is wise to apply early. If you need to change your date later on, that is not a problem at all.

I don't have any teaching experience. Is this a problem?
No. As long as you have the interest and motivation to become a good teacher, you will not have a problem during the course or in your teaching career. We will send you a list of recommended readings and other useful information upon receiving your application.

I have a lot of teaching experience. Will the course be worth it?
Absolutely! Having experience is not the same as being properly trained. Many of our students have been teaching for years, and they have all found the course to be worth it. Being trained will make teaching much more enjoyable for you and your future students. Also, having a TEFL Certificate will open up many doors in terms of jobs and further teaching education.

How will I get around the city? Will I need a car?
Absolutely not. Due to the city's excellent public transportation, which consists of buses, subways, and street trams, it is extremely easy to get around the city. Walking is also an excellent options thanks to Boston’s compact urbanization.

How much money do I need?
It is highly recommended to have the equivalent of at least $2500 in savings to cover extra expenses for a period of six months to a year. You may never need this money, but it's nice to be able to travel, eat out, go to concerts and really enjoy Prague. The biggest complaint that many people have is that they wished they had brought more money with them so they could see and do more things. Also, remember that it will cost money to get your own apartment after the course, as well living expenses during the course.

Do I have to stay in one of your housing options?
No. However, if you compare our housing price with most real estate companies and other TEFL courses in the city, it is probably the best deal around. Still, having a permanent place set up before you arrive is always nice.

Do I need a visa to enter the US?
Yes. For further information on this issue we recommend you contact the US embassy nearest you: http://www.embassyworld.com/embassy/directory.htm

How many hours a day is class?
School is from Monday to Friday for six hours a day.

What materials should I bring?
All teaching materials are provided for you except for things like pens and notebooks. These are easy to buy here, but you can bring your own if you like. It's also a good idea to bring English materials e.g. newspapers, magazines, music ... etc. The use of authentic resources, as you will learn, is often more effective than using a textbook.

What if the course is too hard and I don't pass?
Yes, the course is difficult, but our staff is more than willing to help students individually in whatever areas of the course they are having trouble with. Motivation and the willingness to improve demonstrate a lot and are highly regarded. If there is a problem with your ability, you will be asked to spend another week reviewing material or practice teaching.

Has anyone ever failed the course?
Yes. We are in no way a TEFL mill and an automatic pass is one thing that we do not do. While we will do everything possible to give you the best training and attention, there have been students who have not passed. Most of the time, this is due to a lack of professionalism on the part of the student. Our Partner School demands a lot from you and it is unethical for us to pass a student who does not care about teaching or conducts themselves in a negative way. Not attending class, showing up late, being disrespectful, and showing disregard for the course is a sure way to fail. If you are not interested in working hard during this month, it would be better to take another course with a different provider.

Teach English Abroad TEFL TESOL Certification: Boston, USA