All You Need To Know About Free TEFL Certification Courses

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English being a Globally accepted language, has vast potential for learners, aspirants, and professionals. Teaching English is certainly a career choice that one can take-up. Moreover, this opens up the avenue of international job opportunities. Teaching English as a Foreign Language, commonly known as TEFL, is an English language certification for non-native speakers. The certification is for individuals who wish to take up English teaching jobs abroad. However, the most common question that all of us have is how do we pursue TEFL certification, how long it takes to qualify for TEFL and is it budget-friendly. 

Apart from the core course curriculum, some universities run exclusive TEFL certification courses, but they have hefty fees, mandatory class-room sessions, and stern course duration. Though these rules have their own advantages it is more convenient for students. If you are a working professional who wishes to pursue TEFL certification, a comfortable and pocket-friendly way is to opt for ‘Free Online TEFL Certifications.’ This gives you the liberty to choose a Training Institute with flexible session timings, either opt for a self-paced course or an instructor-led delivery module and even run online TEFL Certification Courses. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Some of the most commonly asked questions about TEFL that most TEFL aspirants have are:

Is there any difference between TEFL and TESOL?

There is absolutely no difference between TEFL and TESOL. Both these terms are used interchangeably. And both these courses allow you to take English teaching classes in foreign countries.

Do I need TEFL Certification to teach English language abroad?

Though it is not a mandate to have TEFL certification to teach English language in foreign countries, however, it increases your probability of being shortlisted. A TEFL Certification validates your English language and skill-set, and it will give you a distinct advantage over non-certified English teachers.

What is the age limit to pursue TEFL Certification?

There is no age limit to pursue TEFL certification. People of any age group can pursue TEFL Certification. The only thing you need to consider is visa limitations; for some nations in Asia, it may be hard to get a visa if you are more than 60 years of age.

In how much time duration can I complete the TEFL course?

TEFL course typically varies from 120 – 160 hours. The course duration depends on the institute you are selecting and the type of course you opt for, either instructor-led or self-paced. In case of an instructor-led course, the course is usually spread over a period of 6 months. In case of a self-paced course, the course duration entirely depends on each aspirant’s competency and dedication.

Benefits of TEFL Certification

1. Gives confidence

TEFL Certification gives you the desired confidence to take classroom teaching jobs, especially if you are a beginner in teaching. TEFL certification covers the basics of teaching English as a foreign language and gives you a sneak-peek into what teaching is really like. The course teaches you nitty-gritty of classroom teaching that helps you plan your lectures well and implement the best teaching pedagogy.

2. Boosts your resume

TEFL Certification is a way to make your resume stand out as it equals an added professional skill. Sheer mention of TEFL Certification in your resume enhances chances of your resume being picked-up by potential employers. As the course develops your inter-personal skills, networking skills, cognitive and problem-solving skills, all highly desired skills in an employee irrespective of any domain.

3. The certification never expires

Yes, TEFL Certification does not carry expiry. Whether you opt for an online certification course or live classroom sessions, you can enjoy the benefit of TEFL Certification lifelong. This gives you the liberty to enjoy the benefit of TEFL Certification anytime in your life.

Renowned institutes for Free and Online TEFL Certifications

1. Henry Harvin Education

Henry Harvin Education is a renowned brand that runs TEFL Certifications. The advantage that the institute has over other brands is that they offer both self-paced and instructor-led online courses. Diving deep into Henry Harvin’s TEFL Certification, it is a 120-hour instructor-led online program. Apart from the certification, the course comes with a plethora of benefits for its students, which can be utilized over a period of 1 year. Do visit their website <https://www.henryharvin.com/tefl-certification-course-online> for details on almost ‘Free Online TEFL Certification. You can opt for an online TEFL Certification course basis on your background, for more details. To illustrate a few benefits and why Henry Harvin has an edge over others in the market is:

• Learning Management System: They have dedicated LMS for each student whereby students can log in and access an array of study material, i.e., session recordings, games, projects, and case studies.

• Guaranteed Placement Support: Apart from sharing relevant job openings with its students, they also help their students prepare for the interview. 

• Internship Support: Henry Harvin provides guaranteed internship support to its students. Students can pursue internships either with the institute itself or with its partner firms.

To give an overview of the fees structure:

i. Self-Paced Course: Rs.13,500+GST

ii. Instructor-Led Online Course: Rs.15,000+GST

The upfront price may seem high, but the course benefits almost make it equivalent to ‘Free TEFL Certification.’ This course teaches you various nuances of the English language, hiccups that one faces while teaching English to non-English speakers, and best and internationally accepted pedagogy practices. 

Henry Harvin is amongst those few institutes that maintain beliefs in being transparent and fair. They have a dedicated section on their website, which gives information about Henry Harvin’s TEFL Certification vis-a-vis other institutes that offer online TEFL Certification. Visit <https://www.henryharvin.com/blog/tefl-certification-program/> for details. 

Please check- TEFL certification course in Pune

2. English First

English First (EF) is one such institute that offers Free TEFL Online Certification. However, nothing actually comes for free. EF sponsors you a ‘Free TEFL Certification if you apply as a teacher with EF and qualify for the interview. Yes, in that case, you don’t have to pay a penny for TEFL Certification. Isn’t it amazing?

The TEFL Certification of EF is broken into three core modules, i.e., Engage, Understand and Learn. EF has dedicated teams that focus and work on students of different age groups, backgrounds, and work experiences, i.e., young learners, adults, professionals already in the teaching domain.

One of the advantages of enrolling with EF is that they provide full-time teaching opportunities with one of their schools in Indonesia or China. However, to be eligible for a Free TEFL Certification, you have to fulfill certain criteria, i.e.:

a. You should have a bachelor’s degree.

b. You should hold a passport from UK, USA, Canada, Ireland, Australia, South Africa, or New Zealand.

c. Clear background check.

d. Sign a minimum of a one-year contract with EF

3. Teacher Record

Teacher Record is a well-established institute from China that has expertise in providing ESL jobs and certifications. Talking more about their Free TEFL Certification, it is a 120 hours course that is internationally recognized. The aim is to teach you all the English language basics, i.e., read, write, and speak. The best part is that the institute helps the candidates with both classroom and online teaching jobs. Furthermore, anyone across the globe can apply for the ‘Free Online TEFL Certification’ of Teacher Record. 

The institute offers 120 hours of TEFL Certification with has an easy enrolment policy:

i) Ability to communicate in English language

ii) No university degree required.

iii) Natives across the world can apply for the course 

also check-TEFL the Certification Course in Gurgaon

4. London Teacher Training College

The Long Teacher Training College offers a free online self-paced Foundation Certificate in TEFL course. The course is specially designed to help existing English teachers improvise their skills and broaden their career prospects. It’s a 15-hour duration course that enhances your subject knowledge-base and also refreshers your skills that you should hold as a certified TEFL professional.

Apart from the free TEFL certification course, the institute also runs paid online TEFL certification courses that are spread over 60-hours and 120-hours, respectively. You can choose the online TEFL certification as per your requirement.

The best part is that the institute runs various online TEFL courses to cover a larger audience base. To name a few online TEFL courses of this institute: Taster Course, Certificate Level Course, Diploma Course, Short Course, Teach Online Course and Business Course. You can pick-up any course that fits and suits your requirement and background. 

5. ITTT

ITTT is an institute that you should definitely consider for TEFL certifications. Some of the reasons why ITTT is the right choice are:

• They are in the industry since 1998 which makes them one of the oldest institutes that imparts online TEFL certifications. Indeed, they have more knowledge and experience in handling a vast set of clients, resolving their issues, and ensuring timely deliveries. 

Unlike other institutes, they do not have any age limit and degree restrictions. Anyone from any age group and any degree can enroll for their online TEFL certification. Even professionals with no teaching background can apply for the course.

• ITTT offers a 20% discount on their online TEFL certification, which none of the institutes provide. This is as good as enrolling for a free online TEFL certification.

• 24/7 Customer Support. In case of a grievance, no need to hold back or wait for the support office to open up. You can reach out to ITTT anytime and from anywhere. Their support system is very robust and is available almost on every possible platform like WhatsApp, Facebook, Telephone, or Messenger. 

• They provide Life-time Job Assistance, which many institutes usually refrain from. Either there is no job support, or the job support is extended only for a duration of 1 year from the certification fruition.

The above reasons are more than enough for anyone to enroll. Visit their website for more details. Furthermore, the various types of TEFL Certifications like online certification, online diploma, a combination of online and classroom training sessions, in-class training, specialized courses and teach English online course though all these come with a price.

6. Lead Academy

Lead Academy offers 120 hours of online TEFL certification courses. The advantage of enrolling for the certification is that it is endorsed by ABC Awards & Creta Awards. The main benefit of enrolling for Lead Academy’s TEFL certification is that you earn 2 certifications in 1 course. On successful completion of the course, you get a certification from ABC Awards & Creta Awards and other certification of achievement of 6 CPD points without any further studies. Other benefits of enrolling for Lead Academy’s online TEFL certification:

• It’s a self-paced course. Therefore, it saves money and you can study at your convenient time.

• You get lifetime access to their advanced learning platform.

• The course is designed by industry professionals.

iv) No strict entry requirements. It is open to students across academic backgrounds.

The institute also claims to be one of the best institutes known for imparting e-learning online course modules. Therefore, the course is crafted in such a way that despite it being a self-paced course you learn the best industry practices efficiently and quickly.

Upon completing the course, you need to appear for the multiple-choice assessment to get your course completion certificate. The assessment is evaluated automatically, and the results are posted immediately in your inbox.

For more details about the course, visit Lead Academy’s TEFL section.

You might want to check- TEFL certification course in Hyderabad

7. World TESOL Academy

World TESOL Academy is another renowned academy that provides free online TEFL Certification. One can even take a course preview on their website that gives a fair idea about the course content. The process from start to end is very easy and divided in 4 simple steps.

• Enroll in the program
• Study Online

• Clear the course assessment/exam

• Get your certification

The course covers the essentials of the English language, classroom management skills, and language teaching techniques. 

8. TEFL Educator

TEFL Educator provides various online TEFL certifications starting from basic to advanced certification. One can enroll for any of the basis of the certification their need and requirement. The institute is one of the best as they run specialized courses only in the TEFL domain. Therefore, their objective and direction are to ensure they deliver the best program, course module, and support to their students. Some of the online TEFL courses that the institutes run are:

• Teaching English Online

• 160 hour TEFL Specialist Course

• 140 hour TEFL Professional Plus

• 120 hour TEFL Professional

•  80 hour TEFL Fundamental Plus TEYL

• 60 hour online TEFL Fundamentals Course

• ESP & TEYL Certification Courses

• TEFL Teaching Practicum – for online courses

For more details visit on each of these courses, visit www.teflbootcamp.com 

Pay Conditions

While institutes mentioned above are leading institutes that provide TEFL Certification but it is imperative for anyone to know the payment conditions. The pay package varies from country to country depending on the socio-economic development of a country. Demand for TEFL qualified teachers is high in China, Korea, and Japan and these countries pay relatively high packages. Apart from low pay, some of the challenges TEFL qualified professionals face are cultural differences, language barriers (less acquaintance to local language, making it difficult to communicate), and difficult living conditions.

A person who is passionate about the English language can pursue TEFL Certification. However, do consider the cons.

The Deciding Factor

While many institutes offer free online TEFL Certification, you must choose an institute that offers value for money. All the institutes mentioned above are quite renowned and offer the best TEFL course at a minimal cost. However, Henry Harvin is the only institute that gives fair reviews about itself and its competitors. Whereas other institutes only highlight their USP, courses, and benefits. Secondly, Henry Harvin delivers what it promises. In addition to the core course curriculum, they provide brush live online sessions. Apart from placement support, they provide guaranteed internship support. Considering these benefits, Henry Harvin is a definite choice.

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