FAQ

The following FAQ reflect the questions which ITTP Online TEFL/TESOL applicants frequently ask, and are divided into FAQ covering Online TEFL/TESOL Course Study and Teaching English Abroad:

FAQ - Online TEFL/TESOL Course Study

• What kind of people take the course?
• Which is the right course for me?
• Are your courses Internationally recognized?
• Do you have a selection task?
• Why do you have a selection task?
• Is your program mostly for native English speakers? (I am from Norway and am not a native speaker)
• Is it advantageous to have an American/British/Australian/etc. citizenship over countries where English isn't the native language?
• Are there any setbacks to finding a job later on (internationally) if the TEFL/TESOL is gained Online rather than Onsite?
• Is there one particular Training method that the courses advocate?
• What is the difference between TESOL, TEFL, ESL, EFL, and CELTA?
• Can I prepare myself for the course in any way?
• What are the possible final grades?
• I work a 40hr job and have no chance to get online to do this course, yet I am really interested in getting my TEFL cert. Is there a way I could do it via correspondence?
• How much will my course cost be in a currency other than USD/EUR/GBP?
• Does your certificate expire after a certain amount of time therefore requiring me to get re-certified?
• I have been having problems submitting the application form - I simply don't get an email sent to me
• Is there a time limit in completing the course?
• Could I finish the program in 2 weeks if I put in extra time?
• I don't have my own computer and have to pay each time I go to the internet cafe. Do I have to be online all the time or can I study offline too?
• Does your TEFL/TESOL certificate state that the certificate is obtained online?
• Do you need to have a university degree already to take the TEFL/TESOL course?
• Do you have to pass a final examination?
• Are there any additional course costs?

FAQ - Teaching English Abroad

• Do I need a TEFL/TESOL certificate to teach Overseas?
• Where can I teach English with the ITTP Online TEFL/TESOL certificate?
• You say you guarantee your newly qualified TEFL/TESOL English teachers will find a job at the end of the course. Is this true for everybody who passes the course - even those without a degree?
• Will two people taking the course together be able to find a job together afterwards?
• Are teaching jobs on a contract basis, say, for a year, like most I've seen? Are there also 6-month jobs?
• What about age discrimination? As a mature person, I obviously don't want to waste my time and money if I'm going to have a hard time getting a job after
• Will there be a dress code?
• What would a typical monthly salary be for a newly qualified teacher in American dollars?
• Can I save money?
• Do I need to know the language of the country I want to be teaching in?

FAQ - Online TEFL/TESOL Course Study

Q: What kind of people take the course?

A: A whole range of people from many different cultural backgrounds graduate from the course. ITTP encourages and welcomes all applications - regardless of sex, age, race or nationality. Conditions of entrance are set by international guidelines. These are that applicants:
- should be Native English, or Non-Native advanced English speakers (i.e. English is your first language or Mother Tongue and/or if you speak English proficiently).
-applicants must be 18 or over.

ITTP encourages and welcomes applications from both Native English and Non-Native English speakers.

Q: Which is the right course for me?

A: To begin with, ITTP invites you to Test your TEFL/TESOL knowledge and this will provide you with a better idea of how well prepared you feel in advance of taking your international TEFL/TESOL study and also provide you with a clearer insight into your learner profile and learner objectives - the test is for fun and has been designed as a taster of TEFL/TESOL.

ITTP runs 3 Internationally recognized TEFL/TESOL Online certification courses:
Fast Track Online
Integrative Online
All Inclusive Online

The Fast Track Online is recommended for applicants who are already teaching English, but who havent received an official teaching qualification yet. This course is also aimed at applicants who are already in the teaching profession who wish to brush up on/increase their TEFL/TESOL knowledge, and for TEFL/TESOL newbies who can choose to take the course as a foundation course in preparation for their Onsite international TEFL/TESOL.

The Integrative Online is recommended for applicants who already have some prior teaching experience and/or experience of learning a foreign language. This course incorporates teaching practice experience through Audio Visual Instruction and is essentially the same as taking a streamlined Onsite TEFL/TESOL certification course.

The All Inclusive Online is recommended for applicants with some/no previous teaching experience and some/no experience of learning a foreign language. This course provides trainees with 10-15 hours of hands-on teaching practice experience and is essentially the same as taking a full-time Onsite TEFL/TESOL certification course.

Q: Are your courses Internationally recognized?

A: Yes. Online international TEFL/TESOL certification courses MUST be linked to a larger teaching organization. These can include Trinity, Cambridge, The College Of Teachers, or the British Council.
ITTP is Institutional Member of the College Of Teachers, a member of the British Council.
ITTP is also Educational Partner with Cambridge University Press.
All 3 ITTP Online certification courses (and the ITTP Onsite certification courses) lead to the awarding of the internationally recognized TEFL/TESOL certificate and you will be employable worldwide following your course.

Q: Do you have a selection task?

A: Yes. A selection task shows that a school maintains high standards of entrance criteria and provides you with the confidence that upon acceptance that you will be at the level needed to successfully complete the course. The process of booking your place on all 3 ITTP Online international TEFL/TESOL courses begins with completing the ITTP online application form. We will then arrange a mutually convenient time for a telephone interview (at our expense).

Q: Why do you have a selection task?

A: Primarily, the reason ITTP has a selection task is to have a better idea of an applicants' language awareness and language skills. We are looking for the ways in which applicants use the language, and in the forms in which they express and describe their ideas. There is also attention to basic sentence structure and correct grammar usage (although not specifically to knowledge of TEFL/TESOL terminology).

It is also an important opportunity for you to personally talk to a member of the ITTP team and ask any further questions which you might have for us.
An additional reason for a selection task is to avoid offering a place to (and accept payment from), someone who we feel does not have a good chance of passing their chosen Online international TEFL/TESOL certification course.
Please note: applicants of the Fast Track Online are exempt from the full selection task and need only complete the application form and then submit payment to automatically begin their studies.

Q: Is your program mostly for native English speakers? (I am from Norway and am not a native speaker)

A: ITTP international TEFL/TESOL courses are designed for both Native English and Non-Native speakers of English.

Q: Is it advantageous to have an American/British/Australian/etc. citizenship over countries where English isn't the native language?

A: It definitely is an advantage being a Native English speaker.
However, the global demand for English is so much that it outstretches by far the number of Native English teachers available and this gap has been filled by qualified Non-Native teachers of English.
Non-Native English speakers have needed to learn a second language and are seen as bringing to the classroom a particular understanding of the needs and requirements of foreign language students.

Q: Are there any setbacks to finding a job later on (internationally) if the TEFL/TESOL is gained Online rather than Onsite?

A: ITTP provides an extensive job assistance program and to date ITTP has a 100% record of finding its grads, who wish to teach immediately and who are sufficiently active in their search, teaching positions within 4 weeks of finishing their course. This represents ITTPs global reputation and extensive network of global educational contacts/partners: ITTP sends its grads all over the world.
This applies to both ITTPs Native English and Non-Native English Online and Onsite TEFL/TESOL grads who take either the Fast Track Online , Integrative Online , All Inclusive Online , (or Onsite course options).

The Fast Track Online has been designed for Trainees who are already involved in the TEFL/TESOL industry and who already have teaching experience.

The Integrative Online is essentially the same as taking a streamlined Onsite international TEFL/TESOL certification course.

The All Inclusive Online is essentially the same as taking a full-time Onsite international TEFL/TESOL certification course.

Q: Is there one particular Training method that the courses advocate?

A: Yes. The courses advocate the Communicative approach, which is recognized all over the world. ITTP also encourages trainees to be flexible and try out methods which would suit their own style or that of their classes.

Q: What is the difference between TESOL, TEFL, ESL, EFL, and CELTA?

A: TESOL is Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages.
(more commonly used term in Britain).
TEFL is Teaching English as a Foreign Language.
(more commonly used term in U.S.A.).
ESOL is the learning of English for speakers of other languages.
EFL is the learning of English as a Foreign Language.
CELTA is the Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults.
Please note: there is no practical difference between having a TEFL or TESOL qualification.
TEFL/TESOL and CELTA/Trinity carry the same weight in the global job market.

Q: Can I prepare myself for the course in any way?

A: Please refer to ITTPs Recommended Reading link.
ESOL Teacher Essentials will provide you with the most essential knowledge base for getting started. Every dedicated TEFL/TESOL English teacher has these books on their EFL/ESOL bookshelf.
Please remember though that you are not obligated to purchase any of these titles and that the course is a course within itself - all necessary study aids are included in all Online and Onsite ITTP international TEFL/TESOL certification courses, and covered within the inclusive course fee.

Q: What are the possible final grades?

A: The final grades are decided on by your personal course tutor/ Online TEFL/TESOL Course Coordinator, and approved by external moderator on the submission of the final completed module of the course. The grade is based on your performance in all aspects of the course.
Grades awarded by ITTP are:
Grade A = Outstanding
Grade B = Good
Grade C = Satisfactory
Grade D = Fail
Grade E = Clear failure
The use of ‘+’ or ‘-‘ is permitted to enable examiners to differentiate between the better and poorer answers within each major alphabetical category and in this context C- will represent a bare pass and D+ a bare fail. (Grades D and E: rarely awarded, but a potential grade for those who don't take the course seriously, or for those who blatantly plagiarize).

Please note: the overall average ITTP Online TEFL/TESOL pass rate is B+, and this reflects our very high standards of Online international TEFL/TESOL training.

Q: I work a 40hr job and have no chance to get online to do this course, yet I am really interested in getting my TEFL cert. Is there a way I could do it via correspondence?

A: This can be arranged and you should contact us for further information.

Q: How much will my course cost be in a currency other than USD/EUR/GBP?

A: : For daily currency exchange rates, please refer to: Czech National Bank

Q: Does your certificate expire after a certain amount of time therefore requiring me to get re-certified?

A: No. Once you are certified with ITTP, you are certified for your full international TEFL/TESOL career. There is therefore no need to become re-certified after a certain amount of years.

Q: I have been having problems submitting the application form - I simply don't get an email sent to me

A: To make sure our email reaches you we suggest adding our email address to your address book to ensure that you receive all ITTP emails and also suggest that you check in your email settings options that you don't have spam/junk mail automatically deleted upon delivery, particularly if you are using a Hotmail or Yahoo email account.

Q: Is there a time limit in completing the course?

A: Yes. ITTP provides Online TEFL/TESOL trainees with a maximum of 6 months to complete their course (applies to all 3 ITTP Online international TEFL/TESOL courses).
However, ITTP also understands that its Online TEFL/TESOL trainees may have other time commitments and trainees should contact us if they feel that they might need additional study time past the 6 month deadline.
Please note: there is an administration fee for arranging course extensions and for this ITTP charge a flat fee of $95.

Q: Could I finish the program in 2 weeks if I put in extra time?

A: It is possible to complete the Fast Track Online in 2 weeks, although ITTP does recommend taking your time and studying at a pace which you feel most comfortable with.
It is also technically possible to complete the Integrative Online and All Inclusive Online in 2 weeks but once again, ITTP recommends studying at a pace which will bring you the highest learning rewards we suggest taking a minimum of 3-4 weeks to complete these courses.

Q: I don't have my own computer and have to pay each time I go to the internet cafe. Do I have to be online all the time or can I study offline too?

A: Gaining access to your online study area is easy; you simply need to type in your Client login and Password (top right corner of website).
You are then free to work online or offline; whichever is more convenient for you.

Q: Does your TEFL/TESOL certificate state that the certificate is obtained online?

A: No. ITTP Online international TEFL/TESOL certificates indicate the amount of hours of TEFL/TESOL study (60 hour/100 hour/130 hour), and level of grade attained.
Graduates of the Integrative Online and All Inclusive Online also have teaching practice hours stipulated on their certificate.

Q: Do you need to have a university degree already to take the TEFL/TESOL course?

A: Having a degree is not a requirement of the course.
Although many of our trainees do have university degrees we welcome applicants from a wide variety of backgrounds.

Q: Do you have to pass a final examination?

A: Trainees are continually assessed throughout the course and there isn't a final examination dictating an overall final grade.

Q: Are there any additional course costs?

A: No. There are no additional/hidden costs.
Course fees are inclusive of VAT and are inclusive of all materials and external moderation/certification fees.
In addition, all 3 ITTP Online international TEFL/TESOL certification courses include the modules - Teaching Business English, and Teaching Young/Younger Learners.

FAQ - Teaching English Abroad

Q: Do I need a TEFL/TESOL certificate to teach Overseas?

A: In some countries it may still be possible to teach English without any formal teaching qualifications, but these positions are usually low paid and illegal. The global TEFL/TESOL job market has become increasingly more sophisticated and it is nearly impossible now to find teaching work without an internationally recognized TEFL/TESOL certificate. Simply being a Native Speaker of English is not enough anymore and an internationally recognized TEFL/TESOL certificate verifies that you have the knowledge and necessary expertise to effectively teach English in a foreign country.

Q: Where can I teach English with the ITTP Online TEFL/TESOL certificate?

A: Perhaps the question would better be answered if it were reversed. Where cant I teach? There is such a huge demand for TEFL/TESOL qualified English teachers globally that you can teach virtually anywhere.
ITTP has listings for teaching jobs and educational contacts/partners in Arab Emirates, Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Bulgaria, Chile, China, Czech Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, Greece, Guatemala, Hungary, Japan, Korea, Mexico, Morocco, Philippines, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Singapore, Spain, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, Ukraine, Venezuela, Vietnam and many more teaching English global locations. In fact, there is also a high demand for TEFL/TESOL qualified English teachers even in English speaking countries, such as Australia, the U.S. and Britain, where many foreign language students choose to travel to learn English as a foreign language. Recently there have been noticeable trends of ITTP Online and Onsite TEFL/TESOL grads teaching for a period in Central and Eastern Europe/Central Asia/Central America, and then moving to South and North East Asia/Middle East, where salaries are amongst the best in the world for qualified TEFL/TESOL English teachers.

Q: You say you guarantee your newly qualified TEFL/TESOL English teachers will find a job at the end of the course. Is this true for everybody who passes the course - even those without a degree?

A: Yes. This also applies to grads who don’t have a degree. Please note: a University/College degree, as well as international TEFL/TESOL certification, is necessary for the work permit/visa process of some Asian and Middle East countries (including: Japan/S.Korea/Taiwan/Vietnam/Thailand/U.A.E./Saudi Arabia).

Q: Will two people taking the course together be able to find a job together afterwards?

A: : Yes. Most schools welcome teaching couples and from the school's point of view couples represent stability. This of course depends also on availability of 2 same teaching positions within a school – the ITTP International Job Assistance Team have a lot of experience in finding couples teaching positions in same schools and, as a second option, teaching positions in different schools but schools which are close to each other.

Q: Are teaching jobs on a contract basis, say, for a year, like most I've seen? Are there also 6-month jobs?

A: Schools will generally require a commitment of 1 year with the possibility of shortening the contract with a month's notice.
However, if a school has paid for your airfare out then they will expect you to teach until the balance is paid off.
(ITTP doesn't always recommend accepting the offer of free airfare to your teaching destination as this limits your options and nothing is ever for 'free').
We know the global market extremely well and will advise you of all your options.
ITTP always puts you in touch with a whole list of reputable schools in your first choice country/countries and schools will always require of you to sign a contract; this covers you and the school and is a sign that the school is serious about professionalism.
Most contracts are arranged for 1 year but ITTP will also assist you in finding shorter term positions, such as teaching at summer camps or school teaching positions for just a few months.
In Prague, for example, schools are always acquiring new student clients and many teachers also finish their contracts early and this has produced a year-round teaching opportunity for teachers and also the availability of shorter term teaching contracts.

Q: What about age discrimination? As a mature person, I obviously don't want to waste my time and money if I'm going to have a hard time getting a job after

A: Students tend to value the experience which mature teachers bring to the classroom and you will enjoy the same employment opportunities and benefits as your younger teacher peers.

Q: Will there be a dress code?

A: In France, for example, teachers are expected to arrive looking the part. This means shirt/blouse and smart trousers or skirt.
On the other hand in Bulgaria, for example, the emphasis is on the teacher being on time and conducting a good lesson and you can wear casual clothes (shorts in summer).
No matter where you are teaching ITTP always recommends dressing smart and representing yourself in a professional manner.
Remember: those first impressions count!

Q: What would a typical monthly salary be for a newly qualified teacher in American dollars?

A: Salaries vary from location to location.
In Bolivia, for example, expect to earn around $5 per teaching hour.
At the other extreme, in Japan, that figure can multiply by 10+.

Q: Can I save money?

A: Again, this really depends on where you are teaching.
Still, even in China (where an average teacher's weekly salary might be just $100), it is possible to pick up well-paid private lessons which makes saving a definite possibility.
Generally speaking, if you need to save money then ITTP will recommend you teach in a country which pays high and where local costs won't eat too much into your budget (such as Taiwan).

Q: Do I need to know the language of the country I want to be teaching in?

A: You dont have to. The idea of the TEFL/TESOL profession is that students are exposed to an immersion course in English-only during their tuition. ITTP international TEFL/TESOL certification courses teach you how to achieve understanding without translation.