TEFL / TESL Certificate FAQ

What qualifications do I need to do the course ?
You should have completed at least some study at a higher education level in order to cope with the academic side of the course.

Do I need to be a native speaker of English ?
No, but you do need to be able to demonstrate a very good command of the English language and have an internationally recognized qualification such as TOEFL or Cambridge Proficiency. If English is not your first language, you will be required to complete a written task and a telephone interview. The great majority of our trainees are from the USA, the UK, Ireland, Canada or Australia, but people whose first language is not English have succeeded in the course, including people from Italy, the Netherlands and Peru.

Do I need to speak British English or North American English ?
Via Lingua regards English as a global language and therefore welcomes applicants from all native speakers (as well as non-native speakers with a proficient level of English).

Do I need knowledge of other languages ?
No. Via Lingua uses the universally accepted communicative approach to teaching, where English is the only language used in the classroom.

Is there an age limit ?
You must be at least 18 years of age for your application to be considered. There is no upper age limit. The majority of our trainees are in their 20's, 30's and 40's, but we have successfully trained and found employment for graduates in their 50's and 60's. Our youngest trainee so far in Florence was 17, and our oldest was 75.

How long/intensive are the courses ?
The TEFL course is a 4-week, 120-hour course and is very intensive (from 8.30 am to 6.00 pm every day). We have tried to arrange the course so that you will have the weekends free to relax and explore. This does, however, mean that the days are longer and more intensive.

Will I be a competent teacher by the end of the course ?
Due to the highly practical content of the CTEFL course, all graduates should have the necessary skills, confidence and ability to embark on their teaching careers and work in a professional manner anywhere in the world.
All certificate courses, however, serve as initial teacher training and those interested in pursuing teaching as a career often go on to take a diploma or MA after 2 years of teaching experience (please refer to our agreement with NOVA Southwestern University).

Is there a correspondence/on-line option ?
No. The practical teaching experience you acquire on the course teaching non-English speaking students is generally accepted as the most important element of a TEFL course and is what future employers will be looking for.

Does the course meet international guidelines ?
Yes. Whilst there is no true international body for TEFL courses, internationally accepted guidelines state that the course must have 100 hours of input with 6 hours of teaching practice and be externally monitored. The CTEFL course has, in fact, 120 hours of input and a minimum of 10 hours teaching practice as well as being externally moderated.

When is the best time to do a course ?
There really is no best or worst time. Countries in different hemispheres have different academic years and tend to hire year round anyway, on an as needed basis.
What are the chances of finding a job after completing the course ?
Excellent. Upon successful completion of the course , teachers will find that there are many jobs to be had worldwide.

Is job placement assistance included ?
Yes. All graduates receive individual counseling and assistance with finding a teaching job. As Via Lingua is an international organization, it has contacts with many schools worldwide. Via Lingua will help with all aspects of job seeking from CV/resume construction and interview techniques.

What standard of accommodation can I expect ?
Accommodation consists of either a single or double room in a shared house or apartment. Accommodation preferences can be stated on the application form.

Will you help in adapting to the new environment ?
Yes. On the first day of the course we hold an orientation session. Social events take place throughout the course.

How do I apply ?
You can either contact us directly and we will send you an information pack and application form or you can complete the on-line application form on www.vialingua.org.

Need more information? Please contact us at (011) 39 055 283161 GMT. Don’t worry about the cost of an International phone call! Just give us a call and we will call you right back.