Online Tefl training course and real Teaching practices in Mexico

Frequently Asked Questions

about our Online Tefl training course

Is the online TEFL/TESL a valid course?

There are no independent international accrediting bodies for on-line TESL/TEFL Certificates. After completing our on-line TEFL program, you will receive an internationally recognized certificate. The on-line TEFL course at ITTO is an internationally recognized initial qualification in Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL). Our course will lay the foundations for your future career.
Is it necessary to be a native speaker of English?

No.Currently there are teachers from all nationalities teaching English around the world. Although you do need to demonstrate a very good command of the English language and have an internationally recognized qualification (TOEFL or Cambridge Proficiency).

Finally you need to have a standard of education as the one required for entry into higher education.
Is there a special computer that I need?

The course is designed to be taken in any computer, including Internet cafes.What you will need is a computer with a connection to the Internet, speakers, and a video card.
What happens if for any reason I don’t complete the course in the given time?

You have 12 months to finish the course. If you may need a time extension, you can request it at our administration.
What kind of students take your online TEFL course?

The type of program we offer attracts people that are recent college graduates, career changers, retired people, and people still studying. Most people have never taught before, while a few have some teaching experience.
How much can I expect to earn?

A native English teacher expects to make from 500 - 600 U.S. dollars a month to start a teaching position in most countries; this also applies to most of Latin American Countries, although salaries may increase upon experience, performance and / or educational degrees that you may already have
Can you give me an outline of the on-line TEFL course?

You will be taught the skills and methodology of teaching.

Teaching Skills on-line input sessions aim to providing key teaching methodology including,

-Teaching of grammar, vocabulary, speaking, reading, listening and writing

-Teaching children and Business English can be focused upon request

-Creating materials

-Explaining correction techniques

-Evaluating text books

-Distinguishing between errors and mistakes

-Giving you tools to teach English to beginners, intermediate and advanced students, alsoproviding information on how to perform individual assessment.

-Creating games, fillers and warmers

- Our grammar input sessions aim at building trainees understanding of the English

grammar system and providing practical ideas on how to teach it. Some topics covered

include:

Nouns/adjectives

Verbs/adverbs

Infinitives

Gerunds

Modal auxiliary verbs

Conditionals

Relative clauses

Phrasal clauses
Why would people spend up to $1500 U.S. dollars in an on site TEFL course?

The reason is because they are interested in making a TEFL/TESL career.Yet, the majority of the people that would be interested in teaching English do not want to devote their lives to teaching or cannot travel to the locations where these courses are offered. Most of the people want to travel and see the world, and teaching English may be the answer. Whether teaching part time during summer break or during their traveling.

This on-line course is specially designed for people who are limited in time or lack finances to take a full time course, yet receiving the benefits from a worldwide recognized TEFL course provider.
How long does the online TEFL course last?

The online TEFL course is designed to be learnt at your own pace. We will conduct discussion forums with cyber classmates and receiving 1 on 1 assessment from your tutor. Each unit will be graded by your tutor. He/She will provide a grade, feedback and suggestions to improve your progress.Then you will proceed to the next unit.
Who answers my questions while I am taking the online TEFL course?

All questions related to materials used or the course will be answered by your online instructor during the completion of the course. Administrative requests will be dealt by our representatives or by our student services coordinator at:

info@tefl-online.com
What can I do if I experience problems receiving your e-mails?

Most of the regular e-mail providers such as Hotmail, and Yahoo or any other web based e-mail accounts are programmed to filter e-mails suspected of being spam, so they are automatically sent to junk folders.If you haven’t received your log-in instructions within 24 hours, please revise your junk folder.If it is not there, please contact us to provide you with log-in instructions at:

info@tefl-online.com or maribelb@tefl-online.com
How do I apply?

The first step for successfully enrolling into our courses is to apply online at:

www.tefl-online.com/cgi-bin/secure-enrollment.html

We will contact you within 24 hours regarding acceptance. If accepted, in our acceptance letter we will provide you with the steps to follow, options for you to provide your payment. In addition we will provide you with an acceptance letter, and a welcoming letter from your instructor.Your instructor is responsible to provide the 7 units until you complete the course.All the information regarding lessons and correspondence will be handled directly via e-mails and attachments.

The course is specially designed to be accessible and to accommodate your needs.

You will work at your own pace yet please note that you are only allowed to receive materials at the pace suggested by your tutor.

We highly advise you to complete the lessons at the suggested pacing, in order to obtain all the benefits from each lesson, and to assure comprehension.

Materials when completed will be mailed to your instructor. Your instructor will send you back the corrected materials along with the next unit.
What can I do if I need to contact someone other than the online customer service?

You can contact your online instructor through email at any needed time.If you ever need to contact someone directly, you can request a phone interview, and we will be glad to contact you at administration discretion depending on how urgent your request might be.

You can also contact us daily at:

info@tefl-online.com
What is the full price for the on-line TEFL course?

The ITTO online course fee is $ 295 USD. The teaching practice has a cost of $ 750 USD.
Can I make more money teaching privately or for a school?

When you work for a school or language center, they will withhold a percentage of your earnings as tax. When you work on your own, you will keep 100% of your income. Many teachers supplement their language center income by teaching privately.
Why do people want to take an on-line TEFL course?

Because they want a career in the EFL/ESL field, a switch of careers or just wanting to teach during their summer break or while they are traveling (to cover expenses) without investing for a full on-site course. Teaching English is a profession that will always allow you to find a regardless of where you might be.
Can I pay in something different than dollars?

Yes, actually you can pay in Mexican Pesos at the exchange rate at the moment in any of the following:

1) Sending credit card details via our secure, on-line, credit card payment facility, which can be found at the end of the following page of our web site:

www.tefl-online.com/cgi-bin/secure-enrollement.html

2) Faxing credit card details to, the International Teacher Training Organization + (52) (33) 3614 2462.

3) Sending a cashiers check made out to the International Teacher Training Organization to,

INTERNATIONAL TEACHER TRAINING ORGANIZATION

MADERO 469

GUADALAJARA

JALISCO 44100

MEXICO

4) You may also wish to make your payment, by bank transfer.

Bank Name: BBVA Bancomer

Bank Address:

Av. Niños Heroes #2715.

Col. Jardines del Bosque.

Z.C. 44520

Guadalajara, Jalisco

México.

Account Name: International Teacher Training Organization.

Account Number: 0 1 3 2 5 7 7 7 1 2
When is the best time to do an on-line TEFL course?

There is really 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. Teachers come and go all the times leaving positions to be filled. This will ensure that you obtain teaching positions virtually any time of the year.
Do I have to commit to a long period of time to get a teaching job in a given country?

No, you do not have to stay in a country for a long period of time to become employed.

Many schools offer 3 month work periods. This is perfect for teachers on holiday /vacation. If you teach on your own then you will decide how long you want to stay, however, it is important to be honest with your students and tell them how long you plan on living in Mexico students really get attached to their teacher.
How old do I have to be to teach English in Mexico?

You have to be at least 18 years old to be employed in Mexico. There is no official upper age limit.

Some employers may have a preference for younger teachers while others tend to prefer more 'mature' teachers.

Our requirements state you must be at least 21 to join our courses. 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 and therefore welcome applications from all interested parties regardless of age, gender or religion.
Is there an age limit?

No. Teaching is one of the professions where you are never too old or young, actually in some Schools and Institutes Directors of Schools like an older, more mature person for a job, because of the respected Image that they portray, some employers prefer younger teachers, being a younger person applying for a Teaching position has the advantage that they see you as an energetic person that will boost their classes up.

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 and therefore welcome applications from all interested parties regardless of age, gender or religion.

There is no official upper age limit. Some employers may have a preference for younger teachers while others tend to prefer more 'mature' teachers.
What makes your on-line TEFL course better than other on-line programs?

The ITTO online TEFL course distinguishes itself from other on-line TEFL courses in several important areas. Our course is a state of the art on-line TEFL course which stands for quality. Graduates of our course earn the prestige of being trained by a worldwide recognized TEFL institution, which is held in high regards by language schools around the world. Our trained graduates are employed before non-qualified teachers.
Do schools use contracts and, if so how long they are for?

Schools may work on a contract basis or not. The ones that do, most of the times offer a one-year renewable contract. These usually include a clause requiring a one month notice to end the contract early. Fewer schools use six-month or two-year contracts. Other schools hire without contracts, on a freelance basis. These offer work on an hourly basis others offer work on six, eight or twelve week courses.
When do schools abroad hire?

Some schools do their hiring for teaching positions just prior to September. But in reality many language schools hire teachers on an as-needed basis any time of year.

Many periods of the year see schools experience vacancies, for example, at the end of semesters when teachers may move on to another country or after the Christmas / New Year holiday when some teachers decide not to return from a visit to their home country. Also, a lot of summer programs in many countries hire in the late spring.
Is there an exam at the end of the course?

No. There is no need to conduct a written examination at the end of the course. Assessment will be made on a continuous basis during the course by your on-line tutor.
Who teaches the online TEFL course at ITTO?

All tutors are required to have had a successful career in teaching of at least five years and EFL Teacher Training experience for a minimum of three years, although most of them amply exceed this margin. All are active teachers, therefore fully aware of the classroom situations facing teachers today.
Can I receive university credit for the online TEFL course?

We have never been asked about getting the credits transferred to a University, but at our sister school IMAC Spanish in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico, where teaching of Spanish takes place, students do it all the time you may contact Academic Assessment Associates International, their website is www.aaaix.org , get in contact with them and let us know what the advisor tells you.
How much time will I have to devote to the online TEFL course each day?

The course follows a method where trainees develop their teaching skills and knowledge of grammar through a combination of on-line group sessions, discussion forums, and assessment of materials given to your on-line tutor.

The time invested will vary depending on the unit that you may be working on. Your tutor will assess your progress and advice you on how to keep up with the rest of your on-line class.

Investing from 2 to 4 hours daily to the course more than likely will allow you to master the materials dealt with and to keep up with the course.
Do I need a college degree?

We do not require for trainees to have a college degree, but having one may be an advantage. First, a college degree may help in getting a job because it will be an advantage over new teachers that do not have one. However, there are plenty of opportunities for teachers who have received TEFL training, especially in countries where the demand for trained native or near native English speaking teachers is extremely high.

There is no need to have an academic degree in order to take the course; although you need to have a standard of education that will allow you to cope with the material dealt with. Our requirements are for you to be a native English speaker or for you to have a proficient level of English, as well as the ability to examine language and learn from your teaching methods and learn from experience.
What are the requisites for enrolling?

You need to be proficient in the use of English in the written and spoken form, there are no age limits, however, you should be over the age of 21, and have a standard of education as the one required for entry into higher education. You must have access to a computer with internet.
Is this course recognized?

Yes. Our online TEFL course gives you the necessary tools to teach in language schools around the world. Employers prefer to employ teachers who have received teaching training.

The ITTO on-line TEFL course distinguishes itself from other on-line TEFL courses in several important areas. Our course is a state of the art course. Graduates of our course earn a worldwide prestige after taking our course, which is held in high regards by language schools around the world since we are part of one of the biggest TEFL course providers.
Is ITTO a member of any professional organizations?

We are proud members of: IATEFL (International Association of Teachers of English as a Foreign Language), NAFSA (Association of International Educators), CANACO (Guadalajara Chamber of Commerce, AMCHAM (American Chamber of Commerce) and BETA (British Education Travel Association).
How will I get confirmation of my registration?

We will confirm by e-mail, we also can contact you by a phone call or fax when requested.
What is an on-line TEFL-TESL course?

An online TEFL / TESL (Teaching English as a Foreign / Second Language) course is a designed to prepare trainees to teach English as a Foreign Language without having to go to a specific location where full courses are given. Selecting an on-line course from an internationally recognized provider like ITTO will give you the necessary skills to teach receiving the prestige that the provider can offer its trainees.
Do I need knowledge of other languages?

No. ITTO uses the universally accepted communicative approach to teaching, where English is the only language used in the classroom.
Will I be a competent teacher by the end of the on-line TEFL course?

Due to the excelling content of our TEFL course, all graduates will receive the necessary skills, confidence and ability to embark on their teaching careers and work in a professional manner anywhere in the world.
Do I need teaching experience?

No. ITTO's on-line TEFL course includes all the methodology, skills, and knowledge that will make you an excellent EFL teacher.
How come people are interested in taking an on-line TEFL course?

The reason is because they are interested in a TEFL/TESL career.The majority of the students are looking for an additional career, and teaching English is the answer to many people. Whether teaching part time during summer break or during their traveling.This course is specially designed for people who are limited in time or lack of finances to take a full time course, yet receiving the benefits from a worldwide recognized TEFL course provider.
TEFL? TESOL? TESL? ESL? EFL? What does it all mean?

TEFL means the "Teaching of English as a Foreign Language"; TESL is “Teaching of English as a Second Language"; TESOL is used to refer to the "Teaching of English to Students of Other Languages"; and TEAL stands for "Teaching English as an Additional Language"
What is the success rate and how many people fail?

The people we get in our course are very work dedicated and therefore the failing rate is rather low, we have had only 1 or 2 cases of people that were not able to finish our on-line course.
How do I know if I am suitable?

If you:

Can read an English newspaper or book with no problem;

Have attended English school at the high school level;

Can carry on a conversation in English with ease or with few difficulties;

Can watch and fully understand English TV or English movies, you can probably become an English teacher around the world.
My grammar is no good, I really don’t think I could make it through your course?

As a native speaker, you know grammar. You now need to understand the how to teach your knowledge in a communicative approach. Our tutors will guide and support you with this and other issues.
I have heard these on-line courses are really tough?

Our course is intensive and challenging to some degree, yet it is very attractive and fun as you develop your teaching techniques.
Why teach English?

Being an English teacher will be a rewarding opportunity, taking an online TEFL course will enable those interested in teaching as a career to get quick start and develop from there, for those interested in teaching English for some time and/or only wanting to get the training to feel what teaching is like, it will be a rewarding experience that will allow them to teach and visit several places for free.

Many companies and regular schools tend to value international experience. The cultural awareness that you will gain living and working in another part of the world will be invaluable to you in the long term, for many people this is their opportunity to real traveling.
I speak English pretty well. Why do I need to take an on-line TEFL course to get a job?

Administrators are more strict about who they hire than they once were. In the past any non trained native speaker could simply ask for a job and be given one.

If you take an on-line preparation course, it will show employers that you have been trained and are acquainted with the skills and methods of teaching English. It therefore makes you a much more attractive job candidate over unqualified applicants.
What can I expect of the program?

You can expect interactive on-line style classes in which full participation is expected. It is a program that will give you the foundation of what teaching is. You can be sure that when you finish our TEFL course, you will have a solid base upon which to build your future growth as a teacher.
Do I need training in EFL to teach overseas?

In the past schools used to hire people who had never taught or received training, now having received previous training is becoming the standard to be expected from possible applicants.

The ITTO on-line TEFL course will open doors for you anywhere you may want to teach, although there are some restrictions in the European community for non Europeans to work, being at times freelancing the option to be taken when planning to work in Europe.
How do I start?

Simply complete the secure Application for Enrollment at:

https://www.tefl-online.com/cgibin/teflonline_application.html

Return it to the school, along with your deposit fee. We will call you to confirm your enrollment and to answer any pre-class questions that you may have. Pending the successful completion of these requirements, you will be set to begin the TEFL Certificate Program.
Do I need to speak British English or North American English?

ITTO regards English as a global language and therefore welcomes applicants from all countries (as well as non-native speakers with a proficient level of English). There is no preferential treatment for, or discrimination against, trainees because of origin, accent or pronunciation.
Does the on-line TEFL course meet international guidelines?

There is no true international body for the on-line TEFL courses, yet our course will give you an advantage over those with no experience and/or training. Non certified applicants will find it difficult to find teaching positions. Schools look and prefer to hire well trained teachers, from the great number of professionals in the market. Pay scales tend to be low for those without training. You will also receive the recognition of having received EFL training from a worldwide recognized TEFL course provider.
Can I teach without EFL training?

Those with no experience and/or training will find it difficult to find teaching positions.

Schools look for well trained teachers and prefer to hire them over non trained English speakers. Pay scales tend to be low for those without training
Do I have to be fluent in Spanish to teach English in Mexico?

No, you do not have to speak Spanish in order to teach. Some students will prefer that you don’t know Spanish. It forces them to communicate with you in English. If you do know Spanish, be careful of using it as a ¨crutch.¨ some of the best international language schools insist that only the language being taught is spoken during class.
Contracts?

Most schools run 1 year contracts although many schools also do without a contract, and a verbal commitment takes place between both parties the employer and employee, all schools will be satisfied with having a word before the employee decides to leave.
Working papers?

When being hired many times the Directors of the schools accept the responsibility to suit you with the working permits needed for you to receive all the benefits that the Locals do.

Do you have any additional questions? Do not hesitate to contact us

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