Curves and a Carry On

As I find myself looking for every possible way to make my move to Italy happen faster, I considered the possibility of teaching English abroad. As an American and native-English speaker with a tremendous love for the English language…it just kinda makes sense!

As a half-Italian, with a fluency in the Italian language, it seems beneficial to be able to get teaching jobs and have the ability to do tutoring and private lessons, as well. The catch is, I never finished my degree here in the states. So, I started looking at the various types of certifications available to give myself the ability to teach in Italy (or several countries around the world)!

If you’re looking to teach English in Italy (or anywhere else abroad), obtaining a TEFL, TESOL, or CELTA certification is an essential step. These certifications qualify you to teach English as a second language and are highly respected by employers. Each certification has its own advantages, and the best choice depends on your goals, budget, and preferred learning style. Here’s a detailed guide to the best options for each certification:

1. TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) Certification

TEFL is one of the most widely recognized certifications for teaching English abroad. It’s generally considered the most flexible option, with a variety of providers and course formats available.

Best TEFL Certification Providers:

The TEFL Academy: Known for offering high-quality, accredited courses at affordable prices. They have both online and in-person options.

  – Cost: Around $400 to $600 (depending on the course).

  – Length: Typically 120 hours, which is the industry standard.

  –Accreditation: Regulated by the government of the UK (Ofqual) and the Open & Distance Learning Quality Council (ODLQC).

  – Pros: Affordable, accredited, with a good balance of theoretical and practical content.

International TEFL Academy (ITA): One of the top-rated TEFL certification providers. ITA offers both online and in-person classes.

  – Cost: Between $1,000 and $2,500 depending on the course (online vs. in-person).

  – Length: 170+ hours of coursework, including a practicum.

  – Accreditation: Accredited by TQUK (Training Qualifications UK) and recognized globally.

  – Pros: Highly respected certification, lifetime job search guidance, and a large alumni network.

Premier TEFL: Another affordable and flexible TEFL provider. Premier TEFL offers both online and in-class courses.

  – Cost: Courses range from $300 to $1,500.

  – Length: 120 hours minimum, with options for more in-depth courses.

  – Accreditation: Accredited by the Accreditation Council for Distance Learning (ACDL).

  – Pros: Budget-friendly and offers an internship placement program in various countries.

i-to-i TEFL: A well-known provider of online TEFL courses, offering a wide variety of course options.

  – Cost: $150 to $1,200 depending on the course.

  – Length: Courses range from 120 to 300 hours.

  – Accreditation: DEAC-approved (Distance Education Accrediting Commission).

  – Pros: Very affordable, offers a range of flexible study options, and they have internships for post-course placements.

Best For:

– People looking for flexibility in terms of cost and study options.

– Those who want to teach in a variety of countries, including Italy, with a focus on language schools or private tutoring.

2. TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) Certification

TESOL is similar to TEFL but tends to focus more on teaching in native English-speaking countries (though it is also recognized internationally). It’s often interchangeable with TEFL, but it might be more applicable if you’re planning to teach in multicultural environments, such as international schools.

Best TESOL Certification Providers:

UNI-Prep Institute: Offers a 120-hour online TESOL course that’s recognized globally.

  – Cost: Approximately $250 to $500.

  – Length: 120 hours.

  – Accreditation: Accredited by the Canadian Ministry of Education and the International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET).

  – Pros: Very affordable, completely online, and includes job placement assistance.

Oxford Seminars: Offers both TEFL and TESOL certification courses in a combined format. They have both online and in-classroom options across many U.S. cities.

  – Cost: Between $1,000 and $1,500 for combined programs.

  – Length: 120 hours.

  – Accreditation: Accredited by DEAC and recognized worldwide.

  – Pros: Offers a blended learning option, where students can complete part of the course online and part in person. Offers lifetime job placement assistance.

International Open Academy (IOA): Provides an accessible TESOL certification with 120 hours of content.

  – Cost: Around $100 to $300 (frequent discounts).

  – Length: 120 hours.

  – Accreditation: Accredited by the International Council for Online Educational Standards (ICOES).

  – Pros: One of the most affordable options, completely online, and a good entry-level certification for beginner teachers.

Best For:

– Those who want to teach in both native and non-native English-speaking environments.

– People looking for affordable, online options.

3. CELTA (Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults)

CELTA is the most prestigious and internationally recognized certification, run by Cambridge University. It’s ideal for those who want a more intensive, high-level qualification and are looking to teach in established institutions or international schools.

Best CELTA Certification Providers:

Cambridge English (University of Cambridge): CELTA courses are offered through a network of accredited schools worldwide.

  – Cost: $1,500 to $3,000 depending on location and course format.

  – Length: 120 hours, including 6 hours of assessed teaching practice.

  – Accreditation: Recognized and awarded by Cambridge Assessment English.

  – Pros: The most respected English teaching certification in the world, offering excellent career opportunities.

International House: This is one of the most established providers of CELTA courses and offers them in cities around the world, including Italy.

  – Cost: Typically between $1,700 and $2,500.

  – Length: 120 hours with hands-on teaching practice.

  – Accreditation: Accredited by Cambridge English.

  – Pros: Highly intensive, focuses on practical teaching skills, and opens doors to top teaching jobs globally.

St. Giles International: Offers CELTA in major cities like London, New York, and San Francisco, and occasionally in Italy.

  – Cost: Ranges from $2,000 to $3,000.

  – Length: Full-time courses typically take 4 weeks.

  – Accreditation: Cambridge English accredited.

  – Pros: Excellent reputation, focus on practical classroom experience, and a very structured curriculum.

Best For:

– Those who want to work in prestigious language schools or international institutions.

– Individuals seeking a high-level qualification that opens doors to better-paid jobs and long-term teaching careers.

4. Factors to Consider When Choosing a Certification

Here are some key factors to keep in mind when choosing between TEFL, TESOL, and CELTA:

– Cost: TEFL and TESOL certifications are generally more affordable than CELTA. TEFL courses can be found for as little as $200, while CELTA courses are typically over $1,500.

– Format: TEFL and TESOL certifications are often available online, while CELTA courses are usually in-person or blended with a significant practical teaching component.

– Teaching Practice: CELTA includes real-life teaching practice as part of its curriculum. Some TEFL courses also offer a practicum, but not all do, so check if that’s important to you.

– Prestige: CELTA is more prestigious and globally recognized, but a good TEFL or TESOL certificate can be equally useful, especially if you are not aiming for high-end schools or universities.

– Job Placement Assistance: Some providers offer lifetime job placement support (e.g., International TEFL Academy), which can be helpful if you’re new to the field and need guidance.

Wrapping It Up

If you’re just starting out and want flexibility and affordability, a TEFL certification from providers like The TEFL Academy or Premier TEFL is a great choice. If you’re looking to teach English to both native and non-native speakers or in multicultural environments, a TESOL certification from UNI-Prep or Oxford Seminars could be more suitable. For those aiming for more competitive teaching positions or international schools, a CELTA certification from Cambridge English is the gold standard.

Let me know if you’ve taken or explored taking any of these courses….I’ll be posting a lot more resources for these programs….and come say hi when I move to Italy to teach English! 🙂