It is relatively easy to find a TEFL certification program, sign up for it, and get accepted. But you may wonder if you need to prepare for it and how to do so.
After all, not many people fail a TEFL course, so how hard can it really be, right? Most of the students who don’t pass are ones who have dropped out.
In general, any TEFL course isn’t neuroscience, but if you want to do well, you have to work hard and apply yourself. That is why we’ve put together this article for you so you can know exactly how to prepare for your TEFL course and to curb any anxiety you may be experiencing.
Related Article: Your Guide To Accredited TEFL Courses & What That Means
Here are 7 tips you need to follow to prepare for your TEFL certification program:
1. Get Organized
Your organization process would depend on what kind of TEFL certification program you have signed up for:
- In-person and intensive 4-week course, like the Trinity TESOL and CELTA:
For these types of courses, it is generally advised to not have any other responsibilities, such as school, a family, or a job, as these courses aren’t referred to as intense for nothing. You basically live, eat, breathe, and sleep TEFL for the duration of the course because it really is that intense. So, organizing your life and schedule is essential of you choose one of these TEFL courses.
- Full-time in-person, online, or combination TEFL course:
These TEFL courses are generally not so intense as the ones mentioned above and could take between 6 to 12 weeks to complete, meaning you don’t have to organize your schedule as strictly but do some organization so you have enough time complete the course work and not feel pressured.
- Part-time in-person, online, or combination TEFL program:
You need some organization of your schedule for part-time courses and it is imperative to set weekly goals for yourself. You can more easily balance your life when opting for one of these programs and they are perfect if you aren’t in a big hurry to start your new teaching English as a Foreign Language life and career. Nevertheless, it is still an investment and commitment you made, so completing your part-time TEFL certification program deserves priority.
2. Review English Grammar
Yes, you need to know your grammar and be able to explain it to your students. This is quite an important part of teaching English as a foreign language. However, while many native English speakers know most of the rules of grammar, it isn’t always so easy to explain it simply and logically.
So, reviewing English grammar will benefit you during your TEFL course as you won’t need to worry about learning and understanding it yourself and only focus on how you will teach it.
To help you, check out these 4 online resources:
- British Council (English Grammar page)
- Dave’s ESL Café
- ESL Base
- ESL Gold
3. Check Out Pre-Course Materials
Some TEFL certification programs offer pre-course materials you can check out before starting the course. Look these over so you are more familiar with what you will be learning. Just like with reviewing English grammar, looking over the pre-course materials will give you a head start. It will also prepare you for what is coming and put any anxiety to rest.
If your course doesn’t include any pre-course materials, do online research and try to be as prepared as you can be.
4. Supply Run
Think about what supplies you’d need during your TEFL course. Maybe an iPad or laptop to take notes? Maybe you are old school (like me J ) and prefer taking notes with a pen and notebook. A file to keep all your notes, assignments, and lesson plans in also works well.
5. Public Speaking Practice
Teaching involves some public speaking skills and while even thinking about public speaking may want you running for the hills, it isn’t so bad. Be confident – you are, after all, a pro at speaking English!
Before you start your TEFL course, practice making eye contact and projecting your voice. The students at the back should be able to hear you clearly too. But above all, just have fun.
6. Get Excited
While you may be nervous about your upcoming TEFL certification program, you should also be super excited because there are so many options of where to teach English and live after the course (unless you already know where you want to go, but then think of all the traveling, adventures, and learning opportunities that is coming your way!)
7. Relax And Enjoy It
Having a TEFL certificate is important in becoming an EFL teaching, but don’t let that intimidate you. Have fun on the course, learn as much as you can, and put in some work before the course starts!