4 Week Thailand TEFL Certification Course in Chiang Mai
Begin your global adventure with SEE's prestigious onsite TEFL Thailand certification program in the traditional and beautiful city of Chiang Mai, Thailand. Our accredited course equips graduates to step into classrooms across the globe with confidence, skillfully teaching English as a Foreign Language while immersing themselves in a vibrant world of cultural experiences.
But our commitment goes beyond exceptional training; we offer comprehensive ongoing support, becoming your trusted TEFL partner throughout your adventure. Join SEE TEFL and let your teaching dreams become reality as you empower others, forge lifelong connections, and embrace the freedom to work anywhere in the world.
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The Only TEFL Certification you will need to Teach English Abroad
Discover the excellence of SEE TEFL's accredited onsite TEFL certification program in enchanting Chiang Mai. Immerse yourself in a full-time, onsite, 4-week/120-hour course with 6 observed teaching practices at a range of local schools, led by our highly qualified and immensely experienced training staff. This comprehensive program not only offers lifetime job support within Thailand but also provides invaluable opportunities for hands-on teaching experience in local Thai schools.
4-week courses run every month at our school in Chiang Mai. This course includes everything you need to Teach English as a Foreign Language anywhere in the world. However, classes are popular and can fill up quickly, so it's advisable to book early in order to avoid disappointment.
TEFL Course Summary: What’s Included?
- Full-time, 4-week/120 hour onsite TEFL certification training program. (Monday to Friday)
- Accreditation by the Thailand Ministry of Education. This is a requisite for legal employment in several countries including China and Vietnam.
- Our experienced and highly qualified training staff will teach you the fundamentals including teaching inputs, grammar inputs, lesson planning, classroom management, and the Presentation-Practice-Production (PPP) TEFL teaching method.
- Lifetime job support for teachers meeting legal qualifications in Thailand.
- Six observed teaching practices in a range of local schools. (Where available/School Holidays) (TEFL certification with observed teaching practices is required for the majority of teaching positions in Thailand and other countries).
- 8 hours of Thai language instruction and also comprehensive 1-day Thai cultural awareness training.
- Visa support and guidance included.
- Complimentary airport collection available upon request.
- We boast a 95% success rate for trainees who complete the program and have a flexible return policy for those who leave training due to illness or personal issues.
Please note that our 4-week onsite Chiang Mai TEFL training program is distinct from our Chiang Mai paid internship program.
We also offer an Ofqual regulated Level 5 certificate extension through TQUK to our standard 120-hour course. We are the only onsite trainer in Thailand to offer this certificate.
* Throughout the year our 6 Observed Teaching Practices are at a range of local schools. They normally comprise one kindergarten class, two primary school classes, one secondary school class, one college or university class and one 1-1 class with a young adult. Please note that March, April and October courses are good months for TEFL training (as they end just before the new academic semesters begin, and schools are hiring for the upcoming semesters). However, as many schools are closed at this time, it is not always possible to have all teaching practices with formal-school students during these months. For a limited number of teaching practices that cannot use formal-school Thai students, we may use Thai teachers and English-camp participants as students if formal school classes aren’t available.
Eligibility for our 4 Week TEFL Chiang Mai Course?
- Be an English native speaker or have strong English language skills.
- Be adaptable to new and exciting situations.
- Be of good character and possess a friendly, patient and flexible personality.
- Be physically and mentally healthy.
- Have basic IT skills.
- This program is open to all nationalities.
- This program has no maximum age restriction.
- Note: A university bachelor’s degree isn’t a training requirement for the 4-week TEFL course; however, a bachelor’s degree (any major) is normally required to obtain a non-immigrant B (Business) visa and work permit. A non-immigrant B visa and work permit is normally required to work legally as a teacher in Thailand. How to teach in Thailand without a bachelor’s degree.
If you meet these requirements, you are eligible to join our 4-week TEFL course. Please register here.
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Arriving in Thailand! Accommodation and Visa’s
SEE TEFL can offer accommodation options during the training period and guidance on securing long-term living arrangements as a teacher (optional, you are of course welcome to procure your own accommodation).
Participants can enter Thailand with a 60-day Tourist Visa or a 30-day Visa Exemption, both extendable for an additional 30 days in Chiang Mai. (long enough to complete the course)
Once employed, schools assist with Non-Immigrant B visa and work permit applications for long-term stays.
SEE provides complimentary airport collection and transfer within Chiang Mai upon request, requiring flight details and other relevant information. They also assist in obtaining a Thai SIM card and prepaid data package. Our knowledgeable staff are readily available to address questions regarding life and work in Thailand. Please contact us if you have any questions!
Work options on Course Completion
TEFL teachers have diverse employment options, including:
- Teaching at Thai Schools: Full-time positions at government or private formal schools, covering kindergarten to secondary levels. Contracts typically run 10-12 months, but shorter options are available. Contract extensions are common, and benefits include paid leave, a monthly salary, health insurance, visa, and work permit support.
- Teaching at language schools, often part-time with flexible schedules, focusing on evening and weekend classes. Compensation is typically based on teaching hours. Non-immigrant B visa and work permit support are provided, along with some health insurance.
- Teaching Online, offering a nomadic lifestyle while earning income. While different from face-to-face teaching, it supports a flexible lifestyle.
- Volunteer Options: we offers a volunteer teaching options for interested graduates.
SEE TEFL offers robust employment support, including a job guarantee. They provide training on finding work independently and offer school contacts and job listings. Graduates can access a dedicated job forum and benefit from SEE's extensive school network. Ongoing job support is available, but it's conditional on teacher qualifications for legal teaching in Thailand. Additionally, SEE offers a volunteer teaching option for interested graduates.
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4 Week TEFL Thailand Course Upcoming Dates
- Training days run Monday to Friday for 4 weeks unless stated otherwise.
- September 23rd - October 18th, 2024
- October 21st - November 15th, 2024
- November 25th December 20th, 2024
- January 6th - 31st, 2025
- February 3rd - 28th, 2025
- March 4th - 28th, 2025
- April 16th - May 9th, 2025 ***Please note that due to the Songkran Festival in Thailand, training starts on Wednesday April 16th and will run for IO consecutive days, including Saturday April 19th and Sunday 20th, before returning to a Monday to Friday schedule for weeks 3 and 4.***
- May 12th - June 6th, 2025
- June 16th - July 11th, 2025
- July 21st - August 15th, 2025
- August 25th - September 19th, 2025
- September 22nd - October 17th, 2025
- October 20th - November 14th, 2025
- November 24th - December 19th, 2025
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The Most Trusted TEFL Certification in Asia!
- Licensed by the Thai Ministry of Education to conduct accredited TEFL Training courses.
- Approved Center of Training Qualifications UK (TQUK), and recognized by the UK Government Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation (Ofqual).
- Certified ISO 9001:2015 — an international quality management standard — by Bureau Veritas, which is accredited by the UK Accreditation Service (UKAS), recognized by the UK Government.
- SEE TEFL was the first TEFL trainer in Asia to achieve ISO 9001
- SEE TEFL is the only TEFL training organization in Thailand recognized by the Thai Industrial Standards Institute (TISA) as achieving ISO 9001 certification.
*Note: DSS International Language Services Co., Ltd. is the operating company and legal license holder for our school and our teaching and traning services.
The SEE TEFL course in Chiang Mai is the Best TEFL course in Thailand!
With a trusted legacy dating back to 2006, with a graduation rate of 95% SEE TEFL has guided thousands of students to graduation, global employment and adventure. Our diverse community of learners hails from more than 40 countries, spanning a wide age range from 18 to 70 years old. We take pride in delivering top-notch onsite TEFL training in Chiang Mai, thanks to our experienced trainers who uphold Thailand's highest standards in TEFL certification at SEE TEFL Chiang Mai. In addition, we also offer a TQUK Level 5 Certification extension to our 4-week course.
SEE TEFL | Accredited TEFL Courses Thailand
208, 2 Kaew Nawarat Road, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Mai
5.0 44 reviews
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nicola loucas ★★★★★ 5 months ago
I could not fault my experience at 'SEE TEFL'. I went in to the course already with high expectations and they … More were greatly exceeded throughout. Before starting the course I had no previous teaching experience and had never been to Thailand.
The course provides you with everything you need to know about teaching English in Thailand and what to expect once starting at a Thai school. The first two weeks in the classroom you are provided with lessons on the English language and grammar, a step by step guide on how to teach a EFL lesson, Thai language classes and classes learning more about Thailand and the culture. Towards the end of the two weeks you are guided with how to prepare for the final two weeks of observed teaching practices.
The final two weeks we were given the opportunity to teach a 50 minute class at five different schools of nursery, primary, secondary, college and adult intermediate students. This enabled me to get a better idea on which age of students I wanted to teach and significantly increased my confidence to teach. After each teaching practice we were given informative feedback from a 'SEE TEFL' trainer of what parts went well and what areas we could improve on for next time.
After finishing my course I secured a job instantly and was still supported by the agency in my job search and in any guidance I may have still required. Overall, I could not have imagined moving to Thailand and navigating the world of teaching English here without the support and teaching I experienced at 'SEE TEFL' and would highly recommend it to anyone wanting to pursue a teaching career here or in another foreign country. -
Andrei Frandes ★★★★★ a year ago
I did my course with SEE TEFL 4 years ago and it’s the reason why I live and work in Thailand ever since. I researched a … More few other courses before deciding to go with them and I am so glad for my decision.
Despite the fact that I had no previous teaching experience and I’m a non native English speaker the 4-weeks on site course equipped me with the fundamentals of being an EFL teacher.
Thanks to all the teachers at the language school for helping me build up my confidence, preparing me to sit in front of a classroom and know how to act as a teacher and
telling me what to expect when dealing with students in a foreign country.
Going to all the different schools in town for our observed teaching practices and doing an on-site lesson for most grades is the only way to experience what a teacher goes through at a school in Thailand. -
Michael Shane ★★★★★ 5 months ago
An amazing and beneficial experience! The owners, trainers, and staff all go above and beyond to ensure you have the knowledge … More and practice to be successful as an EFL teacher. I was able to secure a teaching position directly out of the class; I owe that to the wonderful work SEE TEFL did in preparing me. Thank you! -
Anushika Sirinthipaporn ★★★★★ a year ago
I completed and received my TEFL and TQUK Level 5 Certificate almost exactly 2 years ago.
Despite schools being closed due … More to strict Covid-19 regulations, John, Shouvik and the team made sure accommodate us in the best possible way!
Not once do I regret doing the TEFL course at SEE TEFL because in a generation where you have so many options, including obtaining an online certification, getting to experience raw teaching in a classroom definitely expands ones horizons.
The 4-week TEFL program equips you with life-long skills that you can always build up on as you diversify or, in other cases, specialize in the teaching field.
I can proudly say that I've been able to come this far and thrive in the teaching industry mostly because of my decision to go for the on-site TEFL program at SEE. Because of this course, I was able to teach at local Thai schools, as well as establish myself in online teaching.
John, Shouvik, Terry and the rest of the amazing team will guide you through every step, making sure that you are able to overcome any obstacles. So if you're thinking twice about doing a TEFL course at SEE, please don't!
PS: I was also one of the lucky ones to receive the last lot of the limited edition SEE TEFL shoulder bag :) -
Evan Schollie ★★★★★ a year ago
I had a great experience studying my TEFL certificate here in June-July of 2022. All the instructors (Terry, Dean, Sultan, … More Shouvik, John) helped me become an effective teacher and shared advice on what to expect in a Thai classroom. The six teaching practices in local schools were also a critical part of my professional development.
The building is clean and well-maintained, and the office staff were helpful in getting me connected with teaching opportunities.
This program was the perfect gateway to get me started as an English teacher in Thailand. Recommend! -
Rubenn Remy ★★★★★ 11 months ago
I recently had the pleasure of attending SEE TEFL where l received my TEFL Certificate. SEE TEFL has truly exceeded my expectations. … More
One of the standout aspects of SEE TEFL was undoubtedly the incredible dedication of all their teachers, especially Teacher Shouvik. From day one, it was evident that he had poured his heart and soul into the school, going above and beyond to ensure every student's success. Shouvik's passion for teaching was infectious, and his commitment to our learning journey was truly inspiring.
Furthermore, Shouvik's extensive knowledge of the English language and his exceptional communication skills allowed him to effortlessly convey complex concepts in a way that was easily digestible for us. He had a remarkable ability to break down challenging grammar rules and vocabulary, making them accessible and applicable in our everyday lives. His patience and willingness to provide individualized attention truly set him apart as an outstanding educator.
Shouvik's dedication extended far beyond the classroom. He was always available to answer any questions or concerns we had, even outside of regular class hours. He invested countless hours in preparing comprehensive lesson plans and providing valuable feedback on our progress, ensuring that we were constantly improving and growing as Aspiring TEFL English Teachers.
Overall, my experience at SEE TEFL was nothing short of exceptional, largely due to the unwavering commitment and passion of teacher Shouvik. His genuine care for each student's success was palpable, creating a supportive and nurturing environment in which we thrived. I am very grateful for the knowledge and skills I gained under his guidance and would highly recommend SEE TEFL to anyone looking to become a TEFL English Teacher. -
Sophie Johnson ★★★★★ a year ago
I studied at SEE TEFL November to December 2022.
A professional and engaging in-person course from start to finish! I had … More been living in Chiang Mai for a year prior to taking the four week teacher training program. Everyone I talked to about various teaching training schools in Chiang Mai had either personally recommend the school, or knew of someone that did.
All the staff are kind, friendly, and helpful. Most of all SEE TEFL gave me the experience and confidence to try teaching. The in-class teaching practices were extremely helpful in building up my confidence.
Overall a great course. Highly recommend! -
Colin Mckenzie ★★★★★ a year ago
I looked at 3 options to complete my tefl training in Chiang Mai. CELTA looked good but quite intense, speaking with CMU … More their course seemed okay but vague when it came to follow up post course. However after almost an hour speaking with John at SEETEFL I was convinced this was the course for me.Not only did it provide me with a fully accredited TEFL qualification, there were so many add ons that came without charge. For example they introduce students to Thai culture in a very practical and effective way with Thai language classes, exposure to cultural events and a full day learning about Thailands people and it’s history.And so much more. Apart from the high level of support and encouragement to get you through the 4 week course of theory and practical sessions at various educational institutions.SEETEFL assists it’s students to find teaching jobs, to get a Visa and work permit and explain the sensitivities of dealing with Thai government officials.With the assistance of SEETEFL I worked at a private school in Chiang Mai. I also worked with SEETEFL in a wide range of teaching opportunities through their school. From teaching formal Business English to company staff and individuals to small group sessions and 1 to 1 IELTS sessions with students.From my experience, the follow up was great. Whether I was seeking advice on health banking or social issues John and Ying were always ready to assist.I have happy memories of the 3 years that I spent in Chiang Mai and through those years a common denominator that contributed to my happiness was John and Ying and the SEETEFL staff. -
Lee Lawrence ★★★★★ 7 months ago
I am in my last few days of training at SEE TEFL and I would like to say to anyone thinking of taking the course, just do … More it! I think it's fair to say that the course feels intense at times but once it is complete you walk away with a tremendous feeling of achievement. I feel confident, well rounded and ready to take on my role as a TEFL teacher. There is an abundance of support on offer from the staff and their ability to communicate all facets of teaching practice is exceptional. I'm so glad I took this course and would like to say a great big thank you to all the staff at SEE TEFL. Keep on producing great teachers!
- 4-week (Monday to Friday) Ministry of Education Licensed on-site 120-hour TEFL Certification with 6 observed teaching practices at a range of local schools.
- 4-week courses run every month at our school in Chiang Mai. However, classes are popular and can fill quickly, so it's advisable to book early in order to avoid disappointment.
- SEE teacher training provides the fundamentals needed to begin teaching English as a Foreign Language, including lesson planning, classroom management, and the Presentation-Practice-Production (PPP) TEFL teaching method.
- SEE participants gain a strong foundation in teaching fundamentals, course preparation, authentic practice, grammar and Thai cultural appreciation.
- Teaching Inputs. These are the individual classroom skills an EFL teacher needs in order to be an effective EFL teacher. Each skill is looked at individually in separate practical-skills development workshops. Detailed descriptions of all Teaching Inputs are listed further down this page.
- Grammar Inputs. These inputs develop awareness of language and structure. They also show how to teach structure, language ideas and context to non-native speaking students. Detailed descriptions of all Grammar Inputs are listed further down this page.
- Authentic six 1-hour observed teaching practices with real students at a range of levels and ages in local real schools (see caveat below, for courses that take place during the school semester breaks).
- An online grammar terminology and teaching process review is now included with all 4-week TEFL courses. An introductory refresh of grammar terminology, as well as an overview of the teaching process, will help with preparation for the course. The grammar terminology and teaching process review will be emailed to trainees approximately 4 weeks before the start of their training date.
- Cultural awareness training (1 day). Effective insights into how Thais process the world and their societal values. This is essential for successfully living and working in Thailand.
- Survival Thai language instruction (8 hours). This also allows trainees to experience the language teaching classroom from the perspective of their future students.
- TEFL certification with observed teaching practices is required for the majority of teaching positions in Thailand and other countries.
- SEE achieved ISO 9001 Quality Management certification in 2009 (the first TEFL training organization in Asia to do so).
- SEE is licensed by the Thai Ministry of Education to teach TEFL teacher training. This allows the SEE certificate to be notarized at the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Chiang Mai. This is a requisite for legal employment in several countries including China and Vietnam.
- SEE is an Approved Center of Training Qualifications UK (TQUK), which in turn is recognized by the UK Government Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation (Ofqual).
- SEE offers through TQUK an Ofqual regulated Level 5 certificate extension to our standard 120-hour course. SEE is the only onsite trainer in Thailand to offer this certificate.
- Registration and a deposit payment is required to confirm a seat; the balance payment isn't payable until the end of the first day of training. A full financial commitment isn't required until you've experienced our school, staff, trainers and training.
- There is a range of employment options in Thailand. Foreign TEFL teachers can work full-time at government or private formal schools at kindergarten, primary and secondary levels so will participate in their students' formal education. Teachers can also work part-time or full-time at vocational colleges and universities. Teachers are expected to be in school from around 7:30am to 4:30pm from Monday to Friday. Employment contracts normally last 10 - 12 months but they can be just 1 semester (4 - 5 months) long as well. Whenever a teacher joins the school during the academic year, their contract normally finishes at the end of that academic year or semester but can resume again at the start of the next academic year or semester. If a teacher is satisfied with their school and their school is satisfied with them, they can extend their employment contract indefinitely. The school provides paid sick and holiday leave, a fixed monthly salary, basic health insurance cover, non-immigrant B visa and work permit support and, perhaps most importantly, an unforgettable life experience for the teacher.
- Teaching at language schools is also available. These schools offer classes for students outside of their normal school or working day. Hence classes tend to be evenings and weekends. Some language schools offer fixed monthly salaries but most employ teachers on a part-time basis and teachers are paid for the hours they teach only. Schools normally provide non-immigrant B visa and work permit support and sometimes basic health insurance cover. This suits some teachers as it allows part-time work, flexibility and frees up times of the week when they may wish to pursue other activities. It's also possible to have a full-time position at a formal school and teach additional language school classes evenings and weekends for extra income.
- Teaching online is also an option. This offers the opportunity to live as a 'digital nomad' traveling around the world while earning an income. Although not as personally rewarding as face-to-face teaching, it does support a lifestyle choice.
- SEE provides extensive employment support and most trainees are offered jobs during or shortly after training ends. In fact, we offer a job guarantee! Our support includes a finding work workshop during training which shows teachers how to find work independently of an agency as many teachers wish to decide themselves where they will work, the age group or level of the students, the start and end dates of employment and the minimum salary. We also provide lists of school contacts and forward job descriptions sent to us by schools looking for teachers. Our graduates are invited to join our SEE Grads Facebook page where earlier graduates post job openings at their schools and recent graduates can ask questions about schools, locations or countries. As a TEFL training school since 2006, SEE has developed extensive connections with schools which prioritize job applications from SEE graduates and schools that rely on SEE to manage jobs at their schools. SEE manages around 50 teaching positions at schools within this network; we only recruit teachers for these positions from our TEFL course.
- For finding work outside of Thailand we offer a one-to-one consultation with our school director.
- Job support is ongoing and can be requested at any time in the future, not just after training ends. However, this is conditional upon the teacher being suitably qualified to teach legally in Thailand.
- See also the Volunteer option for those SEE graduates who wish to Volunteer Teach in Thailand.
- Accommodation arrangements can be made on behalf of the student for the training period and we also offer advice on finding alternative accommodation for this period and for long term living while employed as a teacher.
- A 60-day Tourist Visa or 30-day Visa Exemption allows participants to enter Thailand, complete training and look for employment. Both options can also be extended for a further 30 days in Chiang Mai. Once trainees find employment, their school will provide paperwork to support their Non-Immigrant B (Business) visa and work permit applications; this visa allows an indefinite permission to stay as it can be extended each year.
- SEE provides a free Chiang Mai Airport collection and transfer (if requested) to your accommodation within the city. Please forward no less than 72 hours before your arrival, your flight number, airline, arrival date/time, whether you are arriving at the Domestic or International terminal and your destination.
- SEE provides assistance to purchase a Thai SIM card and pre-paid data package.
- Our staff are always available for any questions relating to living and working in Thailand.
- This is a 4-week onsite TEFL teacher training course with 6 observed teaching practices at local schools. The program fee is $1,395 USD.
- Registration and a deposit payment of $495 is required to book a seat. The balance payment of $900 isn't payable until the first day of onsite training
- We offer this 4-week program approximately every month (see below for all training dates).
- Visit our Register/Pay page to book a seat.
- The 4-week TEFL Course Fee includes all course costs including study materials, reference books, testing and certification.
- This course is popular and can fill quickly, so it's recommended to book a seat early. Dates displayed on our Registration Page have availability.
- SEE TEFL can book an optional 30-night hotel stay for $ 350 USD single / $ 400 USD double occupancy. This is completely optional and most attendees find their own accommodation from among the many available in Chiang Mai. See our Accommodation page for more information. Payment of the optional accommodation fee is made at the same time as the deposit..
- Training days run Monday to Friday for 4 weeks unless stated otherwise.
- September 23rd - October 18th, 2024
- October 21st - November 15th, 2024
- November 25th - December 20th, 2024
- January 6th - 31st, 2025
- February 3rd - 28th, 2025
- March 4th - 28th, 2025
- April 16th - May 9th, 2025 ***Please note that due to the Songkran Festival in Thailand, training starts on Wednesday April 16th and will run for 10 consecutive days, including Saturday April 19th and Sunday April 20th, before returning to a Monday to Friday schedule for weeks 3 and 4.***
- May 12th - June 6th, 2025
- June 16th - July 11th, 2025
- July 21st - August 15th, 2025
- August 25th - September 19th, 2025
- September 22nd - October 17th, 2025
- October 20th - November 14th, 2025
- November 24th - December 19th, 2025
- Be an English native speaker or have strong English language skills.
- Be adaptable to new and unpredictable situations.
- Be of good character and possess a friendly, patient and flexible personality.
- Be physically and mentally healthy.
- Have basic IT skills.
- This program is open to all nationalities.
- This program has no maximum age restriction.
- Note: A university bachelor’s degree isn’t a training requirement for the 4-week TEFL course; however, a bachelor’s degree (any major) is normally required to obtain a non-immigrant B (Business) visa and work permit. A non-immigrant B visa and work permit is normally required to work legally as a teacher in Thailand. How to teach in Thailand without a bachelor’s degree.
Foreign Language Experience
Appreciation of the difficulties involved in learning a foreign language and how this can benefit teachers. We do this by having Thai language classes that course participants take as a part of the TEFL program. This provides both some useful Thai words and phrases, as well as experiencing what it is like to learn a foreign language in a classroom environment (many have done this but, but a refresh is valuable to help the teacher more directly understand what it is like to be a foreign language student).
Language Awareness – Structure and Components of English
Trainees will receive an overview of grammar including all verb tenses and language components as well as a focused analysis of conditional sentences, passive verb forms and specific commonly used verb tenses. Stress, intonation and rhythm will be analyzed and practiced.
English Learner Student Profile
Trainees work with individual students on rapport-building, error analysis and correction and addressing individual student needs. A final report including a needs analysis, student analysis and summary will be prepared by trainees and discussed with the course trainer.
Practical and Authentic Teaching Practice
A fundamental part of any TEFL course, SEE TEFL’s trainees will teach 6 one-hour observed classes to real students using skills acquired during training. Levels will range from beginner to intermediate with an age range from primary to adult. One-to-one feedback will be given to every trainee by one of SEE TEFL’s experienced class observers.
TEFL Training Course Participants
The SEE TEFL Certificate in Teaching English as a Foreign Language to speakers of other languages is an introductory course for candidates with strong English language skills (a minimum IELTS academic module score of band 6.5 or equivalent for candidates for whom English is not their native language) who have little or no previous experience of teaching English as a foreign language. Candidates with some experience but inadequate or no training may also find the course beneficial.
TEFL Training Course Objectives
The course enables candidates to:
- Acquire essential pedagogical knowledge that is relevant to teaching English as a foreign language to a wide variety of age-groups
- Acquire essential practical skills for both assessing the level of an adult’s competency in using English as a foreign language and teaching English to Adults whose first language is not English.
- Demonstrate their ability to apply their learning in real teaching contexts.
TEFL Training Course Syllabus
The following syllabus reflects the needs of potential candidates and gives outlines of both what candidates will cover during the 4 weeks course and basic teaching skills required for novice EFL teachers.
The syllabus consists of 16 specific topic areas, a course in language awareness consisting of 7 specific topic areas, 3 written assessments which are assessed (which shall be referred to as written assignment 1, writing assignment 2 and writing assignment 3 from now on) ,and are assessments of the candidate’s aptitude of the course in language awareness along with 6 one-hour, observed and assessed, classes (which shall be referred to as the 6 observed teaching practices) to real students during the final two weeks.
The 16 topic areas:
- The Teaching Process
- Teaching Pronunciation
- Teaching Vocabulary
- Teaching Grammar
- Teaching Speaking
- Teaching Listening
- Teaching Reading
- Teaching Writing
- Topics, Situations, Notions and Functions
- Classroom Interaction
- Classroom Discipline
- Teaching Children
- Large Heterogeneous Classes
- Lesson Preparation
- Assessment overview
The SEE TEFL Certificate in Teaching English as a Foreign Language to speakers of other languages is awarded to candidates who have completed the course and who have met all the criteria for all written and practical assignments.
TEFL Training Assessment Framework
Candidates are awarded two grades at the end of the course. One is given for the mark they achieve in a formal examination of their knowledge at the end of the language awareness course. The other is given as an overall grade for the candidate’s performance during the 6 observed teaching practices and this includes an assessment of their preparation for each of the lessons.
TEFL Training Course Program
Courses run for four weeks in total. During that time, candidates will receive 120 contact hours and these will include:
- Input
- Supervised lesson planning
- Six observed teaching practices (six hours)
- Feedback on teaching
- Observation of experienced teachers
- Consultation time
- Familiarization with the role of being a second language learner
Candidates should allow around an additional 20 hours for pre-arrival familiarization materials. These include a grammar terminology review and video exercises associated with EFL teaching methodology.
Successful candidates are able to know how to do the following:
Introduction
1.1 Overview of the proposed course, introduction to the methodology that trainees will look at (namely, presentation, practice and production – The 3Ps) and giving trainees an opportunity to speak publicly for the first time in a controlled and supported environment.
The Teaching Process, Part 1
2.1 Effectively presenting ideas to EFL students and the importance of this stage of the teaching process. 2.2 How EFL students will perceive both sounds and information. 2.3 A model EFL presentation by an experienced EFL teacher followed by a group discussion.
The Teaching Process, Part 2
3.1 Effective practice stage activities for EFL learners and the importance of this stage of the teaching process. 3.2 The importance of giving clear and effective instructions for a practice activity for EFL students. 3.3 How to issue clear and effective instructions for a practice activity for EFL learners. 3.4 Managing a practice activity effectively. 3.5 Effective production stage activities for EFL learners and the importance of this stage of the teaching process. 3.6 How to issue clear and effective instructions for a production activity. 3.7 Managing a production activity effectively.
Teaching Pronunciation
4.1 Overview of paralinguistic features, phonology and phonetics of the English language. 4.2 The 44 individual phonemes used in the English language. 4.3 Effective ways to remedy EFL student’s pronunciation problems and an overview of using ‘phonics’ in an EFL classroom.
Teaching Vocabulary
5.1 Overview and discussion of the terminology used to both describe individual words in the English language and to group them. 5.2 Teaching vocabulary using ‘3Ps’ methodology
Teaching Grammar
6.1 Teaching English language structures effectively using 3Ps methodology. 6.2 A discussion of an outline of a ‘3Ps’ lesson on singular, plural countable and uncountable nouns and their associated determiners.
Teaching Speaking
7.1 Overview of what constitutes a successful speaking activity for EFL students versus an unsuccessful one. 7.2 A discussion of the particular stages of a ‘3Ps’ lesson when EFL students will participate in a speaking activity. 7.3 Generating a successful speaking activity
Teaching Listening
8.1 Specific listening skills that EFL students need to acquire. 8.2 Effective listening activities for EFL students. 8.3 How listening materials can be used to present both language structures and vocabulary as part of the presentation stage of a ‘3Ps’ EFL lesson.
Teaching Reading
9.1 Specific reading skills that EFL students need to acquire. 9.2 Effective listening activities for EFL students. 9.3 How reading materials can be used to present both language structures and vocabulary as part of the presentation stage of a ‘3Ps’ EFL lesson.
Teaching Writing
10.1 Specific reading skills that EFL students need to acquire 10.2 Effective listening activities for EFL students 10.3 Effective correction techniques for EFL student’s writing and communicative activities that can be set up through writing activities.
Topics, Situations, Notions and Functions
11.1 Overview of communicative situations and their associated language structures. 11.2 How to present the associated language structures to EFL students. 11.3 Spoken practice activities using the associated language structures 11.4 Effective production activities using the associated language structures.
Classroom Interaction
12.1 Establishing rapport with EFL students. 12.2 The importance of correctly graded language when speaking to EFL students. 12.3 The need for supported meta-language with EFL students.
Classroom Discipline
13.1 Discussion of specific discipline problems in an EFL classroom. 13.2 The importance of correctly graded language when enforcing discipline in an EFL classroom. 13.3 Examples of discipline problems in a classroom and a discussion of what may have caused them and how they could be remedied.
Teaching Children
14.1 Discussion of the specific needs of young children during each of the 3 stages of a ‘3Ps’ EFL lesson. 14.2 Awareness of and discussion of how we are transferring an EFL methodology that was primarily developed for adults into a classroom of young EFL learners. 14.3 Effective management of the 3 stages with very young EFL learners.
Large Heterogeneous Classes
15.1 Effective management techniques for large groups of EFL learners with multiple needs and varying levels of ability using EFL. 15.2 Effective planning of lessons for large groups of EFL learners with multiple needs and varying levels of ability using EFL.
Lesson Preparation
16.1 How to generate clear aims and objectives for an EFL lesson 16.2 Planning an effective presentation stage for EFL students and creating the necessary materials. 16.3 Planning an effective practice stage for EFL students and creating the necessary materials. 16.4 Planning an effective production stage for EFL students and creating the necessary materials.
Language Awareness / Grammar Use
Successful candidates are able to do the following:
English grammar terminology
1.1 Identify the key parts of speech and parts of a sentence in the English language
Use of the present simple and present continuous verb tenses
2.1 Identify the form and structure of these two verb tenses. 2.2 Identify the contexts in which they are used. 2.3 Identify important sounds that EFL learners will make that are associated with the two verb tenses.
Use of the past simple and past continuous verb tenses
3.1 Identify the form and structure of these two verb tenses. 3.2 Identify the contexts in which they are used individually and used together. 3.3 Identify important sounds that EFL learners will make that are associated with the two verb tenses.
Use of the past simple and present perfect verb tenses
4.1 Identify the form and structure of these two verb tenses. 4.2 Identify the contexts in which they are used individually and used together. 4.3 Identify important sounds that EFL learners will make that are associated with the two verb tenses.
English verb tenses and language structures used to discuss future events.
5.1 Identify the form and structure of the associated verb tenses and language structures 5.2 Identify the contexts in which they are used. 5.3 Identify important sounds that EFL learners will make that are associated with the associated verb tenses and language structures.
The passive voice and the active voice
6.1 Identify the form and structure of the passive and the active voice in all verb tenses and structures in the English language. 6.2 Identify the contexts where we are more likely to use the passive voice as opposed to the active voice. 6.3 Identify important sounds that EFL learners will make that are associated with both the passive and the active voice.
Conditional sentences
7.1 Identify the form and structure of the four types of conditional sentences and mixed conditional sentences. 7.2 Identify the contexts in which they are used. 7.3 Identify important sounds that EFL learners will make that are associated with the four types of conditional sentences.
Summary of Course Outline
We have designed and improved our TEFL Training Course over the past 11 years. At first glance it appears a bit overwhelming. However, we have a very organized and effective course schedule and have an overwhelmingly successful completion rate. We not only provide all the basis that any in-class TEFL, CELTA, or TESOL course provides, but also include cultural awareness training throughout the course, and a culture day on the Friday of the first week.