International TEFL Academy

The classes were well put together. The instructor was really helpful and a great resource. However, the attraction to this program in specific was the job placement program. What was explained to me by the recruiter vs. the reality of the "assistance" I've received don't seem to align. I feel like I spent more money than I would have with the alternatives and I would have arrived at the same place for a third the price. If I had this to do all over again I would not have enrolled here or spent the money. I hate saying this but I was super excited. At this point I'm pretty bummed and feel like I have a useless certification and no real employment prospects at this time. You can reach people for "help". However, there is definitely a breakdown in communication between the recruiters and the job placement assistance portion of the program. I feel I was mislead. Best of luck to everyone in their pursuits.

Disappointed with International TEFL Academy – Overpromised and Underdelivered I had high expectations for the International TEFL Academy (ITA) based on their marketing, but my experience with both their online TEFL course and job placement program was deeply disappointing. ITA consistently overpromised and underdelivered, to the point that I would consider it misrepresentation. First, their job placement support was nearly useless. The country data they provided was already two years out of date, which made it difficult to plan realistically for job opportunities. Given how quickly visa regulations and hiring trends change, I expected current information—something they claim to provide but clearly do not. The online TEFL course itself was equally disappointing. My instructor barely participated in the class, offering only a single, generic post each week. Her comments on student posts were brief, generic, and lacked any real engagement or useful feedback. It was obvious she was just phoning it in, which made me question the value of the course as a whole. For the price ITA charges, I expected a much higher level of quality, engagement, and support. Unfortunately, what I got was an impersonal experience and outdated resources. If you're serious about getting TEFL certified and finding a job, I’d strongly recommend looking elsewhere.

I would recommend waiting to pay for your classes until the class is ready to start as they do not like to give you a refund or work with you if you need to reschdule or cancel a class and sign up for a different one. They will charge you hundreds of dollars extra if you need to do so. Read their refund and exchange policy well before signing up for any classes. Most of their teachers I would say are good but dealing with student affairs and signing up for classes and payments has not been a pleasant experience, which is all online or over the phone which makes it that much more difficult. I'm a good student and I receive good grades and did well with my classes and teachers and paid them several hundred dollars the classes that I completed with them, but yet when I needed to make a quick change with my last class becuase of my work schedule, they would not work with me, costing me hundreds of dollars after I had already paid them several hundred dollars out of my own pocket for previous classes I had completed with them.

Disappointing trying to receive help in the process of joining. I reached out to speak with my advisor and apparently they are no longer working with the program. I initially spoke with them just a week ago. They said someone would call me back, and from there no one called me back, at all. It shouldn’t be this hard to be in contact, especially in the beginning phases. I would be nervous to continue with them.

Pretty disappointed that I couldn’t get a refund after explaining I have to hold on taking the course due to having to take care of my dad in hospice which means financially I have other priorities. Due to me not canceling 14 days in which I didn’t even know , I’m not able to get a refund. Keep in mind , I purchased on July 2, it is now July 22, which means I only missed it by a couple days. Still no accommodation. Makes me believe the rest of the reviews/

I would be careful about taking their month long, in person intensive program if you have learning disabilities or are neurodivergent in some way. The pace is very intense. In hindsight, I should have taken the course online and then gone to Costa Rica. I also faced a lot of bullying and ableism from many of the other students as well as the blond girl instructor from Georgia who now runs her own English Teaching business. I took this course back in 2021 during Covid at the Costa Rica school in Heredia when it was still opened. Whenever I messed up an exercise or simply tried to make conversation, someone was always there to jump down my throat and try make me feel stupid. To be honest I think someone working there should have stepped in because this should have been an inclusive environment. Also we were there for 6 hours a day. If I told someone off, it would just make the environment even more hostile. Teaching English as a second language is an amazing career for a lot of neurodivergent people. Everyone should be able to thrive in this program. They shouldn’t be pushed away by people who are too insecure to function. I could understand a corporate environment being toxic, but bullying at a TEFL certification program is inexcusable.

International TEFL Academy has top notch approachable instructors, and very thorough TEFL courses. There are also courses for teaching online, business, and children. There is continued support even long after graduation. Worldwide FB pages keep you connected. Best classes I ever took!

I knew in achieving this certificate would change my life. I was medically disqualified from the Peace Corps. I was rejected from Nomads job placement. EF ghosted me(I think my age). I did not give up nor did I get discouraged. One day I said try again, I applied for an ESL opportunity with a language school in my home state(NY). The interview I prepared with guidance from the staff at International TEFL Academy (The Academy). I was hired that day. I started working a week later. I follow the language school's Cambridge curriculum. I teach adult English Language Learners. I worked full-time the first semester (4 months)5 p.m.- 9:30 p.m. Monday - Thursday and 9 a.m.- 6 p.m. Saturday-Sunday. The Academy prepared me for the curriculum and my Powerful and Kind instructor prepared me for my students. Yes, I could have went to a university or a college and I could have spent the same amount of money. I chose The Academy. Yes, my pay is very good. I know this is important. —Alumnus 2020