First Class Intesol

Frequently Asked Questions

GENERAL TEFL QUESTIONS

TEFL, TESOL and TESL what do they all mean?
These acronyms essentially refer to the same term used to describe the teaching of the English Language to students who are not native English speakers. The main difference lies in the origin of the term. TEFL stands for Teaching English as a Foreign Language and refers to teaching English overseas to those whose first language is not English. Whereas TESL stands for Teaching English as a Second Language and refers to teaching English in your home country to those whose first language is not English. TESOL or Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages encompasses both TEFL and TESL to make a more current and internationally recognized term. TEFL and TESOL tend to be used interchangeably in practice, which is why we use both terms on our website.

What is a Certificate in TEFL/TESOL?
An accredited Certificate such as the INTESOL Cert TESOL is an initial qualification that qualifies you to teach English to speakers of other languages in a variety of environments, i.e. public schools, private institutes and companies. In order for a Certificate to be internationally recognised it must be at least 100 hours in length, therefore introductory certificates shorter than 100 hours are not considered suitable. The FirstClass Intesol Cert TESOL is around 150 hours in length and externally validated and moderated by the Ascentis, as being at level 4 on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF).

What are the most widely recognised and respected accreditation/validation bodies for TESOL?
When choosing a TESOL/TEFL course, whether it be onsite or online, you should make sure it is externally accredited/validated by one of the following bodies, which are recognised worldwide:

• OCNW (or any QCA approved awarding body)
• Cambridge/RSA
• Trinity College
• Any accredited University
• SIT
• RELSA
• College of Teachers

I've seen short (20/40/60/100 hour) courses that say they are accredited. Do these courses meet the requirements of employers who require certification?
In a word, NO. To access the best jobs and give yourself the best opportunities you should choose a course that fulfils the following criteria:

• The course must be a minimum of 100 hours in length.
• The course must be externally validated by one of the previously mentioned validation/accreditation bodies.
• You should be able to gain observed and assessed teaching practice of at least 6 hours as part of the course programme.*

* Employers will hire teachers without observed teaching practice, but an additional teaching practice qualification complementing the course may give you an advantage in the face of more favourable opportunities. Please refer to Teacher Training.

My schedule doesn't allow me to take a dedicated course, and if I could find employment with a short online or weekend TEFL course, why waste time I do not have on a 100 hour TESOL?

You could take a short online or weekend TEFL course. However, there are two reasons we would advise against this.Firstly, although the short time it takes to complete this type of course (usually around 20 hours) may seem appealing, the fact remains that a short online or weekend course cannot possibly prepare you with the information, conduct, and professionalism required to competently execute a lesson in front of a classroom, amongst other things. Secondly, reputable employers around the world require teachers to have passed a TESOL course that of at least 100 hours in length.

So it boils down to an issue of quality; you may pick up some good tips during a weekend or online TEFL course but the qualification received has no real-world value. Even employers in countries previously not requiring certification are asking for 100 hour + certificates in exchange for better working conditions. If you do choose to take a short TEFL course you will have less choice and negotiation power in TEFL job opportunities. Candidly speaking, any school that hires you following a short TEFL course would probably have hired you with no certificate at all.

Do I need a TEFL certificate to teach?
No. There are a small number of schools around willing to hire unqualified teachers - but these typically offer unfavourable wage, working and living conditions and are stationed in remote locations. As an INTESOL graduate you will be granted access to not just the best, but the most suitable jobs for you, not to mention the fact that you will be fully prepared for your teaching experience. An INTESOL certificate provides you with a qualification which directly translates into your life as both a prospective employee, and a teacher.

ABOUT FIRSTCLASS INTESOL

So why FirstClass Intesol, and not one of the many other courses on offer?

FirstClass Intesol is the first fully-online accredited TESOL program out there, serviced by a unique course management platform granting you ultimate flexibility in your learning needs. FirstClass Intesol is accredited by not one, but two international accreditation boards in open and distance learning. We have been granted Ascentis accreditation which means that our course has satisfied the high criteria set to provide reassurance to our students that services receive from FirstClass Intesol will be of good quality. Finally, FirstClass Intesol is part of a global family offering a comprehensive International support network during and after your course. We have access to the best opportunities for our graduates world-wide, and satisfy the general TESOL course criteria set by overseas employers.  Please refer to Short Courses.
We believe that the quality of our course is reflected in the form of our trainers and graduates and it is this core principle that we adapt in our program; offering the very best for the very best.

Does FirstClass Intesol provide its graduates with an internationally recognized, accredited qualification?

Yes. Our prestigious qualification with Ascentis means FirstClass Intesol will provide you with a fully internationally recognized qualification sought and esteemed by employers worldwide. Our accreditation with ODLQC is granted on the understanding that FirstClass Intesol has achieved the high standards required as an Open and Distance Learning Provider. Choosing a ODLQC-accredited provider assures you, that as a student you are pursuing a course of learning deemed to provide good service.

Does the FirstClass Intesol certificate expire?
No, FirstClass Intesol provides you with qualifications and life skills that last for life.

Does the FirstClass Intesol Certificate in Tesol offer a practical teacher training course to complement my qualification?

Yes. Please contact us if you are interested in this additional qualification. Please note that the FirstClass Intesol teaching practice programme is only available to existing students and is designed to follow the FirstClass Intesol distance learning online TEFL course.

STUDYING WITH FIRSTCLASS INTESOL

What are the entry requirements?

• Native English speaker or a TOEFL score of 280 or higher
• Over 18 years of age
• Minimum of A levels/High School Diploma (although work experience and life experience are taken into account for those who have opted for a vocational path rather than an academic one)

How do I pay?

Once your application is approved we will contact you for your orientation. You can settle all course fees at that time.

Is there a time frame in which I have to complete my course?

There is a 12 month time limit on your completion of the course, however should you require longer, we can arrange extension of your study.

What kind of support would I receive during my course?

Your personal tutor will support you through detailed feedback and guidance throughout your course. In addition, a team of TESOL Advisors are also available to assist you. If you feel you are in difficulties with any aspect of the course you are able to contact us by email, phone, fax or letter.

Is there any additional support I could receive?

Our student association hosts regular meetings, exchanges, progress checks, and individual and group study sessions for those students who would prefer a more onsite approach to learning, or if you're just looking for a bit of quiet study space. Please contact us for scheduling details.

Who are the tutors?

INTESOL staff are dedicated to providing the highest level of tuition to aid you with your course. All trainers are well qualified in TESOL at all levels, with a wealth of experience in teaching ESOL, ESP and EAP at all levels from primary to university, plus examining for the University of Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate and materials writing.

How would I contact my tutors?

Your tutor will be interacting with you through the online delivery platform. Also you can contact your tutor through email or telephone.

How will I be assessed?

The course is largely module-based, each of which is graded and returned with comments. The modules submitted are continually assessed; and you are able to work on the next course module whilst marking is in progress. There are no written examinations.

When will my work be returned to me?
It is the policy of INTESOL for tutors to return all course work within 7 working days of receipt. If you need to complete the course within a short timeframe please let us know and we will assign you a tutor who will work with you to achieve your goal.

I have a problem with the course online delivery system, who do I contact?

Please immediately contact us at FirstClass INTESOL by email or phone and we will assist you.

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

What will I receive after the course?
After successful completion of the course, each applicant will receive the INTESOL Certificate in TESOL. The candidate will also receive a certificate from Ascentis. On top of that, a letter of recommendation is included with details of the candidate's performance and achievement during the course.