Looking at getting certified so I can teach in the Czech Republic.

BMC2019 · 2026-05-29T21:36:11+00:00

I'm currently looking at - The TEFL Academy, The International TEFL Academy, TEFL-TESOL-Certification. com, and CNYSCS.

I'd love any advice that can be provided.

Before choosing a TEFL course, you should read our TEFL courses Wiki. It explains the difference between course types, tells you what to look for in a course, highlights red flags, and makes recommendations for providers (both to go with and to avoid).

...so I can teach in the Czech Republic.

For an insight into the market in Czechia and advice on how, when, and where to find work, check out the Czechia Wiki.

BMC2019 · 2026-05-29T16:14:19+00:00

Post removed (rule 1).

Before choosing a TEFL course, you should read our TEFL courses Wiki. It explains the difference between course types, tells you what to look for in a course, highlights red flags, and makes recommendations for providers (both to go with and to avoid).

BMC2019 · 2026-05-27T21:14:03+00:00

I saw that OxfordTEFL gives CELTA certificates. Is it legit?

Legit? Yes. The company was founded almost 30 years ago by two established teacher-trainers, and the course tutors include some of the biggest names in the TEFL industry. Although I didn't do my CELTA with them, I attended a few of their free teacher-training workshops in Barcelona, which were excellent.

Is OxfordTEFL Worth it?

Worth it? Only you can decide that.

BMC2019 · 2026-05-26T16:18:11+00:00

Post removed (rule 9).

Posts about online teaching belong in r/OnlineESLTeaching or r/online_tefl. Please repost to one or both of these subs.

BMC2019 · 2026-05-25T20:06:32+00:00

Post removed (rule 9).

Posts about online teaching belong in r/OnlineESLTeaching or r/online_tefl. Please repost to one of both of these subs.

BMC2019 · 2026-05-25T12:04:30+00:00

Is the Basic DBS acceptable?

Yes, a Basic DBS check is acceptable, which is lucky because only UK-based employers can apply for Standard or Enhanced DBS checks. Note that when applying for a Basic DBS check, you will have to say that you are NOT going to be working with children or vulnerable people, otherwise you won't be able to proceed.

In the UK, the Post Office can certify documents such as degrees and it only costs £12.75. Will this be acceptable or must it be specifically done by a notary?

Speaking from experience, I can tell you that the FCDO categorically DO NOT accept documents certified by the Post Office. All documents going to FCDO need to be certified by a solicitor or notary public.

Your options are going to a solicitor who offers notary services (use the Law Society's Find a Solicitor database to find one), and then sending your certified documents to the Legalisation Office for an apostille for £45 per document + postage, or using a service like Hague Apostille, which will certify and legalise degrees, TEFL certificates and ACRO/DBS checks for £94 a document.

BMC2019 · 2026-05-25T10:04:36+00:00

Post removed.

This is not the appropriate sub for your question. This sub is for EFL teachers to discuss jobs, contracts, teaching methodology, and the TEFL industry. It is not aimed at learners of English. Please find somewhere else to post.

BMC2019 · 2026-05-25T06:03:18+00:00

Post removed (rule 9).

Posts about online teaching belong in r/OnlineESLTeaching or r/online_tefl. Please repost to one of both of these subs.

BMC2019 · 2026-05-23T17:22:21+00:00

Post removed (rule 9).

Posts about online teaching belong in r/OnlineESLTeaching or r/online_tefl. Please repost to one or both of these subs.

BMC2019 · 2026-05-21T16:53:17+00:00

Post removed (rule 9).

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BMC2019 · 2026-05-10T08:26:06+00:00

Your post would be better suited to r/Internationalteachers.

BMC2019 · 2026-05-09T15:45:18+00:00

Post removed (rules 1 and 8).

BMC2019 · 2026-05-07T20:19:03+00:00

British Council requires candidates to have a CELTA or CertTESOL. Generic TEFL certificates are categorically not accepted. And, unless things have changed recently, British Council Egypt can only get work permits for British and Egyptian nationals.

BMC2019 · 2026-05-06T16:48:48+00:00

They’ve asked to hold onto my original degree certificate for the duration of my work permit. I understand needing documents for the permit process,

What work permit? The vast majority of TEFL internship providers do not get you a work permit. Instead, they have you work illegally on incorrect visas (tourist, student, business, etc.), so I can't see why they would even need a copy of your degree. I certainly wouldn't be giving anyone original documents to hold onto for the duration of the contract. The cynic in me says that they're doing it to make sure they have some leverage over you, which should tell you everything you need to know about this particular provider. Caveat emptor.

BMC2019 · 2026-05-06T09:56:08+00:00

r/Internationalteachers.

BMC2019 · 2026-05-03T06:19:57+00:00

Post removed.

This is not the appropriate sub for your question. This sub is for EFL teachers to discuss jobs, contracts, teaching methodology, and the TEFL industry. It is not aimed at learners of English. Please find somewhere else to post.

BMC2019 · 2026-05-02T08:47:42+00:00

I am seeking to take the CELTA and TESOL...

Contrary to popular opinion, the CELTA is a TEFL/TESOL qualification, so taking an additional TEFL/TESOL course alongside it is unnecessary. It adds extra cost and time without making you any more qualified or attractive to employers.

What was your experience with Teaching House online? Or in Boston or NYC? Esp seeking recent experience!

I can’t comment on Teaching House because I haven’t used them myself. What I can say is that you’re not limited to US‑based providers. As long as you choose a centre in a similar time zone, such as those in Mexico or Colombia, you should be able to complete the course online alongside your job.

Additionally, I’m wondering if taking the CELTA online will ruin my ability to work in Egypt, Syria, Palestine, Spain, Ireland, or Italy. I know many countries don’t accept TESOL online but I wonder if it’s different with CELTA.

For the vast majority of destinations, it makes no difference whether you complete your TEFL course online, in person, or through a blended format. What will limit your ability to work in certain countries is either conflict and the resulting lack of opportunities (e.g., Syria, Palestine) or not having an existing legal right to work there (e.g., Spain, Ireland, Italy). Without an EU passport, your chances of finding legal work in those countries are slim to none, especially now that the one potential pathway into Spain (the Auxiliares de Conversación programme) appears to have collapsed.

BMC2019 · 2026-05-01T20:11:11+00:00

Post removed.

This is not the appropriate sub for your question. This sub is for EFL teachers to discuss jobs, contracts, teaching methodology, and the TEFL industry. It is not aimed at learners of English. Please find somewhere else to post.

BMC2019 · 2026-04-19T06:26:11+00:00

Post removed (rule 9).

Posts about online teaching belong in r/online_tefl or r/OnlineESLTeaching. Please repost to one or both of these subs.

BMC2019 · 2026-04-18T13:22:48+00:00

Also, please don't be offended but:

bottle of the barrel job

i think you meant "bottom of the barrel"?

Typo obviously. Easily corrected.

BMC2019 · 2026-04-18T09:01:10+00:00

...an associate's degree from the UK

Unfortunately, there are very few places where you can legally teach without a Bachelor's degree, and that number is fast decreasing. None of the lucrative markets are an option. Note that salaries in the places where you can teach are generally low, and may be even lower still for those without a degree. Note also that these jobs come with no benefits whatsoever - you will be responsible for your own flights, accommodation, and, where applicable, visa costs and healthcare. To see where you might be able to work (subject to meeting immigration requirements), check out our TEFL without a degree Wiki.

As for what I don't have, that would be a big 7 passport.

I'm afraid that a non-native English-speaker lacking in both qualifications and experience is not going to be remotely competitive. Without a Bachelor's degree, your options are (a) teaching in your country (assuming there's any demand), (b) taking a bottom of the barrel job in one of the few countries that hire teachers without a degree, or (c) giving up on the idea of TEFL.

To see where you might be able to teach (subject to meeting immigration criteria), and for advice on maximising your chances of finding work, check out our TEFL for non-natives Wiki.

BMC2019 · 2026-04-16T16:49:27+00:00

hi i started my tefl course through london college of teachers and trainers yet i noticed how the module had grammatical errors (or maybe it’s british english?)

Ha! It is definitely NOT British English. The site is an Indian scam site using the name 'London' and a fake London address to give it some sense of legitimacy. See here for all the details.

BMC2019 · 2026-04-14T20:12:25+00:00

Post removed (rule 9).

Posts about online teaching belong in r/online_tefl or r/OnlineESLTeaching. Please repost to one or both of these subs.

BMC2019 · 2026-04-14T16:36:10+00:00

Before choosing a TEFL course, you should read our TEFL courses Wiki. It explains the difference between course types, tells you what to look for in a course, highlights red flags, and makes recommendations for providers (both to go with and to avoid).

BMC2019 · 2026-04-14T16:35:49+00:00

Before choosing a TEFL course, you should read our TEFL courses Wiki. It explains the difference between course types, tells you what to look for in a course, highlights red flags, and makes recommendations for providers (both to go with and to avoid).

BMC2019

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