Doing an Intensive TEFL Course at Home Vs Abroad

By Sharon De Hinojosa

As more and more people are deciding to get their one month TEFL certification, people have to start considering WHERE they want to get it.

Studying at home

If you study at home, you'll already have access to housing, so you don't have to worry about packing everything you own into a suitcase just yet. You'll also be familiar with the area and language, so these are two less things that you have to worry about when studying. By doing so, you can focus your undivided attention on your TEFL Course. Total costs are often lower as you don't have to pay for airfare.

Disadvantages to studying at home might be costs as often course fees for overseas course are cheaper. But this is out weighted by the fact that you don't have to pay for airfare. Also, your course tutors might not know much about the country where you want to teach.

Studying Abroad

Many people who decide to study their course abroad, pick the country that they plan on teaching in. By doing so, they are able to learn from tutors who often have experience teaching in that country. They can be given advice about where to work as well as visa requirements. Housing costs are also often cheaper abroad than at home. And lastly, studying in the country where you are planning to live might be a good way to transition into this culture.

Having to deal with language can also be a disadvantage. Studying an intensive course is stressful enough, but having to deal with not knowing where anything is, about cultural customs, or the language just adds more stress. Having to find your way around and pick up a couple of phrases in the country's language in addition to studying just adds stress. Costs might also be higher as you will have to pay for airfare.

Abroad or At Home?

There are pros and cons about studying at home or abroad. Each person is different and you'll have to weigh the options and decide which is the best for you.

Sharon de Hinojosa (naturegirl321) has lived and worked (mainly teaching English) in the US, Scotland, Spain, the Czech Republic, China, Korea, and Peru. As well as teaching short-term in Venezuela and Taiwan. She has created The LA Job List http://www.thelajoblist.blogspot.com which lists schools, institutes and universities in 19 Latin American countries which offer English teaching positions. Since living in Peru since August 2006, she wrote The Ultimate Peru List http://www.theultimateperulist.blogspot.com With 60 pages it's a comprehensive guide for those living in or moving to Peru.