Ask Headmaster Ken

Hello everyone,

I am a college senior graduating in the spring with the goal of teaching English in China this fall, preferably in a large city. I have no prior teaching experience or TEFL certification, and am considering getting TEFL certification through an online course if I find a reputable one.

Considering financial factors, would you recommend acquiring the TEFL certification and Z-Visa independently and then contacting schools directly for work, or pay more to apply to one of the all-in-one programs that include the training and visa? These programs do seem extremely convenient, so there must be some catch. Are they really that much more expensive? Can anyone recommend a good program?

I appreciate any advice you have, thanks very much.

Mike

Hi Mike,

In our Guide's chapter on Finding and Applying for Jobs, we do include a brief discussion of these All-in-One Cultural Exchange Programs. Fees range as high as USD $3,500 and whether it is worth it or not depends entirely on how important convenience is to you and how willing you are to conduct your own due diligence.

Certainly, obtaining a TEFL certificate through an online course and then applying to schools on your own will be a lot less expensive.

Best of luck,

Ken

Thanks Ken, I appreciate your response.

As far as online TEFL courses, are there any in particular that you recommend?

-Mike

Mike,

There are no online TEFL certification programs by name that I am familiar with, but if you check our chapter on TEFL & TESOL certification programs, we list several criteria that you should look for.

Best of luck,

Ken