If you dive into the pool of TEFL course options, it can seem like trying to select the best donut from a bakery when the shop opens at 5am. All the choices look good and yet you’re still too sleepy for any sort of analysis. It’s time to break down the TEFL course pool. Avoid getting lost among a sea or jargon. See TEFL Certification USA to get more info.

Let’s discuss accreditation first. You can think of accreditation as the “secret sauce” that adds value to your certificate. You should be aware that not all sauces will work for you. Some of them have a certain kick, which makes employers sigh with approval. While others are…meh. You should do your research, and make sure that the courses have been approved by credible organizations. Like reading reviews online before you buy headphones: You want quality.

Then, let’s get to the actual content. In a solid TEFL program, you’ll learn everything: how to differentiate between the words “there,” their and their’s without confusing others; managing your classroom without becoming a doormat. It’s not just phonetics or grammar that you should be learning on Monday mornings.

Depending on the course, you may be able to specialise. Do you want to be a business English teacher? It’s possible to create a business English module. Want to handle toddlers instead? Then there is something else for you. Choose your video-game character; they all have their perks.

How you learn also matters. Online courses can be great for people who are busy with work or cannot travel to Timbuktu. While they offer flexibility, the real-life skills are usually not included.

This leads us nicely to practicals, the teaching equivalent to testing a new car before buying one. In the best courses, you can teach with real students as someone who is experienced watches and provides tips.

A support system after a course can be as comforting as knowing there is one when walking your first tightrope. If you want to find programs that can help you prepare for interviews or with job searches, look for those.

A TEFL certificate is not the Holy Grail. Picking the best course for you, like choosing shoes for your epic trip, can be a challenge. Your goal is to choose something that’s both comfortable and reliable. You also want it to be durable so you can handle puddles in the classroom.

Don’t forget that this isn’t simply about earning a certificate. You can also use it to embark on adventures online or in other countries. (Pajamas strongly encouraged) Every person has a different path. Some might be inspired by exotic tales; others might want to express their love of languages from the comfort of home.

Ask around and reach out directly with providers if you have questions. The decision is not merely a simple one. Instead, it can lead to a series of “aha!” moment and great stories that you will tell over the dinner table for many years.

This guide will take you through choosing a course in TEFL without the need for three cups to stay awake. Now, go conquer — or at the least Google with confidence.