The Number One Rule of TEFL is . . .

You don't talk about TEFL.

Just kidding, it's actually to pick the best training course you can.

So exactly what is a TEFL?

TEFL stands for Teaching English as a Foreign Language, so in a technical sense it isn't correct to say you are getting, or you have, a TEFL.  Nevertheless, this is what we generally say while meaning a TEFL Certificate.

A TEFL certificate is the result of the completion of a TEFL course.  There are probably hundreds of TEFL courses all over the world and even online.  Choosing to take one is only the beginning, then you must find a reputable course where you will truly learn to teach.  The fact is, while the certificate is important, the training you receive is far more important.

It's easy enough to get an online certificate but few places recognize any value in that, after all, the certificate is only a piece of paper and as valuable as the training it represents.  So it is imperative that you look for a program where the TRAINING is stressed.  And by Training what I mean is actual teaching and lesson planning.  Essays may be useful to help you think through concepts, but as an English teacher I cannot think of a single instance in which I would be required to write an essay, only to edit them.  A good program will be designed so that most any assignment you do will mimic a skill you need to use in real live teaching or to inform your teaching.

Check the number of teaching hours on the course (zero for online) first and foremost, this is what you'll be doing as a teacher after all, get as much observed practice as you can.

Another good point is that not all teaching practice is equal.  See what graduates of the course thought of their feedback during critiques and what types of classes they taught.  Many courses have people train at only one level (usually intermediate or above) and have fairly light peer and trainer critiques.  While this might not be as difficult, it also won't lead to you becoming the best teacher you can be, which translates into more quality, and less stressful, work.  Make sure the school teaches at multiple levels (Beginners, Pre-Intermediates, Intermediates, Upper-Intermediates to name a few) and make sure that students feel they got good SPECIFIC feedback that was helpful to them.

And finally, I strongly recommend taking the TEFL course abroad.  You are likely considering a course because you'd like to live abroad.  So take the course abroad as well.  It will be a helpful transition as moving abroad can be very exciting, but very difficult both logistically and emotionally at first.  Additionally, if you take the course in an English speaking country you aren't really getting realistic teaching experience.  Abroad your students speak English in class and then return to a non-English speaking world, teaching students in America, Australia, Britain or other English speaking countries simply isn't the same and doesn't fully prepare you.

There is obviously a lot more to a TEFL course, but the teaching experience is the most important.  I hope this helps in your search for a TEFL school and as always feel free to ask me anything or contact me if you'd like a discount on a course.