The Best TEFL Course for Teaching in China.

ByShania

Are you wondering what the best TEFL Course for teaching English in China is? Look no further. This post highlights the best TEFL Course for Teaching English in China (from experience). It also provides a deeper understanding of what a TEFL certification really is and why it is important for teaching in China.

Gangxia metro station in Shenzhen, China. Shenzhen is a popular city for Teaching English in China.

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Teaching English in China is an incredible way to immerse yourself in a new culture, make a meaningful impact, and gain valuable international teaching experience. For me, teaching English in China has been one of the most rewarding experiences to date.  

However, before you pack your bags and head to the Middle Kingdom (aka China), earning a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) certification is a crucial step. A TEFL certificate not only equips you with essential teaching skills, but it is also a requirement to teach English in China. (If you want to learn more about the requirements for teaching in China, along with the visa process and the types of jobs available, you should check out our Ultimate Guide to Teaching English in China).

In this post, I’ll highlight what I believe is the best TEFL course for teaching English in China (from experience). Whether you opt for one of our recommendations; The TEFL Institute or The TEFL Institute of Ireland, or an alternative, ensure the course you choose is accredited and aligns with your teaching goals.

What Does an Accredited TEFL Course Mean?

Accreditation is a stamp of approval from a recognized external organization that ensures a TEFL course meets specific quality standards. Choosing an accredited TEFL course means you’re investing in a program evaluated for its:

  1. Credibility: Accredited courses are recognized by schools, employers, and immigration authorities worldwide. This makes your certification valid and respected wherever you decide to teach.
  2. Quality: Accreditation ensures the course content is up-to-date, comprehensive, and designed to prepare you for real-life teaching scenarios.
  3. Compliance: Many countries, including China, require teachers to have a TEFL certification from an accredited provider to meet visa regulations.

The Best TEFL Course for Teaching in China

The TEFL Institute and The TEFL Institute of Ireland, in my opinion provide the best TEFL course for teachers looking to teach English in China. Expert customer care teams and easily navigated courses make these two great options to start your teaching journey in China (or anywhere abroad!)

The TEFL Institute

The TEFL Institute stands out for its comprehensive courses, expert support, and globally recognized qualifications. They offer a variety of courses tailored to your teaching goals.

Why Choose The TEFL Institute?

1. Flexible Course Options

  • 120-Hour TEFL Certificate: This is the most popular choice for teaching English as a foreign language. It covers all you need to know to start teaching abroad, such as classroom management, lesson planning, and teaching techniques.
  • Advanced Diplomas: You can gain deeper insights into teaching English as a foreign language with their Level 5 TEFL Diploma or specialize in areas like online teaching.

2. Accreditation and Global Recognition

3. Student-Focused Features

  • User-Friendly Platform: You can study at your own pace with engaging online modules and interactive assessments.
  • Tutor Support: Experienced tutors are available to answer questions and provide personalized feedback.
  • Free Resources: You have access to teaching aids, downloadable lesson plans, and job boards to kickstart your career.

The TEFL Institute of Ireland (TEFL.ie)

The TEFL Institute of Ireland, one of the best TEFL Course for Teaching in China.

The TEFL Institute of Ireland earns high respect as a TEFL course provider due to its commitment to quality and teacher success. Here’s an in-depth look at what makes it another top choice:

1. Comprehensive Course Offerings

  • 120-Hour TEFL Certificate: This is the foundational course for aspiring teachers, covering core teaching skills and methodologies. It teaches you everything you need to know to begin teaching English as a foreign language. This is the exact course we took to start our teaching careers in China.
  • Specialist Add-Ons: Choose additional certifications, such as teaching online, teaching business English, or teaching young learners, to enhance your employability. I actually done the teaching young learners add-on as I knew I would be working in a Kindergarten and wanted the extra training in this area.
  • Level 5 Diploma: An advanced course equivalent to a CELTA/Trinity Cert TESOL qualification, perfect for those seeking premium job opportunities.

2. Recognition and Accreditation

3. Practical Support

  • Career Assistance: you are provided with guidance on job applications, interviews, and placements in countries like China.
  • Community: You have access to a network of alumni and support groups to help you navigate your TEFL journey.

Because I am from Ireland, I choose to use The TEFL Institute of Ireland. The customer support team were amazing. They offered a live chat where you could get in touch with them with any queries before, during and after completing your TEFL course. The team got back to me straight away when ever I had a question and were unbelievably helpful.

For example, my partner is from the UK, and he also purchased his course through The TEFL Institute of Ireland. However, when he received his certificate after completing the course it stated Ireland as the country of completion. He had difficulty getting his document apostilled for his visa because of this. But we made a quick call to the staff in The TEFL Institute of Ireland and within 30 minutes they sent him an updated certificate stating the UK as the country of completion.

Throughout the course we had a few calls with the staff with different queries and we honestly could not have got better guidance and assistance. We could not recommend them enough.

So, just to make your life a little easier when going through the visa process, I recommend if you are living outside of Ireland (UK, USA, Canada, Europe etc.) to purchase from The TEFL Institute, and if you are living in Ireland to purchase from The TEFL Institute of Ireland.

Why a TEFL Certificate Is Important for China

China’s demand for English teachers is immense, but most schools and language centres require teachers to have a TEFL certificate. This prepares you to teach effectively and ensures you comply with China’s visa regulations for foreign teachers (check out my guide for more details on the visa process).

Choosing the right or the BEST TEFL course is the first step to a rewarding career teaching English in China. Choose a TEFL course that is accredited and aligns with your teaching goals, whether you go with one of my recommendations (The TEFL Institute of Ireland or The TEFL Institute) or an alternative.

Remember, this certification is more than just a requirement—it’s your foundation for success in the classroom. Good luck on your TEFL journey and your future adventures in China!

Teacher Necessities

Do you plan on becoming a teacher in China? Here is my top 3 must-have necessities for teaching in China.

If you are planning on teaching in China, and don’t know where to start or you need some help and guidance, my Ultimate Guide to Teaching English in China covers it all. You can also reach out to me via email or social media (Instagram) and I will be happy to help with any questions you may have about beginning your teaching journey in China.

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