What to Expect from CIEE’s 150-Hour TEFL Certificate Course

If you’re considering getting CIEE’s 150-Hour TEFL Certificate Course, you’re probably curious about how well it actually prepares you to teach abroad, as well as the level of support you’ll receive and how the course is structured. As someone who is currently going through the course, I’m going to give you an inside look on what to expect- from the workload and curriculum to the 20-Hour teaching practicum and job placement services. I’ll also share with you some unexpected challenges I faced during the course and the biggest takeaways to help you make the most of your TEFL journey. 

Workload: How Demanding is the Course? 

The workload for the 150-Hour TEFL course is manageable but requires dedication. You should expect to spend 10-15 hours per week on just the coursework, plus additional time for studying and completing assignments. Once you’re about halfway through the course, you can start to complete the 20-Hour practicum, which will add extra weekly hours. 

The course is broken down into 10 modules, plus a pre-course module that helps you get familiar with the learning platform and course expectations. A new module is assigned every week to complete with multiple components that include: powerpoint presentations, videos, discussion questions to engage with classmates, unscored self check quizzes to test understanding, graded quizzes, and module graded assignments usually in the form of an essay. 

Deadlines are fairly strict and future assignments are locked until everything before it is completed. Most assignments (discussion questions and graded quizzes) are due Sunday nights, while Module Graded Assignments have a Wednesday night deadline. Keeping up with the weekly deadlines is essential; The pace can be challenging, especially if you’re like me and balance other commitments and jobs, but staying organized and setting a consistent study routine makes it attainable. 

Learning Style: Self-paced with Support

The course is self-paced but has the structured deadlines to remain on track. You work through the weekly modules independently, and there’s an optional weekly live session. The instructor reviews key concepts, answers questions, and prepares you for upcoming assignments. These sessions are extremely helpful for me to clarify content and stay connected with my instructor and classmates. 

My favorite quote from the beginning of the course is “online but not distant”. Despite being an online course, it doesn’t feel like you’re alone. There’s a lot of interaction with classmates, and the sense of community that’s built in the beginning. The icebreakers and getting to know the class discussions set the tone for the rest of the course. The weekly live sessions and discussion forums create an environment where you’re constantly engaging with each other, making the learning process more dynamic and enjoyable. 

Curriculum: What You’ll Learn 

The course content covers a broad range of topics crucial for teaching English successfully. Modules explore everything from understanding your learners, to classroom management, and lesson planning. Some of the key topics include:

• Intercultural competence- Navigating cultural differences in the classroom.
• Identifying learning styles and proficiency levels- Tailoring your teaching to diverse learners.
• Teaching methods and approaches- Exploring techniques like Communicative Language Teaching, Grammar- Translation, Audio-Lingual, and Structural Approach.
• Grammar and phonetics- Strengthening your ability to explain language rules.
• Lesson planning- Designing and timing out engaging lesson plans.
• Classroom management- Supervising class behavior, student motivation, and dynamics.
• Presenting new vocabulary- Learning various methods including: translation, actions, realia, eliciting, synonyms, antonyms, word families, and collocation.

Teaching Practice: The 20-Hour Practicum 

A standout feature of the course is the practicum, which provides teaching experience. It's a mix of classroom observations and co-teaching/lead teaching. This hands-on time is valuable for getting practice before stepping into your own classroom. It can help you decide which age group or proficiency level you are best suited for. It bridges the gap between theory and practice, allowing you to experiment with different techniques and refine your teaching style. 

Instructor Quality: Support, Feedback, and Networking 

My instructor, Alix Slayton, has been incredible. She has over a decade of experience teaching EFL in a range of environments and holds a Master’s degree in TESOL. Her knowledge, experience, and passion for teaching are evident in the way she leads the course. All CIEE instructors are as exceptional as Alix. They bring insightful skills that make the content more meaningful and valuable. Having access to instructors with this level of expertise provides a significant advantage. 

My instructor has provided consistent feedback on my assignments throughout the course. The feedback is constructive and helps me understand where I can improve. Classmates also peer review assignments and give advice and feedback. If I ever feel stuck or have questions about the material, Alix is available via email or the weekly live meetings to help.  

CIEE does a great job fostering a sense of community within the course. You’re encouraged to engage with classmates as much as you can by replying to discussion questions and participating in weekly live meetings. This interaction creates a supportive environment where you can learn from others perspectives, ideas, and experiences. 

After Course Assistance: Job Placement Assistance, Resume Advice, Interview Preparations 

One of the biggest perks of completing the CIEE TEFL course is the lifetime access to job placement assistance if you complete the 150-Hour Certificate or 180-Hour Certificate, making it easier to connect with reputable schools and teaching programs. They have connections with reputable employers in Hungary, Japan, Chile, Morocco, and Spain. These partnerships increase the likelihood of securing a reliable teaching position after completing the course.

The course offers workshops on crafting a strong resume and cover letter specifically tailored for teaching positions abroad. These resources help you stand out in the competitive job markets. To further prepare you for success, CIEE provides interview preparation resources and webinars that guide you through the common questions and expectations for TEFL interviews.

Personal Experience and Insights: Challenges and Takeaways 

One of the biggest unexpected challenges I faced was balancing the self-paced nature of the course with the structured deadlines.While I appreciated the flexibility, it also required a lot of self-motivation to stay on track. I hadn't been in an academic setting since graduating college, and adjusting to an online learning schedule was a bit of a struggle. It took time to get back into a disciplined study routine and to relearn how to manage completing multiple assignments. 

Once I got the hang of the course, there were so many valuable takeaways. I feel so much more comfortable breaking down complex grammar concepts in a way that's understandable for students. I also gained a deeper appreciation for the challenges language learners face and how to support them in their journey learning English. 

How to Get the Most Out of Your TEFL Certification 

If your enrolling in CIEE’s TEFL course, here's my advice:

• Stay organized- Create a study schedule and stick to it each week. The course is self-paced, but deadlines can creep up quickly if you're not organized.
• Engage with your classmates- Take advantage of the discussion boards and weekly live sessions. Building relationships with your classmates can provide support and motivation.
• Be Proactive During the Practicum- Use the practicum to experiment with different teaching techniques, age groups, and proficiency levels, then reflect on what works best for you.
• Take Advantage of CIEE’s Job Placement Service - ClEE's services are incredibly valuable. Attend the resume and interview workshops to give yourself the best shot at securing a great teaching position.
• Ask for Help - Don't hesitate to reach out to your instructor if you're struggling. Their support can make a big difference in your success.

Most importantly, remember that getting TEFL certified is an investment in your future. CIEE's certification is highly accredited and recognized worldwide, giving you a better shot at securing a teaching position and leading to higher salaries. Plus, it's a lifelong certification- once you're certified, you can teach anywhere in the world. The confidence and preparation that come with completing this course will set you up for success in any classroom.

CIEE’s TEFL courses are an excellent option for anyone looking to teach English abroad. It offers a strong balance of theory and practice, with supportive instructors and practical teaching experience through the practicum. While the workload requires commitment and discipline, the course equips you with the skills, knowledge, and confidence needed to step into a classroom and excel.

When you're ready to start your TEFL journey, ClEE provides the tools and resources to make it a smooth and rewarding experience.