Frequently Asked Questions
If you can’t find the answer to your question here please feel free to contact us.
Q. Are TESOL and TEFL courses different in any way?
A. No, the acronyms are slightly different but basically they mean the same thing. For more detail see our acronyms page.
Q. May I return my completed worksheets by e-mail?
A. The short answer is “no”. The worksheets are quite lengthy and not suited to electronic formatting.
Q. Are the downloads compatible with Apple Macs?
A. Yes, PDF is a universal standard and compressed files are offered as .zip, which is also universal.
Q. How will I be taught?
A. The programmes, at all levels, are by distance learning*. A number of input modules, dotted throughout with self-assessment questions, followed by an answer key and then by a tutor-assessed worksheet form the backbone of each course.
You will have a personal tutor for each of the various units of each course who can be contacted by e-mail. You are also able to contact the centre by e-mail and telephone at any time during office hours.
* The Advanced programmes contain a two-week block of teaching practice, which follows the distance element.
Q. Are your courses accredited?
A. They most certainly are. Please check out our accreditation page.
Q. The courses are described as modular. What does this mean and why is it important?
A. A modular course consists of a series of self-contained units of study, e.g. Language Awareness, Practical Phonetics, Lesson Planning, etc., that together with other such completed units, count towards a particular qualification.
Course modules and units, continually assessed by different tutors, provide a sound profile of the work individual students are capable of doing, and over a prolonged period of time (150, 250, 450 hours), accurately reflect personal progress.
Q. What does each course fee cover? Are there any extra costs?
A. There are no additional costs*. See the all inclusive courses / fee structure page.
* Except in the case of the Advanced Certificate, where accommodation and other costs are a normal part of the residential block.
Q. If I choose a certificate course, will I need any set books as background reading?
A. Yes, the set books are all provided in the course fee and shipped to you wherever you are in the world.
Q. The courses include the set books but can I buy a course without books if I prefer to obtain the books locally?
A. Certainly. Please contact us for details.
Q. Having enrolled on a course, can I contact a distance tutor easily?
A. Yes. Each course is divided into a number of units. We will provide you with the name, photograph, biographical notes and e-mail address of each unit tutor.
Q. Is it possible to see some sample course material?
A. Certainly. View course material taken from each of the various units and from all four courses.
Q. Can I pay for my course by instalments?
A. Yes. Interest free instalment payments are possible. View course fees for details.
Q. What kind of Certificate will I receive at the end of my course?
A. View the sample certificates available on each course page.
Q. Do I need to be a native English speaker to follow a Training Link Online course?
A. No. Non-native speakers are very welcome. Should you have any concerns regarding your level of English Language proficiency please check out the Scales of Attainment.
Q. Is there currently a demand for teachers of English?
A. The answer, quite simply, is yes. The demand for world English and teachers of English continues unabated from Europe to Asia and importantly China where thousands of English teachers are being recruited.
We can state quite truthfully that, in more than 20 years, we do not know of anyone successfully completing one of our courses failing to find a suitable teaching post.
Q. How easy is finding a teaching post?
A. Very. See more information on finding a job. Additionally, as a Training Link Online student, you will be able to log-in the Students’ Area and view up-to-date job offers from around the world. E-mail the webmaster for a password.
Q. How long, in pages, are the various courses?
A.
| Pre-Cert.(ES)TESOL | 231 pages |
| Cert.(ES)TESOL | 477 pages |
| Cert.(TM)TESOL | 568 pages |
| Business English | 34 pages |
| Certificate in Phonetics | 176 pages |
Q. Is there a time limit for course completion?
A. No two people work at the same pace, have similar commitments or study time available. You can pace yourself and work as quickly as you wish or, within reason, take as long as you need. We do, however, suggest very reasonable course completion dates which we ask you to try to adhere to. Failure to do so may incur a re-registration fee of £35.
Q. Is a correspondence course the same as a distance programme?
A. A correspondence course is a rather outdated concept in which educational institutions offered tuition by post, mostly by exchange of letter. Such programmes have long been superceded by modern technology leading to distance training programmes such as those offered by Training Link Online.
Q. Why is course length normally indicated in hours and not weeks?
A. No two people work at the same pace, have similar commitments or study time available. Therefore course length can only accurately be given in hours.