i-to-i TEFL 
What is an Online TEFL Course and Will it Get Me Work Abroad?
The advantages of the course include:
- Flexibility
- Global accessibility
- In-depth theoretical content
How will the course prepare you for teaching abroad?
In many ways an online TEFL course is actually more effective than a weekend course. Not only is the online course longer but it also takes a more theoretical approach to teacher training that will benefit you throughout your career. It will give you a solid foundation to build upon, adding experience and further qualifications if and when you desire.
Every module will take you through a different aspect of teaching abroad, giving you all the time you need to take the information in. While the weekend course devotes a significant portion of its study time to planning and giving lessons, the online course ensures that you fully understand TEFL methodology so that when you take up your first teaching position you can apply it in the classroom.
You may find that your first days of actual teaching are challenging but the rewards of an online course extend far beyond simply preparing you for the first week. Indeed, the in-depth content of the online course is something you will come back to again and again. Your thorough understanding of TEFL theory and methodology will be invaluable as you progress through your career and will enable you to quickly develop and excel within your new role.
What's more, the online TEFL course will enable you to better understand the needs of your class and to assess individual members more effectively to ensure that they are receiving the help that they need. Of course, this is also covered in the weekend course but not in the same depth as the online course.
Practical experience
The most prominent debate surrounding online TEFL courses is the complete absence of practical teaching experience. Certainly this is a drawback but it should not detract from the potential of the course, nor does it mean that you will not be able to find work.
If you do feel the need for practical experience there are plenty of opportunities available to you such as volunteering at home or abroad, taking a combined course such as the 100hr TEFL course or taking a one day add-on course such as the Specialist Certificate in Lesson Planning and Teaching Practice
Finding work
Practical teaching experience is beneficial but it is by no means essential to finding work abroad. In many areas of Latin America, Asia, Africa and even Eastern Europe, the online course will get you a job in a respected language institute, earning a decent wage.
TEFL and ESL forums are filled with teachers who claim that you will need a CELTA equivalent course to secure work but this is simply not the case. It's common for language schools in more competitive markets (like some countries in Western Europe) to demand higher qualifications but as long as you avoid these markets you won't have any problems.
Choosing an online course over a weekend course is unlikely to affect the amount that you can earn or your chances of securing work and if you choose to combine your online TEFL qualification with practical experience (through any of the means above) then you will put yourself significantly ahead of the competition.
What's more, if you're planning to work abroad for more than a year, your online course will be perfectly complimented by practical teaching experience and this should give you entry into the more competitive markets without the high initial investment.
