As an accreditation body, the WTEFLAC provided oversight of all kinds of TEFL and TESOL course providers.
If you’re looking for a career teaching English as a foreign language, you can choose from several studying options. You may study online, or at an institution. You might focus on a specific country or choose a course that targets a specific age group. The one thing all courses should have in common is that they have been assessed by an accreditation company such as the World TEFL Accrediting Commission (WTEFLAC).
What was the WTEFLAC?
The WTEFLAC was set up to serve as an accreditation body for TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language and TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) course providers.
Drawing on a code of practice its accreditation board reviewed all applications to make sure their marketing material was accurate, that their staff were qualified experts, and that the courses would lead to a recognized qualification. All accredited providers were listed on the WTEFLAC website and permitted to display the WTEFLAC logo on their on and offline marketing collateral.
It sought to provide guidance and information for anyone trying to find a TEFL or TESOL course provider while raising standards and restoring trust in the sector.
What courses did it cover?
The WTEFLAC covered the full gamut of EFL training including TEFL and TESOL courses, online and in person.
TEFL courses lead to an internationally recognized qualification that could be used anywhere in the world. They serve as an excellent option for anyone looking to use their EFL skills to finance an overseas adventure as well as those looking to finance a career closer to home.
TESOL courses are more focused on those looking to teach here in the US. They provide the skills you need to teach English to someone who doesn’t share a common language. This can be particularly challenging but is useful for working with people coming to the US to live, study, or work.
Both courses focus on providing students with the skills needed to help people learn the speaking and listening skills required to help them through everyday interactions. This is slightly different from the skills taught in schools and colleges which focus more on structure, grammar, and theory. They teach practical skills designed to help people to understand and to be understood.
Courses can be delivered on and offline. Going online can be cheaper and more flexible while going to an institution can provide a more personalized teaching experience. Both options, though, should cover the same ground and lead to the same level of qualification.
Within that, some courses focused on a specific country such as China or Thailand. Lessons could include advice about living and working in the country and the course provider may even help with placements in the country.
The World TEFL Accrediting Commission covered all these courses. It’s clear and transparent code of practice meant that regardless of how the course was delivered or in what format, it would be judged by the same criteria. As such the WTEFLAC served to reassure students that, whatever course they chose, they would receive a good quality experience leading to a valuable qualification.