Escape TEFL: A Good Escape or a TEFL Trap?
So, you’re thinking about teaching English online and stumbled across Escape TEFL—a company that promises TEFL training and recruitment in one neat package. Sounds great, right? But let’s break it down before you pack your bags (or, you know, sign up).
Accreditation: A Bit of a Mystery
Escape TEFL is accredited by ILTA (International Language Training Accreditation). However, ILTA is not widely recognized by major TEFL employers or educational institutions. Since ILTA isn’t a mainstream accreditor, some schools and online platforms may not accept this certification.
Course Content: Looks Good, But Where’s the Fine Print?
They offer a 180-hour TEFL/TESOL course aimed at online teaching. That’s a solid number of hours—enough to get you a decent job—but the website doesn’t provide a syllabus. Does it cover lesson planning? Student engagement? How to handle WiFi disasters during class? Hard to say without more details.
Support: There, But How Much?
Escape TEFL has an affiliate program, which suggests some kind of network or support system, but there’s no clear mention of tutor support or student assistance during the course. If you get stuck, do you get real help, or are you just left to Google your way through?
Job Placement: Some Promises, Few Details
Their website highlights “TEFL training & recruitment,” which implies they help you find a job. But how? Do they connect you with schools? Do they offer interview coaching? Nothing is clearly explained. Without details, it’s unclear whether they actively help or just give you a list of websites and wish you luck.
Escape TEFL: A Budget-Friendly Option, But Is It Legit?
Escape TEFL offers affordable online TEFL/TESOL courses, with three levels:
- 60-hour course (£49.99)
- 120-hour course (£99.99) (labeled as “Most Popular”)
- 180-hour course (£149.99)
These prices are much lower than most accredited TEFL programs, which typically charge £200–£500+ for a 120-hour course. This raises a few questions:
Student Reviews: Hard to Find
There aren’t many reviews about Escape TEFL specifically, though there are mixed reviews about Escape Campus, which might be related. Without direct student feedback, it’s tough to know what the actual learning experience is like.
Final Verdict: Worth It?
Escape TEFL could be a good option if you’re looking for an online-focused TEFL course. However, the lack of transparency in accreditation, curriculum, support, and job placement is concerning. Before signing up, ask them for details—and if they dodge the questions, that’s your answer.
Great
I was really happy working thr…
Good
I just finished this course as…
I just finished this course as a participant. It was a pretty intensive applied learning thing. I felt less happy with it overall. My main reason for signing up was to leave my old job and start teaching. I’m an independent learner, so the lack of support wasn’t a huge deal for me, but the vague syllabus bothered me. It gets the job done for the price, I guess.
Amazing
I just finished a university-l…
I just finished a university-level online certificate. Imagine posting on a comment from a student who just finished the certificate. They were pleased. My motivation was to meet peers from different backgrounds. I gained a lot and feel ready to apply for new positions now.
Great
That person just finished a ca…
That person just finished a career-focused digital learning course. They were pleased with how it went. Their motivation was to challenge themselves academically. Looking forward to their next course already. Imagine posting on a comment like this one.
Great
I just finished a short course…
I just finished a short course on teaching English online. It felt good to learn something new. I wanted to see the world and do something meaningful. Getting that certificate made me proud of what I pulled off.