Choosing where to get TEFL certified is the first real decision on the road to teaching English abroad — and it's not a small one. Course prices range from under $200 to well over $1,000, and the differences between providers aren't always obvious from their websites. International TEFL Academy (ITA) is one of the most recognized names in the industry, so it's a natural benchmark. Here's how TEFL Plus, the Cultural Exchange Project's own internationally accredited course, compares.
| TEFL Plus | International TEFL Academy | |
| Price | $195 | Online courses start around $1,400 |
| Course length | 120 hours across 14 modules | 120–170 hours, over 11 weeks (or 4-week intensive) |
| Accreditation | Internationally accredited by Accreditat in the UK | Level 5 Ofqual/TQUK accredited |
| Format | Fully online, self-paced. Humans process assignments and grade exams. | Online, with live tutor sessions |
| Practice teaching | Built into course modules | 10+ hours of live online teaching practice |
| Try before you buy | First 3 modules free, no card needed | Not offered |
| What comes next | Direct access to CEP's guaranteed paid teaching jobs | Lifetime job search assistance via PDF documents |
The most obvious gap is price. ITA's online program starts at roughly seven times the cost of TEFL Plus — and that's before factoring in ITA's in-person options, which run even higher. For 120 hours of internationally accredited coursework, TEFL Plus delivers the credential employers are looking for at a fraction of the investment.
TEFL Plus isn't a generic TEFL course with a new name. It's built around the Renzulli Learning model, developed at the University of Connecticut, which emphasizes project-based and problem-based learning tailored to individual learning styles. Students who complete the optional Enrichment for All Students module can also earn a University of Connecticut certificate — a credential most other TEFL providers simply don't offer.
TEFL Plus lets you start for free. Modules 1–3, including quizzes and a tutored assignment, are open with no credit card required — by the time you finish them, you're already 22% of the way through the course. If it's not the right fit, walk away with no obligation. ITA doesn't offer an equivalent no-risk preview.
ITA's program includes a substantial block of live, instructor-supervised teaching practice — 10+ hours. If you're worried that you lack a lot of teaching experience or you're worried you're going to get into your classroom totally lost, this is worth weighing against all the other advantages of TEFL Plus
For most people heading toward teaching English abroad, TEFL Plus offers the accreditation employers require, a curriculum with genuine pedagogical depth, and a price point that leaves room in the budget for flights, visas, and the adventure itself — all backed by a free trial with nothing to lose.
Ready to see for yourself? Start your first 3 modules free — no credit card required.