Thumbnail

UniTEFL.com

Why choose UniTEFL.com?

UniTEFL.com offers EFL teacher training programs in Chiang Mai Thailand, internationally accredited certificate from an experienced team that has trained more than 500 teachers.

We offer:
Four week, full time course with 120 hours training, including 6 hours of classroom practice.
Job placement program and alumni lifetime access to TI centres in 20 countries.
Accommodation provided, cultural orientation, professional facilities.

Website
www.unitefl.com
Founded
2010

Reviews

Default avatar
Bernie
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

One of the best go for It!

I decided to complete my TEFL in Chiang Mai with Unitefl and I'm glad I did.
The staff were great. Knowledgeable, professional and friendly offering support from start to finish. They helped with any queries or concerns both before and after arriving in Thailand and once the training was complete.
The facilities in Chiang Mai are great central location, a.c. internet etc. All materials provided.
Accomodation was good and inexpensive.
The training was hands on and detailed really preparing you for teaching in schools. We learned different teaching styles, techniques to manage a classroom and work with various learning styles , they even covered Thai culture and language to prepare us for working in the school with the native teachers and educating us on traditions, differences etc.
Unitefl also made this experience fun with the way they taught us and with the additional trips offered. They allowed us to explore Thailand and bond with the other teachers and have a great time too!
Overall this company offers a fantastic package that reakky prepares you for working in schools and gives you the knowledge and skills you will need and use everyday whilst still bring a fun and enjoyable course where you can explore Thailand and make new friends for life.

What would you improve about this program?
Maybe an extra few hours of practical classroom teaching (there is already some)
Default avatar
John
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Excellent TEFL Course with Thai School Practicums

Wonderful experience graduating from UniTEFL's 4 week intensive. Best part were the teaching practicums (TPs) at many different Thai schools around Chiang Mai. Thai students were very easy to teach and a lot of fun. UniTEFL Staff very supportive in helping us grow into our role as teachers. Very nice school facilities located walking distance to the new Maya shopping center, with great food a coffee to keep us going! Thank you

Default avatar
Nicolas
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Don't hesitate, you have found your course!

There I was...searching the internet for a TEFL course in Chiang Mai...too much choice...every company trying to show off...except UNITEFL Thailand. Nice, clear website with all necessary information you need to know about the different packages they offer. They respond to mails in a fast and efficient way, even during the weekend.
After all information, the choice was easy! I went for the total package (Premium): course, serviced room (close to the office), excursions during the weekends, job assistance (must have!!),... Real value for money!
The course itself fulfilled my high expectations. Next to the review of the English grammar, a lot of time is dedicated to the real teaching. They really show you how to teach and how to apply, using your own style. After every lesson (in total you teach in 7 different schools during that month), they give clear feedback how to improve. They really want you to do well, it is not about the money at UNITEFL, they are proud of what they do, they want to be proud of their students too and that shows!

At the end of the month you need to pass an exam on English grammar before you get your certificate. You need to study if you want to pass!

Being a non-native speaker, I am very glad that I did this course, I felt strong enough to start teaching!

Thanks to their job assistance, I have found a real good teaching job in Bangkok, where I am still working after several months.

What would you improve about this program?
More time for preparation of the lessons, it takes time if you have never been teaching before.
Default avatar
Malia
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Excellent experience!

The UniTEFL course was a great life-changing experience. I was looking to do something different and to travel abroad. I fortunately came across this program and have absolutely no regrets doing it.

Having had no prior teaching experience, it can be a bit intimidating with the in-classroom practicums beginning the first week in, but I'm extremely grateful that they do it this way. You get to experience so much growth during the month and it's the perfect challenge. I love reflecting back on that first week and how scared I was, knowing how far I've come!

The only downside is that the one month flies by so quickly, that by the end, you'll be sad to see everyone go. I made some great friends and learned the joys (and challenges!) of teaching English in Thailand. I highly recommend the UniTEFL certificate program.

Default avatar
Ross
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Great learning experience

In November 2015 I participated in the month long TEFL program at UniTEFL. The teachers, Pete and James, were extremely professional and had a genuine care for the people in the course. The course was constructed in a way that made learning fun and also allowed time to work with teachers directly for additional assistance. All in all I had a wonderful time at UniTEFL. The highlight was definitely the seven teaching pracs at a variety of Thai schools.

What would you improve about this program?
I was really impressed with the program, so it is difficult to say. I guess the only comment I have is for an ebook to be available instead of all the paper handouts, especially when many people are continuing to travel after their course and would want to keep their luggage at a minimum.

Programs

Displaying 1 - 2 of 2

Alumni Interviews

These are in-depth Q&A sessions with verified alumni.

Eva Telek

Born and brought up in Budapest Hungary, Eva moved to London at the age of 19 to attend university. She attained her bachelor’s degree in photographic arts at Westminster University and also completed a diploma course at the London College of Fashion. After 7 years in London she decided to go and travel the world, starting in South East Asia. She’s been living and working as a teacher in Chiang Mai Thailand since the summer of 2012.
Thumbnail

Why did you decide to enroll with UniTEFL in Thailand?

I left London and started traveling in the spring of 2012 and my first destination was Thailand. Two weeks into my travels I decided I wanted to live here for a period of time. As I’ve been thinking about teaching for many years I thought it would be the perfect time to finally do a TEFL course and look for some new opportunities. I did a lot of online research and decided to go and visit UniTEFL first. I sat down to talk with Susan, the senior coordinator, and as she is quite convincing, I decided to sign up with UniTEFL.

What made this experience unique and special?

The course at UniTEFL was very intense and I certainly gained a lot of experience and knowledge over the 4 weeks. The course structure is very good; it suits inexperienced people just as well, it builds up nicely with step by step instructions and explanations and thorough guidance throughout. For me, the most important part was the teaching experience. UniTEFL sets up 8 practice lessons for their students, each in government schools around Chiang Mai. Therefore when I finished, I felt relatively confident about my teaching skills and standing in front of a class. And of course it made me realize just how much I loved teaching and that Thai children are absolutely adorable! All the staff I met at UniTEFL were fantastic, including our teacher Peter and our tutors Judy, Kirk and Susan. On top of it all, I was also lucky enough to have a really fun group to work with and spend my first month with living in Chiang Mai.

How has this experience impacted your future? (Personally, professionally, academically, etc.)

Taking the TEFL course here in Chiang Mai has had a huge impact on my life, as almost 2 years later I’m still living here. Right after I finished my course I started a teaching job at a local private school thanks to UniTEFL who set up the interview for me. I was in the same teaching position for 1.5 years. Currently I’m doing volunteer teaching in a hill tribe village in Northern Thailand. Teaching has completely changed my life and I have plans to further my studies in the field of education.

What is one piece of advice you would offer someone considering teaching abroad or getting TEFL certified in Thailand?

Go for it! Getting a TEFL certification in Thailand is loads of fun, you not only get to learn about teaching but you can also experience a completely new and wonderful culture. And if you get enough teaching experience during your course you will also know if teaching suits you or you might find out that it’s not your cup of tea. Either way, you will still leave with amazing experiences and a newly gained useful skill.

Staff Interviews

These are in-depth Q&A sessions with program leaders.

Peter Bartolomy

Prior to working at UniTEFL, Peter spent ten years teaching English at all levels including IELTS, TOEIC, TOEFL, SAT and GMAT standards. Peter completed an Advanced Training in TEFL Certification for Instructors at Chiang Mai University and has since trained more than 300 TEFL teachers. He is currently furthering his education with a Diploma in Teacher Training and already holds a Degree in Engineering. Noted for his calm and easy going character, Peter is frequently praised by students for his willingness to be open to all students throughout the course.
Thumbnail

What position do you hold at UniTEFL? What has been your career path so far?

I am currently the Head Trainer at UniTEFL and held the position for the past four years. I did six months of teacher training at Chiang Mai University. Before that, I worked in Chiang Mai as a teacher and language instructor for over ten years. At first I taught young learners, but advanced up to adults who were preparing for certain English language exams (IELTS, TOEFL, TOEIC etc.). I was the English Principal for a language centre for a number of years, where I experienced dealing with other teachers as well as the school administration.

Did YOU teach abroad?! If so, where and what inspired you to go?

As mentioned above, all my teaching experience has been in Chiang Mai, Thailand. I, initially, only planned on teaching here for one year, but fell in love with the place and have been here for more than fourteen years already!

I, however, would like to take my teaching skills to other countries as I am very familiar with how Thai students learn and the struggles they face with English. It would be nice to have a new challenge with other foreign students who have specific language learning needs. The inspiration to actually leave the UK was just a sense of adventure and a willingness to help others; plus I didn’t want to get caught up in the “rat race” that is life back home.

What does the future hold for UniTEFL - any exciting new programs to share?

We will continue to offer our intensive, practical hands-on approach to the 120-Hour TEFL program. We are pleased to announce our affiliation with two premier universities in the Philippines and are offering post-graduate and graduate studies via distance learning courses. As a designated learning facility, UniTEFL can now offer a Certificate in Teaching (1 year program) or Masters in Education – Educational Management or Early Childhood Development, to top up your education credentials and licensing.

What about the future of the TEFL abroad industry? How do you think international education will change over the next 10 years?

In my opinion, the TEFL abroad industry will change drastically in its size in the next ten years. I notice this most in Asia where I am based. The emergence of China and the demand for jobs there will fuel the industry, as will the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) adopts English as their common language. The challenge will be to get students proficient at a conversational level as Asian students in general are quite shy to speak out of fear of making mistakes. As long as TEFL schools are focused on quality education for would be ESL teachers, this demand can be met and English proficiency in the region will be much improved.