Chicago, the third largest city in the US, offers world-class cuisine, architecture, museums, sports, shopping, cultural attractions, and more.
Situated on the shores of Lake Michigan, Chicagoans enjoy boating and swimming in the lake during the summer,as well as biking, running, and rollerblading down the scenic Lake Shore Path year round.
Blues, Jazz, and Gospel have firm roots in Chicago, and you can still hear these soulful genres performed today at clubs and festivals. Chicago is also home to many theatres, where you can enjoy Broadway musicals, dramatic theater, improvisational sketches, comedy routines, and much more.
Whether your interests lie in exploring the different neighborhoods, going to free outdoor concerts at Millennium Park, or catching a Cubs game, Chicago offers something for everyone.
The combination provides each student with the flexibility of part-time distance learning as well as the benefits of onsite classroom training.
Each TEFL Chicago Standard course is led by a university-level instructor with at least a Master's degree and over five years of TEFL teaching experience. Small class sizes allow for optimal learning, peer-to-peer review, and instructor feedback..
50 Hours Onsite
The onsite portion of the course consists of 50 hours of training in our TEFL Chicago location. In-class days will be offered on weekends only, from 9AM - 6PM with appropriate breaks. The in-class portion is held over three separate weekend sessions.
The topics covered range from speaking, listening, reading, writing, and grammar with a focus on small group activities, peer-to-peer review, and developing teaching and presentation skills in a classroom setting.
50 Hours Online
The online portion of the course consists of 50 hours of training conducted in an interactive Virtual Learning Environment hosted on TEFL Institute Online.
Students will be assigned weekly modules, consisting of reading assignments, writing assignments, quizzes, and sometimes an online video. Writing assignments are posted to a forum that is accessible to your classmates and instructor. One requirement of each assignment is to post comments on at least two (2) of your classmates’ assignments, ensuring lively and engaging discussions throughout the course. Check out the course syllabus for more info about assignments and topics covered.
The student teaching/observation is done individually, and is arranged in your area. Usually finding an ESL classroom to observe or assist is a quick and easy process. If you have trouble finding a school to work with, our Student Services Department will help you find a classroom.
Students are required to purchase their TEFL Professional Textbook, Workbook, Practicum Book in advance. See our bookstore for prices.
The School
TEFL Institute’s Chicago school is located in Chicago’s North Center neighborhood at the corner of Irving Park Road and Wolcott Avenue, just one block west of the Irving Park Brown Line Station. Free parking is readily available in the neighborhood. Restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars are all within walking distance.
The facility features two classrooms, a computer lab, and a kitchenette, and is equipped with whiteboards, a video projector, a video recorder, free Wi-Fi, and a library of ESL books and resource materials.
TEFL Institute does not provide housing. However, we are happy to assist you in finding accommodations. Several hostels are nearby with prices ranging from $26-$34 USD and up per night. Hostel options include Chicago Getaway Hostel and AAE Chicago Parthenon Hostel.
Short-term furnished apartments and subleased rooms are available throughout the city year round. Temporary sublets/room shares will run from $350 and up, depending on the number of roommates, the neighborhood, and amenities.
Transportation
Chicago has two airports: Chicago O’Hare Airport in the north and Chicago Midway airport in the south. Amtrak and Greyhound provide service to central Chicago. Once you arrive in the city, Chicago Transit Authority offers excellent public transportation by bus and train, and taxis are readily available as well.
Climate
Chicago is a truly Midwestern city featuring hot summers and cold winters. Always choose clothing based on the season and check long-range weather forecasts before traveling.
Tuition Includes
Tuition Includes:
Tuition DOES NOT Include:
TEFL Institute course fee
Job placement assistance
Pre-enrollment and departure advice
Assistance finding housing
Video of your final presentation to send to potential employers
Graduation ceremony
Certificate
Job search and resume workshops
Course materials
Accommodation and meals
Personal expenses
Travel to and from the course
Visa, if needed (TEFL Institute cannot provide student visas)
Airport pickup
Medical insurance (TEFL Institute can recommend medical insurance)
TEFL Chicago Standard is a 120-hour certification course, consisting of:
