Online vs Virtual TEFL courses: what’s the difference?

There are a lot of terms in the TEFL world, especially when it comes to the types of qualifications you can get, which can be confusing.

TEFL v CELTA, for example. Level 5 v 120 hour - it goes on and on. So, naturally, when it comes to comparing an online TEFL course to a virtual course, there’s a bit of confusion sometimes. After all, don’t these things kind of mean the same thing? Surely “ virtual ” and “ online ” are synonymous?

Well, no. To do something virtually is to simulate an experience using software. To do something online simply means that - doing something online. So when we say a “virtual classroom course”, we mean a course that is completed in a classroom setting, albeit online. An online course, meanwhile, is different - it’s an educational experience carried out entirely on the web. A combined course, which offers the best of both worlds, has online elements and virtual classroom/physical classroom sessions.

Let’s try to clear up any lingering confusion!

What is an online course?

So, what’s an online TEFL course? Good question. While, historically, TEFL courses, including the CELTA , have been conducted in person, in a classroom setting, during a short time frame.

Online courses , meanwhile, are about flexibility. We understand that not everyone is going to be able to clear their schedules to complete a TEFL qualification. Plenty of our students work or study full-time and need to fit their course around their existing commitments. So, our online TEFL courses are big on self-directed study, and letting you go at your own pace.

There’s still comprehensive tutoring from TEFL experts. You’ll complete coursework under the supervision of an experienced TEFL teacher, who’ll grade your assignments and give you any and all feedback you require. 

Online courses, like our 120-hour Premier Online Course , or our 200-hour Level 5 Online Diploma , can be the bedrock of your TEFL education. These are excellent options for those working full-time or part-time, as you can study during evenings and weekends. Once you’ve completed one of these courses, you’ll be qualified to start teaching English as a foreign language. 

What is a virtual course?

A virtual course, meanwhile, represents a bridge between in-person learning and a fantastic online experience. Virtual courses have set meeting times, and the feel of a classroom course, but via software.

Virtual courses are conducted over Zoom, with sessions to help you get through the material, practice demo classes and make some friends along the way. Take, for example, our 20-hour weekend course, best taken in conjunction with our 120-hour Premier Online or 200-hour Level Online TEFL course. There are four-time slots and an express option which allows you to complete it over a weekend, so you have real choice over how you complete the course.

Typically, there will be up to 12 students on a virtual course and they provide great practice for real teaching. There are opportunities for pair work and group work, with breakout activities that help the time fly by! You can do peer-to-peer roleplay work, observed by an experienced TEFL tutor, practice demo classes, and cover some of the more dense methodological work in a fun and entertaining way. 

Shorter options

If you’re looking for short, top-up TEFL qualification courses, there’s the 20-hour Weekend TEFL Course , running over four sessions - or the express option - and the 30-hour Weekday TEFL Course, which takes place over 6 sessions.

Both courses give you essential preparation for real teaching scenarios. You can run practice lessons, work on error correction, needs analysis and loads more. These virtual classes also provide social opportunities; you can meet other teachers, run peer-to-peer exercises, and network for the future. All of it’s observed by our incredible, experienced TEFL tutors, who’ve been there, seen it and done it all!

What’s so great about online courses?

Call us biased if you will, but we think there’s a lot to love about online TEFL courses and the options they provide for learners. 

• Working at your own pace : You get six months to complete a 120-hour online course, which means you can take your time, really get to grips with the material, and study as and when you feel like it. If you need extra time, that can also be arranged. Make it work for you.
• Flexibility: If you have a job, childcare commitments or anything else that takes up the bulk of your day, don’t worry - you can still study for a TEFL certificate. With an online course option, time restraints and physical restraints just aren’t a problem!
• Evenings and weekends: Whether it’s because of your schedule, or you’re something of a night owl, there’s no stopping you from studying in the evenings if that’s when you work best. Alternatively, you might be most receptive and relaxed on the weekends, making it a more fruitful learning environment. Whenever you choose to study is alright with us! 
• Study anywhere: In-person classes are fine and well - if you live nearby! With online study, you can complete your TEFL course wherever you like. Whether that’s from home, in the library, on a train, or in a café during a backpacking trip; the choice is yours!

What’s so great about virtual classroom courses?

• Best of both worlds? : The comfort of studying from home, with the ability to meet people and network? It sounds like a winner to us.
• More like a “traditional” classroom course: Some people thrive in a classroom environment, and some people prefer to study by themselves. Having a choice is great, and if you’re keen on a classroom setting without doing any travel, then you’re quids in.
• Group work and paired work: Working alongside other prospective teachers is an incredible experience. Not only will it help while on the course, but it might also help with job searching in the future, and building your network.
• Either way, work with amazing TEFL teachers!: In a virtual classroom, you can speak in real time to an experienced TEFL tutor. Online, you can arrange meetings. Either way, you’re getting the benefit.

Let’s wrap things up

Hopefully, by now, you understand the distinctions between virtual courses and online courses. Combined courses, meanwhile, can provide a mix of the best features from online and in-person classes. 

The real question is: what suits you? A TEFL course that’s worth doing has to fit around your needs, whether that’s in terms of duration, location or format. There’s no wrong answer or “gotcha!” moment here; all are valid.

Happily, we’ve got a TEFL course quiz that’ll help you answer the most pressing concerns you have about TEFL qualification. If you have any more questions, our amazing support staff are here to help.

Interested in starting your TEFL journey? Check out our range of highly accredited, industry-leading TEFL courses today!