What is the best company to get a TEFL/TESOL qualification from?

Question

I'm considering working towards a Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) or Teaching English as a Second Language (TESOL) qualification to enable me to spend some time teaching abroad.

There seem to be a lot of companies offering courses but it's hard to tell which would be the best.

Can anyone help me? I'm concerned about whether or not the qualification would be authentic and recognised as official, price, the length of the course and where I'd be able to take it.

Any help will be greatly appreciated.

Thank you in advance.

Answer 1

Both companies that you mentioned are recognized word wide.  Go for a 4 - 6 week course.  you can google tesl and TOEFL and get a variety of courses.  In Canada we offer anywhere from one week to university degrees.  Friends of mine have been hired extensively with the 6 week course.

Answer 2

Check out www.tesol.org for a list of colleges/universities which offer programs.  TESOL is the main professional organization for ESL teachers.

You're right -- many of them are quite shady.  

I recommend a U.S. university where you can complete something like a summer program (6 weeks or so).  It's far better than an online degree both in experience and prestige.