Read what our previous students have said about us

"I couldn't have wanted to study at a better location. The school facilities are excellent. Really good balance of working hard and enjoying the environment. All the teaching practices have been excellent. Couldn't have hoped for better students.
All staff at Island TEFL have been really helpful. I have really enjoyed doing the course."
Sara Gardiner (England)

"The Island TEFL experience was great from start to finish. The trainers are friendly and create a very friendly, supportive atmosphere.
The course itself was intense, but thoroughly enjoyable, and was undoubtedly made easier by the beautiful setting of the school itself. Being able to chill out on the deck or take a swim in the pool at lunch time, made it seem less like hard work, and more like a holiday!
There are also plenty of opportunities to meet loads of fantastic people, and I'll definitely be staying in touch with both the Island TEFL staff and all the great people I met on the course!"
Lorraine Faulds (Scotland)

"I truly had a blast during the 4-week Island TEFL course! There was a good, solid mix of in-class instruction, preparing for lessons, actual teaching, discussion, and of course FUN! I met wonderful people.
Although the course was intense, the laid-back atmosphere provided a relaxed, enjoyable environment in which to learn.
I don't really want to leave!"
Jen Hand (USA)

"Be prepared to work and play hard over the 4 weeks - the balance is essential!
A variety of teaching opportunities, mixed with the trainer's experience, made everything relevant, realistic and ready to use in my lessons."
Lorna Charlwood (England)

"I had a great time at Island TEFL. I thoroughly enjoyed the course. It was extremely helpful and a lot of fun. It was great being able to have a dip in the pool at lunch time!
The course itself was well thought out and the content was very relevant."
Catriona Tennant (Scotland)

"I found the course to be intensive, but highly enjoyable. The practical teaching experiences, ranging from young children to adults, was amazing! I graduated feeling confident that I could teach anywhere!"
Kellie Byron (New Zealand)
 

"What a great course! I had absolutely no idea about grammar and phonology beforehand. Now I feel I can teach it confidently. Loved the school - especially the pool! Staff were experienced and friendly, and I met some great people."
Marc Sheffield (England)

"I found the Island TEFL course to be much more than I expected. Although intense, and I had to work hard, the staff members were helpful and knowledgeable, and we weren't 'thrown in the deep end' by having to teach in the first week. We were eased into the practical teaching part of the course, with lots of assistance and good feedback."
Matt Stewart (Australia)

"The Island TEFL course is a very organised program, in a great location. The flow of the TEFL course, as well as the teaching practice variety, was very useful. It was well-rounded, as well as a fun time."
Amy Sawchak (USA)

"I found the Island TEFL course was intensive, but rewarding and relevant. It was also a lot of fun! The training centre was excellent - especially the pool! Samui is a great place to study. Nice mix of academics and good times with good people."
Mark Johnston (Australia)

"I had a ball! I didn't realize it would be so much fun teaching! After I left Samui, I was able to pick up an EFL teaching job in South Korea, where I'm still teaching lower secondary school. What I learnt during the Island TEFL course has proven invaluable, and I recommend it to anyone!"
Annie Symons (USA)

“This experience has been a fantastic, holistic one. Island TEFL is a professional, empowering operation. The delivery of the necessary components is succinct and concise. Support and encouragement of one’s professional development cannot be faulted.
This has been the most enjoyable learning curve and the backdrop of lively and beautiful Koh Samui more than compensates for the rigour of the course.”
Grainne Feeney (England)

“It was a great learning process for me. A nice environment was set by the Island TEFL staff. There was a good balance between theory and teaching practice, plenty of support from the staff and fellow teachers, and the students we taught, at all levels, were great.”
Paul Truman (England)

 

“I can’t say enough good things about Island TEFL! Unfortunately, there are too many TEFL courses that don’t offer the instruction that you pay for. I can personally say that with this program, you will get even more than you signed up for. The teachers and facilities are wonderful, and the atmosphere during the four weeks is one of determination, hard work and relaxation at the same time – a rare combination in any classroom.
I have made some great friends and met some truly amazing people. I feel very prepared to enter the classroom and give a successful lesson. The course has been so instructive and helpful. I feel so lucky to have found Island TEFL and to have had this unforgettable experience. Thank you!”
Lindsay McCormack (USA)

“Island TEFL is a very comprehensive and enjoyable course which provides you with much of the information and knowledge that you will need to become a competent and successful teacher of English as a foreign language.”
Graham Mercer (Koh Samui)

“I found the Island TEFL course very interesting. Having not had the opportunity to study since leaving school due to work commitments, this course gave me the perfect chance to study and start a new career. I see this course as the first step to me furthering my educational endeavours whilst earning an income. The course content was very thorough, but concentrated on the essential areas required to be able to teach competently. The staff are excellent, very positive and encouraging.”
Glyn Woodhouse (England)

“What a fantastic course! The teaching practices are an incredibly valuable experience. Seeing those faces light up is well worth the effort. I now feel extremely prepared to go out into the “real world” and begin my teaching career.”
Todd Cordy (Australia)

“I had a fantastic time on this TEFL course. However, it wasn’t all fun and games! The course load is manageable, but planning lessons can be time-consuming. Don’t think that Thai students are all going to be well behaved, but having fun in the lessons is a key factor. A great course and a fantastic experience.”
Amber Cordy (Australia)

“I realize now, after completing the course, that I would have struggled in a class of students if I were trying to teach them English without the training I’ve received at Island TEFL. The course was very enjoyable. We had 3 primary school lessons, 2 secondary school lessons and 1 adult lesson in a hotel in Chaweng. We also had to arrange a 1-1 lesson, but Sue organised a student for anybody who had difficulty finding one. Overall, the course in invaluable to anyone who wants to teach English to non-English speakers.”
Eugene Smyth (Ireland)

“As a non-native speaker of English, I am proud of having completed the course. I’ve had enormous support here at Island TEFL, and wouldn’t have made it without that. The course is quite intensive. There is a lot of work to do in a relatively short period of time. You are introduced to a very effective method of teaching English. I really want to thank Sue and other staff members, and of course my classmates, for the great time I’ve had here over the past 4 weeks.”
Arno Ruarus (Holland)

“I think the course has been remarkable, demanding, and very rewarding! I love how Sue cares about every trainee. I would recommend this course to anyone interested in a TEFL course. It has been the most enlightening experience.”
Casey Jackson (USA)
 

“Island TEFL is located in the most beautiful place, Koh Samui. My time here has been incredible, but if you think that you’ll be on the beach sipping frozen drinks with little umbrellas in them, you’re wrong! You will have lots of time to shop and sight-see on the weekends, but the work load is intensive during the week. The course content is well presented. It’s not overwhelming, but you’ll graduate feeling confident and ready to teach. The work is well worth the effort. It was really one of the best and most memorable experiences I have had.”
Andrew Conklin (USA)

“The Island TEFL course was an excellent experience. The teaching practices were great fun, and the children at the schools had great personalities. I’ve now made up my mind to continue on here and volunteer at a local school. I’m really looking forward to the experience. Thanks to Sue and everyone else on the course. I highly recommend this TEFL course to anyone who is thinking about a career in teaching abroad. Also a nice way of experiencing local culture.”
Rich McKie (UK)

“The most relaxing environment to learn how to teach TEFL. If you’re after an informal class environment and a cultural awakening in teaching Thai students, this is the place to come. I even got to sample a local school concert - certainly different! Sun, sea, sand and Sue - a great combination!”
Gillian Broadbent (Dubai)

“Come to Island TEFL! For a start, it’s based on Koh Samui - a beautiful tropical island in Thailand. I’m from Scotland, and had never been to Asia before. Arriving on Samui is arriving in paradise! The course is intense but well worth the hard work. It’s structured and logical, and the trainers are very relaxed, friendly, knowledgeable and supportive, and they inspire your confidence to teach. To sum up - do this TEFL course - it rocks!”
Fraser Morton (Scotland)

“Island TEFL looked enticing when I first found the website on the internet. I was pleased to discover that as a TEFL training centre, they weren’t just trying to take my money! I highly recommend Island TEFL to anyone seeking to teach EFL, whether full-time or part-time. I learned so much, and every day I was inspired with experiences and learning effective ways of teaching.
Sue and Bea were extremely helpful in answering any questions I had about just about anything. They genuinely want to help you to be the best, most effective teacher you can be, and the course has fully equipped me to do this. Thanks Island TEFL!”
Amanda Reusser (USA)

“The TEFL course is very detailed, and covers every aspect you could wish for in order to become an EFL teacher. I thoroughly enjoyed the course, and its content is fantastic. It has inspired me and personally opened up a whole new world for me. Thanks for the experience!”
Dave Rawnsley (England)

“Prior to taking the Island TEFL 4-week course, I had taught English in the Philippines. Although I enjoyed those classes, I knew I lacked knowledge about the proper way to teach English. The TEFL course provided the structure, theory and practice that I needed.
The course director, Sue, kept in touch with me during my last year of service with the Peace Corps in the Philippines, before I started the TEFL course, and helped me greatly with the final details. The trainer was knowledgeable and well-informed, with experience teaching in quite a few countries.
I highly recommend Island TEFL for the above reasons, not to mention the beautiful island setting in the Gulf of Thailand. By the way, I’m 68 years young, so age is not a factor when deciding to undertake a training course of this kind.”
Peggy Fitzpatrick (USA)

“I completed the Island TEFL course in May 2007. The staff were very friendly, positive, helpful and efficient. The group was great - we had a lot of laughs, while learning the skills to confidently step into a classroom to teach EFL. The course location was very pleasant. I would recommend Island TEFL to anyone wanting to train as an English as a Foreign Language teacher. It was a very good experience.”
Jeanette Mainard (Australia)

"An extremely worthwhile course for anyone interested in EFL teaching. I have really enjoyed the experience and would strongly recommend Island TEFL. Despite the course containing a lot of information, I never felt under too much pressure, thanks to the support provided. It's been an amazing experience and I feel I have gained a lot of confidence and learnt a lot about the English language. I now feel that EFL teaching may be a brilliant career for me."
Aaron Perrins (England)

"It's been a great experience! I've learned a lot, and met some fantastic people, both locals and foreigners. And I've achieved something really important for me - both on the practical and emotional side. I feel fully confident to begin on a new, exciting path in the world of EFL teaching."
Isotta Leone (Italy)

"My experience with the Island TEFL course has been completely positive. I couldn't have enjoyed the beauty of Thailand or the kindness of the Thai people (especially the kids) more. I feel absolutely ready for my future EFL teaching prospects and thank the Island TEFL staff whole-heartedly."
Andrew Boulton (USA)