TESOL certification in Nagoya FAQ
What does TEFL mean?
TEFL is an acronym that means Teaching English as a Foreign Language. By itself, TEFL usually means a certificate to teach EFL (English as a foreign language).
Do I need TEFL to teach English in Japan or another country?
No. And yes. In Japan you don't usually need a certificate to teach English. However, each teaching opportunity will have its own specific requirements. What I've found is that conversation schools and ALT (Assistant Language Teacher) jobs require just a Bachelor's degree, Universities require a Masters, private or international high schools require a teaching license from your country, and international kindergartens also may require a teaching license from your country.
On top of this some schools require TEFL qualification while others do not.
What's the difference between TEFL, TESOL, CELTA, DELTA, dipTESOL, EFL and ESL?
TEFL and TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) are basically synonymous. CELTA, DELTA, and dipTESOL are all highly regarded and expensive TEFL certificate programs out of Cambridge University and Trinity College London (and others), respectively. EFL is teaching English as a foreign language (students are studying a foreign language in their own country), and ESL is teaching English as a second language (students are studying English in an English-speaking country.
Is the Atlanta TEFL recognized around the world?
No. As a new TEFL program, we are not recognized. However, we are applying for our program to be certified from an outside committee. This process usually takes from one to three years. We hope to have certification by 2023.
However, your certificate will be signed by Atlanta English School, a well-respected organization operating in Nagoya since 2012.
What distinguishes your program from others?
In addition to general TESOL methodology and practical skills, the Atlanta Eagle TEFL includes a strong foundation in general teaching methodology and skills that can be applied to not only teaching a second or foreign language, but can be applied to teaching, in general. This program covers the same material needed to get a teaching license in most countries, thereby preparing participants for a lifelong career in teaching.
Who are my teachers?
Camilo Villanueva
He is the founder of the Atlanta Eagle TEFL program. He has over 16 years of teaching experience in Japan. He has worked at several eikaiwas (conversation schools) and for many large companies, public and private schools, and universities. He is the founder of THE NGY REVIEW, an online literary journal, and the founder of Atlanta English School. He earned his BA in Anthropology and Chemistry at Emory University (Atlanta) and his MFA in Fiction at Concordia University-St. Paul. He also studied English literature at the post-baccalaureate level at California State University-Northridge, and is a doctoral student in English Pedagogy and English Literature at Murray State University (Kentucky). He is also currently studying for the following teaching licenses through the state of Florida: grade 5-9 General Science, grade 6-12 English, and grade K-12 ESOL. He is a member of JALT (Japan Association for Language Teaching) and has various TESOL certifications through institutes such as the British Council, Queensland University of Technology, and the University of Glasgow.
Teaching Instructors
All teaching instructors have a Cambridge DELTA and/or a Masters degree with at least 10 years of EFL-teaching experience in Japan. Personal instructors are assigned for each month of your course. Teaching Instructors are responsible for creation of the lesson curriculum, grading assessments, giving feedback on homework, and evaluating the final stages of the teaching practicum (for 120- and 150-hr certificates).
Teaching Assistants
Not directly your teachers, a teaching assistant (TA) will be assigned to you throughout the program to answer any questions you have and to help mentor you professionally.
Do you only accept native speakers?
No, but realistically, people entering our program must have a high level of English to teach, whether it is in Japan or in their home country. If a teacher does not come from one of the following countries, they will need to have an oral interview: Australia, New Zealand, the United States, the United Kingdom, South Africa, Ireland, Canada, and Jamaica are exempt from the interview.
Do you have a part-time program, full-time, or both?
We offer only an online program (100- or 120-hr certificate) with an optional onsite practicum (150-hr certificate). Lessons are self-study with several assignments for each month. In the future we may offer an onsite intensive course.
How much is it?
Please see the fees page.
When does it start?
You can start at any time for the online course. If you are interested in the 150-hr course, the onsite practicum in Nagoya will be scheduled toward completion of the 120-hr requirement.
How much work will I have to do?
Online course:
There are readings and written assignments each week. It will take at least 2-3 hours to complete. There are quizzes each month and a final test.
Onsite practicum:
Five days of intensive teaching practice. Each day will be approximately eight hours of work with six, 50-minute lessons.
I already have an online TEFL, so is Atlanta's TEFL really that useful?
If you already have a 100/120/150 hour or similar certificate with hands-on teaching practicums, you will not need our TEFL certificate. As long as your certificate is recognized or can be easily validated, it should be accepted in Japan or other countries.
Will I get a job upon completion of my certificate?
We cannot guarantee you will get a job upon completion of the course. The most we can do is give you a quick and thorough education in EFL/ESL and give you enough classroom teaching experience that you can jump start your career. We will give you career advice and include you as a member of our TEFL alumni, so that when teaching opportunities do arise in Japan and world-wide that we know of, we will inform you and do our best to help get your foot in the door.
Can I do the 150-hr course if I don't live in the Nagoya area?
All of the teaching practicums are in Nagoya so you would need to stay here at least five consecutive days or if you came one Saturday over five weekends you could complete the 150-hr course. The 100- and 120-hr do not require onsite practicums.
Do you have sample lesson materials?
Not at this time, but they are coming soon.
What are the facilities like for the practicum?
Most classes will be conducted in our conversation school in Fujigaoka, Meito Ward, Nagoya, Japan. Some classes could be conducted offsite.
Our school is quite small but comfortable. There are two large classrooms and two smaller classrooms for instruction, in addition to a small break room.
We are located just three minutes from Fujigaoka Station, the last stop on the Higashiyama line.
How do I sign up?
Please contact us at the following link and we will provide you with further instructions to begin your new ESL journey!
What will I get when I finish?
After completing the entire course, including all of the homework, quizzes, and exams, you will be given a certificate from Atlanta English School. The certificate will state completion of the 100-,120- or 150-hr Atlanta Eagle TEFL Course, the date, the school's stamp/seal, and the president's signature. We will confirm receipt of your certificate via email request.
You will also be given a score sheet of your quizzes, exams, practicums, and a final evaluation.
What is the application process?
I am not a native English speaker. Can I sign up?
Yes! Non-native speakers are encouraged to sign-up for the course.
What's your phone number?
052-710-0100 (in Japan)
In the US, you can reach us at 404-382-0702
From other countries, please dial +81-52-710-0100