We value the feedback we receive from our graduates, language schools who have employed our trainees and others who have worked with us in any way. Below are a few things students have said about the course.

Where email addresses are given, please feel free to contact the students if you require more information.

A Paris Language School Says...

Dear Madam,

For several years I have met (and employed) a growing number of people who have done your TEFL Certificate at TEFL Paris in Tournan.

Everything I hear about your programme is positive so I was wondering if you could give our details to all your trainees or at least to the good quality ones. They can send their CVs to...

June 2009, A Parisian language school.

TEFL Paris - November 2009 Course

Of course I would recommend the TEFL Paris course. This course has been very enriching. I appreciated the fact that it puts us in a real class situation and the feedback at the end of each session was very helpful.

I like the methodology we were taught. Each class was very interactive and entertaining - never boring. Although it is intensive I am glad I went with it.

Anne from France ~ November 2009

This was a very good course. I was able to use what I was learning in the input sessions directly in the practice teaching. Sab & Agnès were very helpful in giving ideas for lesson plans and lesson structure. I really appreciated learning how to use an effective teaching model and getting practice and critiques on my work.

Brittany from the USA ~  November 2009

I would definitely recommend the TEFL Paris for various reasons:

   * Friendly and very efficient approach to the language
   * Good practice sessions when giving own lessons to Tournan students
   * Discovery of plenty of teaching tools & methods
   * Small groups - intimacy and good working conditions

Daniel from France ~ November 2009

"What would I have done had I been put in front of a class without having sat this course?" Probably just stared and blubbered for an entire lesson!

This course is probably the best decision I have taken in regards to my aspirations of becoming an English teacher. It was an eye-opener for me; I learnt so many things during this one month that would probably have taken a life-time of errors and trials to learn.

Armed with this invaluable TEFL Certificate, I am ready to take on the challenges, highs and lows of the teaching world!

Grace from Kenya ~ November 2009

I would definitely recommend the TEFL Paris to anyone wanting to train as an English teacher because:

   - Friendly & efficient approach to teacher training
   - Small group of teacher trainers
   - Feedback sessions - Methodology input sessions - Grammar covered

However, I would say to prospective students that the course is extremely intensive so be prepared to put the rest of your life on hold.

Linsey from Scotland ~ November 2009

Of course I'd recommend it! I believe that the fact of being a native English speaker is not enough to teach a language and the TEFL course give you the basic "tools" to do it. I really agree with the practice being the main focus of the course.  We're very lucky to have "real students" as our guinea pigs. I enjoyed the friendly approach of both teachers and the great atmosphere among my peers.

I'd encourage anybody thinking about going into teaching to take this course. I couldn't imagine starting teaching without it.

Olivia from Argentina ~ November 2009

I would recommend the course. I would say it is extremely thorough and prepares you really well to be a teacher. I would also warn them that it is very challenging especially in terms of the number of hours work required outside of actual lessons and 'official' study time.

Rachel from the UK ~ November 2009

The course was extremely intense but we managed to have a wide overview of the different grammatical aspects and went deep into the teaching training.

The input sessions were very interesting and helpful. They were very lively, well taught and engage the trainees in every way.

The teaching practice was definitely helpful. We grew day after day, week after week. Some days were more difficult to under go than others, but what a satisfaction when you actually get the point.

Peggy from Guadeloupe ~ June 2009

Everything was directly related to teaching. All of the homework was practice-based with very clear integration of the theory taught in class.

We couldn't have had a more lovely group of people to teach - just adorable. Not intimidating at all. Agnès and Sab were always able to find positive aspects of anyone's lesson and were very kind in the way they performed their critiques.

It is a great method of teaching practice - great students to teach, observing the other trainees, and a supportive critique from peers and professionals.

Sab has obviously put a huge amount of effort into this course this month, and the whole operation runs so smoothly - indicating a great deal of effort from Agnès.

I have loved my time here. The best part about it is living with the other students - too much fun. Getting to know the commuting students was also wonderful. Living and working together bonded us in a way that has surprised us all.

It was really great to learn so much more about good teaching methods and practice. After 9 years of teaching I learned so many things that I can take away with me to use in the regular classroom, both in class and teaching practice.

Michelle Hall from Australia ~ June 2009

I really enjoyed all lessons. I studied in England and was happy to find the same great spirit between the teacher and students, and lots of varied activities that made some subjects easier to learn (grammar).

The programme is very well designed, spreading the various subjects (methodology, grammar, practical...) over the 4 weeks - lots of advice, examples (teacher was a live example - use as a model!). Sab's experience in teaching was valuable and essential to the success of this group of students. Studying all aspects of teaching and levels (1-to-1, children, business) = complete course.

I found it a very enriching experience to be able to see (and sometimes participate) in the other students' lessons. it is also essential to have the 'debriefing' sessions at the end of each teaching practice session to allow improvements.

Thank you both! Agnès and Sab helped me to surpass myself - be more confident in speaking in front of people, etc. You are so encouraging that it made me really want to go forward. You are both very professional in the way everything was organised!

I very enriching experience: I would definitely recommend this course! Thank you Agnès and Sab for your immense support!

Nadège Wisniewski from France ~ June 2009

Amazing - great programme! It was nice to analyse and learn the language that I already speak.

I am so glad that I did it. Even if I don't end up teaching, I learned a lot from the course to take wherever I go.

Margaret Warren from the USA ~ June 2009

Helpful, relevant, intense... on the whole enjoyable and a great experience. My confidence has increased greatly during the course.

Fantastic - I would recommend this course.

Catherine  Montagu from the UK ~ June 2009

I did not know what to expect, being an absolute beginner, but it was much more interesting and fun. Sab helped me explore areas within myself that I did not know existed. The course kindled interest in subjects that I had previously thought of as boring, pedantic and 'old hat'.

I had a choppy journey but arrived safely, and Sab and Agnès were patient and efficient in getting me to 'return to the north'.

The TEFL Paris 'experience' is quite unique, and set in ideal conditions with a great variety of students. I do not regret one minute of the course. It taught me to appreciate subjects that I did not know. It was varied and a 'hands-on' experience.

Marc Scopes from UK/France ~ June 2009

Even better than what I expected! I was very inspired by the style and the substance was very constructive. I now have a full toolbox that I can use in my classes!

It was also very useful to be able to test the new tools in reality! Probably one of the rare opportunities to have professional critiquing and feedback - very effective to work on just one or two points to improve at a time.

I appreciated the comments, advice, hints given before the teaching practice... often a little something that made a big difference. So in the future, when planning a lesson, I shall ask myself: What would Sab and Agnès say?

I've met exceptional people, the team spirit was excellent, very friendly atmosphere. The working conditions are exceptionally good in beautiful surroundings in a small group. I had to give 200% of myself, but it was very rewarding and fun!

Céline Paul from France ~ June 2009

I expected it to be intense and challenging and... it was intense and challenging - my brain now has a six-pack!

Input sessions were very insightful... expecially from the trainers. It's funny how self-critical we can be... even as you teachh you realise exactly what is wrong, what works and what doesn't.

Teaching practice was vital. I found it very enjoyable yet very challenging at times... learning to think on your feet and respond to students' needs and misunderstandings was an amazing learning curve.

Both Sab and Agnès put in a huge effort throughout the course. Sab seemed to be  putting in the same hours as we were which is a true reflection of his passion to teach.

Naomi Fletcher from Australia ~ June 2009

Dear TEFLonians!

I thought I'll keep you a bit up to date about my EFL career efforts.

I sent out 7 applications and two institutes immediately invited me for an interview. And eventually I got courses with both of them, so I figure the French must be rather desperate to even take on a non-native speaker of English to teach English lessons.

Paris seems to be "invaded" by TEFLonians from Tournan. By chance I met Nicola; we chatted about the good old times in September and what everyone was doing right now, when one of the other teachers asked" Oh, did you do the course in Tournan? Me too!" and yet another girl in the same room remarked "Me too!!"

You seem to be doing a great job, Agnès and Jon!!! I even met a "Tournan-graduate" on the French course I'm attending 3 times a week!!!

Please let me know what you are all up too. It'll be great to have some news from you!!!
Take care,

Klaudia (Austria)September 2008
klaudia.laister@free.fr

This course was fantastic! I can’t imagine entering a classroom without all I have learnt. Received great support throughout the course and excellent practical advice and help for job searching. Thanks so much!

First day job hunting in Paris and I've had my first interview and a very nice job offer teaching Business English. I didn't believe you when you said it was this easy! Couldn't have done it without all your help and training. Thanks again!

Faith Zollinger from New Zealand (April,2008)
Faith.zollinger@gmail.com

Hello. It's Fiona from the March class. I have wanted to send you a letter via post but have decided I won't get around to it for a while so I took the quicker way and am sending you an email.

I just want to thank you so much for being so wonderful to me at school and personally. You are so intuitive and caring and SMART. I just love the person that you are and really don't have the eloquence of the language to express it in a fancier fashion!

I miss "my room" very much. I miss the scenery. I miss the cats. I miss the baguettes, of course! You couldn't have done more for us - to make us feel more at home. It was just lovely.

Thank you for all of your encouragement and strength in believing in me as a future teacher. At the moment I am considering China - not my first choice of course, but an option! I just wanted to write to you before your Apr. students begin their new adventure and you get so busy you have no time to read.

Merci beucoup, Danke Schon, Grazie, Obragado, Gracias. It was truly a wonderful experience. I'll never forget it.

Love Always,

Fiona from NYC (April 2008)
jazzbohemian@yahoo.com

I would definitely recommend this course. The content and especially the teaching practice is excellent and the trainers are fantastic. It was the best course I had in my life.

Ecco Staller from the Netherlands
ecco@belangrijk.nl (April 2008)

I found the Paris TEFL Course to be a positive an enjoyable experience on many levels.

The theoretical side of the course provided us with a solid foundation and the necessary tools with which to begin teaching. The teaching practice was invaluable as we were able to try out the different techniques as we learned them and gave us the opportunity to experience teaching to a variety of levels. Our trainers were not only professional and experienced but also very supportive throughout the entire course which added greatly to the learning experience.

Finally the lovely and comfortable surroundings in which we lived and worked made for a very enjoyable stay and I would not hesitate recommending this course to anyone interested in an ESL career.

Narelle Howard from New Zealand
narelle10@hotmail.com

TEFL Paris was a great experience and I would recommend it highly. The other students were wonderful and the trainers extremely knowledgeable. At the end of the course I feel I have acquired a new skill that I could take anywhere and I am confident to embark upon a teaching career. TEFL Paris prepared me very well.

Ellen Shuman from Colorado
anubite@fastmail.fm

This is definitely the place to be if you are tired of big structures and looking for a friendly atmosphere to study your TEFL Course.

Trainers (peter and mark) and Agnès were really great, so kind and helpful.

Christophe Desbois Farlay from France
desboisfarlay@free.fr

Welcoming teachers and friendly atmosphere: TEFL Paris is the ideal preparation for anyone who wants to be an EFL teacher. I would absolutely recommend the course.

The experience is a complete one, not simply focused on the academic aspects of teaching. Teaching is part skill and part intuition - it is an art form that one can only master through apprenticeship and practice.

Few schools offer such extensive teaching experience during the time of learning. The ability to teach classes immediately from the first week allows students to practice what they have learnt and understand the technique better.

The school is one of the only teacher certificate schools in Paris that gives the option to live at the school. Because the school is a full time, room and board experience, the students communicate and share ideas.

Shaun Hicks from California
shaun@umail.ucsb.edu

I have nothing but praise for the TEFL Paris course. The school in Tournan is a wonderful place to study and live: it’s right in the middle of a park with fruit trees and a big sky overhead.

Of course, there is also the light and dazzle of Paris; but be forewarned that due to the intensive pace of the course you will probably only be in Paris on weekends and select evenings.

The class itself is great. You will be busy but not too busy; for me it was the right balance between rigor and relaxation. The trainers are real experts who will go out of their way to help you. And best of all, after the month is over and done with, you will have met people whose friendship you will want to hold on to the way one holds on to a lovely memory.

Jeff Burkholder from United States
jeffburkholder@yahoo.com

Paris TEFL is a great location and the welcome meal before the course makes you feel at home.

Locals turn up for the English lessons eager to learn and make the teaching practice sessions very real. You have to work hard to plan the lessons but the training staffs are on hand to help and the interaction with the students is rewarding.

Dave and Geoff were good companions as well as teachers and it was great to be welcomed in the family home. The students were also good company and great fun to be with.

OK to use email, comments and pictures. I just hope you didn’t record the singing.

Phil Troke from England
phil4t@orange.fr

Just a quick note to say thank you for the contact with XXXX Institute.

I had an interview today, and they offered me a job right away!!

I haven't accepted yet, because I have another interview on Monday with a school called XXXX. I am so amazed...

I sent out only 2 CVs and they both called me - I didn't even need to call them and ask for an interview.

I never had any doubts that the course would be useful, but I honestly didn't expect to have a job offer less than one week after the end of the course.

Thanks again,
and please pass my thanks on to both Peter and Geoff.
Sincerely,

Emma Kuskoff

I would definitely recommend the TEFL Paris course.

It was hugely beneficial to do the course in a foreign country, as it is closer to the reality of EFL teaching.

Living with the other students helped us cope with the intensity of the course particularly at the beginning and the atmosphere was friendly and supportive throughout.

Having a variety of groups for teaching practices prepare us for having to adapt teaching methods and style.

The student’s keenness to learn and willingness to put up with trainer teachers were very helpful for our confidence.

Hannah Roberson

Thank you for all the wonderful things you've done for us.

You made my stay here so happy. I am grateful that you are now part of my family.

Janet Sitzman from United states
jsitzmann@hotmail.com

TEFL Paris is in a wonderful location, close enough to Paris but just far enough for real peace and quiet. The course is very intensive but the wonderful atmosphere of the place makes it a pleasurable experience.

Oliver Edwards from Britain

I would certainly recommend the TEFL Paris course. The teaching and course content was thorough and conscientious, the teachers were extremely friendly and helpful and I gained a huge amount of teaching practice with feedback on my performance- besides which the accommodation as comfortable and facilities good.

Ben Chackoo from England
chackomeister@googlemail.com

I recommend this course very highly. I have found it to be informative, fun and absolutely essential in giving you the confidence and tools to teach a good English lesson.

Erwin and Agnès are exceptional teachers and always valued their inputs and felt fully supported throughout.

The house is also very nice and provided us with a comfortable home.

I don’t believe I could feel more satisfied with my decision to come here.

Tom Watt from England(Sheffield)

I would really recommend this excellent TEFL course. It combined a friendly family atmosphere, fantastic setting and extremely high quality teaching.

I am very happy I came here.

Joanna Gore from England(Sheffield)

It truly was a great experience. Staff went out of their way to be helpful and to help us to adjust to life in France.

Better then I could even have hoped for.

Adam Burnett from Canada