The 3 Certificate programs covered in this IAP College Certificate Course Review have been chosen because they are becoming popular with digital nomads and people who are trying for promotions, or choosing lifestyle careers. This review will will look at the substance of these courses and see if they are really up to an educational standard as IAP claims.
Introduction.
In addition to your current knowledge and skills, there will be times you need to upgrade your skills particularly if you…Want a promotion, or a different career with similar skills?
It is nothing new, some big names in the movie / TV industry have opted out of acting, and moved into completely different fields of employment.
- Tom Selleck manages an Avocado farm
- Dylan Sprouse is a Brewmaster
- Nikki Blonsky is a hairdresser
- Taran Noah Smith (one of Tim the Toolmans T.V. kids), is an event planner, putting on exhibitions in art galleries and museums.
Q. Are Online Course Certificates Recognized?
Related Article Here.
Editorial:-Any links on this page to IAP should be assumed to be affiliate links for which I may receive payment. This is at no cost to you. I am not an employee of any company mentioned and all opinions expressed here are mine and are not representative of any company.
The Three Courses this Review will Cover.
- Teaching English as a Foreign Language
- Time Management Coaching
- Sociology.
1. Teach English as a Foreign Language
Teaching English as a Foreign Language is for people who want to travel and explore.
Or, work with refugees, immigrants or foreign students studying in your country.
Disclosure:- I have completed a high-level TEFL / TESOL course from another institution. Still, I am looking at this course with an open mind.
Before we take a look at what IAP is offering, let’s get familiar with some common terms and tests applied to English as a foreign language.
What is the Meaning of TEFL?
TEFL stands for Teach English as a Foreign Language
There are a stack of acronyms and abbreviations.
| ELL | English language learner |
| ELT | English language teaching |
| ESL | English as a second language |
| ESP | English for specific purposes |
| ESOL | English for speakers of other languages |
| TEFL | Teaching English as a foreign language |
| TESL | Teaching English as a second language |
| TESOL | Teaching English to speakers of other languages |
| Theoretical Styles | Andragogy (student led learning) and Pedagogy (teacher directed learning). |
What is the difference between ESOL and TEFL?
Essentially not much.
Teaching English as a second language can be intense, with a big focus on pronunciation and grammar, or more relaxed where the learner just wants enough to hold a conversation.
Many students though are preparing for higher learning in other fields, business English, or seeking a job in their trade or profession in a native English-speaking country, for which they will to need to pass a proficiency test.
So, there is a lot of commitment required.
For example:
TOEIC: The test of English for international communication is one test.
IELTS: International English testing system is another.
TOEFL:- Test of English as a foreign language. This is a proficiency test in the USA.
The Two Types of IELTS tests.
- The academic version
- The general training version.
Teaching English as a foreign language is often more about being able to communicate in English, without necessarily being 100% fluent.
What will you learn in the IAP TEFL course?
They advertise theirs as an EFL (English as a Foreign Language), course.
In my opinion, the 6 weeks expected to complete the course may be a little optimistic if you have been away from the classroom for years or are working 9-5, but it is achievable.
They do allow time extensions. I guess, if you want something bad enough you will get it done.
Let’s continue.
IAP’s EFL Tutor.
Lindsey McDonald has a pretty impressive resume’. She is proficient in Japanese, with two years of experience teaching English in Japan, as well as translating lesson plans, brochures and official documents and acting as an interpreter for visitors to Japan.
Like many young people exploring the world pre-covid she seemed to be living the dream, skydiving and gaining PADI scuba diving qualifications, and like many scuba divers she has a great interest in Marine Environmenmtal Science.
Lindsey holds a BSc., Honours and a BA in International Relations from the university of Calgary as well she has taken classes in Marine Science. Lindsey was one of Fulbright Canada’s Killam Fellows for the 2012-2013 academic year.
Some of What is Included in the IAP EFL Modules.
- Getting Hired
- Creating a winning resume and cover letter
- How to find domestic and international job openings.
- Other “how to’s”
Here is one thing I have learned.
If you want to teach English in Asia or Europe (where the better pay is). Preference is given to those with an undergraduate degree.
It doesn’t matter what the discipline is, but a Bachelor of something (nursing for example), and preferably TEFLEN (ELF), or TESOL certifications (or both), tacked onto it is readily accepted in most countries.
Not every employer requires one, and not every EFL teacher goes abroad to make a career of teaching.
For many it is just a way to help with expenses, allowing time for exploration, but if you have an undergraduate degree, you will generally earn a higher income.
If you want to teach English in Latin America, then a TEFL / TESOL certificate on its own is usually acceptable.
However, government educational institutions and private language schools will often require an undergraduate degree in some discipline.
Teaching in Latin America pays less than teaching in Asia, but it compensates by having a lower cost of living, and there is lots to see and do.
Freelancing or teaching online can pay more if you are working in Sth. America.
Getting Started with the IAP EFL Course
There are a lot of modules in the IAP course that will help you get hired and even start your own business. For anyone wanting to travel these are useful resources.
Of course you have to get through the obligatory English modules before you even begin to think about work.
- Creating lesson plans
- English language skills
- Assessment tools and techniques
- Evaluating learners.
At the end of each module there is a test, and at the end of the course a final exam then, all the marks are added to get an average score.
Most TEFLEN courses require 85% to pass.
I didn’t see teaching fluency and sub-skills, normally a module on its own in these types of courses. It does have a module for legal and financial matters.
If you are thinking of working overseas, you will want to check on visa requirements, Since covid many countries have changed their visa requirements, in some cases it is harder, others are easier.
In saying that, there is a good demand for English teachers in many places across the world.
Much will depend on where and who you work for, many schools across the world have 12 month contracts and they will assist with the visa application.
Pros of the IAP TEFL Course.
- An IAP certificate is generally a well-respected document. IAP’s parent company (Fabjob Inc), has been supplying textbooks, and course guides to universities and libraries across the USA and Canada for years.
- You have access to a college tutor.
- The course has a lot of information on working for yourself, or gaining employment either domestically, or internationally.
- It does provide a refresher grammar course.
- Lots of information on “who, how, and where” to get hired.
- Lots of information on class preparation, preparing supplies and materials, assessments, etc.
- Well suited for someone who wants to teach online.
- Lots of information for someone wanting to freelance.
Cons of the IAP TEFL Course.
- Not suited to non-native English speakers. (IMHO).
- Teaching internationally varies from country to country. Some basic cultural practices or at least references to them could have been included.
- Probably could be condensed a little, as some of the information is already freely available.
Conclusion. Is the IAP TEFL Course good value?
Price wise it is well within the ball park of other 120 hour TEFL courses. So, yes it does offer good value and the certificate of completion will be valid in any country you wish to teach.
Other courses I have seen can cost up to $3,000 and include a couple of days of classroom experience, although they are advertised as online classes.
For many people that is over the top, and by the time you add your travel and accommodation expenses on top, it becomes out of reach for many young people.
References for the IAP TEFL course are good. and overall IAP has a 4.8 trust pilot rating.
I could go back anytime I wanted to…
I could go back anytime I wanted to pursue with my course, I forgot my password many times and the IAP team responded to my email very quick on how to reset things. I love the fact that I could go back on the review answers after taking a test, I like the test you take after each module, it helps to remember what you’ve learn previously and refresh your memory. The information you get from the course are really oriented to help you in your journey as a Teacher of English as a foreign Language. I really love taking my time to assimilate the information, no pressure on you, you get it done when you feel it’s time to take the final exam.
Date of experience: November 24, 2022
TrustPilot.com
Overall IAPs course meets the requirements for teaching English as a Foreign Language and is reasonably priced.
2. IAP’s Time Management Coach Course.
This IAP time management course may not make you another Tony Robbins but may make you the person Tony Robbins refers to as a results coach.
To be honest, this course is more about developing systems related to reduced costs in workplaces, finding weak spots in employees’ tasks, or the business system, and helping them become more efficient.
So it is a lot more in-depth than say, the Pomodoro method.
You would likely find yourself working with human resource managers, business owners, and perhaps even sole traders.
I know, I get emails about procrastination too, and it is part of this course. But in a different context.
Let’s go take a quick look at time management
Why is Time Management Important?
In a nutshell, it is a doing more with less strategy.
I know. It doesn’t sound good if you are an employee. But stay positive here.
If you’re an employee with time management skills and put them to use at work, you might see a boost in your pay packet…Maybe! I am making no promises.
Let’s look at some benefits of the good use of time.
- Get rid of negative habits like procrastination, overscheduling, and giving in to distractions.
- Develop self-awareness around the use of time
- Find your peak performance time
- Achieve your goals faster
- Less stress and more confidence.
So, what does a Time Management Coach do?
Help people achieve all of the above by observing and developing systems.
To begin with, it will have you more organized, calm & in control.
I know, it is really tough to undo negative habits leading to procrastination, being careless (overscheduling), or giving in to distraction.
Also as a coach, you must overcome these in your own life to help others effectively in theirs.
So once you have worked on yourself, then you can work on others and show them…
- How to prioritize what is most important so they are focusing on the right things
- How to review existing systems and create new ones which they enjoy using
- Show people how to have more time for the things that matter in their lives.
- And much, much more.
Who will Benefit from Time Management Techniques?
It is very likely not everyone will want to be a time management coach, but many will be happy to do the course solely for their own benefit.
Obviously, there is a huge, broad field of businesses & employees who could use the services of a time management coach.
Let’s not forget Students & Athletes, and very busy self-employed people.
The IAP course will give you modules on choosing a target market and the marketing tools & techniques to attract those clients.
Plus you can do it from the comfort of your own home at times that suit you.
3. IAP Sociology Certificate
People often ask “Is Sociology even useful” or “What is Sociology?”
The IAP Sociology Certificate course is designed to give students short-term training into the many facets of life.
For example:-
- How an individual’s behaviors are influenced by their groups and society
- Social Issues, criminology, alcohol and drug addiction
- Culture, relationships, religion, ethnicity, gender, and sexuality
- Media, inequality and aging.
- And much much more.
Completion of the course is expected 9 weeks after beginning the course.
I think it will take many people longer.
You do have up to 18 weeks, & can ask for extensions if you need them.
Generally, the IAP certificate courses are designed for students who have not graduated from a college or university. Or, Employers have a requirement for additional certifications to gain an edge in other positions.
This will usually give you leverage for higher wages and maybe better working conditions.
At times (as I am sure you are aware), certificates are required by employers or educational institutions to supplement your knowledge and skills.
The good thing about IAP is that you can complete your sociology certificate online from the comfort of your home at times that are suitable for you.
Why get a Sociology Certificate?
Some knowledge of Sociology is beneficial when included with other careers that have a need for insights into people’s behaviour and customs.
- Journalism
- Car salesmen, real estate sales people, other selling professions.
- Teaching
- Health professionals
- Social Services, case managers.
- Criminology
- Public health
Careers in the public sector are another.
My Conclusion.
The three courses together should lead to a better employment outcome either as an employee or a freelancer.
Having the teaching English as a foreign language will help you land jobs if you want to travel, and possibly in your own community if there is a large number of immigrants.
The benefits of the Time Management course could allow you to set up your own consultancy business, or achieve a promotion within your current job
The Sociology course will be beneficial to anyone with an interest in helping people.
Also:- In many countries payment for any courses used towards employment may be eligible for a tax deduction.
Thanks for reading,
If you found this beneficial please share.
Michael.
