Introduction: Why Teach English Online?
Teaching English online is a growing profession, offering flexibility, remote work opportunities, and a global student base. Whether you’re transitioning from a traditional classroom or starting fresh, having a structured training course can make a big difference.
One of the best beginner-friendly courses is Teaching English Online by the University of Cambridge, available on FutureLearn. But is it the right fit for you? In this detailed review, we’ll explore its features, pros and cons, pricing, and how it compares to competitors. Let’s dive in.
Course Overview: What You’ll Learn
The Teaching English Online course is a four-week program designed for individuals who want to adapt their teaching skills for a virtual classroom. Created by the University of Cambridge, this course offers a solid introduction to online language instruction through structured modules, including:
- Understanding the Online Teaching Market – Learn where and how to find students.
- – Get familiar with Zoom, Skype, and other platforms used in virtual classrooms.
- Building Rapport with Students – Learn techniques to engage and motivate online learners.
- Teaching Language Skills Online – Strategies for teaching speaking, listening, reading, and writing.
- – Discover best practices for structuring engaging virtual lessons.
Enrolling gives you access to all materials for the duration of your FutureLearn subscription, making it flexible for busy learners.
Who Is This Course Best For?
This course is best suited for:
- ✔️ New or transitioning teachers who want to move from in-person to online teaching.
- ✔️ Aspiring ESL teachers looking to start a remote teaching career.
- ✔️ Teachers who value structured learning from a reputable institution like the University of Cambridge.
However, if you already have online teaching experience, you may find the course a bit basic.
✅ Pros
- ✔️ Reputable certification from Cambridge University.
- ✔️ Self-paced learning for a flexible schedule.
- ✔️ Affordable price ($75 USD for the certificate option).
- ✔️ Covers fundamental skills needed for online teaching.
❌ Cons
- ➖ No live teaching practice included.
- ➖ Only four weeks long, making it a shorter course compared to some alternatives.
- ➖ May be too basic for experienced instructors.
What Do Students Say?
Here’s what real students are saying about Teaching English Online:
⭐ “This course is fantastic for beginners. It helped me understand how to structure my online classes!” – Sarah T.
⭐ “I loved how the course covered rapport building with students. However, I wish there was more hands-on teaching practice.” – Michael R.
On Reddit, user u/TEFLteacher2023 mentioned:
“It’s a good starting point, but you’ll still need real teaching practice to succeed.”
How Does It Compare to Other Online Teaching Courses?
Wondering how this course compares? Here’s a quick breakdown:
| Course | Duration | Includes Live Practice? | Certificate Provided? | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FutureLearn (Cambridge) | 4 weeks | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | $75 |
| Bridge TEFL | 120 hours | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | More expensive |
| i-to-i “Teaching English Online” | 4 weeks | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | Similar pricing |
| TEFL Academy | 40 hours | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | Mid-range pricing |
Best for beginners 👉 FutureLearn (Cambridge).
Best for in-depth training 👉 Bridge TEFL.
Best if you want live practice 👉 i-to-i or TEFL Academy.
Is This Course Right for You?
If you’re new to online teaching and want a well-structured, affordable course from a top-tier university, then Teaching English Online by Cambridge on FutureLearn is a great choice.
However, if you want hands-on teaching experience or job placement assistance, you might prefer alternatives like i-to-i or TEFL Academy.
Final Verdict: Should You Enroll?
- ✔️ Recommended for new online teachers who need a foundational course on virtual English teaching.
- ✔️ Great for those who prefer structured, self-paced learning with university-backed credibility.
- ❌ Not ideal for those who already have experience teaching online.
If teaching English online is in your goals for 2024, this course is a good starting point. Want to get started? Click below to enroll today!