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The Benefits Of The Combined TEFL Course
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December 3, 2025
Why “combined” TEFL courses are growing in popularity
The TEFL world is evolving. Many aspiring teachers today want training that offers both flexibility and hands-on teaching experience. Luckily, a combined TEFL course offers exactly that.
Blending online theory and in-person classroom experience, a combined TEFL course is the perfect solution for anyone looking to launch their TEFL career while still juggling work, travel, or other commitments.
Most online TEFL courses offer the same degree of flexibility, but the lack of practical classroom training can be a disadvantage. This is why a blended TEFL course is the perfect solution: it includes many of the same benefits as online courses, without sacrificing precious real-world teaching experience.
In this post, we’ll unpack why this approach offers the best of both worlds and how it can help you take the next step in your teaching journey.
What is a combined TEFL course?
A combined TEFL course is an online and in-person TEFL course that integrates the key features of online learning with valuable face-to-face teaching experience.
During the theoretical component, you learn all the vital theory that every TEFL teacher needs, such as pedagogical approaches, lesson planning, and classroom management. For the in-person portion of the course, you implement everything you have learned with real students under the guidance of experienced TEFL trainers.
This format is perfect for those who need to schedule their studies around work and travel, but still want to gain hands-on training that puts what they’ve learned into practice.
The TEFL Academy offers a Level 5 168-hour combined TEFL course, which includes 158 hours of online study and a 10-hour in-person teaching practicum. This structure allows aspiring teachers to study most of the course independently, without missing out on valuable TEFL practical training.
Combined courses strike the perfect balance by helping you build confidence and skills that’ll stick with you long after the course ends.
If you’re still on the fence about whether a blended TEFL course is right for you, the benefits might just change your mind.
Read more: What Do You Learn On A TEFl Course?
Key benefits of a combined TEFL course
Choosing the right course can be overwhelming. There are many different factors to consider. But there are many advantages to choosing to study a TEFL certification with classroom practice.
Let’s take a look at some of the key benefits.
Hands-on experience
There’s only so much that you can gain from studying theory online. The classroom practicum lets you interact with real learners, giving you the opportunity to develop skills that theory alone can’t provide.
Flexible learning
The online component in a combined TEFL course often consists of self-paced modules that give you the freedom to arrange your studies around work, travel, and other commitments.
Professional feedback
For anyone starting out, a blended course is truly the best TEFL course for beginners. The in-person sessions give you hands-on guidance from experienced trainers who are dedicated to building your confidence and developing practical teaching skills.
Improved job prospects
Gaining TEFL practical training undoubtedly gives you a competitive edge. Nowadays, hands-on experience is just as valuable as theoretical knowledge, and many employers want a candidate who has both. So, studying a blended TEFL course already gives you a leg up and can open many doors for you.
Networking opportunities
During the in-person portion of the combined TEFL course, you’ll meet a number of like-minded individuals. This is a great opportunity for you to meet new people, exchange ideas, and build a support network that you can rely on. You never know which of these new connections could become a future colleague, mentor, or lifelong friend!
In short, studying a combined TEFL course allows you to:
- Build confidence by teaching real students.
- Study theory online at your own pace.
- Get in-person coaching from experienced trainers.
- Gain practical classroom training that employers value.
- Connect with fellow aspiring teachers and TEFL professionals.
Who should choose a combined TEFL course?
If you are searching for the best TEFL course for beginners, look no further.
A combined TEFL course is designed to help new teachers build confidence and practical skills right from the start. You’ll finish the course with an extensive understanding of teaching theory, practical classroom experience, and professional feedback to fine-tune your teaching style — all the things you need to succeed in any classroom around the world!
If you’ve never taught before and are nervous about teaching for the first time, an online and in-person TEFL course will take you from zero to hero in no time.
Read more: Survival Tips For The First Day In The EFL Classroom
Combined TEFL courses are also ideal for those thinking about switching careers or taking a gap year to explore different opportunities. This type of training provides you with a solid foundation of teaching knowledge that is valuable, regardless of your work experience.
During your studies, you’ll develop a range of skills that will prepare you to confidently thrive in both virtual and real-world classroom environments. This is great news for anyone planning to teach abroad or online, as it opens doors to exciting teaching opportunities around the world.
With a combined TEFL course, you’ll soon be ready to take on classrooms anywhere in the world — online or in person.
The best of both worlds
Life is complicated enough, and deciding to study a course shouldn’t add unnecessary stress.
Fortunately, a blended TEFL course makes the process easier by letting you study at your own pace, ensuring that you are able to balance work, travel, and personal commitments, without missing out on valuable practical experience. This approach ensures you gain both the skills and confidence needed to succeed as a teacher from the beginning.
When choosing a program, make sure that it includes observed teaching practice, so that you can hone your teaching skills with real students before stepping into a classroom of your own.
Whether you are new to teaching, looking for new opportunities or simply want to gain teaching experience, a combined TEFL course will set you up for success and open the door to countless teaching opportunities.
So, what are you waiting for?
Start your TEFL journey today with a combined course that fits your schedule and teaching goals!
Read more: How Does TEFL Work?
Author Bio
Accreditation & Quality Assurance
The TEFL Academy was the world’s first TEFL course provider to receive official recognition from government regulated awarding bodies in both the USA and UK. This means when you graduate you’ll hold a globally recognised Level 3 (120hr) Certificate or Level 5 (168hr) Diploma, meaning you can find work anywhere and apply for jobs immediately.
