Frequently Asked Questions

	May I return my completed worksheets by e-mail?
	The short answer is "no". The worksheets are quite lengthy and not suited to electronic formatting. If as a one-off you wish to scan a worksheet this is acceptable, but you must ensure the scanned image is clear to read when printed. If, as a last resort, you have no choice but to send all worksheets in this manner, this will incur a charge based on the amount of additional administrative work caused, as follows: Pre-Cert: £15 Cert.(ES): £20 Cert.(TM): £25
	How will I be taught?
	The programmes, at all levels, are by distance learning. A number of input modules, dotted throughout with self-assessment questions, followed by an answer key and then by a tutor-assessed worksheet form the backbone of each course. You will have a personal tutor for each of the various units of each course who can be contacted by e-mail. You are also able to contact the centre by e-mail and telephone at any time during office hours.
	How will I be assessed?
	All coursework is continuously assessed with each and every worksheet tutored and graded so that you can keep track of your progress throughout each course.
	Are your courses accredited?
	They most certainly are. Please check out our accreditation page.
	The courses are described as modular. What does this mean and why is it important?
	A modular course consists of a series of self-contained units of study, e.g. Language Awareness, Practical Phonetics, Lesson Planning, etc., that together with other such completed units, count towards a particular qualification. Course modules and units, continually assessed by different tutors, provide a sound profile of the work individual students are capable of doing, and over a prolonged period of time (150, 250, 450 hours), accurately reflect personal progress.
	What does each course fee cover? Are there any extra costs?
	There are no additional costs. Please click here for the all inclusive fee structure / courses page.
	If I choose a certificate course, will I need any set books as background reading?
	Yes, the set books are all provided in the course fee and shipped to you wherever you are in the world.
	I understand the courses include the delivery of all set books but can I buy any of the courses without books if I prefer to obtain the books locally?
	Certainly. Please contact us for details.
	Having enrolled on a course, can I contact a distance tutor easily?
	Yes. Each course is divided into a number of units. We will provide you with the name, photograph, biographical notes and e-mail address of each unit tutor.
	Is it possible to see some sample course material?
	Certainly. View course material taken from each of the various units and from all four courses.
	Can I pay for my course by instalments?
	Yes. Interest free instalment payments are possible. View course fees for details.
	What kind of Certificate will I receive at the end of my course?
	Choose a course: » Preliminary Certificate of Educational Studies in TESOL » Certificate of Educational Studies in TESOL » Certificate of Educational Studies in TESOL plus Business English » Certificate in TESOL (Cert.TM) » Advanced Certificate in TESOL » Certificate in Practical Phonetics » Certificate in TESOL (Cert.TM) plus Business English » Business English Certificate
	Do I need to be a native English speaker to follow a Training Link Online course?
	No. Non-native speakers are very welcome. Should you have any concerns regarding your level of English Language proficiency please check out the Scales of Attainment.
	Is there currently a demand for teachers of English?
	The answer, quite simply, is yes. The demand for world English and teachers of English continues unabated from Europe to Asia and importantly China where thousands of English teachers are being recruited. We can state quite truthfully that, in more than 20 years, we do not know of anyone successfully completing one of our courses failing to find a suitable teaching post.
	How easy is finding a teaching post?
	Very. See more information on finding a job. Additionally, as a Training Link Online student, you will be able to log-in the Students' Area and view up-to-date job offers from around the world. E-mail the webmaster for a password.
	Can I get a loan to help pay for my course?
	If you live in the UK you may be eligible for a career development loan from the DfES.
	Is it possible to purchase the Business English Course separately?
	Certainly, providing you already possess a recognised certificate in TESOL.
	How long, in pages, are the various courses?
	Pre-Cert.(ES)TESOL 231 pages Cert.(ES)TESOL 477 pages Cert.(TM)TESOL 568 pages Certificate in Phonetics 176 pages Business English 34 pages
	Is there a time limit for course completion?
	No two people work at the same pace, have similar commitments or study time available. You can pace yourself and work as quickly as you wish or, within reason, take as long as you need. We do, however, suggest very reasonable course completion dates which we ask you to try to adhere to.
	Are TESOL and TEFL courses different in any way?
	No, the acronyms are slightly different but basically they mean the same thing. For more detail click on acronyms.
	What qualifications do I need to work in the United Kingdom?
	Because of their accreditation criteria most institutions in the UK require teachers holding a TESOL certificate, to have had at least six hours observed teaching practice as part of their certificate training programme. The British Council Accreditation Scheme states that "teaching staff are required to be 'qualified' that is their qualifications meet the criteria." ASAC (the Accreditation Scheme Advisory Committee) "will not consider acceptable courses that do not have a supervised teaching practice component." The hybrid courses leading to the 350-hour Advanced Certificate and, (for teachers with two years' experience), 640-hour Advanced Diploma in TESOL run by Eurolink do meet ASAC's criteria both in terms of course content and assessed teaching practice.
	Is a correspondence course the same as a distance programme?
	A correspondence course is a rather outdated concept in which educational institutions offered tuition by post, mostly by exchange of letter. Such programmes have long been superceded by modern technology leading to distance training programmes such as those offered by Eurolink or Training Link Online.
	Why is course length normally indicated in hours and not weeks?
	No two people work at the same pace, have similar commitments or study time available. Therefore course length can only accurately be given in hours.