What are Some Other Training Options?

 Okay, TEFL schools cost a bit of money and at least four weeks of your time - and time is money.

While it is nice to “Do it right” - not everyone has the money in savings or the ability to beg or borrow the money needed.

If you really think you can’t afford it, look into taking the course in countries where the course is cheaper.  Don’t price it in your home country - it will be much more expensive there and ideally, you should take your training in the country where you intend to teach.

Why? Because you will do your practice teaching with students similar to your real students when you go to work.  It will also give you time to network a bit and find the best places to work.  Usually your TEFL instructors will have lots of experience in that country and region and can help set you off on the right path.  Don’t miss all of that valuable experience and help.

OPTIONS  OPTIONS  OPTIONS

Another option is taking an Online TEFL Course.  Depending on what country you are going to and an employer's requirements, online certifications are often acceptable.  And they, at least, provide your potential employer with an idea that you are interested in teaching and have made some effort to develop your teaching skills.  Many potential teachers do nothing and simply present themselves as "native speakers". 

Given a choice, who would you hire?
Someone who at least made some effort, or someone who feels
that their ability to speak English is all that is required? 

Some other options?  Look into programs like Literacy Volunteers of America, who will provide you with some training before you start volunteering.  Here is a link to their mother organization: Literacy Volunteers in the USA and here is a link for volunteering with them outside the USA:
Literacy Volunteers.

Also—take a look at the free self-study online TEFL training at
TEFL Boot Camp.  It really is free [no catch, no fine print!] and has almost all the content of a full-blown TEFL course.   No certification is provided for the free compent, but it will give you a good feel for what is required.  If you decide to proceed they offer the lowest-priced Online TEFL Course and certificate you will find anywhere.

Another option, try the TEFL Training for New Teachers eBook - which has essentially the same content as the free part of the TEFL Boot Camp website.

 However, you need to know that some employers want your TEFL training to meet certain international standards and they will generally not settle for less.  Sometimes it is just the school's preference, but sometimes it is also a requirement of the Ministry of Education in a specific country.