Lado International Institute

I am a students at LADO and i love the school. Last month i took the TEFL Course to teach english as a foreign language. I had a wonderful experience! I’ll miss my teacher Vance a lot! He is the best teacher I’ve ever had! It is a life changing course. I highly recommend everyone to do it. Thanks a lot!!!

The TEFL course and all instructors were outstanding and deserving of five stars, however one exchange with the CEO changed that. She did not know me when she walked in on a conversation between a colleague and I discussing a textbook and then presumed to tell me that because I don’t have children (an assumption about my personal life that she had no business making) that I could not possibly understand children’s interests or cognitive abilities. This is utter nonsense and offensive to all childless people, either by choice or those constrained by the law or biology, but beyond that it is factually false.
She then continued her rather aggressive tirade with a lecture on professional courtesy and chastise me for disagreeing with her opinions and sweeping generalizations. She condescended to me concerning my intellectual and professional abilities and lectured me on professional courtesy. Keep in mind, I had never spoken to this woman in my life and she walked in on a private conversation between a colleague and I. At one point I even state, «I thought we were having a candid, private conversation here…» I do not work for her, though if I did I would not tolerate such rude behavior. The entire exchange was confusing, aggressive, and unnecessary. If this is indicative of how she treats those who pay $ 1800 to get a TEFL certification or those who work for her, I would urge caution.
That being said the TEFL course was incredible. Vance Blankenbaker is one of the finest educators I have had the pleasure of knowing. The rest of the staff are incredible educators with and innovative and nuanced approach to ESL. It is unfortunate that all of their dedication and skill has been overshadowed by one individual’s inappropriate and unprofessional behavior.

I had an amazing experience taking the summer intensive TEFL course — I was challenged everyday, I was able to practice specific techniques almost every day, and it changed the whole way I approach teaching ESL now. The teacher, Vance Blankenbaker, is a font of knowledge, makes the class engaging, and helped me face my teaching weaknesses in a kind and professional manner. It was really intense, but it was worth it! In fact, I think the intensity helped me and my co-​trainers both collaborate well and form strong friendships. I’d highly recommend the course!

I got my TESOL certificate in the 4 week Intensive Program there last summer — good program but be sure to ask many, many questions before signing up. The program is VERY intense (like no other life for 4 weeks) + there’s a decent chunk of work to do after the work weeks is over.