• Ireland is a beautiful country for work and study.irish castel and irish sky image by apeschi from Fotolia.com
  
  As an English-speaking nation with some of the world's premier universities, Ireland possesses some of the best Teaching English as a foreign language (TEFL) courses available. Either as a gateway to Europe or a country in which to seek work, the beautiful surroundings and vibrant culture present a wonderful environment for study. Qualifications to avoid would be anything online, courses that are not accredited by any recognized educational body or any course that does not supply observed teaching practice and written assignments.
  
  

CELTA International House Dublin

• The Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults (CELTA) is probably the most internationally recognized TEFL qualification, with the added prestige benefit of being affiliated with the University of Cambridge. The course itself is comprehensive, offering 100 contact hours, six hours' assessed teaching practice, and four course work assignments. The Dublin International House CELTA is also accredited by the Irish Department of Education Advisory Council for English Language Schools (ACELS). However, at around $2,000, CELTA is one of the most expensive TEFL courses available.
  
  

Trinity CertTESOL, Schull

• Like the CELTA, Trinity College London's Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (CertTESOL) is recognized around the world. CertTESOL offers four hours' teaching practice and written course work, and ensures individual attention with its policy of having a maximum of 12 people enrolled in any one course and a ratio of one teacher trainer to each candidate. Again, it is among the more expensive courses available at around $1,850.
  
  

TEFL International, Limerick

• TEFL International is one of the highest-quality courses available. In addition to the reliable TEFL International brand name, students are offered lifetime employment referencing and assistance upon graduation. They are also ACELS-accredited and offer comprehensive courses in business English, and English for legal or financial professionals. Including shared accommodation and a $750 deposit, the cost of the course comes to $2,100.
  
  

CELT South Dublin

• With not quite the international recognition of the other courses mentioned, but a friendlier price tag of $1,400, CELT South Dublin is an excellent choice. The course is ACELS-accredited and of a high quality. For working in the U.K. and Ireland there is little difference between the CELT and other courses. The over 120 hours of trainer contact and the comprehensive nature of the course will appeal to employers, although CELT South Dublin will not be as familiar to European, American or Asian markets.