Complaints

The complaint text that is displayed might not represent all complaints filed with BBB. Some consumers may elect to not publish the details of their complaints, some complaints may not meet BBB's standards for publication, or BBB may display a portion of complaints when a high volume is received for a particular business.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:06/23/2025

  Type:Sales and Advertising Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  When I signed up for the class I was misled by their sales associate, aka advisor, that if I didn't sign up at the end of May, the sale would no longer be available for the start date of June 23. This is not the case, the sale is still ongoing. My understanding of the cancellation agreement was within 14 days prior to the start date. I cancelled by email two days prior. I sent multiple emails to TEFL Academy. There was no way to cancel online, so emailing every entity I could find within the organization was my only capability. When I received an email response back on the 23rd (the start date of the course) I was informed that I was supposed to have canceled the course 14 days after having purchased it. That was also misleading the way the stipulation had been written. I canceled the course due to the misleading information regarding how the course was to be administered. I was only able to discover that when I had access to the syllabus and course requirements. They had presented the online course to be a self paced course, but in reality it is organized more like a traditional university online course with due dates and discussion posts. In addition to that, I would not be able to receive my certificate without the student teaching (practicum) hours that I discovered I would be responsible for securing for myself.I canceled my payment via credit card and put in a dispute for the first charge (I had a payment plan set up), but then I was sent a bill. My concern is that they will continue to pursue payment for a course I have not taken nor ever will take. I was officially removed from the course today per my request. Since I requested removal before the class started I should not owe them anything.

  

  Business Response

  Date: 06/25/2025

  We understand the concerns regarding the cancellation policy and course structure. Our cancellation policy, as outlined at the time of enrollment in our Terms & Conditions, requires cancellations to be made within 14 days of purchase. This cancellation request was received two days prior to the course start date, and significantly outside of the 14-day cancellation window from the enrollment date.
  

  Regarding concerns about the course being misleadingly advertised as self-paced, our online course is structured with due dates and discussion posts to ensure a comprehensive and interactive learning experience, which is standard for an accredited academic program. This is easily found on our website and in the syllabus provided at the time of enrollment. Furthermore, the requirement for student teaching (practicum) hours to receive the certificate is clearly communicated prior to enrollment and is a standard component of professional TEFL certification.
  

  We are committed to providing transparent and accurate information to all prospective students and regret any misunderstanding this student may have experienced.
  

  
  

  Customer Answer

  Date: 06/26/2025

   
  Complaint: 23508466
  
  I am rejecting this response because:
  Their wording regarding cancellation is misleading as it does say prior to start date. If a customer has not received or paid for a product they should not be liable to pay for the product they have neither paid for nor received. I want my account to be zeroed out and to receive no further billing from this business. I never even started the class. Therefore I should not be held to paying for the class. There is no university or tech school with this drop policy. Their policy is not aligned with industry standards. If they want to present their course as university level or better they need to also have the same standards for customer service. 
  

  Additionally they are not being truthful regarding the delivery of their course. 

  I think they are endeavoring to get money out of people without delivering a product. 
  
  The right thing to do is to just zero my account balance. That would be good customer service. 

  
  Sincerely,
  
  ****** Call

• Initial Complaint

  Date:05/09/2025

  Type:Service or Repair Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  I was considering taking classes to teach English aboard and I inquired online to get more information. Well all of a sudden I have a sales *** from International TEFL academy contacting daily through text. I told her I wasnt sure. It was so consistent and pressure based, ******* even asked when I said no to speak over the phone. On a whim and because I felt pressure I signed up. I joined like a week before the class was supposed to start not much time to p***are and when I did sign up I did not realize the ***ercussions if I didnt want to take the class. No one went over anything with me regarding that information. As soon as I signed up ******* the sales agent was gone, like took a vacation or something. The morning the class started on Monday I decided I couldnt do it, just took much life happens and so I called to cancel and get refund if my ****** dollars. Nope, because I didnt call Sunday night at 11:59pm I cant get a refund. I didnt even enter a classroom online yet it was 8:00am in the morning. I fought with them over it and my bank. I said if I want to take them I will but you need to give me my money back. Nope, no refund and they are just keeping money. What in the world!? ?? I told them its not the right time and I wasnt ready. Well they are keeping my money, Im so upset. That was in March and March 31st is when I spoke to them for the first time on the situation. It was never resolved and they wont refund. Please dont go with this academy if you arent sure and want fraud to happen to you. Also I was still and still am recovering from a broken wrist in January and I wasnt sure it was the best option for me at the moment to be typing a lot. Thank you!

  

  Business Response

  Date: 05/12/2025

  Thank you for the opportunity to respond to this concern. We understand that ***** ****** was disappointed by her experience, and wed like to offer clarity on the timeline and policies that governed her enrollment.
  
  Ms. ****** enrolled in the 11-Week Online TEFL Course on March 27, 2025, for a course beginning March 31. This information is presented during checkout in the enrollment agreement, known as our Terms and Conditions, which she acknowledged and agreed to at the time of purchase.
  Specifically, our refund policy states:
  A 100% refund will be issued if Student withdraws or cancels within 14 days of purchase or by 11:59 pm Central Time the day before the course start date, whichever comes first. No refunds will be issued if Student withdraws or cancels 15 or more days after purchase or at any time on or after the course start date.
  
  On the afternoon of March 31the day the course beganMs. ****** contacted us to request a refund. Unfortunately, because her course had officially started, she was no longer eligible for a refund under the terms of the agreement.
  
  Despite the refund not being possible, we did the following to assist:
  1. Immediately paused her upcoming payment to prevent additional charges.
  2. Offered to place her enrollment on hold indefinitely, allowing her to return to a future course when ready.
  3. Provided a written confirmation of her official withdrawal from the course.
  4. Followed up when she reported lingering automated emails from her instructor and confirmed no further action was needed on her end.
  
  We regret that her initial communication with her Admissions Advisor was affected by a brief out-of-office absence. However, our Student Affairs team responded promptly once notified and remained in contact to ensure her withdrawal and payment pause were processed correctly.
  
  While we understand this outcome was not what Ms. ****** hoped for, enrollment in our program is a contractual agreement. We strive to be transparent with our policies and believe we have acted in accordance with both our Terms and with care for her situation.
  
  We have communicated to Ms. ****** that we welcome her return at any time when she feels ready to begin her training. Her enrollment remains valid for future use.
  
  Sincerely,
  International TEFL Academy

• Initial Complaint

  Date:04/17/2025

  Type:Product Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  I paid a down payment of $412.00 to take their course on December 4, 2024. I sent an email stating I would not be able to take the course on the dates I paid for. The response to my email was that I could put the course on hold and take it at a later date, which I agreed to. My issue is that when they sent the email with the detailed option to take it at a later date, they should have provided in the response a detail that if I chose this option and decided not to take their class, I would not be entitled to a refund of $412.00.

  

  Business Response

  Date: 04/18/2025

  Dear Better Business Bureau,
  
  Thank you for the opportunity to respond to Ritas complaint.
  
  We are sorry that **** had a negative experience and was unable to participate in our course. After reviewing her situation, I agree that when she initially requested to place her course on hold, we should have provided a clearer explanation regarding her eligibility for a refund under our Terms and Conditions.

  
  Our policy states that students may request a refund within 14 days of purchase or the course start date, whichever comes first. Although **** agreed to the Terms and Conditions at the time of enrollment, because she submitted her hold request within the 14-day window and was not fully informed of her refund option at that time, we are happy to make an exception and issue her a refund, minus the processing fees of her purchase.
  
  Her Student Affairs Advisor will reach out to her directly to confirm and process the refund.
  
  Sincerely,
  ****** *****
  Student Affairs Manager

• Initial Complaint

  Date:12/05/2024

  Type:Service or Repair Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  I have no way of knowing from the BBB if my issue(s) have been resolved. You guys switched to this dumb system that never let's me log in to collect information sent to me. I never once had an issue with the old system. The complaint(s):ITA as they sometimes address themselves, my former issues remain unresolved and a I have a new issue. *** thinks it's my responsibility to go and find a school. They give bare minimum expectations but they're also very shady and no guarantee that if I use their list provided in the practicum section that I will be taken or my time will be accepted by ITA. So what am I supposed to do? Create a print out hope to God these questionable companies/organizations are eligible for the practicum? ITA as per the BBB standards needs to be held accountable for their unethical business practice(s). *** is not provided the service they promised and it's most certainly not my job to make sure these companies are legitimate let alone still open in operation! New issue(s):I spoke with a representative on the phone at *** and found a company local, they offered to take me but ITA must, it's required, *** must sign off on a volunteer paperwork in order for the local ** 13 to accept me. That's Pennsylvania state law! As a resident of ** and an individual passionate about doing this the proper way and not by ITA's "fly by night" scam they're trying to pull. I need that paperwork filled out immediately. ITA has already screwed me out of valuable time and now I'm looking at the end of March til this gets done. *** has done nothing but constantly given me hard time and done nothing but s**** me around. ********* is unprofessional in this matter and I refuse to work with *********. Any contact moving forward from her I'll ignore til they give me someone who's actually qualified. This is unprofessional, unethical, and highly inappropriate. I find there 2 business days contact rule equally as inappropriate. I don't have that kind of time. You can't call.

  

  Business Response

  Date: 12/09/2024

  Dear BBB Representative,
  
  We appreciate the opportunity to respond to the concerns raised by ****** regarding his practicum requirements for International TEFL Academy (ITA). Below, we will address the key points raised in his complaint, clarify ITAs policies, and provide context for the situation.

  1. Practicum Requirements and Guidance Provided
  The practicum is a critical part of our TEFL certification program and is designed to provide flexibility to students based on their individual goals and local opportunities. ITA has provided ****** with:
  
  -A comprehensive practicum packet that includes clear requirements and guidelines. This packet contains multiple resources, including lists of potential practicum locations, templates for outreach, and step-by-step instructions on how to secure a practicum.
  
  -A Practicum Verification Letter that verifies ******* enrollment and outlines the practicum requirements for use with potential practicum hosts.
  
  -****** has expressed frustration with the process, but *** has repeatedly provided these resources and emphasized that students are responsible for securing their own practicum location to meet their unique preferences and circumstances. *** cannot guarantee placement or oversee the operations of third-party organizations, which is stated clearly in our practicum materials.
  
  2. Specific Case with the Local IU13
  ****** identified a local organization, IU13, which required ITA to sign a 15-page agreement as a condition for accepting him as a volunteer. This agreement included several stipulations, including a requirement for *** to purchase liability insurance on ******* behalf. Unfortunately, *** is unable to complete with such requests due to legal and operational limitations.

  -This agreement was shared with ****** to ensure full transparency.
  
  -We also provided him with the Practicum Verification Letter, which is typically accepted by other practicum hosts.
  
  -We have gone above and beyond to explain these limitations and offer alternative practicum solutions, which ****** has declined to explore further.
  

  3. Support from ITA Advisors
  ****** requested that ********* no longer contact him, and we honored this request by reassigning his case to another advisor. However, his accusation that *** staff are unprofessional or unqualified is unfounded. Our team has been responsive, professional, and thorough in addressing his concerns and providing the necessary resources, despite ****** using unproductive and explicitly profane language with our team.
  

  4. Allegations of Unethical Business Practices
  ******* claim that ITA engages in unethical practices is without merit. ITA has been transparent about our policies, including:
  

  -The need for students to take an active role in securing a practicum, as this flexibility is a hallmark of our program.
  

  -Our inability to control third-party organizations requirements or operations.
  

  5. Pennsylvania State Law
  ****** has referenced a Pennsylvania law requiring ITA to sign a volunteer form. However, the document provided by **** is not a standard state-required formit is an agreement specific to that organization. *** complies with all applicable laws and operates with the highest ethical standards.
  

  6. Unproductive Communication
  Unfortunately, ****** has continued to send inappropriate and accusatory messages despite our efforts to assist him. While we understand his frustration, we have consistently provided support, resources, and alternatives to help him complete his certification.
  

  Conclusion
  *** is committed to supporting students, including ******, in achieving their certification goals. However, we cannot comply with unreasonable demands, such as signing agreements that are outside the scope of our policies or capabilities. We stand by the resources and guidance provided and encourage ****** to review these materials and take proactive steps toward completing his practicum.
  
  We are happy to provide documentation as needed, supporting our position, including:
  -The practicum packet and resources sent to ******.
  -The 15-page agreement requested by IU13.
  -Email correspondence outlining our efforts to assist him.
  

  Thank you for your understanding and for providing a platform to address this situation.
  

  Sincerely,
  ****** *****
  Manager of Student Affairs
  International TEFL Academy

  Customer Answer

  Date: 12/10/2024

   
  Complaint: 22645039
  
  I am rejecting this response because:
  
  Sincerely,
  
  ****** ************

  I swear I don't know where they get their information from. Now I understand why ****** is the only one entertaining my emails anymore these days. They sold you nothing but propaganda and rhetoric. It's is Pennsylvania state law and the law is quoted on the first page of that 15 page document XD

   

  They lie like h*** and its clear and obvious they don't know how to read the fine print. ***** who was until ITA discriminated against me, she was my Representative from IU13. And to be very clear and honest, I am to sign a separate form for my volunteer services and someone who is not me, is to sign off on the 15 page document that verified where I received my education and whatever else it says. While I'm not an attorney and don't not claim to be one. *** could very easily and lawfully sign that paperwork since they are not a university and those clauses do not apply to them. ITA is an academy not a university. That 15 page document explicitly states only universities and colleges are required to obtain insurance ;)

  I stand firm in my claims that *** is doing nothing and has done nothing but block my path forward from completing my practicum. Things I will not deny is ITA's devotion to giving me all the required information to complete the practicum in mildly inconvenient manner to me. And resources about how to do so. Let me repeat the simple fact that it's mildly inconvenient to me to do it their way. It's really bending me over and putting me stuck in between a rock and hard place when I have ITA derailing my metaphorical train. I have to mention that as a metaphor since nobody could comprehend my analogy to butter. Which that whole butter thing was to simply describe how I was being treated. Tell me to pick my own way with little to no instructions. So I pick my own way and apparently I broke the rules and committed a federal felony in their books... 

   

  So you tell me what happens next. Like I said, it's not my job to verify their paperwork is correct, their lists of practicum locations to be specific with that statement. That's not my job and for the exact run around that I'm currently going through with ITA. Why is it my responsibility to call up 16 different locations only to find out that all in ************ since 1949 are required by law to sign paperwork in order to do whatever is state law is required. I'll be honest, while I visit the law library quit frequently this one is outside my knowledge and I didn't know it existed. 

  At this point it would almost be easier if ITA just gave me a list of tried and true "here, we know this works" and call it a day. Since nobody wants to lawfully force them to sign this document. 

  Now what? Where do we go from here? I'm fixed in my way and ITA refuses to budge as well ?????

   

  

  Business Response

  Date: 12/11/2024

  Dear BBB,
  
  We appreciate the opportunity to address ******** concerns. However, at this point, we respectfully request that this case be closed, as the ongoing back-and-forth is unproductive and does not constitute a legitimate complaint.
  
  Lack of Grounds for Complaint
  ******** assertions regarding Pennsylvania state law and the 15-page document required by IU13 are baseless. This document is not state-mandated; rather, it is an organizational agreement that ITA, as a private academy, cannot lawfully or operationally sign due to clauses requiring liability insurance.
  
  Furthermore, there is no evidence or claim of illegal activity or discrimination on ITA's part. ****** has received all the resources necessary to successfully complete his practicum, as he himself acknowledges. These include:
  -Detailed practicum guidelines and templates.
  -A Practicum Verification Letter for prospective hosts.
  -Access to an extensive list of suggestions, including local and virtual opportunities.
  

  ******* insistence on a specific local IU13 placement, which hinges on ITA signing a non-required document, is a personal choicenot an ITA obligation.
  

  History of Success
  International TEFL Academy has successfully certified over ****** TEFL instructors worldwide, each of whom has completed the practicum requirement with the guidance and materials provided by my team. In 2024 alone, nearly ***** individuals have successfully completed their practicum using these same resources. ******* claim that he is being singled out is not only unreasonable but also unsupported by facts.
  

  Unwillingness to Use Provided Resources
  ******** own statements reveal that he is capable of completing his practicum using the resources provided but is choosing not to do so because he finds them mildly inconvenient. His refusal to take action and his repeated mischaracterization of ITAs role in his practicum process demonstrate that his grievances stem from personal dissatisfaction and refusal to follow our guidance and practicum requirements, rather than a legitimate shortfall in our service.
  

  Productivity and Professionalism
  ITA has consistently responded to ******* inquiries with professionalism, clarity, and transparency. Despite this, his communications have devolved into unprofessional and inappropriate accusations, including unfounded claims of illegality and discrimination. These baseless allegations are damaging, inflammatory, and not in line with the BBBs purpose of resolving legitimate disputes.
  

  Request to Close
  ITA has fulfilled all of its commitments to ****** by providing the resources and support necessary to complete his certification. His unwillingness to utilize these resources does not constitute a failure on **** part but rather reflects his personal choices. ******* approach to this matter is unproductive and unreasonable, and his insistence that ITA is at fault is entirely unfounded.
  

  Given that *** has upheld its obligations and provided multiple avenues for ****** to complete his practicum successfully, we respectfully request that this complaint be closed as resolved.
  

  Thank you for your time and understanding.
  

  Sincerely,
  ****** *****
  Manager of Student Affairs
  International TEFL Academy

  Customer Answer

  Date: 12/12/2024

   
  Complaint: 22645039
  
  I am rejecting this response because:
  
  Sincerely,
  
  ****** ************

  I have be nothing but respectful, professional, and diligently working as fast as I can to resolve this and the practicum! I find ******** behavior to highly unprofessional and down right narrsassistic! I raised formal and reasonable concerns! So instead of being productive ****** has decided to fight dirty, rather than professionally discuss my legitimate concerns. ****** has done nothing but criticized and devalue my very valid concerns. You know, as far as I'm lawfully concerned, I feel that I'm well within my federal first amendment rights and I'm being as professional as I know how. I'm willing to take accountability and tell you, the manner is which I speak/write is as professional as it gets for a former welder. I'm here to tell you that I know I'm not perfect, I'm not pretending to be perfect and that I have indeed raised some very valid concerns. I'm seeking a solid, professional, and legitimate way forward. All while ****** here thinks it's appropriate to cut me down, narrsassisticly abuse me, and then have the audacity to say I'm not trying! I never once said I wasn't willing to find a different path, all I ever said is this is my preferred path! The more and more ****** speaks the more and more I smell narrsassism, I've seen gaslighting me, constantly criticized me, blame shifting, intermittent reinforcement (constantly going from, we support you. To go pound sand and figure it out yourself), and sabotaging my success.

  Like I said, as a former welder I may not always be well spoken. However, I have raised some very legitimate concerns about ITA. I don't claim to know Pennsylvania state law and I don't claim to be an attorney but all of this is very suspicious and I demand answers and resolutions. If IU13 will not be my way forward then I will compromise. I expect *** to do their part in this and I wasn't kidding when I said for them to find me placement and call it a day. 

  History means nothing to me. ****** can quote their ****** graduates all she wants. But that still doesn't put to rest my very legitimate concerns of ***'s legitimacy. That's just another pedestal to prop up the narrsassists ego...

  It's time to cut the asinine nonsense and ****** needs to cut it out with the bull and properly address my concerns. My feelings are valid and they are no longer up for discussion. The only discussion I'm willing to take part of moving forward is the solution and a way forward. I've presented enough clear cut solid evidence. 

  So what comes next? 

   

• Initial Complaint

  Date:11/11/2024

  Type:Service or Repair Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  I purchased a course in August 2024. I have not been able to log into the course. There is no telephone support or anyone answering the phones. Email support says reset but it does not work. This course is over in February and I am displeased.

  

  Business Response

  Date: 11/12/2024

  We are writing in response to a complaint submitted by ********* ***** regarding an alleged purchase of a course from ITA.

  
  After conducting a thorough review of our student records, we can confirm that Ms. ***** is neither a current nor former student of ***, nor has she purchased a course from us. We have no record of any transaction under her name in August 2024, or at any other time. As such, we believe there may have been a misunderstanding or confusion with another institution.

  
  Please do not hesitate to reach out if you need any further information. We are committed to maintaining transparent and positive interactions with our students and prospective students, as well as with the BBB.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:11/02/2023

  Type:Customer Service Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  As like many of the reviews, I am experiencing a similar situation in which my teacher is threatening to fail me and keep all of my money. I sent off the record emails asking if my revisions were okay to resubmit, looking for feedback. Then today, he states that these informal emails count as resubmissions and I have one more chance. His emails and instructions are unclear and I am teaching myself by reading the textbook. I will be hiring an attorney to pursue my refund since I come from a family of attorneys. I would like a refund and to cut ties with this shady company, however, as noted in their responses they do not offer full refunds.

  

  Business Response

  Date: 11/20/2023

  This student is enrolled in our Part-Time Online TEFL Certification course.
  
  1) She contends our school is threatening to fail her and keep her tuition.  
  2) All students must pass a course as outlined by the syllabus
  3) The student was not failing the class at the time of issues.  The instructor was guiding her to help her pass the class.  Students pass or fail themselves by not passing the course to the satisfaction of the stated policy requirements, teachers dont fail students out of some threat. 
  4) All students sign a Terms and Conditions that tuition is not refundable after day 1 of the class.  She was close to being finished with the 11-week class at the time of her complaints. 
  
  
  This International TEFL Academy course is externally monitored and approved at a Level 5 Ofqual (******* Government) accreditation by **** (authorized accreditor of Ofqual) and they require that all learners meet the Required Qualification Assessment Criteria.
  
  Our instructors in turn provide the objectives each written assignment must meet and grade work on a Pass/Fail determination scale for each objective. If a student does not pass an objective, they have a chance to use their instructors feedback to improve their assignment submission and resubmit the assignment for re-grading. 
  
  The student started the course on September 4, 2023.
  As of the date of the complaint, they had completed 8 assignments of the 11 required. Of those 8 assignments, only 1 was asked to be resubmitted and the student passed the resubmission.
  
  The feedback received that is in question states: 
  Hi ____,
  You've got some good ideas and are on the right track but I'll need a revision here.
  You need to revise:
  - presentation stage
  - production stage
  
  See my notes above for more details.
  Please submit a document with only the revised presentation stage and production stage. 
  I don't need another copy of the rest of the ****** plan.
  Please submit your revision by NEXT Sunday, Oct. 29th at 11:59 PM CST.
  Please keep in mind that failure to meet requirements on the revision will result in failure of the course.  I've left you detailed instructions on what needs to be revised here.  Reach out if you have questions.
  Rather the instructor is being clear about the expectations of the course and additional feedback is included regarding the stages of concern in the grading rubric used. 
  
  For the emails in question, the student reached out to the instructor and asked for a review of the response in question.
  The instructor guided the student to relook at the task question and send the updated work via email.
  
  The student then sent the same response as was included in the original assignment submission via email and the instructor asked that the student update the response using the feedback provided.
  The student responded letting the instructor know that they were very busy and didnt read things correctly and included an updated response to the task.
  
  The instructor responded with this email on 11/2/2023:
  
  
  Hi ____,
  That sounds like you have a lot on your plate.
  I'm afraid you seem to be missing the point here.  The section of Activity A labelled "student climate change survey" is not an extensive listening exercise.  A student could write those questions after having understood nothing from the audio.  The exercise does not require students to make any connection to the audio at all.  This is one of those extensive-like exercises that I warned you to look out for in last week's announcement.
  As per the course policy, you are allowed one revision for a task that doesn't meet requirements.  I've given you several chances here.  I'll give you one more but please take your time.  Follow these instructions:
  1) Go back to the Week 8 Announcements and read my note regarding extensive-like exercises
  2) Take a look at Activity B, the listening activity based on "marriage" and not the one on climate change that you've already attempted to analyze
  3) Look specifically at the post-listening activity 
  4) Look carefully at this activity and explain to me if you think it is an extensive listening exercise or not.
  I'm not trying to give you more busy work to do here but you seem to be trying to brush past this concept and it's important that you understand it.
  Please let me know if you have any questions.  Looking forward to your new analysis on Activity B.
  The student emailed our ********************* the same day this complaint was made (11/3/2023) and sent this email:
  
  Hi _____, 
  Is there a way to drop the class and get a refund? Just curious? This is much more time consuming than I thought it would be and my teacher needs constant revisions to the written work I submit and I am taking 6 college courses as well this semester. If not, I will try to tough it out until the end but it seems much more demanding and more expensive than all of my college classes this semester. 
  Sincerely, 
  We in turn responded with:
  
  
  Good afternoon ____,
  My name is ____ and I'll be your Student Affairs Advisor, working with you and helping you from here on out. I understand that the course is more challenging and more time consuming than anticipated. As you are working and going to school full-time, I'm impressed with your progress thus far.
  
  To directly address your inquiry, a refund is not available at this time.
  Refunds are only available if requested before the class begins, or in extreme circumstances accompanied by documentation.
  If the class is too much, you do have the option of placing your enrollment on hold, and then transferring to a new course in the future.
  There is a $300 transfer fee associated with that, but it is not due until you transfer. T
  here is no fee to place your enrollment on hold and your enrollment can be on hold indefinitely.
  
  At this point, you are only six assignments (4 written assignments & 2 quizzes) away from completion.
  I can see the light at the end of the tunnel...I believe you can too. If you choose to continue in the course, remember that all assignments are pass/fail, and everything is open book-open notes.
  
  Also, the peer participation posts are helpful, but not required. If you don't complete those it doesn't negatively affect your grades. They are meant as a way to create a richer and more connected experience for our students. I hope this helps, and please don't hesitate to reach out with further questions. If you'd like to talk it through, I'm happy to arrange a call as well. I'm here to support you, no matter how you choose to move forward.
  
  
  The Student Affairs advisor working with the student making the complaint has provided the student with her options as per our Terms and Conditions, no refunds are available after a student starts the course unless there is an extenuating circumstance.
  
  The student signed the Terms and Conditions at the time of enrollment on August 3, 2023.
  
  In communications with the Admissions team, the student never disclosed the amount of time they were currently studying. If she had, our team would have advised her to wait until after the heavy credit load finished and start the course at a later date. Instead, it was communicated that they were working toward my bachelor's online.
  
  The Admissions Advisor responded with With the online TEFL course, there are no required login times so you can go through all the coursework on your own time (time commitment of about ***** hours per week), as long as you submit all your assignments by their deadlines, being very clear about the need to have time to dedicate to the course. 
  
  We are committed to continuous improvement and will use the concerns presented by this student to assess our program and our website to ensure the accuracy of the information we provide and the course experience. We appreciate when students approach us with their concerns and areas of disconnect. 
  
  However, this claim is inaccurate as the instructor has never threatened to fail the student and keep her money and we have been fully transparent with the options available to the student should she not pass the course in the next 4 written tasks and 2 quizzes.
  
  At the time of this response, the student is passing all assignments.
  
  Furthermore, we can only counsel students who share the full picture of their current responsibilities with us. Had the student expressed the current courseload for the other classes enrolled in the university, our team would have counseled differently regarding taking our class at the same time as 6 university-level courses.
  
  This student is not owed any refund as per her signed agreement in our Terms and Conditions.
  ***********************************************************
  
  The students must pass the class according to the Course Syllabus and grading procedures
  ******************************************************************************

• Initial Complaint

  Date:08/03/2023

  Type:Product Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  I signed up for the Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) course and chose the on-line instructor option. What I learned is there are no on-line instructors p**** I had to read chapters myself and submit answers to essays. From the outset my so-called instructor threatened to fail me. Several weeks into the course she did just that and when I asked her why she offered no explanation saying she would fail me if I did not resubmit my answers. Pursuant to the Contract, I exercised my option to transfer to another class. A school administrator blocked my transfer, locked me out of the course and demanded I comply with her instructions as if I were in grade school. When I refused and asked for a refund, which I had the right to do under the terms of the Contract, she refused and kept my money even when I filed a dispute with my credit card money. Bottom line is ITEFLA failed to provide me with the coursework AND kept my money: $1240.00.

  

  Business Response

  Date: 08/10/2023

  This student registered for International TEFL Academys part-time online TEFL Certification course led by university-level instructors who hold a MA or PhD in TESOL or closely related field. Instructors of the course host weekly virtual office hours, virtual lectures, and provide written and video feedback and guidance on course work for small sections of 20 students or less. This course is externally monitored and approved at a Level 5 Ofqual ******************** accreditation by **** (authorized accreditor of Ofqual) and all students must show their ability to meet the assessment criteria set for this credential. If a student does not pass an assessment on the first attempt, they are given additional time to review the individualized feedback from their instructor and make edits to their work for resubmission. The students instructor was not threatening to fail him, rather she was explaining to him the areas where he did not meet the assessment criteria and needed to show his ability to do so on his second attempt. 

  The student sent several disrespectful emails to his instructor, disparaging her professional knowledge and indicating she was not smart enough to understand his work including the following statements If you want Ill dumb it down, Being pedantic means, in this instance, someone (you) whom cares too much about small details in order to feel important, and If you would like to train seals or parrots to regurgitate lessons verbatim, perhaps you should join a circus or work at a zoo.

  The student then inquired about transferring to an upcoming course start date and the Director of Student Affairs and Academics requested that he commit to interacting with staff, instructors, and peers without the intent to demean before assisting him with a transfer. The student refused and stated I will agree to transfer the course to a later start date but you will not extract a concession out of me in this instance.

  At his refusal to commit to interacting respectfully, the Director of Student Affairs and Academics invoked the Termination clause in the International TEFL Academys Terms and Conditions (which the student agreed to upon registration prior to the course starting) using provisions (b) and (c). The Termination provision states: ITA may terminate this Agreement and all Services, including without limitation by terminating Student's right to participate in any course, to refuse admission to any course, and to eject Student from a course, with immediate effect upon written notice to Student, (a) if Student fails to pay any amount when due under this Agreement; (b) if Student's conduct is deemed by ITA to be disorderly or disruptive, (c) if Student uses abusive language, or (d) if Student otherwise fails to perform or comply with any of the terms of this Agreement.

  The student was not eligible for a refund per the Terms and Conditions, which state Student will receive no refund if Student withdraws or cancels on or after the start date of the earliest course for which Student has enrolled. He filed a dispute with his credit card company and was not issued a refund through their chargeback channel. 
  

  At International TEFL Academy, we strive to provide an environment that allows for education, growth, and development. We do not tolerate students or staff that disrespect anyone they associate with during their work or studies. This student chose to use communication to harm and disrespect his instructor and would not commit to interacting with future students, instructors, or staff with respect and we made the very hard choice to remove him from our program.
  

  
  

  Customer Answer

  Date: 08/11/2023

   
  Complaint: 20418181
  
  I am rejecting this response because: the response from ITEFLA actually states it all when it wrote that I did not withdraw or cancel my enrollment, Rather I transferred to another class because of the instructors continuous threats to fail me and when I wrote that I did not understand her comments she would merely respond in an equally truculent fashion without explaining her criticism of my responses, which by the way were quoted directly from the course itself.
  

  Without canceling or withdrawing from the course, I decided to register for another class with a different instructor. It was then that the respondent decided to block my transfer, which I was permitted to do under the Contract up to 2 times, and decided to keep my money and block me from accessing any of the coursework. Pursuant to the Contract there is absolutely no provision for them to fashion such a remedy because I neither withdrew or canceled my enrollment. 

  
  Additionally, if every time there was a personality conflict a company could somehow justify keeping a customers money they would sua sponte be granting itself a license to STEAL! 
  
  BTW my credit card company ruled that unless the respondent voluntarily returned my money ($1240.00) there was nothing they could do. And a CC Company is not a court of law nor is it entitled to make a legally binding decision so it matters not what it decided. 
  

  Lastly, there is no instructor for the on-line course: the course is self-taught and the so-called instructor merely reviews the students work. If the respondents reply is truthful about the instructors credentials, then she should know better than to use threats of failure to teach. While my comments, taken out of context, may seem offensive that still does NOT entitle the respondent to terminate the Contract and keep my money. As stated above, there is NOTHING in the Contract which permits it to do so,

  Sincerely,
  
  ***************************

  

  Business Response

  Date: 08/18/2023

  On March 8, 2023, ******* requested to transfer to a different course start date through our ************************** on the premise that he had upcoming medical procedures that would limit his ability to engage with the course fully. His Student Affairs Advisor informed him of the transfer policy. 

  On March 29, 2023, ******* emailed his Student Affairs Advisor about his instructor stating I seem to be getting a great deal of negative feedback from [Instructor name] as she is myopic and simply wants me to parrot the lessons back to her without any leeway for imagination or intellect. She actually failed me for not reciting the definition of Fluency the way she wanted me to although I quoted that which was stated in the ******* At the same time, his instructor reached out to the Director of Student Affairs and Academics (*****) concerned about the language being used in emails she was receiving from ***************** 

  ******* never transferred to another course. When informed by the ***** that he would be permitted to transfer by replying to the email and indicating his commitment to interact and communicate in a way that is conducive to learning and growth, **************** refused. The Termination clause in the International TEFL Academys Terms and Conditions (which ******* agreed to upon registration prior to the course starting) allow for termination of course access by ITA and provisions (b) and (c) were used.
  
  The Termination provision states: ITA may terminate this Agreement and all Services, including without limitation by terminating Student's right to participate in any course, to refuse admission to any course, and to eject Student from a course, with immediate effect upon written notice to Student, (a) if Student fails to pay any amount when due under this Agreement; (b) if Student's conduct is deemed by ITA to be disorderly or disruptive, (c) if Student uses abusive language, or (d) if Student otherwise fails to perform or comply with any of the terms of this Agreement.

  This was not a personality conflict. The termination was an enrolled student using his words to harm his instructor and engage in continuous demeaning communication that required the ***** to receive confirmation that the behavior would not continue if ******* was allowed to enroll in a new course with a new instructor. He refused to make that commitment.
  
  At International TEFL Academy, we strive to provide an environment that allows for education, growth, and development. We do not tolerate students or staff that disrespect anyone they associate with during their work or studies. 

  As addressed previously, our instructors are assigned to no more than 20 students for the entire course duration of 11 weeks. They host weekly sessions for students to join virtually, called Office Hours, they host Live Lectures for students to join and attend and learn directly from the instructor in a live, virtual Zoom session. As a distance learning program, these are best-practices for connecting the students and the instructor despite the variety of locations everyone resides in. ******* chose to not engage in those sessions, and simply submit his work and review his feedback. 

  ******* chose to use communication to harm and disrespect his instructor and would not commit to interacting with future students, instructors, or staff with respect and we made the very hard choice to remove him from our program.
  

  
  

  Customer Answer

  Date: 08/18/2023

   
  Complaint: 20418181
  
  I am rejecting this response because: Even assuming arguendo that my interaction with the instructor was truculent, the respondent cites no provision for keeping my money other than they feel like it. Secondly, I exercised my option to transfer to another class but was blocked by the supervisor whom likewise treated my like I was a child instead of a 67 year old student. I could supplement my responses with evidence had the respondent not blocked my access to the course and my enrollment records. Furthermore, it matters not how ill I may be but mentioning here is indicative of the respondents holier than thou attitude. I will see whether I can find the transfer request in my email folder for the respondent. 
  
  Sincerely,
  
  ***************************

  

  Business Response

  Date: 08/22/2023

  Repeating the previous reply for student dismissal citing the signed Terms and Conditions that the student agreed to as he broke the clause of conduct and refused to agree to refraining from using inappropriate language in a future class, therefore not being allowed to transfer.  Schools and teachers should not be subject to verbal harassment or abuse, the student's actions and behaviors put him in his own situation and the consequences that followed.  
  
  At his refusal to commit to interacting respectfully, the Director of Student Affairs and Academics invoked the Termination clause in the International TEFL Academys Terms and Conditions (which the student agreed to upon registration prior to the course starting) using provisions (b) and (c).   
  
  This is listed on every page of the company website, required to sign before the class starts.
  ***********************************************************
  
  The Termination provision states: ITA may terminate this Agreement and all Services, including without limitation by terminating Student's right to participate in any course, to refuse admission to any course, and to eject Student from a course, with immediate effect upon written notice to Student,
  (a) if Student fails to pay any amount when due under this Agreement;
  (b) if Student's conduct is deemed by ITA to be disorderly or disruptive,
  (c) if Student uses abusive language, or
  (d) if Student otherwise fails to perform or comply with any of the terms of this Agreement.

  Customer Answer

  Date: 08/22/2023

   
  Complaint: 20418181
  
  I am rejecting this response because: my sarcasm is not abusive. Abusive language is defined as using threats, profanity and intimidating language. Had the instructor actually instructed without the use of threats, i.e. failure, it would NEVER have led to my sarcasm. In fact, even when I asked her for clarification she refused to provide any. So one can clearly see it was the instructor whom was abusive. 

  I no longer care that my transfer request was blocked, what I care about is ITEFLA fashioning its own remedy: one not called for in the signed Contract, by keeping my money while denying me access to the coursework I paid for.  They should not be allowed to have its cake and eat it too. That is abusive and unwarranted. It is also a Breach of Contract. For all I know ****************** is no longer using the threat of failure to teach but actually saying to students what they need to do in order to pass. 
  

  This is not a College course: it was contacted to be fun not a source of irritation. And I was and am not laughing. 

  Sincerely,
  
  ***************************