I am presently taking the TEFL.org premier online course- 120 hours. I am sorry to read about some unhappy customers - but I got my teaching degree online and remember that online students have to keep up on the work, set a schedule, and be self-sufficient.
So far- I am truly enjoying the grammar portion/modules and tests that. I also have gone into the teaching methods, and looked over video observation- similar to being an observer in a live classroom (no difference for me- just less germs).
I also have not interacted with my tutor yet- but got an email. Will email her soon when ready with Qs.
I am happy for the course- which was close to $600 but got it for 40% off- so it was not cheap. I got a real deep review of grammar and learned much more than I ever did in college- and also learned new stuff. I took tons of foreign language courses, but TEFL.org really goes deep. Can't wait to join up with live class maybe next year for a weekend (online schools have face to face too- and the weekend stuff is usually really intense). Its not quantity- but quality. I have full life and cannot fly around from Hawaii. I was so glad to get a great school to earn my certificate.
Just because it is online does not mean it's a scam. I got my entire Masters in Ed online except for the 10 week student teaching and am considered an innovative and excellent teacher. As far as I know, TEFL.org is pretty legit in my eyes. If someone does not answer right away- it might be because of the time zones and holidays.
Thanks TEFL.org- you gave me confidence to go on. I am changing primary grades- and know that even if I don't go abroad- I can teach older students grammar/ELA well, far better than school programs. The certificate will also allow me to moonlight in tutoring English too if I do go overseas with DODEA.