International Open Academy Reviews 

1,308
TrustScore 4.5 out of 5

4.3

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Review summary

Created with AI, based on recent reviews

Considering 66 reviews, reviewers overwhelmingly had a great experience with this company. Customers frequently praise the platform's flexibility and self-paced nature, making learning convenient and easy to integrate into busy schedules. Many also highlight the system's efficiency, user-friendly interface, and well-structured, informative courses, providing practical knowledge and skills. However, some customers noted concerns regarding the depth and relevance of certain course materials, feeling information was not always applicable or sufficiently detailed. A few also felt some courses were too easy or lacked the expected challenge, suggesting a need for more rigorous content and practical examples.

What people talk about most

User experience

Consumers find user experience to be positive, with many praising the accessibility and flexibility of online... See more

Product

Users describe positive interactions with the product, finding courses to be really good and comprehensive,... See more

Staff

Reviewers highlight positive aspects of staff, consistently praising their professionalism and helpfulness.... See more

Value for money

People report ambiguous experiences with value for money, with many finding the learning experience... See more

Reviews shaping this summary

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

My experience with International Open Academy has been very positive. The courses are easy to follow, well-structured, and flexible, which helped me learn at my own pace. I gained useful knowledge and... See more

Company replied

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

The experience has been really good. The self-paced lessons made it convenient to gain knowledge and earn a certificate, especially while working a day job. Thank you for the continuous support and im... See more

Company replied

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

I love this company so much for online courses. I have done several courses which have greatly helped my office skills and I'm currently enrolled in several others. I highly recommend IOA. Really grea... See more

Company replied

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

This has been one of the most wonderful, engaging, and educational courses I have taken in. awhile. The 150 hr advance course challenges as much as it prepares and equips. As I embark on a new career... See more

Company replied


Company details

  1. Educational Institution

Written by the company

International Open Academy (IOA) is a modern Learning Experience Platform that helps learners build practical skills, earn recognised micro-credentials and follow clear career pathways. Our platform adapts to each learner’s pace, interests and goals, offering accessible and job-focused online learning. IOA combines IOA Originals with creator-led courses from YouTube, Instagram and TikTok experts. Members can start quickly with short, mobile-friendly courses and progress through stackable micro-credentials that build real capability. Progress tracking, certificates and structured pathways make learning straightforward and motivating. As a trusted talent partner, IOA focuses on job-ready skills that support employability, upskilling and career change. Learners can explore new interests, strengthen existing skills or prepare for professional opportunities through guided or self-directed learning journeys. IOA has supported over 1.5 million learners in 140+ countries with inclusive, affordable and outcome-driven education. Our mission is to connect practical learning with real opportunities and give learners a clear route from interest to achievement.


Contact info

4.3

Excellent

TrustScore 4.5 out of 5

1K reviews

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Replied to 100% of negative reviews

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4.3

All reviews

(1,308)

68 reviews in the last 12 months

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Rated 5 out of 5 stars

It’s one of the best learning tools

It’s one of the best learning tools

October 10, 2024
Unprompted review
International Open Academy logo

Reply from International Open Academy

Hi Abdulaziz,

Thank you so much for your wonderful 5-star review! We're thrilled to hear that you consider IOA one of the best learning tools. Your feedback motivates us to continue providing quality courses.

If you ever have any questions or need further assistance, feel free to reach out. We're always here to support you!

Best regards,
The IOA Team

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

One of a kind

In taking up my TEFL,I am so glad that staffs are very responsive with all my queries.They guided me all through out and made my experience so smooth. IOA is so helpful & great!

October 2, 2024
Unprompted review
International Open Academy logo

Reply from International Open Academy

Hi Mildred,

Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We’re thrilled to hear that you had such a smooth and positive experience with us while completing your TEFL course. Our team always aims to be as helpful and responsive as possible, and it’s great to know we could support you throughout your learning journey.

We wish you the best of luck with your future teaching opportunities, and we're excited to see what you'll achieve next!

Warm regards,
The IOA Team

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

For full disclosure I purchased my…

For full disclosure I purchased my course a few years ago. However, Having checked, IOA the course is still using the same "accreditation" body and I contacted them very recently about having the certificate apostiled.
Do not bother with the TEFL/TESOL course if you are British and actually need a TEFL/TESOL certificate. The certificate cannot be apostiled, even the extra expensive IOCES one they upsell to you.
If you ask International Open Academy about it they just wash ther hands and say buy the other certificate. Spend the same amount you would have on the course and additional certificate for a better course that isnt just copy pasted info and stock images.

July 26, 2024
Unprompted review
International Open Academy logo

Reply from International Open Academy

Hi Tim,

We appreciate the opportunity to clarify some important points regarding our TEFL/TESOL course and the accreditation process. Our courses are accredited by reputable organizations, including ICOES (International Council for Online Educational Standards) and IAPCC (International Association of Private Career Colleges). We provide comprehensive information about our accreditations on our website to ensure that prospective students can make informed decisions.

As mentioned in our initial email in July, requirements and procedures for apostille or legalization can vary by country, and we advise students to confirm these requirements with the relevant authorities. We clearly state that since ICOES is a private entity and not a governmental institution, embassies may not directly legalize the ICOES certificate. However, the notarial document with ICOES's declaration can be apostilled to authenticate its validity. While we outline steps that have been successfully used by other students with the support of ICOES, it’s important to note that the outcome of this process is not guaranteed, and ultimately, it is the student’s decision to pursue this path or not.

Additionally, we emphasized that ICOES would handle the request and encouraged you to reach out to them with any questions regarding the process before proceeding. Upon following up with ICOES, we learned that they have not received any inquiries from you. After providing our initial guidance, we did not hear back from you with any follow-up questions. Please know that we’re always here to assist you with any further concerns or clarifications you may need.

It's worth noting that of our 1,181 reviews on Trustpilot, 77% are 5-star ratings. This reflects the positive experiences many students have had with our courses. We take pride in the quality of our offerings and the valuable content they provide. We're sorry to hear that you found the content lacking. Our team is continuously working to improve our courses based on student feedback.

We encourage students to consider all options available to them before making a purchase, and we provide all necessary information to facilitate informed decisions. If there are specific companies or institutions you’re concerned about in terms of recognizing our courses, we’d appreciate your feedback and would be happy to explore any specific concerns they raised.

Thank you again for your input, and if you have further concerns or would like to discuss this matter in more detail, please feel free to contact our support team.

Best regards,
International Open Academy

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

Useful For A Career & Daily Life

There is a great selection of courses. I enjoy the simple courses that impact your daily life. I wish materials were included with course price as I did a lot ofvwriting off reading the course.

September 24, 2024
Unprompted review
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Reply from International Open Academy

Hi Jeanine,

Thank you for taking the time to leave a review and for your kind words about our course selection! We're glad to hear that you've been enjoying our courses and that they've had a positive impact on your daily life.

We appreciate your feedback regarding the course materials. We'll certainly take that into consideration for future improvements. If you ever need assistance or have any suggestions, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Thanks again for your support!

Best regards,
The International Open Academy Team

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

Refund

International Open Academy has answered me and apparantly everything is going to be ok.
I should get te refund in a few days!

September 20, 2024
Unprompted review
International Open Academy logo

Reply from International Open Academy

Hi Alex,

We’re sorry to hear about your experience and appreciate you bringing this to our attention. It seems we don’t have an email in our system associated with the name you provided on Trustpilot. To resolve the issue promptly, could you kindly contact us at support@internationalopenacademy.com? We’ve also placed a request through Trustpilot for your contact details so we can follow up directly.

To clarify, all customer inquiries sent through our support platform, Reamaze, reach our team at International Open Academy. Reamaze is simply the software that manages our customer support emails, including those sent to support@internationalopenacademy.com. We assure you that contacting us through our website, whether via chat or email, will reach us directly, and we're committed to responding as quickly as possible.

Regarding your request for a refund, we do process refunds when they meet the outlined conditions, which are fully explained on our website. If those conditions apply to your situation, we will ensure your refund is processed. It appears there may have been some confusion about navigating our platform, and we sincerely apologize for any frustration this has caused. We're here to guide you through the process and clarify any doubts you may have, whether it's about managing your course or unsubscribing.

Please reach out to us directly, and we’ll make sure your concerns are addressed promptly.

Best regards,
The IOA Team

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

Hello

Hello. I completed the course. But I can' t get my certificate

September 20, 2024
Unprompted review
International Open Academy logo

Reply from International Open Academy

Hi Turkan,

We're sorry to hear you felt the need to leave this review, as we have replied to all your emails, and it seems you didn’t request help with accessing your certificate.

To clarify, while your pre-payment for the ICOES certificate was successful, the certificate isn’t automatically emailed to you after purchase. You’ll need to complete a second step. Please log in to your virtual campus account, go to the "Certificates" tab in the main menu, and click "Redeem Certificate."

If you have multiple completed courses, you’ll select the one you’d like the certificate for from a dropdown list. You can then verify the name on the certificate and finalize the process. Once complete, you'll receive the soft copy certificate directly from ICOES within 24 hours via email.

I’ve also sent you a new email with these instructions, offering further assistance if needed. Please don't hesitate to reach out if you encounter any difficulties—we're here to help!

Best regards,
The IOA Team

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

DID NOT RECEIVE MY TRANSCRIPT

DID NOT RECEIVE MY TRANSCRIPT - SHOULD NOT CHARGE SO MUCH FOR CERTIFICATE - CERTIFICATE SHOULD BE INCLUDED IN PRICE OF COURSE

September 17, 2024
Unprompted review
International Open Academy logo

Reply from International Open Academy

Hi Mary,

We want to clarify that the pricing structure for our courses, including any optional certificates or transcripts, is clearly outlined on our website. While some course packages may include certificates, others offer them as optional extras, allowing students to decide whether they would like to purchase them. This flexibility is designed to cater to different student needs.

At International Open Academy, we offer internationally recognized certifications from accredited organizations such as CPD, IAPCC, and ICOES. These certificates can provide added value to your career, which is why they are available for a fee.

We always encourage students to contact our support team if they have any concerns or need clarification, either before or after purchasing. This ensures that all information is clear and any misunderstandings are resolved quickly. If you'd like assistance before making a purchase, our support team is always available to help.

We’ve also left a request on Trustpilot for your contact information so we can assist with retrieving your transcript. You can reach us directly here: https://international-open-academy.reamaze.com/conversations/new, and we’ll be happy to help resolve this issue as soon as possible.

Kind regards,
The IOA Team

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

Ripped Off

Purchased a pet first aid course through International Open Academy which seemed like good value and was a well structured and enjoyable course only to get ripped off at the end in having to pay £23.99 for a PDF certificate.

August 15, 2024
Unprompted review
International Open Academy logo

Reply from International Open Academy

Hi Lewis,

Thank you for your feedback.

We want to clarify that the certificate options and any associated fees are transparently outlined on our website. While some course deals may include documents, others offer them as optional extras, giving students the flexibility to choose based on their needs. We take issue with the characterization of our services as a "rip-off," as our pricing is clearly stated upfront and is designed to provide value, especially considering the accreditations and recognized certifications we offer.

At International Open Academy, we are proud to provide courses accredited by reputable organizations such as CPD, IAPCC, and ICOES. These certifications offer students international recognition and can greatly enhance their careers.

We always encourage students to contact our support team if they have any concerns or need clarification, either before or after purchasing. This ensures that all information is clear and any misunderstandings are resolved quickly. If you'd like assistance before making a purchase, our support team is always available to help.

As we don’t have access to your contact information here on Trustpilot, we've left a request on the platform for you to share it with us. You can also reach us directly here: https://international-open-academy.reamaze.com/conversations/new, and we’ll be happy to assist you in resolving this issue.

If you have additional questions or need help accessing your certificate, please feel free to reach out.

Kind regards,
The IOA Team

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Misleading information to get your money!

I bought a course off Wowcher but what was advertised was different to what they deliver as they had changed their course structure.

I however managed to open an account before I knew that but no course was shown.

Please dont use this provider, going by the feedback below, they havent a clue as to what they are doing!

September 12, 2024
Unprompted review
International Open Academy logo

Reply from International Open Academy

Hi Christina,

Thank you for your feedback.

We regret that your experience did not meet your expectations. As explained in our email communications, we responded promptly to your emails, explaining the situation and offering a solution. We offered you access to six individual courses, which provide more content than the single course bundle you originally purchased, at no extra cost. This was to ensure you still received full value from your purchase.

Regarding your refund request, as mentioned, since the payment was made through Wowcher, the refund process must be initiated with them. Once they contact us, we are ready to authorize the refund immediately.

In response to your concern about our service, we are committed to supporting our students and resolving issues efficiently. The majority of our students have positive experiences with us, and while we understand your frustration, we encourage open communication with us to resolve concerns. We do not agree with the characterization that we "haven't a clue," as we make every effort to clarify issues and provide solutions.

Should you wish to reconsider your options with IOA or need further assistance, we are here to help.

Best regards,
The IOA Team

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

I am afraid I will be charged again…

I am afraid I will be charged again after reading so many nasty comments and people saying it is a scam. I purchased just one course, but it is tricky to delete your account. I feel fooled because after completing YES you have to pay for the certificate more that the price of the course.

September 5, 2024
Unprompted review
International Open Academy logo

Reply from International Open Academy

Hi Alex,

Thank you for sharing your feedback, and I'm sorry to hear about your concerns. While we acknowledge that there are a few negative comments, we have many more positive reviews from students who have enjoyed their learning experience with us. When negative reviews occur, we always reach out to students to resolve their issues, offering solutions to ensure satisfaction.

I’ve located your account and can confirm that the deal you purchased does include a certificate, which is available for download. Depending on the deal or platform where a course is purchased, the inclusion of certificates may vary. This is clearly stated during the purchase process, and additional certification options are available for purchase if desired.

Our courses are accredited by reputable organizations such as CPD, IAPCC, and ICOES. These accreditations offer internationally recognized certifications for a fee, and this information is clearly outlined on our website. We do not agree with characterizing our products and services as "a scam." The cost of certificates is transparently displayed, and we strive to make all relevant information easily accessible to our students.

We’ve also reached out to you via email to assist in ensuring you receive your certificate and to address any other concerns you may have.

If you have any questions or need further assistance, we’re here to help. Our goal is to ensure that every student has a positive experience, and we're committed to resolving any issues that arise.

Best regards,
The International Open Academy Team

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Thanks IOA for great experience!

August 31, 2024
Unprompted review
International Open Academy logo

Reply from International Open Academy

Hi Didar,

Thank you so much for your 5-star review! 🌟 We're thrilled that you had a great experience with IOA. Your kind words mean a lot to us.

We're excited to continue supporting your learning journey and hope to see you in more courses soon!

Best regards,
The International Open Academy Team

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

I've learned a lot from this course and…

I've learned a lot from this course and it was a great experienced.

August 10, 2024
Unprompted review
International Open Academy logo

Reply from International Open Academy

Hi Melvic,

Thank you for your 5-star review! 🌟 We’re delighted to hear that you had a great experience and learned a lot from the course. Your success is our top priority, and it's wonderful to know that we met your expectations.

We're here to support your continued learning and look forward to being part of your future educational journey.

Best regards,
The International Open Academy Team

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Exceptional Learning Experience

I recently completed a course with International Open Academy, and I must say that my experience has been outstanding. The course content was comprehensive and well-structured, making it easy to follow and understand. The platform is user-friendly, and the support team was always available to assist with any questions I had. The certification I received is recognized and will greatly benefit my career progression. I highly recommend International Open Academy to anyone looking to enhance their skills and knowledge in their field.

August 20, 2024
Unprompted review
International Open Academy logo

Reply from International Open Academy

Hi Nazanin,

Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful experience with International Open Academy! 🌟 We're thrilled to hear that you found the course content comprehensive and well-structured, and that our platform and support team met your expectations. It's fantastic to know that your certification is recognized and will positively impact your career progression.

Your recommendation means the world to us. We're here to support your learning journey, and we're excited to see how you continue to grow and succeed.

Best wishes,
The International Open Academy Team

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

It's user friendly

It's user friendly, accessible anytime anywhere. The context are well organised and it's easy to understand, also the examples given were easy to follow.

August 18, 2024
Unprompted review
International Open Academy logo

Reply from International Open Academy

Hi Princess,

Thank you so much for your 5-star review!

We're thrilled to hear that you found our platform user-friendly and accessible. It's great to know that the course content was well-organized, easy to understand, and that the examples provided were helpful for you.

Your positive feedback encourages us to continue delivering high-quality learning experiences. We're so glad that you had such a positive experience with us!

Thank you for choosing International Open Academy, and we look forward to supporting you in your future learning endeavors.

Best regards,
The IOA Team

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Awesome experience

It was great to have completed this program. It was amazing. Explicit explanations. It’s highly recommended.

July 28, 2024
Unprompted review
International Open Academy logo

Reply from International Open Academy

Hi Joy,

Thank you so much for your fantastic 5-star review! We're thrilled to hear that you had an amazing experience completing our program and found the explanations explicit and helpful.

Your recommendation means a lot to us, and we’re delighted to know that our course met your expectations. If you have any further questions or need assistance, please don't hesitate to reach out.

Thank you once again for choosing IOA and for sharing your positive experience!

Best regards,

The IOA Team

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Achieving a career in your passions! Amazing

I am so grateful there are opportunities like this that help those who have strong passions to grow and achieve a career in something that will help make a difference in many lives

July 23, 2024
Unprompted review
International Open Academy logo

Reply from International Open Academy

Hi Denise,

Thank you for your wonderful review! We're so glad to hear that our courses are helping you pursue your passions and make a difference. Your kind words mean a lot to us!

Best regards,
The IOA Team

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Total garbage

My experience was Very disingenuous and frankly incompetent my activation info was never sent out, when complaining I was sent messages saying it was a tech error and would be ok or a message asking £19.99 or £39.99 more to extend activation or become a full member
I was ignored when requesting a refund.
DO NOT wast your valuable time and money on this obvious con
Rubbish not even worth 1 star
RH

July 19, 2024
Unprompted review
International Open Academy logo

Reply from International Open Academy

Hi Richard,

I'm truly sorry to hear about your frustrating experience and the issues with your course activation.

We recently encountered a technical error that affected new courses started on July 22nd, causing them to expire prematurely. This was an oversight on our part, and I apologize for any confusion it caused.

We have since resolved this issue, and you should now be able to access your course without any additional charges. We have emailed you a detailed solution to address your concerns and ensure you have a satisfactory experience with us.

Please know that we take your feedback seriously and are committed to improving our service. We would appreciate the opportunity to make things right.

Best regards,
IOA Customer Support

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

The study content was great

The study content was clear, thoroughly explained & easy to follow

July 4, 2024
Unprompted review
International Open Academy logo

Reply from International Open Academy

Hi Abegail,

Thank you for your wonderful 5-star review! We're thrilled to hear that you found the study content clear, thoroughly explained, and easy to follow.

Your positive feedback is greatly appreciated and serves as encouragement for us to continue delivering high-quality educational experiences. If you have any further questions or need assistance, please don't hesitate to reach out.

Thank you once again for choosing IOA for your learning journey.

Best regards,
The IOA Team

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

I've really enjoyed taking the Teaching…

I've really enjoyed taking the Teaching Professional English course as it has been a great experience taking it since it deals with such aspects of ELT industry as Business English, English for Exams, ESP, or English for Specific Purposes and, of course, EAP, or English for Academic Purposes, and the course is just about all that. I love the way the course is developed and it's quite easy to navigate. Thank you for such great and professionally designed and presented courses!

July 4, 2024
Unprompted review
International Open Academy logo

Reply from International Open Academy

Hi Ruslan,

Thank you for your fantastic 5-star review! We're delighted to hear that you enjoyed taking the Teaching Professional English course and found it to be a great experience.

It's wonderful to know that the course effectively covered important aspects of the ELT industry, including Business English, English for Exams, ESP, and EAP. We take pride in designing our courses to be comprehensive and user-friendly, so it's gratifying to hear that you appreciated the course structure and found it easy to navigate.

Your positive feedback encourages us to continue providing high-quality and professionally designed courses. If you have any further questions or need assistance, please don't hesitate to reach out.

Thank you once again for your kind words and for choosing IOA for your professional development.

Best regards,

The IOA Team

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Amazing Value!

I came across IOA when searching for a TEFL course. I signed up for monthly membership for €11.99 and I must admit I was a little wary of what quality the course would be at that price. I was really surprised at how good the course is! It was easy to follow, engaging and I could complete it at my own pace. With membership I have access to all of IOA's courses so I've also completed some of the other teaching courses and, just for fun, I've started the Card Magic course! It's really good!
I'm going travelling around Asia this summer and thought a TEFL qualification could be a good money earner while I travel. I did have to pay €23.99 for the ICOES certificate but I didn't mind as for €11.99 membership fee I've done 4 courses already.
It seems pretty flexible so I'll probably cancel my membership while I'm travelling and come back to IOA later in the year as I've seen a few more courses I'd definitely be interested in taking.

June 10, 2024
Unprompted review
International Open Academy logo

Reply from International Open Academy

Hi Jenny,

Thank you so much for your wonderful 5-star review! We're thrilled to hear that you had such a positive experience with our TEFL course and other offerings.

We understand that you were initially wary due to the affordable membership price, so it’s fantastic to know that our courses exceeded your expectations in terms of quality and engagement. It’s great to hear that you enjoyed the flexibility of completing the courses at your own pace and found our membership option valuable, allowing you to explore various subjects, including the Card Magic course for fun!

Your plans to travel around Asia sound exciting, and we’re delighted that our TEFL qualification could be a helpful tool for you during your travels. We also appreciate your understanding regarding the additional fee for the ICOES certificate and are glad that you found the overall value of our membership worthwhile.

We look forward to welcoming you back to IOA when you return from your travels. If you have any questions or need further assistance, please don't hesitate to reach out.

Safe travels and happy learning!

Best regards,
The IOA Team

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