To get TEFL certified abroad or at home? That is the question. It’s a decision many aspiring teachers face when beginning their English teaching journey. And while online courses may seem convenient, there are countless reasons to consider earning your TEFL in person abroad instead.
Where you start will often determine where you end up, so the choice to take your TEFL certification at home or abroad is actually the most important choice you’ll make as a new teacher or career changer.
This leads us to the next question: “Why get TEFL in person abroad?” Let's take a look at the answers.
From student to teacher - your global classroom adventure begins
10 Reasons to Earn Your TEFL in Person Abroad
Earning your TEFL certification in person abroad offers more than just classroom instruction—it delivers real-world experience and meaningful cultural immersion. From job placement to practical teaching and personal growth, here are the top reasons why taking your TEFL abroad could be the best decision for your career:
1. Cost Effectiveness
For the most part, taking your training abroad will save you money on your TEFL certification courses overall. If you’re from the UK, Canada, or the U.S., TEFL programs at home are simply going to cost A LOT more for the exact same amount of training you can get in a city like Prague.
Even when factoring in airfare and accommodation, many in-person TEFL courses abroad still cost less overall. Plus, the experience of living in another country while training is simply priceless.
Good news, TEFL scholarships are available too!
2. Job Assistance
Many TEFL certification programs abroad include comprehensive support services, particularly in helping find real ESL teaching jobs. Schools offering teacher courses and training often rely on the success of their students in securing jobs to maintain their reputation. This means robust job assistance, from CV workshops to online job boards.
A lot of international TEFL providers can also introduce you to language schools or institutions, thanks to direct relationships or partnerships.
3. Easier Job Placement
Why practice on Zoom when you could teach actual humans abroad?
The chances of finding an English teaching job if you’re already in the country or region you wish to work in are much higher than if you’re applying from way back home.
Hiring managers are far more likely to hire a candidate they can meet face-to-face than someone applying from halfway around the world. Being there physically demonstrates commitment and reduces hiring risk for schools.
This proximity also gives you an edge when navigating the local job market and cultural expectations, which can differ significantly from what you’re used to.
4. Real Practice Teaching
One of the top reasons to get TEFL certified abroad in person is the authentic teaching experience. Practicing with real ESL learners in a foreign setting develops skills you simply can’t get at home.
In-person courses abroad place you in classrooms with students from different cultural and linguistic backgrounds. You’ll learn to adapt your communication skills, explain complex grammar concepts clearly, and connect across cultural barriers.
This kind of hands-on, immersive training is invaluable—and it’s difficult to replicate in domestic or online settings.
5. Visa Guidance
If you're planning to work in Europe or Asia, visa logistics can get tricky—especially if you're applying from abroad. Many international TEFL certifications include visa support as part of their program.
These in-country programs know the ins and outs of local visa laws and will often assist with documentation, appointments, and legal requirements. So if you’re still wondering, “Do I need an in-person TEFL?”, this is a big reason to consider it—visa guidance and help could make or break your job search.
6. Lifelong Friendships and a Professional Network
Friends who TEFL together stay together (across continents)
There are few bonds stronger than the ones you make while traveling and sharing intense, new experiences. You cannot easily foster this type of connection in the comfort of your home or home country. And the people you meet during your TEFL training abroad will become part of your global teaching network, often connecting for years.
Networking in person with teachers and language schools will set you up for success, both in finding your first job and building a long-term teaching career abroad.
7. Smoother Cultural Adjustment
What is it like living abroad? Will you be able to handle the pressure of staying in a foreign environment?
Relocating to a new country isn’t always easy, but obtaining TEFL certification abroad can make the transition smoother. This is because many programs offer cultural orientation, language lessons, and even personal support for day-to-day issues like healthcare, SIM cards, or opening a bank account.
Getting used to a new environment with the help of local staff and peers can be a huge relief—especially if it’s your first time living abroad.
8. Accommodation Support
One of the biggest concerns for new teachers abroad is finding a place to live. Fortunately, international TEFL course providers abroad usually offer student housing or help with apartment hunting, often through trusted local connections.
When you train abroad, you’re on the ground and can view housing options in person, reducing the risk of scams or unpleasant surprises.
9. You’re Already There
Let’s face it: the hardest part of teaching abroad is making the leap. Once you’re overseas, the rest tends to fall into place.
By taking your TEFL courses in person in your target country, you’ll have:
- Already completed your training
- Built a local network
- Found accommodation
- Adjusted culturally
- Sorted your visa
All that’s left is to find a job—and you’re already in the best position to get one.
Your 'how I got here' story just got way more interesting
10. Alumni Recommended it
Don’t just take our word for it; take a look at what this alumni had to say about getting a TEFL certificate abroad:
“I was amazed at how supportive the professors and staff were at TEFL Worldwide Prague! They were always there if you needed help or had any questions. From living abroad to planning lessons, teaching, visas, CV's, cover letters, and applying for teaching jobs abroad…” - Naomi Reeh, TEFL Worldwide Prague Program
Our Top Recommended In-Person TEFL Courses Abroad
Take the first step toward a global teaching career with these top in-person TEFL programs abroad that offer expert training, real classroom experience, and guaranteed job support—all while immersing you in some of the world’s most exciting destinations.
International TEFL Academy – TEFL Certification & Guaranteed Job Placement in Costa Rica
The International TEFL Academy’s in-person TEFL program in Heredia, Costa Rica, offers immersive and comprehensive training. Small class sizes enable you to receive personalized instruction from university-level educators and gain practical teaching experience with local ESL students. You also benefit from lifetime job search guidance, tapping into a robust network of schools in Costa Rica and over 80 countries worldwide.
Maximo Nivel – TEFL Certification Programs in Latin America
Get it all with a 4-week course in Peru, Guatemala, or Costa Rica! It includes 150 hours of instruction and 10 hours of practical teaching experience. Participants benefit from job placement assistance and the opportunity to immerse themselves in vibrant cultures. Maximo Nivel's programs are ideal for those seeking to teach in Latin America.
TEFL Madrid Academy – TEFL Courses in Spain
Seeking a comprehensive and supportive pathway into Spain’s English teaching industry? Take TEFL Madrid Academy’s internationally recognized TEFL/TESOL certification. Plus, guarantee job interviews with leading teacher recruitment agencies in Madrid, visa assistance, and lifetime career support from experienced counselors. Ensure a smooth transition to living and working in Spain!
XploreAsia – TEFL and TESOL in Thailand
XploreAsia’s in-person TEFL and TESOL course in Hua Hin combines certification and cultural immersion. Participants benefit from hands-on teaching practice through a two-day practicum in local Thai schools, providing an authentic classroom experience. Beyond academics, it offers Muay Thai classes, Thai language lessons, and other activities.
Check out more of the Best TEFL Courses we have to offer
Embrace the Full Experience by Getting TEFL Certified Abroad
So, why get TEFL in person abroad? Because it sets you up for success! From practical teaching to job placement and cultural immersion, in-person courses offer a complete, supportive, and transformative experience of getting TEFL certified.
Yes, online courses are convenient. But when it comes to truly preparing to live and teach abroad, they don’t compare. If you’re serious about your teaching career, choose the path that provides real-world experience, local connections, and comprehensive support.
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