TEFL Courses & Certification
Get yourself prepared for teaching English abroad! TEFL certification is your first step to a career of traveling the world.
Top TEFL Providers
Featured TEFL Courses
This Month’s Recommended TEFL Courses
International TEFL Academy
Are you looking for an accredited TEFL certification class that will qualify you to get paid to teach English online or overseas in 80 countries worldwide?Armed with your International TEFL Academy (ITA) TEFL certification, you’ll be qualified to quick...
MAXIMO NIVEL
Get TEFL certified with Maximo Nivel, and start your career as a professional English teacher, a role that is in high demand all over Latin America and the rest of the world!Maximo Nivel’s 4-week, 150-hour TEFL Certification Program is a thorough and p...
myTEFL
Want to be a superstar teacher? Want to maintain Zen in an avalanche of convoluted grammar queries, wall-to-wall electronic whiteboards, excited teens, and that one student who will never open his or her mouth?Look no further! myTEFL's 120-hour course ...
OnTESOL
There’s no better way to earn income, make an impact on others, and discover the world than by teaching English abroad! This is exactly what we offer at OnTESOL—the opportunity to take on a teaching job at your desired location in Asia, Europe, Central...
The TEFL Academy
Our Online Level 5 TEFL Certificate (168 hours) is regulated by Ofqual (UK) and approved by the DEAC (US), so has official recognition from 2 government-recognized bodies! This makes all the difference when applying for jobs.The online-only version of ...
Teach Explore Asia (XploreAsia)
Join Xplore’s In-Country TEFL/TESOL + Placement Program and start your journey towards becoming a qualified English teacher in Thailand. With expert support, a guaranteed teaching job, and lifetime placement opportunities, we ensure you’re set up for s...
The TEFL Org
Take your teaching further with a recognized Level 5 qualification.The 250-hour Level 5 TEFL Diploma is an advanced TEFL qualification designed for aspiring and experienced English teachers who want to build their skills and improve their career prospe...
Premier TEFL
Ready to start your journey as a confident English teacher? The 120-Hour Premier TEFL Course gives you the skills and certification to teach abroad or online, with a qualification trusted by schools and employers worldwide.Through interactive, self-pac...
The TEFL Institute
Launch your teaching journey with the internationally recognized 120-Hour Advanced TEFL Course—your fast-track to teaching English online or abroad. Designed as the global industry standard, this accredited qualification gives you the essential skills ...
How to Earn TEFL Certification Abroad
Types
Types of TEFL Courses
First off, what is TEFL exactly? TEFL stands for Teaching English as a Foreign Language—and your certification qualifies you to do just that! When getting TEFL certified, you’ll learn the skills and methods for communicating English lessons to students who don’t speak any English at all, and who may only speak a language that you’ve never learned! Many people are confused by the concept of teaching English to students you don’t share a language with, but TEFL certification programs will show you that it’s not necessarily as hard as it sounds.
It’s worth noting that TEFL varies slightly from TESOL, TESL, and CELTA, too. TESL means Teaching English as a Second Language, and typically applies to those who want to teach English in their home country to foreign language speakers. TESOL means Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages, and this has become a blanket certification for those who want both TEFL and TESL skills. On the other hand, CELTA stands for Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages. Many Americans haven’t heard of this particular type of certification, but it’s a great choice for those who want to build a career out of teaching English abroad. CELTA is held to an incredibly high standard by Cambridge, so you can expect the curriculum to go above and beyond what’s offered by other types of certification.
Getting Started
How to get TEFL certification
It’s pretty easy to get TEFL certification. After you choose the right program for you, it’s as simple as going through the coursework and passing your final exam. In many TEFL courses, there’s also a certain number of practical hours you need to fulfill as well, which will either be virtual (if you’re taking an online program) or scheduled for you (if you’re taking a program abroad). If you want to get certified to teach English abroad, follow these easy steps:
- Decide How Long You Want to Study - TEFL programs range from 60 to 240 hours. Shorter programs suit those with teaching experience, while longer ones offer deeper preparation for first-time teachers. It's also important to consider the costs, because price points for getting TEFL certified vary widely.
- Choose if you want to get certified Online or Abroad - Online courses are flexible and convenient, while in-person programs abroad provide hands-on classroom experience and cultural immersion.
- Pick the Right Program - Once you’ve figured out your timeline and preferred mode of study, research different TEFL course options, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Make sure you look into program accreditation, the quality of course materials, and post-certification support. The best programs often provide job placement assistance and ongoing guidance to help you land your first teaching job abroad.
- Complete the Course - Whether online or abroad, this is where you’ll dive into the coursework. Online programs let you work at your own pace, while in-person programs abroad often include excursions, cultural activities, and peer interactions. You’ll complete lessons on teaching methodology, language acquisition, and classroom management, as well as a practical teaching component where you’ll gain real-world experience.
- Pass the Exam - The final step is to take and pass your TEFL exam, officially earning your certification. Once you’ve completed this milestone, you’ll be qualified to teach English in classrooms around the world, opening doors to exciting teaching job opportunities in dozens of countries.
With your TEFL certificate in hand, you’ll be ready to embark on an incredible teaching adventure abroad!
Locations
Where to get a TEFL certification
If you've decided you want to experience getting your TEFL certification abroad, rather than doing it online from anywhere in the world, then it's important to consider what destination will benefit you most in your career long term. Earning your TEFL certification in the country where you plan to teach can be a strategic move, offering benefits like easier job placement and a deeper understanding of local classroom dynamics.
If this is how you want to approach your in-person TEFL course, then countries like China, South Korea, Thailand, and Vietnam all provide a good variety of reputable TEFL programs and have a high demand for English teachers too. The United Arab Emirates has become an increasingly popular destination for TEFL certification, offering competitive salaries and benefits for teachers. Costa Rica and the Czech Republic are two other unique destinations to consider for TEFL courses too, both with specialty programs that help you prepare for real world teaching jobs.
Remember, by choosing to get certified in your target teaching destination, you can build valuable local experience and connections, facilitating a smoother transition into your teaching career abroad.
Benefits
What are the benefits of TEFL?
Obtaining a TEFL certification is a pivotal step for those aspiring to teach English abroad. In many countries, this certification is not just a preference but a legal requirement to secure paid teaching positions. Without it, you may find it challenging to meet visa criteria or gain employment in reputable academic institutions. Acquiring a TEFL certificate from an accredited organization is essential for accessing global English teaching opportunities.
Beyond meeting legal prerequisites, a TEFL certification significantly enhances your teaching capabilities. The training encompasses essential aspects such as lesson planning, classroom management, and effective communication strategies. These skills are crucial for creating an engaging and productive learning environment, especially for those new to teaching. By mastering these techniques, you can approach your teaching role with greater confidence and competence.
Getting a TEFL certification can also lead to an increased earning potential. Many educational institutions offer higher salaries to certified teachers, recognizing the value of formal training. This financial advantage, coupled with the personal fulfillment of making a positive impact on students' lives, makes obtaining a TEFL certification a worthwhile investment in your teaching career.
Popular Providers
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a TEFL certificate to teach abroad?
If you have a Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Education, then you may not need a TEFL certificate to teach abroad. For the rest of us, though, TEFL is generally step one to beginning a career teaching English abroad. It will provide you with everything you need to teach English to students whose native language is not your own.
Can I get TEFL certified online?
Yes, you can definitely get TEFL certified online! Whether you choose to get TEFL certified online or in person comes down to your goals.
Is it better to do TEFL online or in person?
There are benefits to both getting TEFL certified online and in person. However, if you have no experience working with children or in a classroom, and really want an excuse to travel (honestly, same), then you should opt for in-person certification. This is because the practical experience offered during an on-site TEFL program is crucial for teachers without classroom experience. If you already feel confident in your ability to run lessons and command a classroom, though, then you should be perfectly fine getting your certification online.
Is there a TEFL exam?
Of course, there’s a TEFL exam! If you want your shiny new certificate, you’ll need to pass the TEFL exam provided through your program. Before signing up, make sure your program is internationally accredited! Accreditation is what qualifies you to teach around the world, and without it, your certificate will be totally useless, and you’ll have taken the exam for nothing.
How long does it take to get TEFL certified?
TEFL certification shouldn’t take less than 120 hours. If you’re getting certified abroad, this will probably be stretched over a month or two (or less if you choose an intensive program). If you’re getting your certification online, you should be able to set your own pace.
Keep in mind that anything advertised under 120 hours is most likely a booster or refresher course, and not meant for teachers who have no classroom or teaching experience. You’ll also find options that go way above 120 hours, which are great for people who intend to make teaching abroad their long-term career.
How long does TEFL certification last?
Forever! Yep, you read that right. If you get TEFL certified through an accredited program, your certificate should be valid for life. Sounds like a great investment to us!
What will I learn when getting a TEFL?
Your TEFL certificate is designed to provide you with everything you need to teach English abroad, even without teaching experience. That includes learning things like classroom management, building lesson plans, and how to teach grammar and other language skills, like reading and writing.
Can I get TEFL certification without a college degree?
Yes, there are programs that allow you to get TEFL certified even without a degree. However, it’s important to keep in mind that many countries around the world won’t allow you to teach English without a college degree (any degree).
What are the best TEFL courses like?
With so many TEFL courses available around the world, it can be overwhelming trying to find the best of the best. To find the best TEFL course for you, think about where you want to go and what your career goals are.
If you want to teach abroad long-term, then why not consider a 500-hour TEFL diploma or CELTA certification? If you want to teach abroad for a year, consider taking a TEFL course in your ideal destination. That way, once you have your certificate, you can jump right into the job hunt.
It’s also a good idea to take a look at alumni reviews! As long as your program is accredited, you’re already on the right track.
Latest Program Reviews
Great course
October 03, 2026by: Laura Adams - United KingdomProgram: 120-hour Premier Online TEFL Course with The TEFL Org
The course was very good, challenging and informative. Great video demonstrations and quizes. The assignments were very helpful and my tutor was very effective in his support and guidance. I highly recommend this course to others.
Amazing Course!!!
October 03, 2026by: Curtis King - EnglandProgram: Online Level 5 TEFL Course
So, I've just finished my Level 5 TEFL Course 168 Hours and I must say it was absolutely amazing, very informative lots of resources and the whole team are great! If you need support they respond very fast and try to help as much as they can. I would highly recommend this course to anyone!
Bonus knowledge
October 02, 2026by: Cassidy Manten - South AfricaProgram: Online Level 5 TEFL Course
I had recently completed my PGCE to teach highschool English and decided to complete my TEFL for a further advantage. What I learnt wasn’t anything new but it has definitely provided some extra knowledge and implementation tools that my PGCE did not. The support staff is also excellent.
REVIEW ON THE LEVEL 5 TEFL COURSE
October 02, 2026by: Wendell Mayes - South AfricaProgram: Online Level 5 TEFL Course
Most professional, encouraging and enlightening course. The tutors are extremely supportive and concise in their feedback. I am now well equipped to make this career a resounding success. Thanks to the TEFL Academy.
Thanks, Wendell. Best of luck with your teaching career.
Worth the 3:30AM start time
October 02, 2026by: Grace Jarrell - United StatesProgram: Teach Confidently with this 10-Hour Practicum Course
I took this course with Michelle Benson and it was absolutely worth waking up way before the sun. I’m currently redoing my TEFL certification as it’s been several years since I’ve taught and the first time around I did it with an organization that didn’t offer this “in-person” option. I’m really glad that I took this as even though I have teaching experience, getting to actually practice creating a lesson designed for learners that were different from the ones I taught, and then getting feedback as well, was extremely helpful in rebuilding my confidence. Although a lot of that is due to Michelle’s instruction as not only is she knowledgeable, but she clearly loves what she’s doing and because that comes through it made it much more comfortable to actually engage and ask questions when we needed to. Honestly if she did another “in person” class on a different subject I’d once again wake up at 3am just to take it.
Brilliant experience
October 01, 2026by: Tauriq Latief - South AfricaProgram: Online Level 5 TEFL Course
I absolutely loved completing the TEFL Level 5 Diploma course! From start to finish, I found the course incredibly interesting, engaging, and rewarding. The structure was excellent, and everything was presented in a clear and easy-to-follow way with a well introduction on how to navigate the course. The media content was phenomenal and really brought the learning material to life. I also really appreciated the academic quality of the course — I felt that I was gaining valuable, in-depth knowledge rather than simply working through a set of modules. What I enjoyed most was how much I learned along the way. I really appreciate the practice quizzes and extra curriculum activities. The course's assignments challenged me, expanded my understanding of teaching, and gave me a real sense of achievement when I completed it. Overall, I had a fantastic experience and would wholeheartedly recommend the TEFL courses to anyone considering a career in TEFL. It was genuinely a pleasure to ccomplete!
Wow! What fantastic feedback. Thank you, Tauriq.
Great course!
October 01, 2026by: Matt McWilliam - South AfricaProgram: Online Level 5 TEFL Course
The course was a great experience! Enjoyed it thoroughly and it was very convenient doing all the content online! Would recommend it to anyone wishing to explore getting TEFL qualified! I am using the qualification to pursue a career teaching online IT business English.
Thanks for the recommendation, and congratulations on completing your course!
An unforgettable experience with TEFL
October 01, 2026by: Anushka Pretorius - South AfricaProgram: Online Level 5 TEFL Course
My experience with TFL was truly life-changing. From the moment | arrived, the team was so supportive and made me feel at home. The program was very well organized, the classes were engaging, and I got to meet amazing people from all over the world. I learned so much not just academically but also about myself and different cultures. The accommodation was clean and safe, and the activities they planned outside of class made the experience even more special. I would highly recommend TFL to anyone thinking about going abroad - it's worth every moment and I would definitely do it again.
Thanks for the review.
The best course ever!
October 01, 2026by: NKOSINATHI MHLABA-AMPOFO - South AfricaProgram: Online Level 5 TEFL Course
I had such a wonderful time doing this course. I truly looked forward to learning each day. I was suprised to learn that i didnt know as much as i thought i did. Lol. I am grateful. I will definitely recommend the course to others. It was worth it.
Thanks so much. We love to hear how much you enjoyed the course.
Tefl Level 5
October 01, 2026by: Vanessa Turpin - United StatesProgram: Online Level 5 TEFL Course
I completed my Level 5 coursework in Aug. It was challenging and alot to lesrn, but the material is presented in a good way. I feel prepared and ready to start teaching overseas. The feedback was great. Any email was answered VERY quickly! Glad I did it! Now onto the next adventure!!
Thanks for the review, Vanessa. Best of luck with your TEFL adventure.
Great value and staff are prompt to answer
September 30, 2026by: Rob Davies - United KingdomProgram: Accredited 120-hour TEFL certification online course $49
I recently finished the course and received an email to review. If you're thinking about doing this course, it's very good. I'd just say that you should do your research on what kind of job you're looking to get at the end of it, though. They told me it suits most 'entry or middle level' ESL teaching requirements but not ones like British Council or similar. I'll be going into this for the first time with my newb badge, so it suits me perfectly. I learned everything from past methods to modern ones like TPR and how to plan lessons for all ages and how to use activities to get motivation up and so many tidbits along those lines that I feel pretty blessed to have found the course. The resources given at the end of the course are wonderful (though I did need to email them to get them to sort out the formatting on a couple of them as they were restricted in width: they happily obliged anyway) so no real complaints.
Great Course
September 29, 2026by: Carlon Ford - United StatesProgram: Online Level 3 TEFL Course
The format of the course is user-friendly, and the assignments are scanned for AI and graded by real people, so you know receiving this certificate actually means something. I actually had to put in effort into each of the assignments, referring to the course content for reference
Thanks for the great feedback, Carlon.
A nice starting point.
September 29, 2026by: Denae Johnson - United StatesProgram: Online Level 5 TEFL Course
I really enjoyed taking this TEFL course and was happy to complete it and receive my certificate. I learned a lot about teaching English, lesson planning, classroom activities, and working with different types of learners. The course gave me a good foundation and helped me feel more confident about getting started as a TEFL teacher. That being said, I still feel like I need more hands-on training and practice before I feel completely prepared to teach on my own. Overall, I’m glad I took the course and earned my certification, and I think it was a good starting point for my teaching journey.
Thanks for the feedback. Best of luck with your teaching career.
Brilliant experience, no complaints.
September 29, 2026by: Yahya Motara - South AfricaProgram: Online Level 3 TEFL Course
The TEFL Academy is quick, efficient, and provides excellent support. The materials are all well-organized and simple to understand. I have no complaints whatsoever, from the marking schemes all the way to the customer support, The TEFL Academy has been flawless.
Thanks for the wonderful feeback!
An Excellent TEFL Experience
September 29, 2026by: Obakeng Ditshego - South AfricaProgram: Online Level 5 TEFL Course
I have recently completed my TEFL course, and I can honestly say that I really enjoyed the entire experience. The course was informative, well-structured, and gave me valuable knowledge and practical skills that I can take into my teaching journey. What stood out to me the most was the incredible support I received throughout the course. The support team was friendly, professional, responsive, and always willing to help whenever I had questions or needed guidance. Knowing that someone was available to assist me made the learning experience much more enjoyable and gave me confidence throughout the course. I especially appreciated how the course encouraged me to think about teaching in a practical and engaging way. It has helped me feel more prepared and confident as I continue developing my career as an English teacher. I would definitely recommend this TEFL course to anyone looking to start or expand their journey in teaching English. The combination of quality course content and excellent student support made the experience worthwhile. Thank you to the entire team for making my TEFL journey such a positive and enjoyable experience! I’m proud to have completed the course and excited to put what I’ve learned into practice.
Thanks for the great feedback, and congratulations on completing your course.
A Comprehensive and Valuable Learning Experience
September 29, 2026by: Enikő Šergelyova - SlovakiaI was very satisfied with the TEFL course and found it extremely useful and valuable. Even though I have been teaching online for several years, I still learned many new methods, techniques, and approaches that I had not used before. These have given me new ideas for my future lessons and will help me make my teaching more varied, effective, and engaging. What I especially appreciated was the comprehensive structure of the course. It covered all the important areas of teaching, from grammar and methodology to online teaching and working with groups. I also liked the fact that the course did not focus only on theoretical knowledge, but required us to reflect on what we had learned and demonstrate that we could apply it in practice. I was also very satisfied with the support provided by the mentors. Their helpfulness, professionalism, kindness, and encouraging attitude made the whole learning experience even more positive. I am particularly grateful to my mentor for the guidance and support I received throughout the course. I am very happy that I chose to complete my TEFL course with this provider, and I would definitely consider taking further courses with them in the future. Overall, I am completely satisfied with my experience. I learned a great deal, gained new perspectives on teaching, and received knowledge that I will be able to use in my professional practice. Thank you very much for everything I learned and for all the support I received during the course.
Great quality and excellent service!
September 28, 2026by: Sawasthika Ranasinghe - Sri LankaProgram: Online Level 5 TEFL Course
I recently completed the TEFL online course via the TTA Academy e-learning platform, and it was a wonderful experience. The course structure was well-organized, comprehensive, and easy to navigate at my own pace. The online platform (e-learning) made studying very convenient without compromising on the quality of the content. The modules were clear, practical, and highly informative, giving me the confidence to teach English effectively. I highly recommend TTA Academy to anyone looking to earn their TEFL certification online!
Thank you for the wonderful review, Sawasthika.
It was enjoable!
September 27, 2026by: Semih Metin Saatçi - TurkeyProgram: Online Level 5 TEFL Course
When I first started I was a bit afraid since this is my first online course ever. It was surprisingly clear and well put. Doing lessons on my time and anywhere I want is a great benefit which made the lessons quite easier because I was able change my pace depending on the time and energy I had. When I had big projects I didn't touch the course for weeks, and when I was free again I used my free time to study as much as I want. If this was a traditional teaching system it wouldn't be this enjoyable.
Semih, thank you for the review and for choosing to take a course with TTA.
A super great training thank you!
September 25, 2026by: Kanchan Tooray - EnglandProgram: Online Level 5 TEFL Course
The course is very well structured & informative. I enjoyed being able to complete the tasks at my own pace and time. I really learned alot and can't wait to put my skills into practice in the real world.
Kanchan, thank you for choosing to take a course with TTA! We wish you the best of luck with your teaching career.
TEFL Course Review
September 25, 2026by: Stephen Huang - ChinaProgram: 120-hour Premier Online TEFL Course with The TEFL Org
This TEFL course is well-structured and highly practical. I have gained solid knowledge of the PPP lesson framework, classroom management strategies and age-appropriate activity design. Real teaching cases helped me understand how to adapt lessons for learners at different levels. The tutor gave clear guidance and timely feedback on my lesson plans. Before the course, I felt nervous about English teaching. Now I can design complete lessons confidently and use effective interaction skills to engage students. It bridges teaching theory and real classroom practice. This course greatly improves my teaching competence and builds up my confidence as an English educator. I would strongly recommend it to anyone planning to teach English.
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