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TEFL Courses & Certification

If you’re considering a TEFL certification, chances are you’re already dreaming about the adventure of teaching English abroad. Great choice! Teaching English overseas is not just a chance to see the world but also a meaningful way to immerse yourself in new cultures and make a real impact. Your TEFL certificate is the essential first step in this journey. It equips you with the skills and qualifications to teach English across the globe—even if you have no prior teaching experience. With countless TEFL courses and programs available, figuring out where to start can feel overwhelming. But don’t worry, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know to make the best choice for your TEFL certification journey.

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A Guide to Earning TEFL Certification Abroad

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.

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Latest Program Reviews

If you want to start your TEFL career, START HERE

by: Dominic Ramsay - JamaicaProgram: Online Level 5 TEFL Course
10

I started their Level 5 Certification program back in August of 2024 and was able to finish it in 5 months while juggling a part-time job. The work at your own pace structure of it made it convenient for me to finish the program in good time. They have condensed the material into a digestible form with the various units and their tutor staff are very approachable and accomodating when it comes to help for the course. There are no downsides to starting this program if you want to begin a TEFL career. Since getting my qualifications I have secured a position with Interact to teach English in Japan and I've interviewed for a position at Berlitz within 3 weeks after getting my qualifications.

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