TEFL Courses & Certification
Get yourself prepared for teaching English abroad! TEFL certification is your first step to a career of traveling the world.
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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.
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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
It's a Great course
October 10, 2026by: Nifisa Maddalena Khalifa - ItalyI have a degree and have studied English all my life, but this course, which certifies me as an English teacher, has been very useful to me. I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to learn HOW to teach for real!
Best time ever!
October 10, 2026by: Habiba Khan - United KingdomProgram: Teaching Internship (with TEFL Certificate) in Asia & Europe
Taking part in the Thailand programme was a memorable experience and gave me the opportunity to immerse myself in a new culture while gaining teaching experience. I enjoyed working with the students, meeting other participants and exploring local areas outside the organised activities. One of my favourite memories was unexpectedly making friends with a local at a 7-Eleven, who drove us back to our hotel, recommended places to visit and even had a karaoke session with us in the car! Moments like this made the experience feel special and showed me how welcoming people could be. The programme helped me step outside my comfort zone and develop my interpersonal skills. I would recommend it to anyone who is open-minded, willing to learn and keen to experience a different culture.
It was great
October 10, 2026by: Seth Hanekom - South AfricaProgram: Online Level 3 TEFL Course
Coming from a background of business, It was a great experience and I learned a lot of practical skills in the field of education. I enjoyed taking my time and absorbing as much knowledge as possible.
I’d choose it again
October 09, 2026by: Rita Zhou - MalaysiaProgram: Accredited 120-hour TEFL certification online course $49
Yes, this is a course for teachers new. The cost of the course is not high. There is much comfort in learning on the website linked for learning in online. For the professors who are making this, they are making a strong course where it is safe to learn.
Great course for learning something new
October 09, 2026by: Deontay Brown - United StatesI found this through AI but it was actually a great find! Lots of helpful text and some videos of people in classes in Asia. I was linked to a fancy new website to get me learning and it was fast and worked on my iPad.
This was an amazing opportunity.
October 08, 2026by: Muneebah Ahmed - United KingdomProgram: Online Level 5 TEFL Course
As a trainee teacher, I have wanted to complete a TEFL certification, and I am so glad that I did so with the TEFL Academy. The team and tutors are really supportive, and it fit really well with completing my university work on the side. I also found the course to be great at explaining all areas for those who aren't going into teaching, as well as supporting your pedagogy and approach to lesson planning and supporting students in the classroom. It is definitely an amazing experience and one that I would recommend to do especially if you are in teaching or thinking of going abroad, or just to develop your professional skill set.
Thanks for the recommendation! We are really pleased to hear you were supported by our team throughout.
I had the best time of my life!
October 08, 2026by: Natashia De Beer - South AfricaProgram: Online Level 3 TEFL Course
The whole experience was amazing. There is so much support and the learning process was wonderful. I enjoyed every minute of it. Thank you for giving me the opportunity of a life time. I would definitely recommend it to anyone who wants to make a difference in the world.
Thanks for the recommendation, Natashia!
TEFL Practical Teaching Week
October 08, 2026by: Nicole Jackson - United StatesProgram: Online TEFL Certification with Job Placement Guarantee
I would like to mention Sean who encouraged me throughout my Practical Teaching week. I appreciate him sharing his confidence that I could finish the week well. I am greatful for his experience and guidance.
A Great Foundation for Teaching English Abroad
October 07, 2026by: HR GrowGreen - VietnamProgram: Online Level 5 TEFL Course
As a partner of The TEFL Academy, we’ve had the opportunity to welcome teachers who completed their TEFL training with them, and we’ve been very impressed with the preparation they receive. The course provides teachers with a solid foundation in both teaching knowledge and practical classroom skills, giving them the confidence to step into real teaching environments. Our teachers have come to us well-equipped with useful techniques for lesson planning, classroom management, engaging students, and adapting their teaching to different learners and levels. From our experience, The TEFL Academy does a great job of preparing teachers for the realities of teaching English, and we’re happy to recommend the course to anyone looking to start or develop their teaching journey.
Thanks so much for this feedback. This is the ultimate goal of The TEFL Academy, to prepare our students to be great teachers for English students and employers like yourselves.
Step in the right direction
October 06, 2026by: Seb R - FranceProgram: 120-hour Premier Online TEFL Course with The TEFL Org
The service provided by the TEFL Org team was impeccable. They covered most of my queries, but then it was hard to find relevant jobs for me in my city. Not really their fault when they're not a job application website. As for my supervisor, I appreciate how direct yet positive he is to me after all the assignments and is always open to helping me in becoming the best version of an English teacher. Highly recommend this course for anyone who wants to change career paths!
Great value option
October 06, 2026by: Maddy Pinker - United StatesProgram: Accredited 120-Hour TEFL/TESOL Course $39 with certificate
I’m glad I chose this course. The 120 hour TESOL was very informative and had lots of practical application opportunities. Though I payed very little I got a tremendous amount from it. The later units took everything even deeper. The certs are pretty.
Very fun experience
October 06, 2026by: Christian Robinson - United StatesProgram: Online Level 5 TEFL Course
I love how interactive and fun the courses were. Everything was laid out and it made sense. I’m really glad I signed up for this program. I’m ready to put my newfound skills to use. I am currently working the top-up courses to expand my knowledge.
Thanks for the feedback, Christian. It is great to hear you had fun completing your course.
It was great
October 06, 2026by: Keara Rolfe - South AfricaProgram: Online Level 3 TEFL Course
The course was really interesting and I learnt a lot, a lot of it were things I have never learnt before. It just sometimes challenging trying to submit things. But in general the portal was user friendly and they got back to you quickly.
Thanks for the feedback, Keara.
I have not taught abroad.
October 06, 2026by: Ann Joubert - South AfricaProgram: Online Level 5 TEFL Course
I have thoroughly enjoyed the course and I am excited to go abroad and teach. Thank you TEFL Academy for helping me in building a global teaching career. I would recommend TTA to anyone wanting to achieve their TEFL certification.
Thanks so much for the recommendation.
A Valuable Journey Into Teaching English
October 05, 2026by: Paul Agbalusi - NigeriaProgram: Online Level 5 TEFL Course
Completing my Level 5 Diploma in Teaching English as a Foreign Language with The TEFL Academy has been a valuable learning experience for me. The course helped me develop a much better understanding of lesson planning, grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation, classroom management and how to approach teaching learners at different levels. I particularly appreciated the structured nature of the course and the practical assignments, which encouraged me to think carefully about how lessons should be prepared and delivered. The feedback I received also helped me identify areas where I could improve. Completing the qualification has increased my confidence and motivated me to pursue opportunities to teach English internationally. It also contributed to my interest in developing practical English-learning materials, including my own REAL-LIFE ENGLISH educational project. I am now looking forward to putting what I have learned into practice, gaining professional classroom experience and continuing to develop as an English teacher. Overall, I am grateful for the knowledge and foundation that The TEFL Academy has given me at the beginning of my TEFL career.
Thanks for the feedback, and best of luck with your TEFL career.
It was a good challenge, initially daunting but sufficiently enriching.
October 05, 2026by: Patrick Ndlangamandla - South AfricaProgram: Online Level 3 TEFL Course
Daunting at first, the course became easier to follow as I went through the first two units. As I proceeded through the course material, I found that setting aside a routine, regular and consistent studying time made it easy for me to absorb information. I notice this as I was going through the unit tests with little effort than when I started. I also found the course informative and educational, exposed to the of value of communicative English and without the use of a dictionary. The course introduced me to the teaching method of eliciting as I was used to the method of lecturing.
Thanks for the great feedback!
An Exceptional 10-Hour Practicum Course with An Exceptional Teacher!
October 05, 2026by: Boakye Yiadom Osei - GhanaProgram: Teach Confidently with this 10-Hour Practicum Course
I had the privilege of completing the 10-hour TEFL Practicum course with Michelle Benson and it was truly incredible. Michelle is an outstanding, knowledgeable and passionate teacher. Over the 2 days, she made every session engaging, interactive and very practical. She has a wonderful way of breaking things down into simple and understandable concepts. I learned so much, both theoretically and practically, about how to plan and deliver engaging and effective English lessons online. I now feel fully confident and open-minded to start my journey as an online English teacher. Thank you Michelle for such an inspiring and impactful course. I highly recommend her to anyone taking the TEFL course.
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!
Thanks, Curtis. We really appreciate the recommendation.
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.
Thanks so much, Cassidy. It is great to hear the support staff were excellent for you.
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