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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Featured TEFL Provider of the Month
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
Worth the hard work imho
September 10, 2026by: Gemma Stone - United KingdomProgram: Accredited 120-Hour TEFL/TESOL Course $39 with certificate
To be brutally honest, I thought this was going to be a scam at first, so I paid with paypal for peace of mind. It's not a scam - it's a legitimate training course and it's fantastic! If I have one piece of advice for anyone reading this it's to either message them if you're in doubt or just look at the lesson they give you access to (which at the time I had not the foggiest about). If you get through the course without being impressed by the intensity of the training process, I'd be amazed tbh. I just wasn't expecting this for 30 pounds or so that I spent on it. I can't speak highly enough of it.
It was the quality of something much more expensive
September 10, 2026by: Pete Edwards - United KingdomProgram: Accredited 120-Hour TEFL/TESOL Course $39 with certificate
Exceptional is the word I'd use to describe the course environment and inclusions. I paid 30 pounds and feel like I got a semester of university or something. I think the world of TEFL must be super competitive or something for outfits to feel the need to include so much in their courses: this guy had videos of the unit text with subs, videos of teaching, videos of concepts, videos of videos (just joking!), interactive textbooks, interactive textbook quiz questions, scenario training, job support materials and I'm pretty sure I've missed a few things. It's deep and it's generous. After I finished, I realised I'd spent a load of time on things I didn't need to for advancing to the next parts of the course, but I did it because I liked the process of learning. If you're actually into knowing how to get the scoop on teaching the language then I definitely recommend this. It's legitimately good. Even if you want to go through it a bit quicker, I reckon it allows for that but you can't really get through it without learning the basics anyway as there's just so much detail and density to it. I'm considering waiting a while before going ahead with the extension because they said there's going to be a 200 hours version relesased soon.
Great Content. Learn at your own pace.
September 10, 2026by: Michelle Rozas - United StatesProgram: 120-Hour Professional TEFL Course
I enjoyed the 120hr course with myTFEL.com. I liked how there was no pressure and I could learn at my own pace. I enjoyed the course materials and the details of English Language teaching. I would recommend this course to all teachers.
I completed it!
September 09, 2026by: Anna Garcia - MexicoProgram: Accredited 120-hour TEFL certification online course $49
I will recommend the course to all students and graduated students who will like to learn how they may become English teachers. The course prepared me to have the confidence and the skills to succeed as an online teacher of English. I receive the feedback that I could use to improve my understanding to teach.
My TEFL Learning Journey
September 09, 2026by: shahir beukes - South AfricaProgram: Online Level 5 TEFL Course
My experience with the TEFL course has been rewarding and enriching. As someone who is passionate about teaching, I found the course to be a valuable opportunity to develop my knowledge and improve my teaching skills. One of the most important things I learned was how to plan lessons that are engaging, interactive, and suitable for learners with different needs and abilities. The course helped me understand that teaching English is not only about explaining grammar and vocabulary, but also about creating a supportive environment where learners feel comfortable, confident, and motivated to participate. I enjoyed discovering new ways to make English lessons more engaging and enjoyable for learners. The course also helped me reflect on my own teaching practices. I gained a deeper understanding of the importance of clear communication, and adapting lessons to suit individual learners. This has strengthened my confidence in supporting learners who may struggle with English. Overall, the TEFL course has expanded my understanding of language education and renewed my motivation to continue growing as an educator. I would recommend it to anyone interested in teaching English or improving their teaching abilities. It is a worthwhile learning experience .I enjoyed discovering new ways to make English lessons more engaging and enjoyable for learners.

The course is perfect!
September 09, 2026by: Nidhi Nangia - IndiaProgram: Online Level 5 TEFL Course
I have thoroughly enjoyed my TEFL course with TTA and would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a well structured and comprehensive programme. What I particularly appreciate is the balance the course strikes. It covers everything you genuinely need to know without overwhelming you with irrelevant information. The level of difficulty is just right too. It is challenging enough that you have to stay engaged and actually put in the work, but not so demanding that you feel you need to quit your job to keep up with it! Another thing that really stands out is how well the course is presented. The content is clear, organised and easy to follow, which makes learning a lot more enjoyable and manageable. And I must especially commend TTA for having such a great job support system in place. Knowing that there is genuine support beyond simply completing the course adds tremendous value and makes the whole experience feel much more worthwhile. Thank you, TTA, for putting together such a thoughtful, practical and well presented course!
Gained excellent knowledge in a new skill
September 08, 2026by: Reece Jada Meas - South AfricaProgram: Online Level 5 TEFL Course
The course was really interesting and allowed me to go deeper into the language that I might have forgotten or helped understand it better. I had better better insight on how to teach the language to others.
Had time of my
September 08, 2026by: Silindile Ndlela - South AfricaProgram: Online Level 5 TEFL Course
The choice I ever made, to learn more about diversity communities and able to learn other cultures by utilizing my skills and knowledge by teaching English. Best decision I ever made and thank you TELF ACADEMY


Crazy good tutors and staff
September 08, 2026by: Garrett Berry - United StatesProgram: Accredited 120-hour TEFL certification online course $49
I'll leave a review to happily broadcast the high quality of your staff and teachers. The practicals course was the one I opted for and I found it highly rewarding. Tutors responded with relevant feedback, the tasks got me thinking about how to prep for lessons. The course even without the assignments was full from feedback. Thank you
TEFL.org is very thorough in reviewing one's answers.
September 08, 2026by: Maureen Abadom - NigeriaThe tutor kept sending feedbacks and me to rewriting my answers . He also asked me different questions from the ones that are on the system . They did all these to ensure that I wasn't using AI for my answers and I understood the questions very well.initally, I wasn't happy with the back and forth;but later, I realised that the back and forth process made me to understand the course very well more than I was studying
Great e-learning experience
September 07, 2026by: Florencia Ibarrola Machin - ArgentinaProgram: Online Level 5 TEFL Course
I really enjoyed the course at The TEFL Academy; I found it comprehensive, engaging and well-structured. As a non-native speaker, although I already have some teaching experience, I found that the course covers the most important aspects of teaching, going beyond the technical aspects of language.
Florencia, thank you for your review.
Engaging and great value
September 05, 2026by: Katie Adams - United StatesProgram: Accredited 120-Hour TEFL/TESOL Course $39 with certificate
I can’t speak highly enough of this course! Staff were kind, the units were layered nicely so that I always felt in control of what was being taught and there was so much video footage of real classroom interaction. It’s an incredibly thought provoking course.
So much to learn when taking this course
September 05, 2026by: Pete Edwards - United KingdomI finished the 120 hours TEFL course and paid only 20 quid. That included everything, which is daft cheap! Everything worked and everything was intuitive. I didn't need to email them about anything so not a clue about their email response time.
Everything You Need, Nothing You Don’t
September 05, 2026by: Nidhi Nangia - IndiaProgram: Online Level 5 TEFL Course
I have thoroughly enjoyed my TEFL course with TTA and would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a well structured and comprehensive programme. What I particularly appreciate is the balance the course strikes. It covers everything you genuinely need to know without overwhelming you with irrelevant information. The level of difficulty is just right too. It is challenging enough that you have to stay engaged and actually put in the work, but not so demanding that you feel you need to quit your job to keep up with it! Another thing that really stands out is how well the course is presented. The content is clear, organised and easy to follow, which makes learning a lot more enjoyable and manageable. And I must especially commend TTA for having such a great job support system in place. Knowing that there is genuine support beyond simply completing the course adds tremendous value and makes the whole experience feel much more worthwhile. Thank you, TTA, for putting together such a thoughtful, practical and well presented course!

Thank you for your positive feedback, Nidhi.
Online Training For TEFL
September 05, 2026by: Rebecca Aryal - United StatesProgram: Online Level 5 TEFL Course
I was looking for a career change, and teaching seemed impossible until I found TEFL Academy. Being online meant I could complete the program at my own pace, and, since the website is so well designed, it was easier to navigate than I imagined. I definitely recommend for adult learners who are able to keep themselves on track.
Thank you for choosing to take a course with TTA, Rebecca.
I had a wonderful and rewarding experience complering my (TEFL) TTA course!
September 04, 2026by: Susan Rajchrt - South AfricaProgram: Online Level 5 TEFL Course
The (TEFL) TTA course is extremely user-friendly and easy to follow, with clear instructions throughout. The content is relavant, informative and presented in a professional manner. Assignments are challenging yet meaningful and practical. Helpful videos and practical contact lessons make the learning experience even more engaging and enjoyable! The tutors are professional, friendly and supportive. I especially appreciated the high quality and excellent standards maintained throughout the course with enough information and guidance to help you feel confident and well prepared for teaching English as a foreign language. It was definitely worth my time, effort and money. Thank you (TEFL) TTA! I feel empowered and inspired!

Thank you for the wonderful review, Susan. We are glad you have finished the course feeling so confident.
Great leaning experience
September 04, 2026by: A ALAHAKOON - United KingdomProgram: Online Level 5 TEFL Course
I really enjoyed completing my TEFL Academy course. It was well structured, with plenty of useful learning materials and helpful, informative content throughout. The course was easy to follow and gave me a solid foundation and confidence to take the next step in my journey. Overall, a great learning experience!
Thank you for the wonderful review. We are glad to hear that you finished the course feeling confident, and we wish you the best of luck in your teaching career.
Good academic experience!
September 04, 2026by: Noluthando Mnguni - South AfricaProgram: Online Level 5 TEFL Course
It's a course that's simple to understand even if you're not a native English speaker. The teachings are easy to grasp, and tasks and assignments have been the best part in ensuring academic excellence.

Thank you for the positive review, Noluthando.
A rewarding journey from learning to becoming a TEFL Teacher
September 04, 2026by: Sintle Mbono - South AfricaProgram: Online Level 5 TEFL Course
I had a great experience completing my TEFL course. The course was well structured, informative and gave me a much better understanding of teaching English as a foreign language. The assignments were challenging at times, but they helped me apply what I learned in a practical way. I really appreciated the support and guidance throughout the course, and I’m proud to have completed my qualification. I would definitely recommend this course to anyone looking to start a career in teaching English abroad.
Thank you for choosing to take a course with TTA, Sintle!
Unexpected! Definitely Meaningful Journey
September 04, 2026by: Anita Selvaraju - MalaysiaComing from a country where English is spoken as a second language, yet where English is widely used as the primary language of business, I initially expected this programme to be relatively “easy.” However, once I started, I quickly realised that it was far more challenging than I had anticipated. Although challenging, I truly appreciated the rigour of the programme. It reinforced for me that if we aspire to teach English, we should first have a deep respect for the language and take pride in mastering it. The level of teaching and the expectations of the programme are what ultimately maintain its quality and credibility. As I progressed, the programme became increasingly manageable, particularly with the quizzes and assessments, which kept me engaged and motivated throughout the learning journey. Each component challenged me to apply what I had learned rather than simply acquire knowledge. Completing this programme has been a meaningful achievement and a valuable addition to my professional resume. As I prepare to enter the next chapter of my life — corporate retirement — I am grateful that I chose to undertake this journey. It has not only strengthened my confidence in the English language, but also reminded me that learning should never stop, regardless of where we are in our careers or lives. I am genuinely glad I did this programme, and I will carry what I have learned into the next chapter of my life.
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