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 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
good TEFL course
September 20, 2026by: Daniel Forbes - United StatesProgram: 120-Hour Accredited TEFL Certification with Live Support
I have found this course useful for making this very daunting transition to teaching English overseas into something less daunting. I feel much more aware of my blind spots walking into a TEFL interview or first job position, and feel like the course provides a solid foundation for lesson planning and classroom management. I look forward to receiving the placement assistance that is offered now that I am at the end. As a working adult with my own business, I found the flexibility to be unmatched by any other product yet still providing the solid foundation I was looking for. Thank you TEFLPros!
Fantastic and rewarding experience!!
September 19, 2026by: Jane Andreozzi - AustraliaProgram: 140-Hour In-Person TEFL Course in Siem Reap, Cambodia
This course is fantastic, just finished mine, the training, support, practical teaching , second to none. Can't thank Willie and his team for all their support, care and feedback. Had never stood up to speak in my previous roles. The confidence and skills you gain are life changing. Highly recommend! Would give it 10 stars!!!!!
Totally Worth It!
September 19, 2026by: S. C. - PhilippinesProgram: Online Level 5 TEFL Course
Studying with The TEFL Academy was a total game-changer. The course modules are fun, well-paced, and give you real skills for teaching. Love every minute of this course. If you're on the fence, definitely go for it!
Premier 150 hour course including 3 day weekday classroom
September 18, 2026by: Ben Jarmyn - United KingdomProgram: 120-hour Premier Online TEFL Course with The TEFL Org
Excellent all round. Well planned user friendly online course that gave me confidence and practice in all areas and unexpected support especially in next steps. Classroom course diverse students and teacher all adding value.
Good course that has strong foundations
September 18, 2026by: Dario Burgos - SpainI am impressed muchly with the course. The foundations of the course are strong. The approach to learning is strong also. Visually, everythiing looks good and functionally everything works well. It was easy to learn.
Overall a great certification program to gain tools to apply to this industry.
September 16, 2026by: Salvador Verduzco - United StatesProgram: Online Level 3 TEFL Course
I really enjoyed the overview and broad spectrum of information provided in this course. The lesson planning was a great activity to work through and the detailed feedback was very helpful in my development. Some links weren’t working on the bonus material but very grateful for the amount of information shared.
Thanks for the feedack. It is very much appreciated. We will inform the academic team of the link issue you faced. Best of luck with your teaching career.
I really enjoyed the course
September 16, 2026by: Ju-Mari Meyer - South AfricaProgram: Online Level 5 TEFL Course
I really enjoyed completing the TEFL course. The course was well-structured, informative, and easy to follow. The content was practical and gave me useful skills and confidence for teaching English to learners. I would definitely recommend this course to anyone looking to gain a TEFL qualification.
Thanks so much for the recommendation.
A journey that changed the way I teach
September 16, 2026by: Dikeledi Magdeline Mosobe - South AfricaProgram: Online Level 5 TEFL Course
My experience with TEFL Academy has truly been transformative. Towards the end of my course in 2024, I experienced a personal loss and had to step away from my studies. What touched me most was that the TEFL Academy did not give up on me, and in 2026 I finally completed my qualification. The academic support was exceptional. Saturday webinars, patient tutors, assignment guidance and three opportunities to complete assignments made me feel that the focus was on helping students. The course also changed my teaching practice. As an isiZulu First Additional Language teacher, I previously relied heavily on translation, dictionaries and flashcards. The course opened my eyes to more communicative and engaging approaches to language teaching. The classroom training was practical, enjoyable and inspiring. I completed the course with renewed confidence, new possibilities and a fresh perspective on teaching
Thanks for the detailed feedback. We are so sorry to hear of your loss, but very pleased you were supported to get to your end goal. Best of luck!
Worth while experience
September 16, 2026by: Deborah Louw - South AfricaProgram: Online Level 5 TEFL Course
I found the course to be informative and relevant to my expectations. Assignments had clear instructions and sections were bundled according to concepts. It was a great experience and a good boost to my confidence. Well worth the time.
Thanks for the review, Deborah.
I had a really easy time learning a new chapter
September 16, 2026by: Sajjaad Sauhoboo - MauritiusProgram: Online Level 5 TEFL Course
Enrollment in this educational program has proven to be an exceptionally rewarding endeavor, facilitating an accelerated acquisition of knowledge and insights in a remarkably condensed timeframe. Furthermore, the digital infrastructure is exceptionally user-friendly; upon the seamless processing of the transaction, immediate, frictionless entry to the student portal was successfully established.
Thanks for the feedback!
Accredited TEFL course
September 15, 2026by: David Walsh - CanadaI bought this before summer and only got around to starting it in August. It's good. It has a unit of online teaching which I thought was especially helpful. The lesson planning and games units were also really good. The way the course is taught is straightforward but modern and , which is a nice surprise considering the low price
very informative; extremely helpful
September 15, 2026by: Emily Waid-Jones - United StatesProgram: Accredited Level 5 TEFL Course Online | Teach Worldwide
I have been feeling a bit lost as far as TEFL job searching is concerned, so it was a huge relief to get all of my questions answered. I learned a lot about online job sites (good vs bad, what to look for, etc) and I feel much more prepared to start applying. Thank you so much !
I loved it
September 14, 2026by: Magdalene Moodley - South AfricaProgram: Online Level 5 TEFL Course
Although is was lengthy content to read. At first I thought it will be very difficult to complete and understand. However the content was understandably and assignments and tests was well put together.
Thank you for the review, Magdalene.
GOTOCO Thailand
September 14, 2026by: Habibah Bafaqih - United KingdomProgram: Teaching Internship (with TEFL Certificate) in Asia & Europe
The teachers at the school I worked at were absolutely lovely and treated us so nicely from the very beginning. Receiving such a warm welcome from them and being shown so much love throughout the entire trip made the whole experience so much better. Going camping with the teachers was one of the highlights of my overall experience, and of course teaching the children was also amazing.
Full stars for helping get through my blunder
September 13, 2026by: Mike L - United KingdomProgram: Accredited 120-hour TEFL certification online course $49
Exceptional support from these guys. Not sure how I managed to put a double space between my names on the cert, but I did, so hey ho. Anyway, long story short, I emailed when I saw my downloaded certificate looked a bit off due to the big gap. 10 minutes later, I had a new certificate in my inbox with 3 review links. Happy to oblige,, it was a wonderful course. Best of luck to you guys!
Confident teacher
September 13, 2026by: Zanele Patricia Mojaki - South AfricaProgram: Online Level 5 TEFL Course
I have learnt a lot about how to conduct online lessons and prepare lesson plans. I am confident today because of TEFL. Be creative when teaching. My mindset have changed a lot. I can use the internet in different ways. I also gained knowledge about the different types of VISA. My experience was an incredible opportunity for personal and professional growth. It allowed me to explore a new environment, learn about different cultures, and gain a broader understanding of the world. During my time with TEFL, I had the opportunity to learn more about people from diverse backgrounds, experience different ways of life, and develop greater confidence and independence. I learned to adapt to new situations, appreciate cultural differences, and approach challenges with an open mind. This experience also helped me develop valuable skills such as communication, problem-solving, and adaptability. It broadened my perspective and inspired me to continue learning and pursuing new opportunities. Overall, my experience was both educational and rewarding. It created lasting memories, strengthened my personal development, and encouraged me to share what I learned with others. I am grateful for the opportunity and believe that TEFL experience can make a meaningful difference in a person's life.
Thank you for the positive review, Zanele. Thank you for choosing to study with TTA!
My tutor was invaluable, Angie was amazing.
September 12, 2026by: Scott Ribbins - CanadaProgram: 120-hour Premier Online TEFL Course with The TEFL Org
The course is logical and with hard work provides an excellent foundation for success. The future is bright as a TEFL graduate. This is an exceptional program. I highly recommend anyone wanting to pursue a career teaching abroad to enroll in this excellent program. Good luck everyone. Scott
i had a great , and difficult time as the level is high.
September 12, 2026by: Fabrice Bobin - FranceProgram: 120-hour Premier Online TEFL Course with The TEFL Org
maybe you should add a module about punctuation, as it is important and there is not such a module on the 120 hours teaching english, tefl, tesol . i am french , for eg, and we have punctuation as well, but it be confusing sometimes, for students to understand, as we don't have the same kind of rythm, and musicality in the way , we write, and pronunce in english , that, could help students of other native languages too. thank you ! the course was really gret and enriching, and quiet high level , nd well, created .
This course helped me start a new chapter in my life
September 11, 2026by: Jacob Harding - CanadaThanks to this course I am now on track to teach English in Japan and start a new chapter in my life! The course is easy to follow and the way that it is sectioned allows you to easily work through it at your own pace.
Simple but pro
September 11, 2026by: Lillian Tsai - ChinaIt’s very professional course. However their price made me feel it would not be professional. There was alot of text and some videos to help explain. For Chinese speaker who do not have English as first language this course still was okay to understand. The layout is pretty and simple to use.
Latest Interviews

Travis Lopez
TEFL Hero
An old colleague of mine moved to Bangkok to teach English and recommended it. He was having a great time, the job was much less stressful than what w...

Joyce Lee Taylor
TEFL Hero
I’ve always dreamed of seeing more of the world, but life just kept me busy with work and raising kids.

Joseph Stonier
TEFL Madrid Academy
I’ve always had a passion for travel and experiencing new cultures, but what truly inspired me to go abroad was the opportunity to combine my love for...

Matthew Joseph Reynolds
TEFL Madrid Academy
What inspired me to go abroad was the desire to step out of my comfort zone and experience life from a different perspective. I wanted to immerse myse...

Jennifer & Tim Borders
TEFL Madrid Academy
We’ve always had a passion for travel and experiencing new cultures, but we wanted to do something more meaningful than just being tourists.

Nailia Zagidulina
TEFL Madrid Academy
From a young age, I dreamed of traveling and discovering new cultures. Growing up in Kazakhstan, I loved my country, but I always felt the urge to exp...

Carolina Emily Cody
TEFL Madrid Academy
I’ve always been drawn to the idea of exploring new cultures and expanding my horizons. The thought of living in a different country, fully immersing ...

Christine Cherise
TeachTEFL
I studied law and always dreamt of having my own law firm. I am an admitted Attorney and after I finished what I had to, I left the industry and went ...

Yvonne Van Wyk
TeachTEFL
When my children were younger I had to be at home to look after them. Now they are both grown up and independent. For the first time I had the opportu...

Rory Downey
International TEFL and TESOL
I was specifically seeking the opportunity to flex my past teaching experiences in a fun, out-of-the-box way. I had lived and worked abroad in the fie...

Ella Durrigan
The TEFL Institute
I decided to pursue an online program because I wanted to get qualified as a TEFL teacher while also doing my degree program. I needed the flexibility...

Alison Aparo
TEFL Madrid Academy
I applied to about 10 schools in Massachusetts as a Spanish major. The schools which had abroad programs reached out to me. I received an email regard...

Ryan Collins
TEFL Madrid Academy
I think there was always something that drove me to travel. My favorite subject in school was Geography, and I absolutely love looking up new and inte...

Ethan McMillen
TEFL Madrid Academy
I started studying Spanish in Elementary school and always learned about Spain and other Latin American countries. For me, they always seemed so inter...

Georgia Knapp
TEFLPros
I spent part of my childhood abroad thanks to my parents' jobs. I always knew that one day I would want to live outside the US again and make my own w...

Emily Warren
TEFLPros
I was working a 9-5 corporate job and just not feeling totally fulfilled in my life. I was making great money, had all the nice things I wanted, but f...

Jessica Murray
The TEFL Academy
It snowed in Ireland at the beginning of March, so bad that we were snowed in and were off our usual 9-5 jobs. I've always wanted to teach and my boyf...

Dino M
Vantage TEFL Certification
I've always wanted to travel abroad to learn about different cultures and people. Some of the things that inspired me were events that I learned about...

Rica Lorraine Dalusong
International TEFL Training Institute Philippines
When I became an ESL teacher in the Philippines, this opened my mind to exploring other places. While teaching my students, I was inspired after I lis...

Brett Horting
(DEAD URL) Tefl Pro Prague
I've always wanted to live abroad, and after traveling so much, I realized that becoming a certified English teacher can help me live abroad. I did my...
Popular Searches
Recent TEFL Courses Articles
























