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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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...
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 Group
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 ...
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...
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
Nice course, too many course options
October 30, 2026by: Tyler Chang - United StatesProgram: Accredited 120-Hour TEFL/TESOL Course $29 with certificate
The best thing is clearly the quality you get for the price, but it’s a pain in the ass actually deciding on a course! They have online specialist, regular, regular with assignments, regular with special sauce, regular with extra special sauce…honestly, studyT you need to just keep it simple for us simple folk! Once you actually choose a course, the good news is that the course (at least the regular regular TEFL that I did!) is actually great. To reiterate, in case anyone from the site actually reads reviews posted here, please do yourself and everyone else a huge favor and cut your courses down by, oh, 50%?! Rant aside, the course is well worth doing.
These guys did me a solid
October 30, 2026by: Brett Cooper - United StatesProgram: Accredited 120-hour TEFL certification course from $34
Ran out of time with my course and figured I’d shoot a hopeful/bashful email to these guys about an extension…they obliged and did so speedily. The course is great - especially the one on their LMS they moved me to with the extension. I wholeheartedly recommend them not just for their kindness but also for the course being so valuable. I did the 120 hour TEFL course, for reference.
Comprehensive, challenging, rewarding.
October 30, 2026by: Patrick Finlay - EnglandProgram: Online Level 5 TEFL Course
The TEFL Academy level 5 course was challenging and comprehensive, leaving me with a firm foundation in the approaches to teaching English as a foreign language. Assignment marking and feedback was quick and helpful, as were the staff who answered the few questions I had. I would recommend this course to aspiring TEFL teachers, just be prepared to with hard!
Thank you for your feedback, Patrick!
Great Intro to Teaching
October 30, 2026by: Robert Jones - United StatesProgram: Online Level 5 TEFL Course
I really liked the layout of the class and the help I got when I couldn't understand something. It was a great introduction to teaching English. I hope in the coming weeks to take the teaching online class and also the teaching kid's class. I expect to start my job search in the new year.
Robert, thank you for your review. We wish you the best with your job search in the new year.
Good Quality Class
October 29, 2026by: Joseph C - United StatesProgram: Online Level 5 TEFL Course
I decided to move to Europe, and I thought it might be useful to have a TEFL course as a possible way to make money but I didn't have time for a classroom course. This well-designed course fit my needs. There are lots of videos but you they all come with a transcript so you can easily review what was said. In fact, you don't need to watch the videos at all - you can just read the text. I thought the quizzes were more comprehension-based than fact-based. The assignements come with a template that lays out exaclty what you need to do. There was a lot of useful material, and I learned quite a bit. There's a section about learning the "phoenetic alphabet" that seemed ludicrous to me (I've taken several langauge classes as a student and nobody has every used this and for good reason) but it's just one section. The rest of the class was great and I highly reccomend it.
Thank you for your review, Joseph.
Great Content and Convenient
October 29, 2026by: Joe C - United StatesProgram: Online Level 5 TEFL Course
This class had excellent content. I learned a lot at my own pace and it was convenient. The units are well organized and almost everything seemed relevant (I'm not so sure about the phoenetic alpabet). But everything else was informative. Highly recommended!
Joe, thank you for choosing to take a course with TTA!
Best decision on my career!
October 29, 2026by: Gustavo Ruiz - VenezuelaProgram: Online Level 5 TEFL Course
To be honest, this was the official touch my career needed in order to become a better teacher. I was taught different skills that I didn’t have before completing the course. Most teachers lack of structure but are full of creativity and this course manages to mix both aspects. Thank you very much!
Gustavo, thank you for the positive review.
Epic price, epic course
October 29, 2026by: Mitch Sample - United KingdomLook, this is a no-brainer for me as I just got accepted for a job in China - did the 150 hour tefl and it was great all the way through including job links, cv help and all that stuff. my advice? do it.
A teacher makes a difference!
October 28, 2026by: Wilna Van der Linde - South AfricaProgram: TEFL Institute Hybrid Masterclass: 310-Hour Advanced Diploma
I had the opportunity to do my practical course online with Michelle Benson and it was the most refreshing learning experience. Her passion and energy radiates through the screen! She has an archive of knowledge, yet teaches with so much patience and compassion. I learned so much from her during the course. Thankful for the experience. X
Exceptional value and quality! Thought it was great!
October 28, 2026by: Danny B - United KingdomI've been recommending this to anyone who'll listen tbh - this course (I did the 150 hours btw) was rammed to the brim with great quality content and I'm buzzing about now having my certification to get a job. I 100% recommend this course.
Exceeded my expectations
October 28, 2026by: Brian Nagai - United StatesProgram: Online TEFL Certification with Job Placement Guarantee
The Maximo Nivel online TEFL course turned out to be one of the best things I have done in recent memory. I had been wanting to get a certification to teach English as a foreign language, and waded through lots of information and pros and cons of different programs including CELTA versus TEFL, etc. Because I was more interested in teaching in the Americas, I opted for TEFL, and because of the excellent reviews of others, I landed on the Maximo Nivel online course. The price was certainly a bargain compared to CELTA programs, and the balance between self-directed online learning, observation, and practical teaching experience sealed the deal for me. I cannot speak about other TEFL programs, but what I can say is that Maximo Nivel exceeded my expectations for a TEFL program. For the modest cost of the course, I received abundant feedback on written assignments and class critiques, and in the end I was very well supported before, during, and after my practical teaching experience. The didactic online self-directed program laid an excellent foundation, and the practical teaching portion truly synthesized what I had learned from the online component and from observing hours of classes led by other teachers. I am particularly indebted to my trainer, Sean, for helping me get past my anxieties and insecurities, to the point where I found the teaching portion to be quite fun. With the combination of didactics, observation, and practical experience, Maximo Nivel has equipped me to do what I had set out to do in the first place--teach others my native language--and to discover the enjoyment at the heart of the process.
Finished my tefl in 4 weeks
October 27, 2026by: Hanfah Alina - United KingdomProgram: Online Level 3 TEFL Course
Hi this was a great course. Easy to read, listen and complete assignments. Im glad i got this done. I can now travel to Cambodia is a boust of freedom. I can start the new life I was denied because I never had the freedom to leave. With a tefl, I can leave now.
Thanks for the review, Hanfah. Best of luck with your Cambodia adventure.
Challenging, yet extremely rewarding!!
October 27, 2026by: Venicia Bournes - Trinidad & TobagoProgram: Online Level 5 TEFL Course
This course was very challenging, however the TEFL Academy ensured my success. Through their detailed coursework, excellent tutors by far it is the best TEFL program. Now I am equipped and ready to explore the world. Teaching and developing young minds is my passion, and this course has now opened the door for me to make this journey. Learning from my students is a bonus.
Thanks for the great review!
A fantastic and flexible training I've tried.
October 26, 2026by: KHOLOD ABDO - YemenProgram: 120-hour Premier Online TEFL Course with The TEFL Org
I completed the TEFL Premium 120-hour online course and found it an excellent choice for working learners. The lessons are well-structured, with clear explanations of core EFL concepts such as PPP lesson planning, classroom management, and differentiated teaching for multilevel adult students. The modules include useful real-world examples, practical assignment tasks, and helpful guidance for online teaching. I appreciated the flexible self-paced format, which let me study around my busy schedule. The feedback on assignments was detailed and constructive, helping me fix gaps in my lesson design. This course built my confidence to plan and deliver English lessons, and I'd absolutely recommend it for anyone planning to begin their TEFL journey.
I got my certificate quickly
October 26, 2026by: Brian Gray - United KingdomThe TESOL course was as stated. I actually found it to be much better than I had it down in my head, if that makes sense? For 20 pounds I figured I’d get a pdf and a passable digicert…actually they give a fair amount of extras and the content is nicely dressed. The website could do with a bit more info, right enough but I don’t care now I have my cert!
Learned so much new infromation
October 25, 2026by: Alyxandria West - United StatesProgram: Top Rated TEFL Course + Lifetime Job Support in 80 Countries
I had a great time using TEFL university for my tutoring certificate. I learned so much new information that helped me establish my tutoring base for when Im ready to go abroad. I will know what Im doing and what I need to look out for when starting up my business.
The best TEFL course ever!
October 25, 2026by: Rosa Bowers - United KingdomProgram: EBC Online Trinity CertTESOL Course
Got more than I expected. You gotta work hard but it was worth it. The teaching practice classes, tutors, guidance, feedback and overall management were simply the best! I already heard great things about the course, friends referred them and boy were they right!
Good online training
October 24, 2026by: Liz Tanner - United KingdomYes, I can recommend it for getting decent online training for close to free. It didn’t take me 120 hours but it wasn’t the few hours that someone said most cheaply courses take. My friend did one a few months ago and had her cert 4 hours after paying, but that’s impossible with this course as there’s lots of depth. I’m glad I chose it but it does make me wonder what 100 quid would get me if I got this much for 20
My Journey to Becoming an English Teacher
October 23, 2026by: Reuben Strydom - South AfricaProgram: Online Level 3 TEFL Course
Completing my TEFL course was a great experience that helped me prepare for teaching English abroad. During the course, I learned about lesson planning, classroom management, teaching grammar, and how to make lessons interesting and enjoyable for students. The course gave me a better understanding of how to teach English to students with different levels of English ability. I found the experience valuable because it helped me build my confidence and gave me useful skills that I can apply in a real classroom. It also opened up new opportunities for me to work internationally and experience different cultures. Thanks to my TEFL qualification, I am now preparing to take the next step in my journey by teaching English in Vietnam. I would recommend the course to anyone who wants to teach English abroad and explore new opportunities.
Reuben, thank you for your review. We wish you the best of luck with your teaching career in Vietnam!
I learnt lot of theoretical and practical knowledge related to English Language Teaching
October 23, 2026by: Kpk Kavindi Sandakirini - Sri LankaProgram: Online Level 5 TEFL Course
Completing the Level 5 TEFL Diploma was a rewarding experience. The course enhanced my teaching skills, strengthened my understanding of ESL methodologies, and equipped me with practical strategies to create engaging, effective, and learner-centred English lessons.
Thank you for choosing to take a course with TTA.
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