
Travis Lopez
TEFL Hero
AlumniAn 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...
Read Full Interview

with The TEFL Institute Group
International TEFL Academy
39
Named the Top-Rated TEFL Course TEFL Course in the USA by GoAbroad.com, ITA's 4-week Chicago TEFL course will qualify you to teach English in up to 80 countries. All students receive lifetime Job Search Guidance. This 190-hour Chicago TEFL class incorporates four weeks of professional-level TEFL
See All 7 ProgramsMAXIMO NIVEL
52
Get TEFL certified from anywhere in the world with Maximo Nivel! Maximo Nivel’s Online TEFL Certification blends comprehensive ESL theory with hands-on, live-teaching practice. This program prioritizes real-world application by combining flexible module study with direct Zoom coaching from expert
The TEFL Institute Group
226
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 and confidence to step into your first teaching
See All 4 ProgramsThe TEFL Academy
481
Graduate with a Level 5 TEFL completed online AND in a country of your choice! Our Combined 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
Premier TEFL
823
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-paced modules, you’ll learn essential teaching sk
See All 6 ProgramsThe TEFL Institute of Ireland
114
Fast-track your teaching career with the TEFL Institute of Ireland’s accredited fast-track 120-hour TEFL course, your passport to teaching English worldwide. This flexible, self-paced online programme is internationally recognised and meets the global standard for entry-level TEFL jobs, both abroad
See All 3 ProgramsmyTEFL
191
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 is practical and student-friendly, with a focu
See All 2 ProgramsInternational TEFL and TESOL
54
Do you want to live the American dream? Make this possible by teaching abroad. Start your exciting adventuring by choosing one of ITT's online TEFL/TESOL courses. Use the coupon code GoAbroad15 upon checkout to receive 15% off any course. Take advantage of our Super Sale! Choose from a selection o
See All 3 ProgramsInternational Teacher Training Organization
18
Our academic program surpasses other programs in several areas. For one, this is composed of a total of 140 hours of intensive training, out of which 10 are actual teaching practices with real EFL students. With professional instructors evaluating your performance, you will receive individual mentor
See All 3 ProgramsTEFL Graduate
14
Give yourself an edge with our 120 or 150-hour TEFL course! Our programs are delivered entirely online, allowing you to study at your own pace from the comfort of your home. You'll have 24/7 access to the course materials, 365 days a year. Both our 120-Hour and 150-Hour TEFL courses are excellent o
OnTESOL
4
Study TEFL online with OnTESOL at your own pace and attend live workshop-style lectures for an interactive learning experience. The 168-Hour Hybrid TEFL Certificate course is fully online and valid for teaching jobs worldwide. Combine our world-renowned 120-hour course with our live 10-Hour Lesson P
International TEFL Training Institute Oaxaca
2
Immerse yourself in the world of teaching and the richness of Mexican culture with iTTi Oaxaca's 4-week TEFL certification course. Set in the heart of Oaxaca, this hands-on program offers a globally recognized 120-hour TEFL certificate, including live teaching practice with local ESL learners. Und
TEFL Fullcircle
0
Get TEFL certified and start teaching English worldwide with our 120-Hour Online TEFL Course, accredited by Accreditat. This flexible, self-paced course equips you with essential teaching skills, covering lesson planning, classroom management, and effective teaching techniques. Whether you want to t
See All 3 ProgramsThe Cultural Exchange Project
2
Take your teaching certification to the next level with TEFL Plus. We're excited to announce that enrollment for our 120-Hour TEFL Plus Online Course and Certification starts now. Classes begin on October 1. Teach English abroad or online with your TEFL Plus certificate! Unlock your potential with
From sea to shining sea, there are cities-a-plenty to choose from when earning your TEFL certificate in North America.
The best choice for where to study will depend on your personal interests and goals you have for getting TEFL certified. Are you more interested in a metropolitan city like Vancouver or New York? In these cities, you can focus on your future professional network and job opportunities. However, a more low-key city with beautiful parklands nearby is Portland. Whatever scenario is up your alley, North America has you covered with a range of TEFL and TESOL training options.
If it is your first time going away from home, it may be more comfortable to try a similar environment in the U.S. Good location options for TEFL certification in North America include Chicago, with its beautiful Lake Michigan, and Seattle, home to some of the country’s best food, coffee, and outdoor adventures. If you are keen for warmer temperatures and want to experience more Latino culture, Miami is also a great pick. But if you’d like to get away from the mainland all together, try a TEFL program in Honolulu!
If you’re ready to up and go somewhere much different, you may want to look at the TEFL and TESOL programs in Belize, Costa Rica, or Guatemala. These locations may also offer you a guaranteed paid job after your training, so it’s a valuable experience in more ways than one. Alternatively, you could explore the flavors of Mexico, with a delectable, daily, dose of chilaquiles for breakfast, hop on a cable car in Montmorency Falls, near Quebec City, or feast on some poutine in Montreal. Lastly, why not get your TEFL surf up, while living on the coast in San Diego? The options for TEFL certification in North America are (as we said) endless.
TESOL and TEFL courses in North America can be structured in different ways, depending on where you study and what provider you choose to complete your certification with. TEFL programs in North America vary in length, which is most often noted in hours, from 20 hours to 140 hours. An average TEFL program length which is deemed acceptable by employers is 120 hours. You can also choose to earn TEFL certification part-time or full-time, or even online.
For most TEFL programs in North America, there is a combination of online and offline coursework required. One of the benefits to having online coursework is the opportunity to complete forum assignments, where students from around the world contribute their perspectives on a given discussion topic. Experiencing this diverse interaction will help you become more sensitive, as a teacher, to the mixture of opinions and learning styles which future students may share. TEFL courses in North America usually blend exams, quizzes, and real-world application of lessons. This is another major benefit because it keeps the coursework engaging and helps achieve necessary learning objectives in a thoughtful way.
Keeping up with readings and staying on top of lesson planning assignments is an important aspect of becoming TEFL certified abroad. Learning the theories and philosophies of education and language learning will become just as important as your own language learning endeavors.
TEFL program prices will differ significantly based on where you decide to earn your certification and what additional resources the program provider includes. Much like in any other case, if it’s a reliable and legitimate organization, “you get what you pay for!”
There are TEFL programs in North America that will appear more expensive than others, but that may be because they offer a pre-training course, an expansive alumni network, guaranteed job placement after the program, and/or housing. This is not the case for every TEFL certification program in North America, so be sure to ask all the questions you have during or before the application process.
TEFL programs in Canada can range from $900 to $3500, while some TEFL programs in Guatemala and Mexico will run about $1995. However, remember to keep in mind the cost of living in specific locations. Even if you sign up for a cheaper TEFL program, you might end up spending more on accommodation and daily living. Consider both the TEFL courses and the country!
Each TEFL certification program in North America will have its own requirements about what type of visa is needed to study and/or work in that specific country. More specifically, it will depend on what country you are coming from. The best way to find out is to speak with an advisor at the provider’s office, and be sure to check out GoAbroad's Embassy Directory for more information.
Some countries will consider the practicum/placement portion of your course as “work” and some may view it simply as part of the course-work, so it’s important to check if you only need a tourist visa (since the course is short) or a work/study visa.
Accommodation can vary from shared student dorm rooms to small apartments. There can be homestay options, hostels or hotels, based on where you study and how long your program is. TEFL program providers will typically help enrolled students to find cost effective housing in the area, but the decision on where to stay is ultimately up to the student.
The benefits to earning TEFL certification in North America are as boundless as the opportunities thereafter! Your network of friends and colleagues will expand enormously, as there are students from all sorts of different backgrounds in the program with you.Many people who care about becoming this type of educator care because they were positively impacted by a teacher somewhere along the way. It’s interesting to get to know your classmates and their motivations for taking the course.
A majority of the TEFL programs in North America offer job search support and provide helpful professional connections upon completion. They will support their alumni even after program completion, so that their students apply the new skills and knowledge gained as a TEFL/TESOL certified instructor.
The biggest challenges for TEFL and TESOL program students can be stepping outside of their comfort zone and getting to know new people, quickly. Public speaking is an essential skillset for all teachers, because of how often they stand in front of a classroom full of students. It’s especially important for language teachers to lead by example. Being a native English speaker is helpful in this regard, but it can also make it hard for TEFL teachers to remember their students’ perspective, as second language English learners. Remembering to consider unique learning styles and differing viewpoints from the students is most valuable.
The best reason to consider TEFL courses in North America is the value given to communication throughout the country. There are so many different places, people, cultures, and so much history, that it can be very confusing finding a correct identity. It’s important to understand why ESL students need the instruction they do and it’s best to put yourself in their shoes. North America offers so many TEFL opportunities for teachers, who wish to do just that!
Hear what past participants have to say about their experiences
Program: 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.
Program: Teach Confidently with this 10-Hour Practicum Course
The 10 Hour Advanced Certificate in TEFL Classroom Methodologies Course, which I recently joined was such a great experience where I could get to understand the nuances of teaching English to students of different ages and language backgrounds. The course was encompassed every aspects of teachings, and it will surely be a great aid to my career ahead in English teaching. Our instructor for the course Michelle Benson was such a supportive teacher and a fabulous person. She was very much lively throughout the sessions and her energy was being transmitted to us. She is a really experienced teacher and it was evident in the way she guided us through the lessons. She knew exactly when to intervene. I really enjoyed the sessions. Thank you for the course.
Program: Accredited Level 5 TEFL Course Online | Teach Worldwide
Very informative job coaching seminar, especially for anyone just starting out in TEFL. Emos is an excellent communicator who covered a wide range of topics and answered any questions we had. The slideshow also included useful links to follow up on. Highly recommended for anyone newly qualified.
Program: Accredited Level 5 TEFL Course Online | Teach Worldwide
I used to work in Latvia for 15 years teaching English to young learners, companies and delivering personal sessions. Then I moved to Ireland and was offered a job of EFL teacher in one of the Dublin's language schools. It was a completely new experience since I had to teach adult students of different linguistic and cultural backgrounds. I found it very interesting and challenging as well. I had to get used to different behaviour, attitude, perception. I was very grateful to my students who taught me a lot of new stuff, shared their culture, traditions, lifestyle. I would say I have a great job being among people, teaching and learning at the same time.
Program: TEFL/TESOL Certification in Mexico with iTTi Oaxaca
I needed help completing my practicum hours for my Master’s in TESOL, so I reached out to the director, and she recommended me for their intensive one-week TEFL refresher course in Oaxaca, Mexico. She was incredibly helpful, signed all my paperwork, and made the whole process so easy! The experience turned out to be so much more than just completing my hours. I got to visit Mexico, experience the amazing food, music and parades, learn about the indigenous cultures, and work with some really sweet students. One of the most meaningful parts of the trip was getting to experience the way of life in Oaxaca. Seeing how people live, connect with their communities, and appreciate the little things gave me a different perspective on the world and taught me how much there is to learn from other cultures. It was such a cool opportunity to gain hands-on teaching experience while exploring a new place and stepping outside my comfort zone. I’m really grateful to the director and the team for helping me make it happen. If you need to complete practicum hours or want an opportunity to gain teaching experience abroad, I would definitely recommend reaching out to them!



Program: TEFL/TESOL Certification in Mexico with iTTi Oaxaca
I absolutely loved this TEFL course! My host family was wonderful, and I had so much fun learning how mezcal is made. The students were so sweet, and working with them was definitely a highlight. I got a job teaching English online within two months of graduating, and now I’m traveling around South America while working remotely. It’s been an amazing experience!



Program: 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.
Program: 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.
Program: Teach Confidently with this 10-Hour Practicum Course
I took this course with Michelle Benson and it was absolutely worth waking up way before the sun. I’m currently redoing my TEFL certification as it’s been several years since I’ve taught and the first time around I did it with an organization that didn’t offer this “in-person” option. I’m really glad that I took this as even though I have teaching experience, getting to actually practice creating a lesson designed for learners that were different from the ones I taught, and then getting feedback as well, was extremely helpful in rebuilding my confidence. Although a lot of that is due to Michelle’s instruction as not only is she knowledgeable, but she clearly loves what she’s doing and because that comes through it made it much more comfortable to actually engage and ask questions when we needed to. Honestly if she did another “in person” class on a different subject I’d once again wake up at 3am just to take it.
Program: Teach Confidently with this 10-Hour Practicum Course
I found this teaching course particularly useful after completing my level 5 level English teaching diploma. The course content and administration were of high quality. Similarly, the teaching methods taught by Michelle Benson, really helped me to join the dots by putting theory into practice. Having just had a baby, this course has given me the boost I needed to pivot to a new career more confidently.
Program: Teach Confidently with this 10-Hour Practicum Course
This course was very enjoyable and beneficial. Michelle Benson is an excellent tutor who immediately puts you at ease. She is full of knowledge and experience and she shared lots of tips and advice with us in her fun and friendly sessions. A shout out to the lovely ladies in the group too, who also made this a great weekend. I feel very fortunate to have spent some time with them.
Program: 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 !
Program: 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.
Program: 120-Hour Professional TEFL Course
Overall, I had a very smooth experience with myTEFL. Everything worked well from start to finish with no technical issues. The material was easy to follow, and the quizzes were challenging at a fair level. I learned a lot and feel much more prepared now.
Program: 120-Hour TEFL Certification – Learn Anywhere with our App
The 120-Hour TEFL Certification was an excellent learning experience. The course was well-structured, informative, and comprehensive, covering important areas of teaching English as a foreign language. I particularly appreciated the practical strategies, clear explanations, and useful resources that can be applied in real classroom settings. The course helped strengthen my understanding of lesson planning, classroom management, teaching methodologies, and effective ways to engage learners with different needs and abilities. I found the flexibility of the course especially helpful, allowing me to work through the material at my own pace while still gaining substantial knowledge and practical skills. Overall, this certification has added value to my professional development and increased my confidence as an educator. I would definitely recommend the 120-Hour TEFL Certification to anyone interested in teaching English or expanding their teaching qualifications.

Program: Online TEFL Certification with Job Placement Guarantee
The Online TEFL course was a big surprise to me once I got started. I did not expect such a comprehensive program, covering the depth that it did. As a complete beginner, not just to Teaching Mythologies, but also to online platforms and computer technology, I felt rather overwhelmed in the beginning. As I got into it, I realized that a great support system has been built into the entire experience, from start to end. There was always a trainer/facilitator available to me for any questions or assistance I needed. The learning platform was user friendly and easy to navigate, even for a "newbie". Loads of learning material and class observation sessions were provided throughout the course. The mythologies taught, proved imperative and extremely valuable when applying them to teaching classes during my practical assessment week. It was a tough, challenging course that was also fun and offering lots of room for creativity. I surprised myself with just how much I learned and gained through Maximo Nivel's TEFL course. Instructors were friendly, open to all questions and queries and most importantly, available! I did not feel at any stage, "left in the dark". The support system that is built around this program, is what I was most impressed by. Every student has immense talent to bring to the table. A solid support structure is essential to crossing the finish line or standing at the beginning of a brand new path. Great instructors, great communication, great challenge and lots of fun! I had an awesome experience and I would definitely recommend Maximo Nivel to anyone looking to gain their TEFL certification.

Program: Online TEFL Certification with Job Placement Guarantee
The TEFL program had a lot of information. There was so much to consume. I appreciated the live recordings of the classrooms and critique assignments that were a part of the modules. My instructor was consistent with their feedback and was always available when I needed them. I appreciate that they were accessible and responded quickly whenever I needed some assistance or extra feedback.
Program: Accredited 120 Hour TEFL Course | Teach English Abroad
I experienced an eye-opening job coaching session with Emos. The information that he provided on the job opportunities that are available in various countries, and his personal experiences, were really helpful. I have started my teaching journey already and I look forward to a more rewarding teaching career. Thanks, Emos & Premier TEFL!

Program: Accredited Level 5 TEFL Course Online | Teach Worldwide
I got a morale boost. It was very heartening to hear other people in the same boat as me. And questions were asked that I hadn't thought of. I was surprised there were so few attendees. The presenter (Emos) answered questions ably.
Program: Accredited Level 5 TEFL Course Online | Teach Worldwide
I got a morale boost. It was very heartening to hear other people in the same boat as me. And questions were asked that I hadn't thought of. I was surprised there were so few attendees. The presenter (Emos) answered questions ably.
Alumni and staff share what it's really like to go abroad

Travis Lopez
TEFL Hero
AlumniAn 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...
Read Full Interview
Joyce Lee Taylor
TEFL Hero
AlumniI’ve always dreamed of seeing more of the world, but life just kept me busy with work and raising kids.
Read Full Interview
Joseph Stonier
TEFL Madrid Academy
AlumniI’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...
Read Full Interview
Matthew Joseph Reynolds
TEFL Madrid Academy
AlumniWhat 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...
Read Full Interview
Jennifer & Tim Borders
TEFL Madrid Academy
AlumniWe’ve always had a passion for travel and experiencing new cultures, but we wanted to do something more meaningful than just being tourists.
Read Full Interview
Nailia Zagidulina
TEFL Madrid Academy
StaffFrom 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...
Read Full Interview
Carolina Emily Cody
TEFL Madrid Academy
StaffI’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 ...
Read Full Interview
Christine Cherise
TeachTEFL
AlumniI 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 ...
Read Full Interview
Yvonne Van Wyk
TeachTEFL
AlumniWhen 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...
Read Full Interview
Rory Downey
International TEFL and TESOL
AlumniI 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...
Read Full Interview
Ella Durrigan
The TEFL Institute Group
AlumniI 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...
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Alison Aparo
TEFL Madrid Academy
AlumniI 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...
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Ryan Collins
TEFL Madrid Academy
AlumniI 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...
Read Full Interview
Ethan McMillen
TEFL Madrid Academy
AlumniI started studying Spanish in Elementary school and always learned about Spain and other Latin American countries. For me, they always seemed so inter...
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Georgia Knapp
TEFLPros
AlumniI 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...
Read Full Interview
Emily Warren
TEFLPros
AlumniI 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...
Read Full Interview
Jessica Murray
The TEFL Academy
AlumniIt 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...
Read Full Interview
Dino M
Vantage TEFL Certification
AlumniI'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...
Read Full Interview
Rica Lorraine Dalusong
International TEFL Training Institute Philippines
AlumniWhen 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...
Read Full Interview
Brett Horting
(DEAD URL) Tefl Pro Prague
AlumniI'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...
Read Full InterviewExplore the destinations and program types travelers search for most
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