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 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...
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
A Valuable and Rewarding Learning Experience
October 22, 2026by: Thet Myat Noe - MyanmarProgram: Online Level 3 TEFL Course
This program was very positive and rewarding. The course was well structured, informative, and easy to follow. It provided me with valuable knowledge, practical skills, and a better understanding of the subject. I particularly appreciated the flexibility of the learning process, which allowed me to study at my own pace. The learning materials were useful and helped me develop greater confidence in my abilities. Overall, this program was a meaningful learning experience that contributed to my personal and professional development.
A degree to open teaching doors
October 22, 2026by: Georgia Kapoutsi - GreeceI heard of TEFL back in the old 2011. I knew I had to acquire the degree at some point and I was always postponing. Now it was high time. Took it off the bucket list and hope to find more job opportunities.
I highly recommend this course for new teachers
October 22, 2026by: Victoria George - AustraliaThe price of this course is obviously the thing that made me notice it, but once I was on their LMS I knew I'd lucked out as everything there is so nicely explained and organised. I feel so fortunate that I discovered it. Lessons move from small ideas to big ones to more detailed, they force you to review and practice and then you take the unit test. It's all really well structured so that learn how to teach. Some lessons even have little scenario checks where they take you through a hypothetcal class with you teaching young kids for example. Look, it really is amazing value. I have no idea what support is like tbh as I never needed it. The feedback is given during the practice activities and tests, so that was more than good enough for me. It's excellent.
My experience with The TEFL Academy has been very good. I learned useful teaching methods and gained valuable knowledge about teaching English. The course has helped me prepare for my future career as an online English teacher.
October 22, 2026by: Mohamed Nawas Fathima Rizna - Sri LankaProgram: Online Level 5 TEFL Course
I am happy with my experience at The TEFL Academy. The course was helpful and informative, and I appreciate the opportunity to develop my teaching skills. I would recommend TTA to anyone who wants to start a career in teaching English.
Thanks for the review and best of luck with your TEFL career.
I have loved this course and the content has been really useful to help me get my dream job
October 21, 2026by: Zo Gilbert - United KingdomProgram: Online Level 5 TEFL Course
I had some ESOL experience but this course has given me a brilliant insight into teaching English a second language. I am looking forward to using these new skills in future employment. I would highly recommend this course.
Thanks for the recommendation!
I had tge time of my life using my pdf tefl certificate to teach online abroad
October 21, 2026by: Shaazia Hassim - South AfricaProgram: Online Level 5 TEFL Course
A few shirts weeks afte tefel I begun to teach online abroad all the lessons that I learned to relevant to what we teach online and the assignments for relevant to things that we actually have to do as EFL tutors online all the lessons and TEFL with fun interactive relevant and easy to understand. Furthermore or the TEFL tutors were also easy to converse with and very helpful assignment feedback was thorough detailed and show those exactly where to go if we were wrong or we failed the assignments steps with given how to fix it instead of letting us figured out ourselves so good response time is amazing and all of the devil quizzes and little active activities during the course made it it's so incredible and fun. I will be the first two admit that when I was told to study TEFL I was incredibly afraid because I didn't know if I could do another qualification I just come out of a four-year degree I was overwhelmed and scared but I chose the title Academy and I am so grateful that I chose the different kind of need to do whatever through fast easy convenience and most incredibly helpful I didn't struggle at all with any of the content but I felt supported to throughout the process.
Thanks for the feedback!
Ultimately, I got a valid TEFL certificate for $49 and got a teaching job offer within a few weeks
October 21, 2026by: Andrea Carr - United KingdomProgram: Accredited 120-hour TEFL certification course from $34
Couldn't be happier! This course taught me far beyond the basics of teaching (at least that's how I feel) and showed me how great teachers handle classes of different ages. The video definitely makes this even more valuable, which I'd advise to anyone thinking of a more basic course that only has text. Video and all of their practical aspects make this course such great value, but the tutors or staff make it so approachable and have a really nice human feel. I was annoying before and after the course with questions and needs...they met those needs well so I'm meeting their needs with 5 stars!
Great course
October 21, 2026by: Fabio Spampanato - EnglandProgram: Online Level 5 TEFL Course
The course is truly useful and incredibly clear. The tutors and staff at the Tefl academy are also always so helpful and available. I think sometimes this can be overlooked but I must say, they were an integral part of my course
Thanks for the review, Fabio. It is great to hear that you found our support staff so helpful.
More than satisfied
October 21, 2026by: Esther O - United KingdomProgram: Online Level 5 TEFL Course
I was able to complete the course much within the required time allocated of six months. The resources were clear and I liked that there were examples of classes to demonstrate how to do the work with a class. The lesson template and online resources were really helpful. I was able to complete the quizzes by going through the course material. I felt the course was good value and feedback was prompt and clear. I managed to complete most of the assessments without needing to resubmit and it was helpful to have online videos explaining what I needed to do. I was very much satisfied with the course.
Thanks for the review, and congratulations on completing your course.
Quickest and easiest yet challenging experience
October 21, 2026by: Daniesha Alvarez - United StatesProgram: Online Level 3 TEFL Course
Honestly, I thought this was gonna be something that would be hard to follow and I also thought that it was gonna take a lot longer but as usual that would be getting in my own head. This was an awesome experience and I was able to complete my program within 2 1/2 weeks. I’ll definitely recommend especially because now I get the chance to travel the world.
Thanks for the feedback, and congratulations on completing your course in record speed!
Life changing course
October 20, 2026by: Rohini Takhar - United KingdomProgram: Online Level 5 TEFL Course
I did the level 5 course and the tutor support was the best ive ever experienced and ive done many courses. The course guides you to then support you in your assignments and yes its tough but you learn so much. I thoroughly enjoyed it and would highly recommend this to anyone.
Thanks for the recommendation! We love to hear how supported you felt throughout.
Best Decision I've Ever Made!
October 20, 2026by: Zeralys Correa - United StatesProgram: Online Level 5 TEFL Course
My experience with The TEFL Academy has been incredibly rewarding! As someone with a background in education, I wanted to expand my teaching skills while opening doors to new opportunities abroad. The course was informative, flexible, and allowed me to learn at my own pace while balancing my full-time job and personal responsibilities. The assignments were challenging at times, but they helped me grow as an educator and gain a better understanding of teaching English to learners of different ages, backgrounds, and proficiency levels. Although I would have appreciated more assignment examples, the overall experience was fantastic! Completing my certification has given me more confidence in my abilities and made my dream of teaching abroad feel much more achievable. I am genuinely excited about what comes next, and I would absolutely recommend The TEFL Academy to anyone looking to grow professionally, travel, and experience new cultures. This has truly been one of the best decisions I've ever made!
Zeralys, thank you for the fantastic review! We are pleased to hear that you found the course rewarding as an experienced teacher, and we wish you the best in your future career in TEFL.
It was such an encompassing, fun filled program!
October 19, 2026by: Jissmol Sabu - IndiaProgram: 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.
Very nice learning experience
October 19, 2026by: Gabi Mancini - ItalyProgram: Accredited 120-hour TEFL certification course from $34
All has been exceptional and beyond where I think possible for the next price. I have been lucky to find this course and am feeling courteous that I should make a review to share to others. The training is very high level for knowledge and technological.
Excellent course, very clear how to complete assignments
October 19, 2026by: Zoe Gilbert - United KingdomProgram: Online Level 5 TEFL Course
I really enjoyed the course. The content was extremely in-depth and I would recommend this course to new teachers. It gives great opportunities and the tutors were very responsive to my needs during the course.
Zoe, we are glad to hear that you enjoyed the course and felt supported by our tutor support team.
A Great Foundation for Teaching English Abroad
October 19, 2026by: HR GrowGreen - VietnamProgram: Online Level 3 TEFL Course
The TEFL Academy course provides an excellent foundation for aspiring English teachers who want to build a rewarding career abroad. Through this course, many of the teachers we have recruited at GrowGreen English Center have developed the essential knowledge, practical skills, and confidence needed to begin their teaching journeys in Vietnam. We have been fortunate to recruit many high-quality teachers who completed this course and demonstrated strong teaching potential, enthusiasm, and a genuine commitment to helping students learn. We particularly value the way the course prepares teachers for the classroom by equipping them with a solid understanding of teaching methodologies, lesson planning, classroom management, and student engagement. These skills are especially important when working with young learners and students with different levels of English proficiency. From our recruitment experience, graduates of The TEFL Academy have provided us with a strong pool of candidates who are well-prepared to adapt to new teaching environments and grow professionally. We appreciate the role the course plays in helping aspiring teachers develop the foundation they need to succeed in international teaching opportunities, particularly in Vietnam.
Thank you for taking the time to leave a great review. We are delighted to hear that you have been able to offer roles to some of our amazing newly qualified teachers.
Comprehensive, Highly Effective and Good Value!
October 18, 2026by: John Miranda - United StatesProgram: Top Rated TEFL Course + Lifetime Job Support in 80 Countries
International TEFL Academy's course roster of TEFL courses includes a full range of TEFL courses that are high quality, effective and practical. The instructors are well qualified, experienced and responsive. Onboarding is both streamlined and personalized. Student Affairs is highly responsive, and personalized lifetime job search guidance is unparalleled with its extensive blogs and resource information when compared to other TEFL course providers. Overall, ITEFL Academy provides a high quality program where you get quite a lot of value for your buck!
I have a good overall impression of the course and company
October 18, 2026by: Kelly G - United StatesProgram: Accredited 120-Hour TEFL/TESOL Course $39 with certificate
At the start, I asked so many questions (maybe 10) by email to Study-TEFL before I was willing to pay any money (even with paypal), but they responded, and not with AI made responses (you know when you get AI responses because it's the big long dashes and joyless language). So, the responses encouraged me to take a chance on this company: I'm glad I did. Everything is legit and detailed, but I actually wonder how many thousands of people must get trained here for them to make any real money. They give so much guidance and free stuff at the end of the course. My opinion about this company is glowing. What they offer is fantastic.
My Experience as a Passionate and Dedicated English Educator
October 17, 2026by: Talenta Mnisi - South AfricaProgram: Online Level 5 TEFL Course
My teaching experience has been rewarding and has helped me develop strong skills in lesson planning, classroom management, curriculum delivery, and learner assessment. As a passionate multilingual educator with a PGCE and TEFL training, I enjoy creating engaging, inclusive, and learner-centred lessons that support learners with different abilities and learning needs. I strive to build positive relationships, encourage active participation, and help learners develop confidence in using English. Teaching has strengthened my communication, adaptability, and problem-solving skills while allowing me to contribute to learners' academic growth and personal development.
Talenta, thank you for choosing to take a course with TTA!
Highly recommended program !
October 17, 2026by: Laura Martin - FranceProgram: 120-hour Premier Online TEFL Course with The TEFL Org
I've had a great time getting a training to teach English with the TEFL program. I recommend its thoroughness and the high quality service provided by its thoughtful customer team and tutors. Thanks to you all!
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