TEFL Courses & Certification in Manila, Philippines


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1 TEFL Courses in Manila, Philippines
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A Guide to TEFL Courses in Manila
Popular Types of TEFL Programs in Manila
As you research the different kinds of TEFL certification programs available, you’ll find an option for almost every teaching/learning goal, and almost every budget!
Most TEFL courses in Manila are structured as blended-learning with a combination of web-based instruction and in-class sessions, leading to a formal teaching practical. If the classroom isn’t your thing, you might consider one of the volunteer-based programs that allow you to trade community service for the opportunity to earn your credential.
Keep the prerequisites in mind—typically, you need to be a native English speaker, at least 19 years of age, with a minimum of a high school diploma. You can expect to pay $400 to $1500 for tuition at TEFL schools in Manila, while costs for volunteer-based programs will vary. Some programs include housing, which can really be an added benefit! TEFL courses in Manila vary from 180 to 300 hours of classroom training—or approximately one month of full-time work.
Once you’re ready for job placement, you’ll find that the income range for ESL instruction in metro-Manila is roughly $300-$700 per month, which is about the same cost as monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment. The cost of living in outlying areas can be significantly lower, but there are fewer available positions and pay is considerably less. You’ll likely find the best paying jobs for qualified ESL instructors in the Philippines are with corporations in need of trainers and translators. Those positions can pay quite well!
You will most likely need to obtain a visa to cover the entire period of your time in Manila. Be sure to check with your TEFL program coordinator for information about what you might need and don’t forget to review the Philippines’ visa policies toward your home country, which can be found in our Embassy Directory.
Life in Manila
TEFL abroad in Manila has an eclectic side, no doubt. This is a city with Indonesian, Spanish, British, Japanese, and American influences that are readily visible in the skyline, landscape, shopping, culture, and food scene. The climate in Manila is hot and humid year-round, with a lengthy rainy season—but even with days of heavy rain, there’s always something fun to see and do!
Sight-seer? In addition to the museums, malls, and bayside boardwalks, you’ll want to visit the historic parks and marketplaces along both sides of the Pasig River, running right through the city’s center. Food-lover? The common Filipino greeting translates to “Have you eaten?”—and you’ll find cafés and street food everywhere with an affordable and delicious mix of local cuisine. Day-tripper? You can get around the entire area on a monthly train pass that will cost you less than $10 - but you can always splurge on expensive restaurants and luxurious spa treatments, if that’s more your style.
While attending TEFL schools in Manila, you’ll find communicating to be fairly easy, as well. The common language is Tagalog, and while residents in Manila also speak Spanish or Chinese, English is used most widely in business, education, and daily life. Manila is truly a city with something for everyone!
GoAbroad’s Inside Scoop on TEFL in Manila
If you’d like to earn your TEFL certificate in an affordable, diverse, international trade-port, bypassing some of the other Filipino locations for the opportunities in Manila is something you should definitely consider! The city of Manila is a major center for commerce and culture. Regarded as one of the best shopping destinations in Asia, Manila also boasts an enthusiastic fan base for sports like rugby and basketball, ample museums and cultural centers and theaters, some stellar tourist attractions, and a year-round schedule of civic, national, and religious festivals and holidays.
Listed as one of the top three locations for start-up businesses, Manila’s professional culture is expanding to include increased opportunities for English speakers and instructors with TEFL certification. As the capital city of the Philippines, the economy in Manila is growing to meet the needs of the global marketplace—including intensified efforts to create space for industries like printing, manufacturing, technology, banking, food production, petroleum refinement, and fashion. More than any other region in the Philippines, this development means a greater need for those with expertise in English language instruction and that need is expected to grow.
This city has a bit of a wild side and inexperienced travelers might need to take some extra care. As with any large city, there is a grittier side of city life. There are wide gaps between the city’s more affluent residents and those living in poverty, and this economic disparity can create problems connected to increased opportunities for crime. As you might expect based on what you’ve read so far, there are many things to see and do in Manila that are not only safe, but exceptional, so you’ll be sure to have a fantastic time while you get TEFL certified in Manila!
Make sure you read our comprehensive guide on getting TEFL certified in the Philippines.
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Latest Program Reviews
Well worth the money
July 19, 2024by: Maria S - PhilippinesProgram: TEFL/TESOL Courses Online & in the Philippines from ₱3,105
I really can't complain about this course at all. It's definitely hard work, it's dense and a lot of content, but it is all very educational and has helped to orient me on beginning my English teaching journey. The course content is extremely complete, half of it is preparation and learning how to create lessons, with lots of opportunities to practice and refine that ability as well as examples of well done lessons. The other half is classroom management, which you also get to see videos of class in and see examples of well-employed class management, which helps you prepare, because sometimes it's a bit counterintuitive.
Excellent program
December 04, 2023by: Renata L - PhilippinesProgram: TEFL/TESOL Courses Online & in the Philippines from ₱3,105
I recently completed the 120 hour TEFL course and I must say that it really exceeded my expectations. Been an ALT and taking this course has really broadened my scope of knowledge in the teaching world. I learned and unlearned so many things. I highly recommend this course to all craving to teach English as it covers the teaching of English from toddlers to young adults to adults and upto professional level. Taking the course will also boost your chances of landing that great teaching job you've always admired and also make you a better person if you really want to learn or know the nitty-gritty of English.
TEFL certification course
June 13, 2022by: Caley C - PhilippinesProgram: TEFL/TESOL Courses Online & in the Philippines from ₱3,105
Overall I really enjoyed this course. You definitely have to be a self starter as with any online learning material. The course went into alot more depth in certain areas than I would have ever considered myself. I appreciate the psychology this course follows - catering to individual needs and personalities, different generations of students etc. Its a very model approach by following this mentality, as well as touching on diversity im tje classroom.
The best TEFL course out there!
June 05, 2022by: Elizabeth MA - PhilippinesProgram: TEFL/TESOL Courses Online & in the Philippines from ₱3,105
It was my first experience studying online and although I did not know what to expect I was happily surprised to see how easy it was to follow the materials and that my tutor was there for me every step of the way. I never felt isolated or left to my own devices during the duration of my course. The materials were very clear and I also had the option to go through their library for extra materials if I needed. The information was extremely helpful and I learned much more than I could anticipate. That course changed my life and I never looked back! I definitely recommend
Challenging and exciting
May 03, 2022by: Edna R - PhilippinesProgram: TEFL/TESOL Courses Online & in the Philippines from ₱3,105
I have spent weeks in searching for the best TESOL program. I was a bit hesitant and scared to take an online course because I have read a lot of negative reviews but then, when a friend told me that ITT is legit and did confirm it myself by doing more research about their program, I decided to register and never regretted doing it. The experience was challenging and exciting. I have learned a lot and I feel more directed now on how to help my students better by applying all those strategies that I haven't tried yet and would surely follow the tips suggested in the course on how to teach English in a fun way. And I just hope that having this certificate (plus my bachelor's and my master's and experiences) will give me more and better opportunities.
My TESOL experience
April 13, 2022by: Mary C - PhilippinesProgram: TEFL/TESOL Courses Online & in the Philippines from ₱3,105
For my 22 years of existence up until today, I do not know what career path do I really want to take in my life. All I know is that I love English. Ever since I was a little girl, I have been in love in this subject and everything that's about it. Through English, I freely express my honest thoughts and opinions regarding topics. Enrolling in ITT has been a great experience for me. The lessons are very detailed and I have learned all the necessary skills that I have been wanting to learn about for a long time now. Everything is very good from the topics up to the support system which is very responsive, they took care of the students very well. Another thing I love about enrolling in here is that the price is affordable for many people but the lessons are highly good and advanced. I am grateful for this opportunity to be able to study here and this entire experience is something always treasure. Thank you very much
120-hour TEFL program
March 25, 2022by: Edel Kimberly - PhilippinesProgram: TEFL/TESOL Courses Online & in the Philippines from ₱3,105
I definitely recommend this program especially if your passion is teaching English. Getting this program means you can teach English anywhere in the world and also you can help kids or adults to learn English. ITT Program also teaches its students not just the teaching content but also how to be prepared when you start teaching in the country of your choice and they also help their students with their resumes, their first interviews, demo classes, and up until the first week of class :) :)
I learned some great methods
February 16, 2022by: Marisa C - PhilippinesProgram: TEFL/TESOL Courses Online & in the Philippines from ₱3,105
It has been a really helpful course for me. I’ve learned a lot especially on how to plan lessons, what to expect teaching in a multi-cultural environment, how to manage various aspects in classroom management, and there are many resources that give further guidance on specific areas and topics. My tutor and other staff members are genuinely helpful. The communication and response were timely and constructive. It was a great experience!
Very well detailed
November 15, 2021by: Juifel B - PhilippinesProgram: TEFL/TESOL Courses Online & in the Philippines from ₱3,105
Very well detailed and the course explains everything a student needs to know. They are also very responsive to email. I would recommend this course to those who would like to teach English. I have already told my friends to take the 120 hour course.
I did the Level 5
September 29, 2021by: Colleen Weigal - PhilippinesProgram: TEFL/TESOL Courses Online & in the Philippines from ₱3,105
I did the Level 5, 168 hour TEFL Course and really enjoyed it! I found most of the units very informative. Throughout the course the share video clips of real life teaching in classes, examples of teaching methods etc.. All of which I found extremely helpful. I don't have any hesitation in recommending itt TEFL to anyone.
Very informative course
September 18, 2021by: Fern Ruiz - PhilippinesProgram: TEFL/TESOL Courses Online & in the Philippines from ₱3,105
I would highly recommend this course for anyone interested in obtaining a TEFL certification. The content is very thorough, there are a load of resources provided for students, and the staff are very attentive and quick to respond to emails. Thank you again ITT team for a great experience at an affordable price.
The best TEFL course
July 11, 2021by: Analyn s - PhilippinesProgram: TEFL/TESOL Courses Online & in the Philippines from ₱3,105
You help me so much during my course and after I complete it. Stacey you are a miracle worker and you have become my very close friend. I will try to visit you once this pandemic is over. Thank you so much for getting me my interview with school in Vietnam, I will always appreciate your help.
ITT has the best service
June 25, 2021by: Benilda C - PhilippinesProgram: TEFL/TESOL Courses Online & in the Philippines from ₱3,105
I want to say a BIG thank you to ITT for all of their help. Not only was the 120 hour course good but the service provided was excellent. I'm a filipina and want to work in Vietnam. My employer say I need to authenticate my degree and TEFL certificate and ITT help you with this process. Their resources took a lot of stress away from me. I highly recommend them.
Great value
June 17, 2021by: Rhena H. Celine - PhilippinesProgram: TEFL/TESOL Courses Online & in the Philippines from ₱3,105
There are so many TEFL courses to choose from and I’m glad I trusted my instinct and joined ITT. This course was comprehensive, interesting and supportive throughout the whole process. I started a cheap-o Groupon course a while back and it was a total waste of time and money. Online courses have a bad reputation but these guys definitely smash that stereotype. Thanks to ITT for being such honest and supportive educators!
Great course!
June 15, 2021by: Shel Cassandra - PhilippinesProgram: TEFL/TESOL Courses Online & in the Philippines from ₱3,105
I'm so happy I decided to take my TEFL course through international TEFL and TESOL LTD. I feel I am so much more prepared to teach overseas. Their course is informative and engaging and really prepares you to provide the best learning experience for your future students. Highly recommended!
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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...
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