{"id":201685,"date":"2020-04-18T08:05:18","date_gmt":"2020-04-18T12:05:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.nomadicmatt.com\/?p=201685"},"modified":"2025-09-02T14:15:01","modified_gmt":"2025-09-02T18:15:01","slug":"the-best-tefl-courses","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.nomadicmatt.com\/travel-blogs\/the-best-tefl-courses\/","title":{"rendered":"7 Best TEFL Courses for Teaching English Overseas"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"A<\/p>\n

One of the best ways to make money overseas is to teach English. Dozens of countries all around the world are always on the hunt for qualified English teachers, providing a steady income for travelers looking to pad their bank account in between trips.<\/p>\n

Of course, teaching English abroad is also a valuable, enriching job in and of itself. Not only do you get to enjoy expat life in a far-flung destination<\/a> but you get to help a community and the people who live in it while gaining valuable work and life experience. It\u2019s a win-win!<\/p>\n

In order to find a teaching position abroad, you\u2019ll need to take a TEFL course first. TEFL stands for \u201cTeaching English as a Foreign Language.\u201d It\u2019s a certificate program that teaches you how to teach English as a foreign language. (While you can find jobs without a TEFL certificate<\/a>, they will be few and far between.)<\/p>\n

TEFL programs are offered online and in person all around the world; prices vary depending on where you enroll. Just like there are thousands of universities that offer bachelor\u2019s degrees, there are thousands of companies that offer a certificate called \u201cTEFL.\u201d<\/p>\n

Since there can be a lot of competition for teaching positions, you\u2019ll want to make sure you enroll in a reputable program that will teach you the skills you need \u2014 not only to find a job but to succeed at it.<\/p>\n

To help you get started, I\u2019ve made a list of the top six TEFL programs. Having taught overseas in both Thailand<\/a> and Taiwan<\/a> (and having studied to be a history teacher myself), I can tell you not all programs are created equal!<\/p>\n

1. The TEFL Institute<\/h3>\n

The TEFL Institute<\/a> is an award-winning and globally trusted TEFL provider, accredited in the UK by Ofqual and in the USA by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC). The Level 5 TEFL diploma is regulated by Ofqual, giving graduates a qualification recognized and respected by employers worldwide. In the USA, its curriculum is approved by the AQC\/DEAC, ensuring that online TEFL courses and diplomas meet rigorous American educational standards. The Level 5 diploma is equivalent to a CELTA or Trinity CertTESOL, and is highly respected in the field.<\/p>\n

As one of the most accredited TEFL providers, the TEFL Institute is recognized for exceptional training, student support, and successful graduate outcomes. Thousands of teachers trust the TEFL Institute to launch their international English teaching careers. You\u2019ll benefit from expert job assistance and a flexible learning platform that includes AI-integrated dynamics. The TEFL Institute leverages AI-driven classroom simulations and dynamic learning tools, blending innovation with practical experience. With its 4.9 rating on Trustpilot, The TEFL Institute is one of the best out there<\/a>.\"tefl<\/a><\/p>\n

2. i-to-i<\/h3>\n

When it comes to online TEFL courses, i-to-i<\/a> is one of the best. They offer a bunch of different courses, including a basic online TEFL course that gives you 120 hours of study and costs $429 USD. If you\u2019re not 100% sure teaching overseas is for you, this course would be the best for testing the waters.<\/p>\n

i-to-i offers higher-level courses (including ones up to 500 hours) with additional content on teaching young students and teaching grammar (because let\u2019s face it, most of us native speakers are terrible at grammar). It also has TESOL-equivalent courses, courses specific to younger learners, and more. (See below for more about TESOL.)<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re new to teaching and want to see if it\u2019s for you, this is the company I\u2019d suggest you start with \u2014 especially if you\u2019re on a budget. That said, since it\u2019s all online, you\u2019ll need to make sure you have the self-discipline to put in the work.
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3. myTEFL<\/h3>\n

myTEFL<\/a> is another affordable and reputable TEFL program. They have both online and on-site options. Their online options start with a super basic 40-hour course for just $139 USD and go all the way up to a 140-hour course for $349 USD. In addition to all the online lessons and assignments, myTEFL will also provide you with a letter of recommendation upon completion, as well as assist you with finding a job.<\/p>\n

If you’re taking an online course, you\u2019ll have three months to complete it; however, you\u2019ll also get an additional six months of access to the content so that you can use it as a resource once you start teaching. Super helpful when you\u2019re still finding your legs as a teacher!<\/p>\n

If you’re more on an in-person learner (or just want to do your course in a cool place), they offer courses in Argentina, Spain, Thailand, and Vietnam. These courses range from three to five weeks and cost between $1,536 and $2,195 USD (with Vietnam being the least expensive and Spain being the most expensive).<\/p>\n

They also donate to charity for every enrollment. It’s one of the best companies out there!<\/p>\n

For 50% off the price of your course, use the code “matt50” at check out<\/a>!<\/em>
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4. International TEFL Academy<\/h3>\n

If you\u2019re looking for a TEFL course that features in-classroom training, the International TEFL Academy<\/a> is the best on the market. This is the most thorough and interactive course that you can get without physically being in a classroom for four weeks. Their online courses are fully interactive, collegiate-level courses taught by a university-level professor.<\/p>\n

Their most popular course takes about 11 weeks, and you can expect to spend 10-12 hours a week on your coursework. The course is $1,599 USD. They also have a fast-track intensive version which you can complete in four weeks for the price of $2,099 USD. (They often have sales which lower these prices though.) While it is interactive, it\u2019s not taught in real-time, so you can log in at any time to take your classes and do your coursework. Just make sure you meet your weekly assignment deadlines!<\/p>\n

If you do prefer taking a fully interactive, in-person course, they offer courses in more than twenty countries throughout Europe, Asia, and South America. Some of these programs even come with guaranteed job placement, so if you’re anxious about finding a job afterwards, this is a great option!<\/p>\n

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5. Vantage<\/h3>\n

This 120-hour TEFL course is based in Thailand<\/a>, making it a convenient option if you\u2019re already traveling in Southeast Asia<\/a> and are considering teaching English.<\/p>\n

Vantage<\/a> focuses on preparing you to teach in Thailand, though it also has a specific course for teaching in China<\/a> that guarantees a job upon completion. If you\u2019re looking to teach in either country, this is the best program for you.<\/p>\n

Vantage offers both an in-person, four-week course and a hybrid course comprising both online training and an in-class practicum (in Bangkok). Prices start at $1,295 USD. While expensive, in-classroom experience is invaluable. If you have the money, it\u2019s a worthwhile investment.
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6. International TEFL and TESOL Training (ITTT)<\/h3>\n

ITTT<\/a> has a wide variety of online courses, ranging from a bare-bones 60-hour courses to comprehensive 470-hour courses. Its main 120-hour online TEFL course covers all the basics and costs $249 USD.<\/p>\n

They also offer options with tutor support to help you suceed. If you\u2019re new to teaching and serious about finding a job, I\u2019d suggest the tutor option. Having someone to help you progress through the course will ensure that you\u2019ll get the most out of the course and better prepare you for the job ahead.
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7. The TEFL Academy<\/h3>\n

What I like about The TEFL Academy is that they have a ton of in-person locations where you can get hands-on experience. They run dozens of in-person monthly courses in major cities in the U.S. (Philly, Boston, and SF), making it super convenient to get valuable classroom experience.<\/p>\n

If you can’t attend in person, they have a bunch of online courses as well. Their comprehensive 168-hour masterclass (which costs $988 USD) includes 6 months of access to their online resources, a helpful perk for when you get on the ground and are teaching. They also offer additional shorter courses to help boost your skills in specific areas. These course are usually around 40 hours, cost around $195 USD, and specialize in areas like teaching young learners, teaching business English, or teaching online.
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A Note on TESOL\/CELTA Courses<\/h3>\n

In addition to the TEFL course, there are also TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) and CELTA (Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults) courses. These are essentially the same thing: programs focused on learning to teach English to adults. CELTA is Cambridge University\u2019s branded version of the TESOL and the most in-depth (and most expensive) such course on the market.<\/p>\n

Unless you specifically want to work with adults or are certain you want to start a career teaching English, I would stick with just taking a TEFL course. You can always upgrade later if you decide to continue teaching.
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TEFL Frequently Asked Questions<\/h3>\n

How long are most TEFL courses?<\/strong>
\nMost standard TEFL courses are 120 hours long. They usually last a few weeks to a few months, depending on the schedule. While some courses can be shorter, employers prefer teachers with at least 100 hours of training.<\/p>\n

Are TEFL courses done online or in-person?<\/strong>
\nMost TEFL courses are done online, though the best courses also include some in-person classroom time.<\/p>\n

How much do TEFL courses cost?<\/strong>
\nTEFL courses start at around $150 USD and can cost as much as $2,000 USD, depending on how much in-class time is included.<\/p>\n

Should I do a TESOL or CELTA course instead?<\/strong>
\nA TESOL or CELTA course is specifically for those looking to teach English to adults. Unless you specifically want to teach adults or are looking to start a career (rather than having just a temporary job), I would stick with a TEFL course.<\/p>\n

That said, some TESOL courses are essentially the same as TEFL courses and they are marketed together. For those courses, either a TEFL or TESOL will suffice since the course content is the same.<\/p>\n

CELTA courses, however, are much more intensive and expensive, usually $2,000-2,800 USD. They are specifically for teaching adults.<\/p>\n

Do I need a bachelor\u2019s degree?<\/strong>
\nHaving a degree is necessary for some TEFL programs, but not all of them. However, it will give you an advantage in the hiring process and when negotiating a salary.<\/p>\n

Here’s an infographic from The TEFL Academy with monthly salaries for teachers with a TEFL but not a bachelor’s degree.<\/p>\n

\"A<\/p>\n

***<\/center>Whether you\u2019re looking to earn money to travel or want to start a new career, teaching English provides amazing opportunities for travel as well as personal and professional development.<\/p>\n

By investing in a TEFL course you\u2019ll be much better positioned to get hired in a country of your choosing. Not only that but you\u2019ll have the skills and confidence to succeed on a day-to-day basis.<\/p>\n

Teaching English abroad is an incredibly rewarding job and one that I\u2019ve found enriches your travels. I can\u2019t recommend it enough!<\/p>\n

\"Get<\/div>

myTEFL is the world\u2019s premier TEFL program, with over 40 years of TEFL experience in the industry. Their accredited programs are hands-on and in-depth, giving you the skills and experience you need to land a high-paying job teaching English overseas. Click here to learn more and start your TEFL journey today!<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n

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Book Your Trip: Logistical Tips and Tricks<\/h4>\n

Book Your Flight<\/strong>
\nFind a cheap flight by using Skyscanner<\/a>. It’s my favorite search engine because it searches websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is being left unturned. <\/p>\n

Book Your Accommodation<\/strong>
\nYou can book your hostel with Hostelworld<\/a>. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com<\/a> as it consistently returns the cheapest rates for guesthouses and hotels. <\/p>\n

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance<\/strong>
\nTravel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:<\/p>\n