What Is a TEFL Certificate and How Do You Get One?

Let’s break down what TEFL is, why a TEFL certification matters, and how it can completely change your life.

Have you ever dreamed of working somewhere like the beaches of Thailand or the bustling, vibrant streets of South Korea? What if you could travel the world and do something meaningful—like teaching people English? A TEFL certification is your chance to combine your love for travel with a rewarding career.

This internationally recognised document confirms that you’re qualified to teach English to non-native speakers. You don’t need to be a linguist or a professional teacher to get started. All you need is a desire to learn and a passion for sharing knowledge.

What is TEFL?

TEFL stands for Teaching English as a Foreign Language. In simple terms, it means teaching English to people who don’t speak it as their first language.

A TEFL certificate proves your teaching skills and readiness. Without it, finding teaching jobs abroad can be tough, as most employers require proof of training. The good news? TEFL is accessible to almost anyone. Even if you’ve never taught before and feel unsure, the training is designed to help you grow into a confident teacher.

Who is TEFL for?

You might be wondering, “Is this really for me?” Let’s find out. A TEFL course is ideal for:

• Students and graduates: Just finished university but not ready for the 9-to-5 life? TEFL is a great way to travel, earn money, and gain unforgettable experience.
• Teachers: If you're already working in education, TEFL can help you go international and explore new opportunities.
• Career changers: Tired of the same daily routine? TEFL could be your path to a new, fulfilling chapter.
• Adventure lovers: If living abroad has always been your dream, TEFL lets you do that legally while doing meaningful work.

Why is TEFL so great?

The benefits of TEFL are endless. For example:

1. Get paid teaching jobs abroad or online. A TEFL certificate significantly boosts your chances of finding well-paying teaching jobs in other countries. Employers love seeing TEFL on a CV.
2. Grow personally and professionally. You’ll learn classroom management, communication, and problem-solving—skills that build confidence and leadership.
3. Travel while learning and teaching. Live in new countries, experience new cultures from the inside, and make friends worldwide. What could be better?

What’s the difference between TEFL and TESOL?

You may have come across the term TESOL as well. They sound similar, but here’s the distinction:

• TEFL: Teaching English in countries where English is not the native language.
• TESOL: Teaching English to non-native speakers in English-speaking countries like the USA or Canada.

Some courses combine TEFL and TESOL to give you flexibility to teach anywhere. But if your goal is to teach in Asia, Europe, or Latin America, TEFL is exactly what you need.

Where can you teach with a TEFL certificate?

Now for the exciting part—job opportunities with TEFL are practically global. Here are the most popular destinations:

• China: Massive demand for English teachers, with excellent salaries and comfortable working conditions.
• South Korea: Free accommodation, job bonuses, and consistent pay—Korea is a favourite among teachers.
• Japan: A perfect match for those who appreciate discipline, culture, and technology.
• Thailand: Year-round sunshine, warm communities, and a chance to live in paradise.
• Europe: Spain, the Czech Republic, and Germany offer great lifestyle balance with international teaching experience.
• Latin America: If tropical beaches and vibrant cultures appeal to you, Mexico or Brazil may be your best bet.

Each country has unique visa requirements, so be sure to do your research beforehand.

How do you get TEFL certified?

The first step is to choose a TEFL course. This decision matters, so consider the following:

1. Accreditation: Ensure the course is recognised by international bodies.
2. Curriculum: It should cover grammar, teaching methods, classroom management, and include practical training.
3. Format: Choose between online, in-person, or hybrid. Online is convenient, but in-person offers hands-on experience.
4. Post-course support: Good courses help you find a job after certification.

What does the course involve?

TEFL training typically lasts 4 to 12 weeks, depending on the format and your schedule. Here's what to expect:

1. Theory: Learn the basics of grammar, teaching methodology, and lesson planning.
2. Practice: Gain real-world experience by creating lessons and teaching under guidance.
3. Extra skills: Discover how to use technology in the classroom and work with different age groups.

Make sure the course includes at least 120 hours of training, as this is the industry standard required by most employers.

How long does it take?

• Online TEFL courses: Usually take 4–12 weeks, depending on intensity. You can study at your own pace without travelling. And the certificate does NOT mention that it was obtained online.
• In-person TEFL courses: Typically 4–6 weeks of full-time study. While more expensive, the certification holds equal value to online TEFL certificates.

What do you get after completing the course?

Besides invaluable skills that boost your employability, you’ll receive an official TEFL certificate, which includes:

• Your full name.
• Total training hours completed.
• A unique certificate ID for verification.

With this certificate, you can apply for teaching jobs around the world.

How to find a job with a TEFL certificate?

It’s easier than you might think. Here are some steps:

1. Search TEFL job boards and hiring websites.
2. Create a CV—even if you have no teaching background, include all relevant skills and experience.
3. Use your course’s job placement support. Many TEFL providers help connect graduates with employers.
4. Check country-specific work requirements and prepare accordingly.

The great thing about our online TEFL & TESOL courses is that they include **unlimited job search support** after graduation. A career assistant will help you create your CV, write a cover letter, record a self-introduction video and demo lesson, and send you job listings from countries you're interested in — including remote opportunities. This service is provided free of charge to everyone who completes the course.

Why is TEFL worth it?

TEFL isn’t just a job—it’s a lifestyle. You teach others, grow personally, and see the world from a new perspective. It’s not just a course—it’s a true adventure.

If you’ve been waiting for a sign to leave your comfort zone and try something new, a TEFL certification might be the perfect start. Go chase that dream!