This list shares the best TEFL courses to help prepare you for the exciting journey of teaching English abroad or online!
I’m not exaggerating when I say that getting TEFL certified completely changed my life. It opened the doors to an opportunity to earn income abroad while traveling in a new part of the world.
I got my TEFL certification in 2017 after making the crazy decision to quit my job in marketing and move abroad. Three years later, I’ve used my TEFL to teach English in South Korea, Vietnam, and online, all while paying down my loans and funding my travels to 15+ countries in Asia.
But before I started my journey, trying to figure out which TEFL providers were the best for what I wanted to do, was a daunting task. So whether you’re interested in leaving it all behind to teach abroad in Spain or Thailand or even Dubai, you’re gonna want to know where to find the best TEFL courses online!
»Read More: 40+ Best Teach Abroad Programs and ESL Jobs
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My cutie students in South Korea
Is TEFL Worth It?
Absolutely, yes! If you want to earn an income while traveling abroad, getting TEFL certified can help you do it! A TEFL certificate is required for almost all reputable English teaching jobs both around the world and online.
It’s also valuable training for prospective English teachers who don’t have an actual teaching license or professional experience. A TEFL course will give you all the tools you need to effectively teach in a classroom and will also give you the confidence to excel at your new job.
For just a few hundred bucks and a few weeks of your time, you can completely change your lifestyle. Who doesn’t dream about earning an income while traveling the world?!
»Read more: A Former ESL Teacher Dishes: Is Teaching English Abroad Worth It?
How to Choose A TEFL Course
Not all TEFL courses are created equal, so while you’re shopping around trying to choose the best TEFL provider for you, there are a few things you’re going to want to take note of first.
- Know the job / TEFL requirements for the position, country, or school that you’re applying for.
- Make sure the TEFL company you’re looking at isn’t a scam (check reviews).
- Only get certified by a provider who has an official accreditation.
- Look into what previous students have to say about it – Reddit is actually a great place to do this.
- Decide if you want a course that’s in-class, online, or blended learning. Online is totally fine, but some teaching jobs require an in-class portion, so you have at least some teaching experience.
- Take a course with at least 100 hours, 120+ is best.
- Compare all of your TEFL options and pricing.
- Keep an eye out for discounts – most companies offer periodic sales on their courses. Don’t pay full price!
What does a TEFL certification cost?
The price for TEFL courses can vary, but typically a TEFL certification will cost you anywhere from a few hundred dollars to as much as $2,500+ – but it all depends on a few factors; a company’s reputation and accreditation, lesson materials, level of personal assistance, and more. The saying rings true in the TEFL community – you get what you pay for!
But if you’re on a budget but want to get TEFL certified, an affordable course that’s also reputable, starts around $250 – $400.
If teaching English is something you’d like to turn into a career, rather than short-term life experience, I recommend Cambridge English or the International TEFL Academy. They offer more professional level certificates and are consistently ranked as top-tier providers.
»Read More: The Best Cheap Online TEFL Courses
And my cuties in Vietnam
10 Best TEFL Courses Online To Teach English Abroad
1. International TEFL Academy
The International TEFL Academy is one of the most prominent TEFL providers out there and is consistently ranked as having one the best TEFL courses online. They offer a 170 online course that includes a 20-hour in-class practicum as well as in-class courses all over the world for a more in-depth and memorable experience.
They also offer a lifetime job assistance guarantee and are well connected with TEFL jobs around the globe.
Even if you don’t get certified through them, the International TEFL Academy blog has really helpful resources and downloads for aspiring teachers. Check out their extensive country profiles to learn more about the benefits and salary, cost of living, and more of any given country.
Get a free brochure with more information about the International TEFL Academy here.
2. CIEE TEFL
CIEE TEFL has been a leader in helping students and dreamers go abroad since 1947. Probably best known for their high school and college study abroad programs, they also offer a fantastic 150-hour TEFL course and help newly certified teachers find jobs overseas.
When I got TEFL certified a few years ago, I went with CIEE. I highly valued the assistance CIEE offered with my EPIK job application and the extra perks that came along with their TEFL certification and Teach Abroad Program participation.
If you’re seeking a TEFL provider who offers hands-on guidance through the entire certification process and prefer to work with a reputable name that’s been in the game for nearly 75 years, CIEE is a good choice.
Learn more about the TEFL options at CIEE and save $200 off the 150-hour TEFL course here!
3. International TEFL and TESOL Training (iTTT)
iTTT TEFL has been around since the 1990s and is an accredited name that schools know and trust. They offer online TEFL courses and in-class options for TEFL/TESOL all around the world.
All TEFL graduates get access to iTTT’s job assistance and countless valuable resources for choosing where to teach. The best part is that their courses are very reasonably priced and won’t break the bank!
As a bonus, I am pleased to offer my readers a 20% discount off of any TEFL course at iTTT via my unique link! Woohoo!
»Read more: An ITTT Review + How to Save 20% on ITTT TEFL Courses
4. Cambridge English
Cambridge English is also up there for being one of the best TEFL companies. They offer a CELTA course (Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages), the gold star level of certification in the EFL teaching game.
Usually taken in person for 4-5 weeks, there are also blending online learning options or part-time scheduling for those who don’t have a month to spare for class.
CELTA is by far the most expensive certification to teach English (it’ll run you about $2,700+). But, it’s also the most professional and makes all the difference on an application if you’re trying to secure better-paying positions at better schools.
I only recommend a CELTA for teachers who are planning to apply to international schools abroad over public schools or language academies/institutions (which happily take a plain Jane TEFL or TESOL).
Choose your Cambridge English CELTA course here.
5. Premier TEFL
Premier TEFL is another well-respected company that’s been educating and issuing accredited TEFL certifications for years.
They offer various options of online TEFL courses and in-class sessions as well. Take your pick from courses with 120, 168, 230 hours, or more. PremierTEFL is also decently priced with their 120-hour course that starts at $439. They also periodically offer discounts, so keep your eyes peeled for those!
6. OnTESOL
OnTESOL is a Canadian company that offers an accredited online 120-hour advanced TEFL course equivalent to CELTA and the Trinity CertTESOL. This specific course is completely online so you can complete it when and where is convenient for you.
With your course, you can enjoy an optional 20-hour practicum as well as job search assistance to help you find your dream teaching job immediately after getting certified.
OnTESOL also offers add on TEFL packages so you can specialize in specific roles like young learners, business English, and more. This course is issued by Coventry House International, a reputable teacher training school that’s been open since 1988.
Learn more about OnTESOL’s 120-hour TEFL course here!
7. i-to-i TEFL
i-to-i has been certifying TEFL teachers since 1994 and has helped over 200,000 aspiring EFL teachers get certified and follow their dreams. They not only offer certifications that boast double- accreditation but also help and guide applicants every step of the way on their TEFL journey.
They offer online or combined courses and often have sales bringing down the total to a much more reasonable rate. A common ploy from TEFL providers FYI!
8. MyTEFL
MyTEFL understands just how busy life can be, and strives to offer quality online courses that fit your hectic schedule. They also provide traditional in-person training options for those who don’t want to miss valuable hands-on classroom experience. Whatever you’re looking for, they have it starting at just $139 for their 40-hour basic course.
With every TEFL course purchase, MyTEFL donates to a worthy cause in your name. That’s pretty neat.
See more of what MyTEFL has to offer.
Teaching English online is becoming more and more common – earn an income at home!
9. TEFLPros
TEFLPros is a company founded by a fellow English teacher who experienced first hand how many TEFL courses fail to properly prepare aspiring teachers for the classroom. The company offers an entirely digital, comprehensive 120-hour TEFL Course jam packed with all you need to know to succeed. Trainees enjoy access to an online training support group so you have other teachers to rely upon for any questions you may have.
While I don’t personally know too much about this course, it seems new on the market; they have a pretty good review with GoAbroad – the internet’s leading TEFL website.
Learn more about TEFLPros with a free 2-day TEFL training.
10. OxfordTEFL
OxfordTEFL has two headquarters in Barcelona and Prague, and the company has been around since 1998. They offer both online and in-person opportunities in Barcelona, Malaga, India, London, and Cadiz. You can take your pick from the professional Cambridge CELTA or TESOL from Trinity College.
Their 100% online CELTA starts at $1,500, whereas their TESOL certificate in London starts as low as £895 or $1,100 plus accommodation assistance if you’re coming from abroad.
They also offer specialized teacher developmental sessions focused on business English, young learners, IELTS, teaching English online, and more.
They also offer specialized teacher developmental sessions focused on business English, young learners, IELTS, teaching English online, and more.
Learn more about how OxfordTEFL can help you get certified to teach English.
Did I miss any of the best TEFL courses online? Share below!
Inspiring website and completely agree! I taught for three years in Czech Republic back in the early 90’s, then in Spain for six months teaching 5 – 25 year olds, to gain experience for my Diploma in EFL. Go for it! It’s wonderful!
Thank you so much for your kind words ❤️ What an incredible experience!! I’ve heard wonderful things about the Czech Republic and Spain is gorgeous!!
Hey..
Can a non native English speaker do TEFL certification? Is it worth it?
Also I graduated from commerce background.
Bachelor’s in commerce.
Hello! Anyone who speaks English well enough to take a TEFL course is welcome to do so – there is no limitations usually for TEFL courses. However, I recommend researching where you can work/find a TEFL job based on your citizenship and language abilities! Unfortunately, many English teaching jobs have strict requirements about where teachers must be from (often schools will only hire people from native English countries, but not always!) It isn’t worth the money or time to take a TEFL if you cannot find a job afterwards! It’s always a good idea to reach out directly to the TEFL provider you’re interest in to verify as well, just in case! I hope this helps and thanks for reading! 🙂
Hi,
Is still available the offer “20% discount off of any TEFL course at iTTT ”
Thanks
Hi there!! Yes it is! You have to click my special link which will take you to the TEFL course page where you can sign up! You should see the 20% discount at the end of the checkout process and you can sign up without paying right away if you’re shopping around ☺️
Hi Brit, I am a non native English speaker looking to start teaching English online. Could you suggest me the best online TEFL certification and scope for non native speakers?
Hi Nayan! As far as TEFL courses go, it doesn’t matter if you’re a native or “non-native” speaker! All the classes are taught in English and admit people who speak /understand English well enough to take and complete the course. TEFL courses don’t need any proof of English ability. However I recommend that you make sure there’s a company that hires non-native speakers from your home country before investing time and money into a TEFL course! It’s not worth it if you’re unable to get hired!! Otherwise I always recommend iTTT for a cheap and reliable course or PremierTEFL is great for teaching online too!
Hi brit,am interested as non English Pacific islander.The TEFL cost is quite expensive.Is there any company provide assistance for free ,please?
Hi Daniel! Unfortunately there aren’t too many options for free TEFL courses, but I do have a blog post that shares the opportunities that do exist! You should be able to find it by searching “free TEFL” on my website. I also have a guide sharing some of the cheaper TEFL options that may be a bit more affordable. And while not always reputable, it’s sometimes possible to get a super cheap TEFL on Groupon when you’re in a pinch. I hope this helps!
Hi! I’m not seeing anyone remarking on The TEFL Org (tefl.org) and their programs. Are they reputable?
Hi there! TEFL org can be a suitable choice depending on what you’d like to do with your TEFL certificate. Because it’s a budget friendly option, it’s best for those looking to teach English abroad as a co-teacher or on gap year(s). But if you’d like to make a career out of it, I recommend more formal schooling.
I recommend searching “tefl org reviews Reddit” for honest feedback about the company and online tefl courses in general. Hope this helps!