What is a TEFL or TESOL Qualification?

TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) is a certification for teaching English to non-native speakers. Most schools abroad and many online platforms require it for work visas and employment.

Do I Need a Certificate to Teach Online or Abroad?

Yes, unless you have a degree in English, a state teaching license, and several years of experience. A 120+ hour accredited TEFL is the standard way to meet visa and employer requirements abroad and online.

TEFL vs TESOL vs CELTA

TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) - The most common certification for teaching English abroad and online. Typically 120+ hours.

TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) - Often designed for academia or full-time classroom ESL teachers. University TESOL programs can be significantly more expensive.

CELTA/DELTA (Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) - Cambridge University certification, widely recognized and respected globally.

TEFL Course Formats

There are several different types of class formats, including in-classroom, online, and hybrid. A TEFL certificate obtained through a reputable online course should be sufficient for online teaching jobs. However, for teaching abroad in countries like South Korea, Japan, the Middle East, and China, you will need a more sophisticated 120+ hr TEFL course with in-classroom training.

Key Terms

Why Get TEFL Certified?