Teaching English abroad: cost, courses, and visas

Get certified to teach English abroad with a globally recognised TEFL qualification and make a real difference by helping people achieve their English language goals

Do I need a degree to teach English abroad?

The qualifications you need vary depending on where you want to teach. In China, South America, and parts of Southeast Asia, having a good grasp of the English language is enough, while countries, such as Japan and South Korea, require a degree to obtain a visa.

If you don't have a degree, you can still gain teaching experience by earning a Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) certification or by volunteering in a school. However, keep in mind that the TEFL job market is increasingly competitive, so having a degree in English, modern languages, linguistics, or education may increase your chances of securing a teaching position.

If you want to learn more about teaching English as a foreign language in a particular country, you can view our working abroad profiles for more information.

Do I need a TEFL qualification?

Having a TEFL qualification is not required for all teaching jobs; however, it can increase your chances of finding a well-paying job with respected employers. To gain a TEFL certification you'll need to complete a TEFL course, which equips you with the skills and confidence to effectively teach a class of students, even if you have no prior teaching experience.

Once you have your TEFL certification, your hourly wage can range from £8 to £16, depending on your location and the type of work you do. Your wage can also be boosted if you are a native speaker, have additional qualifications, or hold a desired degree.

You can find a global directory of TEFL courses at DoTEFL.

Discover what to expect as an English as a foreign language teacher.

Which TEFL course is right for me?

Deciding which course to take will depend on whether you're pursuing a career in teaching, or if you just want to use your TEFL qualification to gain work experience and see the world.

One popular option is the Cambridge CELTA (Certificate in Teaching English to Adults). This is a trusted qualification offered by Cambridge Assessment English, part of the University of Cambridge. The Level 5 qualification must be studied for a minimum 120-hours and can be taken full time or part time at over 90 approved centres across the UK.

To apply, you'll need to be 18 or over with A-levels or equivalent, and strong written and spoken English. Full-time study typically takes four to five weeks, while part time can range from a few months to a year.

Another option is the Trinity College London CertTESOL (Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages). This qualification is equivalent to the CELTA certificate, featuring nearly identical entry requirements and course structure. The Level 5 course requires a minimum of 130 hours of training and 70 hours of independent study.

When considering online TEFL courses, aim for one that's at least 120 hours long and includes a mandatory in-person teaching component of at least six hours. While online courses offer flexibility, many employers still value qualifications with a classroom element. Fortunately, providers like The TEFL Org now offer online courses leading to a Level 5 TEFL certification, which meet both requirements.

To further enhance your skills, you could also do a Masters degree specialising in TEFL. Although not mandatory, many universities offer these programmes - to find a suitable course for you, search for TEFL and TESOL Masters courses.

What will I learn on a TEFL course?

While TEFL course content varies by provider, you'll gain a strong foundation in:

determining a student's English proficiency level and tailoring your teaching approach accordingly
the fundamentals of English, including phonology (sound systems), lexis (vocabulary), and grammar
how to craft effective lesson plans that engage students and meet their learning objectives
practical techniques for improving speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills.
creating tests and overseeing assessments.

How much is a TEFL course?

Course providers set the price, which ranges from £700 to £1,400 including exam fees.

As a guide:

CELTA costs around £1,400 including the Cambridge Assessment Fee.
For the Trinity Course, you can expect to pay around £1,000.

Do I need to speak the local language?

While some proficiency in the local language can be helpful, focusing on English in the classroom is often preferred to maximise student learning. TEFL courses equip you with techniques to overcome language barriers, like using visuals and props, to ensure clear communication.

Where are the best places to teach English abroad?

You'll have a better chance of securing work in the following countries, where demand is high for English teachers:

China
France
Italy
Japan
South America (Chile, Brazil, Costa Rica)
South Korea
Spain
Thailand.

Look for TEFL jobs and placements, and also find information on courses at:

Do I need a visa to teach English abroad?

Obtaining the proper visa is crucial for working as a TEFL teacher, and requirements differ depending on your chosen destination.

For example:

Popular European destinations like Italy and Spain often require a long-stay visa specifically for language teaching. These typically last for more than the standard tourist visa duration (90 days). Alternatively, you can apply for a student visa which allows you to legally work up to 20 hours per week.
In the Middle East employers typically handle the work permit process for TEFL teachers they hire.
In Asia, work positions usually include sponsorship for a work permit.

Always thoroughly research the entry requirements for your chosen country before applying for jobs. You can find detailed information on visa types and application processes through Visas and background checks - School of TEFL.

Are there volunteering opportunities for teaching English abroad?

Your TEFL job search might reveal exciting volunteer opportunities to support schools with limited resources. You could contribute your skills and empower students by improving their English, potentially breaking the cycle of poverty through future job opportunities.

Organisations like Pod Volunteer connect you with these enriching volunteer experiences abroad. These volunteer programmes often range from two weeks onwards, making them ideal for testing the waters before committing to a longer-term teaching position.

Can I teach English to students online?

It's not just about teaching overseas - as well as taking the TEFL course at home, many course providers now offer the opportunity to teach English online alongside your TEFL training.

If you're considering teaching English online, you'll need a:

recognised 120-hour TEFL qualification
webcam
reliable internet connection.

Eligibility requirements can vary between online teaching platforms. You can check with the following providers for details:

Find out more

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