What is TESOL/TEFL?

TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) and TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) are globally recognized certifications that qualify you to teach English to non-native speakers. Whether you’re aiming for a classroom in Thailand or a language center in Spain, these certifications are your first step to getting hired and making a real impact.

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Why You Need a TEFL/TESOL Certification

🌍 It’s often a requirement for schools and visa processes
🧑‍🏫 It gives you the skills and confidence to manage a classroom
💼 It boosts your employability and salary options
📄 It’s globally recognized, so it opens doors worldwide
🚀 It’s your launchpad to living, traveling, and teaching abroad

Is TEFL the same as TESOL?
They’re often used interchangeably, and most employers accept either. “TEFL” is more common internationally; “TESOL” is often used in North America.

How long does a TEFL course take?
Online courses can take anywhere from 4–12 weeks depending on your schedule. In-class courses usually run for 4 intensive weeks.

Is a TEFL certificate worth it?
Absolutely! It’s the key to getting hired, feeling prepared, and having a smoother teaching experience abroad.

TravelBud's TEFL/TESOL Options

Whether you prefer to train in-person or online, we’ve got a program that fits your lifestyle and goals.

In-Class TEFL + Guaranteed Job Placement

Perfect for hands-on learners and immersive travelers

✔️ 4-week intensive, internationally accredited TEFL course
✔️ Location-based training with cultural immersion
✔️ Job placement secured before you finish training
✔️ Classroom management and real teaching practice
✔️ On-ground support and orientation

Available in:

Hua Hin, Thailand
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Incheon, South Korea
San Ramon, Costa Rica
Barcelona, Spain
Nagoya, Japan
Yangon, Myanmar

Online TEFL + Guaranteed Job Placement

Flexible and convenient—train from home, then teach abroad

✔️ Self-paced or guided online TEFL course
✔️ Internationally recognized and accepted
✔️ Full job placement services included
✔️ Ideal if you're working or studying while planning your move
✔️ Pre-departure support + relocation guidance

Once certified in your home country via the Online Course, you'll be qualified to teach in the following destinations with us:

Thailand
Vietnam
South Korea
Japan
And more

Placement Only (If You're Already Certified)

Already TEFL-certified? We’ll handle the rest.

✔️ Job placement with vetted, reputable schools
✔️ Visa support, pre-departure prep, and arrival assistance
✔️ Full in-country support team
✔️ Ongoing guidance throughout your contract

Available in:

Thailand
Vietnam
Cambodia
Costa Rica
South Korea
Japan

How It Works

We know the idea of teaching abroad can feel overwhelming. That’s why we’ve broken it down into five simple steps so that you can skip the stress and head straight to the adventure.

Choose Your Program

Select your perfect destination and teaching program with our expert guidance.

Apply & get Placed

Submit your application, and we’ll secure your job placement before you go.

Complete Your TEFL (if applicable)

Take your internationally recognised TEFL course (we’ll take care of the details).

Visa & Paperwork Support

We guide you through the visa application process and ensure all your documents are in order.

Arrive & Teach

We’ll meet you at the airport and continue supporting you throughout your teaching adventure.

Which Program is Right for Me?

Not sure which program suits your needs? We’ve broken it down so you can easily choose the one that aligns with your experience, time, and goals.

In-Class TEFL & Placement Program

From $27990 120 Hour In-Class TEFL

What you get:

120-hour in-person TEFL course with practical training
Guaranteed job placement & 24/7 in-country support
Shared accommodation (1st month) + airport pickup
Lifetime placement guarantee & cultural orientation

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Online TEFL & Placement

From $23988 120 Hours /month

What You Get:

120-hour online TEFL course
Guaranteed job placement & ongoing support
Cultural orientation weekend + resource library
Lifetime placement guarantee

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Placement Program

From $189916 /month

What You Get:

Guaranteed job placement
Pre-departure & in-country support
Immersive Cultural orientation
Lifetime placement guarantee

Get Started

In-Class TEFL & Placement Program

Online TEFL & Placement

Placement Program

Enrollment Deposit

Full Support: Pre-departure, visa, placement, 24/7 in-country, lifetime guarantee, Q&A, SIM/bank/airport guidance, cultural orientation, resources & more

TEFL Course

Hours

4 weeks in-class (120h)

120h (4 wks) – $693

170h (11 wks) – $1,804

Accredited Certification

Practical Training

Additionals

Accommodation (1st month)

Airport Pickup

Airport Assistance

Cultural Orientation

Support Network

Career & Personal Development

Lesson Plans & Resources

Bank Account Guidance

Eligibility Requirements

You don’t need to have any teaching experience to teach English abroad.

But, what you do need is:

Let's Do This

A passport from the UK, USA, Canada, Ireland, Australia, or New Zealand.

Any bachelor’s degree issued in one of the seven designated English-speaking countries.

To be a Native English Speaker.

No criminal conviction whatsoever (even misdemeanors).

No major medical or mental health diagnosis or medication in the past 5 years.

No communicable diseases.

No visible tattoos (such as on the face, neck and hands).

See Why 2,400+ Participants Chose Us

If you need more proof of why we’re the best at what we do, look no further than the thousands of people we’ve helped live, teach, and travel abroad.

A lot of support and encouragement

Thanks to TravelBud my dreams of teaching abroad came through!
The process to get to the destination can be quite long and time consuming but with the support of all the staff, we prepared everything. I received a lot of assistance throughout the months prior the departure but also, during the following months of my teaching. Now I am a proud teacher in South East Asia and this would have never happened without TravelBud.
In conclusion, I can not recommend this organisation enought if you want to teach in a new country.

Chiara, UK

Teach in Cambodia Program

Unforgettable Experience

I can say with confidence that this has been the most rewarding and exciting experience I have had. TravelBud made the process of moving to a new country a hassle free experience. I was put into a TEFL program in Costa Rica where met lifelong friends and build a network in a new country. We had plenty of free time to explore and enjoy local activities. My time in the TEFL program was truly such a memorable and fun time and I will always remember it fondly. Going through TravelBud, I felt a peace of mind and overall excitement for the journey that was ahead. I highly recommend them :)

Emma, USA

Teach in Costa Rica Program

I'm having an amazing time!

I am coming up on 6 months into my placement as an English teacher in Japan and could not be happier that I chose to work with TravelBud! TravelBud makes it extremely easy to begin the process of moving your life abroad, from facilitating a TESOL certification course, setting up interviews with prospective schools, and even connecting you with incredible people making up an in-country support team. Every staff member I have spoken with from this company has been incredibly kind, patient, and more than willing to answer any and all questions I had about teaching, living abroad, and the entire process of doing so. If you are thinking about teaching abroad, I cannot recommend TravelBud enough - they are a perfect resource to make the process of moving your entire life to another country as seamless as possible, whether it's your first or tenth time doing so!

Lilah, USA

Teach in Japan (Degree Holder) Program