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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.

 

Online vs In-Class TEFL Courses

Start your journey to teach English abroad with an accredited TEFL certification. Whether you choose our online TEFL course or the in-class TEFL course in countries like Thailand, Costa Rica, or Spain, you’ll gain the skills and confidence to step into the classroom. All of our programs include expert instruction, cultural insights, and optional job placement support, making it easier than ever to launch your teaching career overseas.

In-Class TEFL

Perfect for hands-on learners and immersive travelers

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

Available in:

  • Hua Hin, Thailand

  • Incheon, South Korea

  • San Ramon, Costa Rica

  • Barcelona, Spain

  • Nagoya, Japan

  • Yangon, Myanmar 

Online TEFL

Flexible and convenient—train from home, then teach abroad

✔️ Self-paced or guided online TEFL course
✔️ Internationally recognized and accepted
✔️ Ideal if you're working or studying while planning your move

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

  • Thailand

  • Vietnam

  • South Korea 

  • Japan

  • And more

How to Enroll in Your TEFL Certification Program

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.

1

Apply Online

Submit your application for our online TEFL course or our standalone in-class TEFL course.
2

Schedule an optional Information Session

Have any questions about the course? Schedule a free Information Session with one of our Enrollment Coordinators.
3

Make Payment

Make payment in accordance with your payment schedule, depending on which option you pick.

Compare TEFL Courses: Online vs In-Class

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

From $20990 120 Hour In-Class TEFL

What you get:

  • 120-hour in-class TEFL course with practical training
  • Shared accommodation + airport pickup
  • Immersive cultural orientation
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Online TEFL

$5998 120 Hours /month

What You Get:

  • 120-hour online TEFL course
Get Started

In-Class TEFL

Online TEFL

Enrollment Deposit
Full Support: Pre-departure, visa, placement, 24/7 in-country support, Q&A, SIM/bank/airport guidance, cultural orientation, resources & more
Pre-departure, visa, placement, 24/7 in-country support, Q&A, SIM/bank/airport guidance, cultural orientation, resources & more
$599
-

TEFL Course
Hours
4 weeks in-class (120h)
5 weeks online (120h)
Accredited Certification
Practical Training
-

Additionals
Shared accommodation during TEFL
-
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 join our TEFL courses.

Check Eligibility
But, what you do need is:

Native level understanding of the English language.

Older than 18.
A valid Passport for the in-class TEFL.
A working laptop and stable internet connection for the online TEFL.

Relevant Blog Posts

Teach Abroad 101: Your Guide to Getting an ESL Certification

If you’re Googling “how to teach abroad,” you’ve probably already felt overwhelmed by the flood of TEFL ads, TESOL programs, and ESL blogs. Let’s simplify it! In this guide, we’ll walk you through the basics of ESL certification, so you can start planning your journey with confidence.

TEFL/TESOL
What Qualifications Do I Need to Teach English Abroad?

So you want to explore the world, make a difference to the lives of those in the communities in which you work and get paid to do so? Teaching English abroad is a great way to tick all these boxes. But what qualifications do you need in order to get started? This is a question we at TravelBud get asked a LOT! And it's a great question because there's not exactly a simple answer. Let's explore everything you might need in order to be able to teach English abroad.

Teacher Talk

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. 

You won't regret it

★ ★ ★ ★ ★
I know the program costs a lot of money. But consider it an investment. Not only do you get a TESOL qualification taught in person (better than an online TEFL) which you can use anywhere, but you will also grow as a person. The teaching work in Vietnam is very rewarding, with 80 hours a week teaching paying over £1000 a month (after tax). It's incredibly easy to save, and still live in great accommodation. I've met many amazing people and picked up a second language and several hobbies thanks to all my free time. I feel 10x more confident in myself, and I love living in Vietnam. The people are so friendly, especially if you learn a little Vietnamese.

Excite your brain

★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Every single moment since I have arrived in Vietnam has felt like a vivid story in my head. Not only are we just learning in the classroom- we are learning every time we step outside. Whether it’s reading signs , asking questions to local people in Vietnamese or looking in doorways as you pass down side streets... there is truly never a dull moment. Travel Bud had me feeling so well prepared for this trip. The comfort they provided me set the tone for a welcoming , warm journey into Vietnam. I have felt extremely looked after and the way that the staff (especially Saskia) responded to every question I asked no matter how big or small was both genuine and helpful.

Vietnam with TravelBud

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

TravelBud have been an excellent resource, and the experience as a whole has been wonderful so far. I had never left the US before signing up to come teach and it's been great. Vietnam as a whole has been amazing, and the kids I am teaching are fantastic. The companies who guided me through this process have really been exemplary in their ability to make sure everything went as smoothly as possible.

The food here is unbelievable. So delicious, and so affordable. Don't be afraid of street food, it's so good. You quickly get a favorite vendor for most anything you can eat.

Frequently Asked Questions

Got questions about our TEFL courses? Here are some of the most common ones we hear from applicants.

TravelBud offers both a 5-week online TEFL course and a 4‑week intensive in-class course held in locations such as Thailand, South Korea, Costa Rica, Spain, Japan, and Myanmar. While both options lead to internationally accredited certification, the in-class course includes practical teaching practice, cultural immersion, and orientation before placement.
Yes, the certification is internationally recognized and accepted by employers in countries across Asia, Europe, South America, and beyond. It is accredited by Accreditat and listed on the UK Register of Learning Providers (UKRLP), ensuring global credibility.

  • Online TEFL: Starts around US $599 for 120 hours.

  • In-Class TEFL: From US $2,099, which includes in-country training, shared accommodation, airport pickup, cultural orientation, and 24/7 support.