Top TEFL Courses for Travelers: How English Teaching Certifications Can Turn Your Wanderlust into a Career

For many of us, our dream of traveling the world is hampered by the reality of our limited finances. One way to overcome this obstacle is to earn a Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) certification. Becoming TEFL certified will allow you to fund your adventures and experience new cultures while teaching. TEFL certification can turn the world into your workplace.

What is TEFL Certification?

TEFL certification is a professional qualification that trains you to teach English to non-native speakers. It is a standard requirement for most paid English teaching jobs abroad and online. Being a TEFL recipient identifies you as a well-trained educator, equipped with the skills required to teach English. 

With TEFL certification, you show that you have been extensively trained in how to become a TEFL teacher. It can become your “ticket” to traveling the world. According to The TEFL Org, “Online English teaching has never been a bigger deal, and it’s only growing.”  Online teaching allows you to practice your profession anywhere in the world.

Why Is TEFL Certification Important?

TEFL certification is recognized worldwide as an essential credential for teaching English abroad or online. It equips participants with the necessary skills to teach English to adults or children.  

Teaching jobs are in high demand all over the world, and TEFL is one of the best options for making a move abroad while teaching to fund your travels. Below you will find a variety of reasons why securing a TEFL certificate is beneficial for your teaching career.

• Job Opportunities and Requirements: TEFL certification is required in order to obtain work visas in countries such as China and Vietnam. It also improves your chances of landing higher-paying jobs in Asia, Europe, and Latin America.
• Essential Skills and Training: TEFL participants are taught essential skills like lesson planning, classroom management, and strategies to motivate and engage students.
• Increased Confidence: Certification equips teachers with the knowledge and confidence to handle diverse classrooms, with little or no experience. This confidence is readily apparent during job interviews and helps TEFL-certified applicants stand out.
• Credibility: TEFL Certification acts as formal recognition of your capability to teach English professionally. It lets potential employers know that you have been trained extensively. It also demonstrates that you have the dedication to teaching that is needed in order to perform at a high level.
• Versatility: It prepares you for various teaching environments, including in-person classrooms and online platforms. TEFL certification allows you the opportunity to travel as you teach.
• Lifetime Validity: Most TEFL certificates do not expire, making it a long-term investment in your career. Many professional licenses require expensive renewals or continuing education credits. However, a TEFL certification is a “one and done” credential, making it very cost-efficient. This is also an attractive and useful benefit if you choose to step away from teaching for a few years and then return.

What Are The Best Certification Programs For Travelers?

There are several options to complete TEFL certification. Here are the ones we feel are best for travelers:

120 Hour Online Course

The 120-hour TEFL certificate is considered the “gold standard” and minimum requirement for entry-level English teaching jobs online or abroad. Online instruction allows you to study whenever and wherever you want. The courses can be completed from anywhere in the world, from any device, and are self-paced and flexible, making it easy to schedule studying around your needs. Normally, you are given 6 months to complete the course. The average time for most is 10-12 weeks, but the pace is entirely up to you. 

Major Benefits:

• Industry Standard Requirement: Most international employers require a minimum of 120 hours of training, making this certification essential to secure quality teaching positions. According to The TEFL Org, this certificate is the qualification for really getting yourself noticed.
• Global Recognition & Mobility: Recognized worldwide, this certification acts as a “passport” to work in many countries and is very often a requirement for obtaining work visas.
• In-Depth Training: This certification arms you with all the skills you need. The course covers classroom management, lesson planning, and teaching techniques. It instills you with the confidence and skills to effectively instruct students.
• Potential For Higher Pay: Certified teachers are generally more likely to secure higher pay and better contract terms compared to non-certified applicants.
• Career Flexibility: Certification prepares you for various teaching opportunities, including working abroad, teaching online from home, or tutoring privately.
• Little Or No Prior Experience Necessary: These courses allow individuals with no teaching background to acquire the foundational knowledge needed to start a new career.

250 Hour Online Diploma Course

A 250-hour TEFL course (often classified as a Level 5 Diploma) is an advanced qualification designed for those seeking a competitive edge in the global English teaching market. While a 120-hour certificate is the standard minimum for most jobs, the 250-hour option offers significantly more depth and specialized training. 

The 250-hour Level 5 TEFL Diploma is a great option for anyone who would benefit from more comprehensive training. It is especially beneficial if you want to teach in a country with a competitive job market. This extensive course will make your CV stand out. 

Major Benefits:

• Specialized Training: A 250-hour course typically includes the core 120-hour curriculum plus additional in-depth training.
• Better Chances For Employment: In highly competitive locations, having a Level 5 Diploma can help you stand out. It is especially useful if you do not have a university degree or are a non-native English speaker.
• Greater Confidence & Preparation: The extra class hours allow for extra training into topics like advanced grammar and more sophisticated teaching strategies. This extra preparation builds confidence in new teachers, making them feel better prepared and less nervous.
• Potential For Long-Term Success: A 250-hour diploma is better suited for those planning to make TEFL a long-term career. It demonstrates a high level of dedication and expertise that will impress potential employers and pave the way for long-term employment opportunities.

The Bottom Line

With the high demand for teachers worldwide, TEFL is one of the best options for making a move abroad. With TEFL, people of all ages are given the opportunity to teach English abroad and online. The flexibility of training options and the availability of worldwide travel mean that people from all backgrounds can teach English almost anywhere they want to and indulge their wanderlust. The TEFL Org research shows that TEFL-certified teachers see new corners of the world and gain priceless international work experience that will last a lifetime.