Everything You Need to Know to Teach Abroad

TEFL stands for Teaching English as a Foreign Language. It is the industry-standard qualification required to teach English to non-native speakers in countries where English is not the primary language.

How it works is simple, you complete an online or combined training course that teaches you the science of the English language and the art of managing a classroom. Once you pass, you receive a world-recognized certificate that acts as your passport to apply for jobs in schools, language academies, or online platforms.

You don't need a teaching degree or prior experience to start—our courses provide everything you need to go from a beginner to a confident, certified instructor.

Want to see TEFL in action? Check out these short videos where our team breaks down the journey from certification to your first day in the classroom here and here.

The short answer? They are essentially different names for the same thing. Both qualifications provide you with the skills needed to teach English to non-native speakers, and most employers globally use the terms interchangeably.

The main difference is simply regional terminology. TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) is the most common term used in the UK and Europe, while TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) is more frequently used in the USA, Canada, and Australia.

Whether your certificate says TEFL or TESOL, it will be recognized by schools and visa offices worldwide. At TEFL UK, we ensure our curriculum covers everything you need to be successful under either title, so you can focus on choosing the course that best fits your career goals.

Compare our TEFL & TESOL Course Options

Yes! We welcome students of all nationalities and backgrounds. One of the best things about TEFL is that you don’t need a background in education to get started. Whether you are a recent graduate, a career-changer, or looking for a meaningful way to travel, the door is open.

To be successful, you simply need a high level of English fluency (both written and spoken) and a passion for helping others learn. Because our courses are hosted in a 100% online virtual campus, you have the total freedom to study from anywhere in the world—all you need is a Wi-Fi connection and the drive to start your new adventure.

The short answer: No. While some countries require a degree for visa purposes, there are still hundreds of incredible opportunities for teachers without one.

At TEFL UK, we believe that passion, fluency, and the right training are what truly make a great teacher. If you don't have a degree, here is how you can still launch your career.

Target the Right Countries: Many high-demand destinations do not legally require a degree for a work visa. Popular options include Cambodia, Spain, Mexico, Costa Rica, Argentina, and Poland.

Teach Online: Most online platforms, like Native Camp or Cambly, prioritize your TEFL certification and English fluency over a university diploma. It’s the perfect way to gain experience and earn money from anywhere in the world.

Choose a Level 5 Qualification: If you don’t have a degree, your TEFL certificate needs to do the "heavy lifting" on your CV. Our Level 5 Ofqual-regulated course is the gold standard. When an employer sees "Level 5" (which is equivalent to a foundation degree), it gives them the professional confidence to hire you over other candidates.

Consider an Internship: Our internships in places like Argentina or Cambodia are specifically designed to be inclusive. They provide a structured environment to gain classroom experience, which often matters more to future employers than a degree.

Don't let the lack of a degree hold you back. With the right certification, the world is still very much open to you.

Yes, absolutely! At TEFL UK, we welcome students from all over the world. In fact, some of the most successful English teachers are non-native speakers because they have successfully navigated the process of learning the language themselves—giving them a unique advantage in the classroom.

To get certified and start your teaching career, here is what you need to know:

Your Fluency is Key: As long as you have a high level of English proficiency (typically a C1 or C2 level on the CEFR scale), you can succeed on our courses and in the job market.

A Growing Global Market: The demand for English is so high that schools worldwide are increasingly focusing on ability and certification rather than just your country of birth.

The "Level 5" Advantage: For non-native speakers, having a Level 5 Ofqual-regulated certificate is a massive asset. It proves to employers that your English skills and teaching methodology have been tested against rigorous UK government standards, putting you on an equal footing with native-speaking applicants.

Online Opportunities: Many online platforms are fantastic places for non-native speakers to build a portfolio and gain experience.

Our Advice: Pair your fluency with a high-level qualification, and you’ll find that your personal experience as a language learner is actually one of your greatest teaching tools.

Start your journey with our 168-hour Level 5 Course

We know how important it is that your hard work counts. That’s why our courses are fully accredited by Accreditat, an international body known for having some of the strictest standards in the industry. It’s our way of guaranteeing you get a top-tier education that employers actually respect.

If you’re looking for the highest level of formal recognition, we also offer a Level 5 TEFL course. This is awarded through TQUK and regulated by Ofqual, giving you a government-recognized qualification that stands out on any CV.

Yes, absolutely. This is one of the most important questions you can ask, and with TEFL UK, the answer is a confident "Yes."

To work legally in many popular destinations—like China, Vietnam, or South Korea—your certificate must be "legalized." This is a formal process where your document is verified for international use. Because our courses are fully accredited and recognized, they meet the strict requirements for:

Notarization: Verification by a public notary.

Apostille: An international certification that makes your document valid in countries that are part of the Hague Convention.

Embassy Authentication: Verification by the specific embassy of the country where you’ll be teaching.

Why this matters for you: We don't just hand you a PDF and wish you luck. Our certificates are issued by a recognized UK training provider, which means they are eligible for the full legalization chain required by global immigration offices.

Pro Tip: If you are applying for a highly competitive visa, our Level 5 Ofqual-regulated course is the gold standard. Since it is a government-regulated qualification, the authentication process is often even smoother for embassies.

Need help with the paperwork? We’ve helped thousands of teachers successfully navigate the visa process. If you’re unsure about the specific requirements for your dream destination, our team is here to guide you.

Explore our Visa-Ready Course Packages

Links to sample certificates will open in a modal window:

Sample 120hr TEFL certificate
Sample 140hr Combined TEFL certificate
Sample 150hr TEFL certificate
Sample 170hr Combined TEFL certificate
Sample 220hr TEFL certificate
Sample 240hr Combined TEFL certificate
Sample 70hr Business English certificate

We are here to make sure you don't. While our courses are rigorous enough to be respected by employers, they are designed to be supportive, not stressful. We want you to succeed, and our platform is built to help you cross the finish line.

If you don't pass an assessment on your first try, don't panic. You can review the materials and retake the test. We focus on mastery, ensuring you actually understand the material before moving forward.

Because our 100% online campus is self-paced, you can take the time you need to truly grasp the concepts. Over 90% of our students pass successfully on their first or second attempt.

Our goal isn't to "weed people out"—it's to transform you into a confident, capable teacher.

We understand that the online TEFL world can be confusing, which is why we prioritize total transparency and high-level official recognition. TEFL UK is a fully accredited training provider whose courses are independently verified by Accreditat, an international body that enforces rigorous academic standards. For those seeking the highest level of security, we offer Level 5 qualifications that are awarded by TQUK and officially regulated by Ofqual, the UK government’s department for exams and qualifications. This means our certificates are not just "private pieces of paper"—they are government-recognized credentials that are trusted by embassies and schools worldwide. With over 60,000 graduates and a track record of successful job placements, we encourage you to check our independent reviews and see why we are one of the most trusted names in international teacher training.

Secure your future with a government-regulated Level 5 course

Yes, TEFL UK are excited to support you in your search for overseas TEFL jobs and internships. We offer a range of jobs and internships in countries such as Argentina, China, Colombia, Georgia, Japan, Korea, Thailand and Vietnam. Browse the Jobs Board.

The main difference comes down to the level of support versus the level of independence (and pay).

TEFL Internships are essentially "supported adventures." They are designed for first-time teachers who want a safety net. You’ll usually travel with a group of other interns, receive an in-country orientation, and have your housing and visa paperwork handled for you. While the monthly stipend is typically lower than a full salary, the trade-off is total peace of mind and a ready-made social circle from day one.

TEFL Jobs, on the other hand, are for those ready to dive straight in. You’ll typically earn a higher, professional salary and have more freedom to choose your specific school and city. While you’ll need to be more independent with things like finding an apartment or navigating local life, it’s the best route if your primary goal is to maximize your savings and build a long-term career.

Think of an internship as a "soft landing" and a job as "full immersion." Both are fantastic ways to see the world—it just depends on how much "hand-holding" you’d like for your first move!

TEFL internships can be a great way to gain classroom experience without committing to a long term teaching contract. You would usually receive a little more initial training and support for a TEFL internship as this type of program is often aimed at first time teachers.

Absolutely! Online teaching is the fastest-growing sector of the TEFL industry, offering unparalleled freedom. Whether you want to earn a full-time income from home or a "side-hustle" while you travel, we provide the path to get there.

We work closely with platforms like Native Camp, one of Japan's leading online English schools. They offer ultimate flexibility—you can teach 24/7 with no minimum hours required and no fixed schedule.

Many of our online partners do not require a university degree or prior teaching experience—all you need is a high-quality TEFL certification and a stable internet connection.

You don't need to spend hours planning; teaching materials are often provided directly through the platform’s interface.

The "Side-Hustle" Advantage: Many of our students earn $500–$800/month just by teaching a few hours in the evenings, which is the perfect way to fund your flights for a future move abroad.

Ready to become a digital nomad? Our specialized courses include dedicated modules on mastering the virtual classroom, digital lesson planning, and online student engagement. View our Online Specialist Course Packages.

Your earning potential depends largely on your destination and your level of qualification, but teaching English is a career that offers a genuine liveable wage and, in many cases, significant savings potential. In high-demand regions like Southeast Asia, you can expect a comfortable lifestyle that allows for local travel, while in "high-savings" hubs like China or Vietnam, teachers often save 30% to 50% of their monthly salary after all expenses are met. If you choose to teach online, you can realistically earn between $500 and $1,500 per month depending on your hours, making it a perfect side-hustle or full-time remote career. To maximize your paycheck, we highly recommend our Level 5 Ofqual-regulated course, as government-recognized qualifications often allow you to negotiate higher starting salaries and access premium roles in international schools and private language academies.

You would have a 12 month subscription on the course from the day you enrol. If you take longer than 12 months to complete the course, you can purchase a 6 month extension for £35.

The courses are self paced meaning you can learn according to your own schedule. You do not need to be online at any set times of the day. You can study at any time and from anywhere!

One of the best things about training with TEFL UK is that you do not need to purchase any expensive textbooks or specialized software to complete your qualification. All of the essential reading materials, lesson plans, and resources are included within our 100% online campus, which you can access 24/7 from any standard device. To get started, you simply need a reliable internet connection and a laptop, tablet, or smartphone. While no physical books are required, we do recommend having a pair of headphones with a microphone if you plan on taking our online teaching practicum modules, as this will help you practice for the virtual classroom environment. We’ve designed our platform to be entirely "all-inclusive," ensuring that the price you see at checkout is the only cost you will encounter on your journey to becoming a certified teacher.

Start your course today with zero hidden costs