Frequently Asked Questions
What is TEFL?
TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) refers to teaching English to non-native speakers in countries where English is not the main language. Related terms include TESL and TESOL, which are often used interchangeably. TEFL qualifications are widely accepted for teaching English abroad and online.
What is TEFL certification?
A TEFL certification is a qualification that significantly improves your chances of securing English teaching positions abroad or online. It is widely recognised by employers worldwide in countries where English is not the primary language.
What does TEFL involve?
- Teaching children, teenagers, or adults
- Working in schools, language academies, businesses, or online
- Teaching grammar, vocabulary, speaking, listening, reading, and writing
- Often includes lesson planning, classroom management, and student assessment
Who is TEFL for?
- Native and fluent English speakers
- Career changers
- Graduates and non-graduates (requirements vary)
- People looking to travel, work remotely, or teach online
Who can take a TEFL course?
Anyone aged 18 or over who speaks English fluently and is motivated to teach can enrol in a TEFL course. No prior teaching experience is required, making TEFL ideal for career changers, graduates, and travellers.
Am I too old to teach English abroad?
No. There is no upper age limit for TEFL teaching. Many employers value mature teachers for their professionalism and life experience, particularly in private language schools and online teaching roles.
Do I need to speak the local language to teach English?
No. TEFL lessons are taught entirely in English. Speaking the local language is not required, although basic knowledge can help with daily life outside the classroom.
How do TEFL Graduate courses work?
All TEFL Graduate courses are 100% online. After registration, you’ll receive instant access to our learning platform, available 24/7. Courses remain accessible for six months, allowing you to study at your own pace.
How is the TEFL course asseded?
Assessment is completed through a series of online tests. To pass the course and receive your TEFL certificate, you must score at least 70% on each assessment.
How long does it take to complete a TEFL course?
Most students complete their TEFL course in around four weeks. Fast-track learners can finish the 120-hour TEFL course in as little as two weeks, while still having up to six months to complete it.
What if I need more time to finish my TEFL course?
- 30 days – £15 / $20
- 90 days – £20 / $27
- 180 days – £30 / $40
Extensions can be purchased through your TEFL course at https://training.teflgraduate.com.
Can I access my TEFL course after completion?
Yes. You can access your course while it remains active. If it expires, you may purchase Unlimited Access for £12 / $15.
Does a TEFL certificate expire?
No. A TEFL certificate never expires, making it a lifelong qualification for teaching English worldwide.
Will I receive an online TEFL certificate?
Yes. Once you pass all assessments and the final exam with a minimum score of 70%, your digital TEFL certificate will be available for immediate download.
Can I order a hard copy TEFL certificate?
Yes. You can order a hard copy TEFL certificate once you’ve successfully completed your course. Full pricing and delivery information is available at https://teflgraduate.com/hard-copy.
To place your order, simply log in to your TEFL course and submit your request via the “Hard Copy” section. Hard copy TEFL certificates are printed and dispatched every Saturday. If your course has expired, please contact info@teflgraduate.com for assistance.
What if I lose my TEFL certificate?
Replacement certificates can be ordered through your TEFL course at https://training.teflgraduate.com or at https://teflgraduate.com/hard-copy. Replacement fees are the same as the original hard copy certificate.
How do I get my TEFL certificate legalised or authenticated
If you need to legalise or authenticate your TEFL certificate for teaching English abroad, full details of the process are available at https://teflgraduate.com/legalising
TEFL certificate legalisation (also known as authentication or apostille) confirms that your qualification is genuine and is often required for work visas and overseas employment. Requirements vary by country, so we recommend checking the specific rules for your destination before applying.
Does TEFL Graduate help with finding teaching jobs?
While TEFL Graduate is not a recruitment agency, we connect graduates with verified English teaching jobs worldwide. Visit https://teflgraduate.com/tefl-jobs for current opportunities. We also recommend www.tefl.com for additional listings. qualifications are widely accepted for teaching English abroad and online.
When can I apply for TEFL jobs?
You can apply for TEFL jobs online or abroad while completing your course or after receiving your TEFL certification.
Where can I teach?
With a TEFL certificate, you can teach English online or abroad, including Asia, Europe and Latin America. Demand for qualified TEFL teachers remains high worldwide.
Do I need a degree to teach English abroad?
Some countries require a degree for work visas. However, many TEFL jobs without a degree are available, particularly online and in private language schools.
Whether you need a degree to teach English abroad depends on the country and visa requirements. While some countries require a university degree for work visas, there are still many TEFL jobs available without a degree, particularly with private language schools and online teaching platforms.
Asia
Most popular teaching destinations in Asia do require a degree, including China, South Korea, Thailand, Vietnam, and Japan. In these countries, a degree is usually mandatory for visa approval.
Europe
In Europe, some countries such as Italy, Spain, and France offer limited opportunities to teach English without a degree, typically through private language schools or short-term contracts.
Latin America
Latin America is one of the most accessible regions for teaching English without a degree. You may find TEFL jobs in Colombia, Peru, Ecuador, Argentina, and Brazil, especially in private institutes and conversational English roles.
Requirements can vary by employer and may change over time, so it’s always best to check the latest visa and employment regulations for your chosen destination.