' + head.innerHTML + rows + ''); printWindow.document.close(); printWindow.document.getElementById('print').addEventListener('click', function () { printWindow.print(); }); printWindow.opener = null; }); show(false); } function init(scope) { scope = scope || document; if (scope.nodeType === 1 && scope.matches('.tefl-planbook')) setup(scope); if (scope.querySelectorAll) scope.querySelectorAll('.tefl-planbook').forEach(setup); } window.TEFLPlanbook = { init: init }; function boot() { init(document); new MutationObserver(function (changes) { changes.forEach(function (change) { change.addedNodes.forEach(function (node) { if (node.nodeType === 1) init(node); }); }); }).observe(document.body, { childList: true, subtree: true }); } if (document.readyState === 'loading') document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', boot, { once: true }); else boot(); })(); /* Separate from Planbook/notebook engines. Append once to shared course JS. */ (function () { 'use strict'; if(window.TEFLGrowingPlan){window.TEFLGrowingPlan.init(document);return;} function setup(root){ if(root.dataset.growingReady==='true')return; var stages=Array.from(root.querySelectorAll('[data-plan-stage]')); var progress=root.querySelector('[data-plan-progress]'),complete=root.querySelector('[data-plan-complete]'); if(!stages.length||!progress||!complete)return; root.dataset.growingReady='true'; function refresh(){var n=stages.filter(function(s){return s.dataset.prepared==='true';}).length;progress.textContent=n+' of '+stages.length+' stages prepared';complete.hidden=n!==stages.length;} stages.forEach(function(stage){ var work=stage.querySelector('.tefl-growplan__work'),btn=stage.querySelector('[data-prepare]'),record=stage.querySelector('[data-plan-record]'),summary=work.querySelector('summary'); work.addEventListener('toggle',function(){if(work.open)stages.forEach(function(s){var d=s.querySelector('.tefl-growplan__work');if(d!==work)d.open=false;});}); btn.addEventListener('click',function(){ if(stage.dataset.prepared==='true')return; stage.dataset.prepared='true';record.hidden=false;stage.querySelector('[data-stage-state]').textContent='Prepared';summary.textContent='Review the preparation';btn.textContent='Details added';btn.disabled=true;work.open=false;refresh();summary.focus(); }); }); root.querySelectorAll('[data-board]').forEach(function(board){ var step=0,btn=board.querySelector('[data-board-next]'),status=board.querySelector('[data-board-status]'); btn.addEventListener('click',function(){step++;var layer=board.querySelector('[data-board-layer="'+step+'"]');if(layer)layer.hidden=false; var labels=['Add the form patterns','Add the pronunciation notes','Board record complete'];btn.textContent=labels[step-1]; status.textContent=['Meaning notes added.','Form patterns and short answers added.','Pronunciation notes added. The written record is complete.'][step-1];if(step===3)btn.disabled=true; }); board.resetBoard=function(){step=0;board.querySelectorAll('[data-board-layer]').forEach(function(x){x.hidden=true;});btn.disabled=false;btn.textContent='Add the meaning notes';status.textContent='The model sentences are on the board.';}; }); root.querySelector('[data-reset-plan]').addEventListener('click',function(){ if(!window.confirm('Clear the added details and prepare the plan again?'))return; stages.forEach(function(s){delete s.dataset.prepared;s.querySelector('[data-stage-state]').textContent='To prepare';s.querySelector('[data-plan-record]').hidden=true;var d=s.querySelector('.tefl-growplan__work');d.open=false;d.querySelector('summary').textContent='Prepare this stage';var b=s.querySelector('[data-prepare]');b.disabled=false;b.textContent='Add these details to the plan';}); root.querySelectorAll('[data-board]').forEach(function(b){b.resetBoard();});refresh();stages[0].querySelector('summary').focus(); }); root.querySelector('[data-print-plan]').addEventListener('click',function(){ if(stages.some(function(s){return s.dataset.prepared!=='true';}))return; var w=window.open('','_blank');if(!w){progress.textContent='Allow a print window in your browser to print the completed plan.';return;} var header=root.querySelector('.tefl-growplan__header').cloneNode(true);header.querySelector('[data-plan-progress]').remove(); var body=header.innerHTML; stages.forEach(function(s){var h=s.querySelector('.tefl-growplan__stagehead').cloneNode(true);h.querySelector('[data-stage-state]').remove();body+='
'+h.innerHTML+s.querySelector('[data-plan-record]').innerHTML+'
';}); w.document.write('How people’s lives have changed: lesson plan '+body+'

Total: 60 minutes. Keep the materials, CCQs and board preparation with this plan.

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Get Certified to Teach English Abroad and Online

Our TEFL courses help prepare you to teach English abroad or online. Want to see which course fits you best?

TEFL trainees in Ban Rak Thai, Thailand
TEFL trainees in Ban Rak Thai, Thailand

Internationally recognised certification

Lifetime job support

Expert, dedicated trainers

Accredited In-Person and Hybrid TEFL Courses

Study in the classroom, or start online with a hybrid course.

Not sure which course is right for you? Get in touch for friendly, honest advice from people who’ve been exactly where you are :-)

What can you do with TEFL?

  • Teach Online

    Teach from home or while you travel. Make it a full-time job or a flexible side gig. Once you have your TEFL certificate, the booming online teaching market opens endless opportunities to connect with learners around the world, no matter where YOU are.

  • Teach Abroad

    With a TEFL certificate you can teach in classrooms across the globe, from Argentina to Vietnam. TEFL teachers are in high demand, and you'll have the chance to inspire students, make a real difference to people's lives, and immerse yourself in new cultures, all while earning a living!

TEFL trainee in traditional dress, Peru
School of TEFL Antigua trainee with class
School of TEFL Ho Chi Minh City trainee with students
TEFL trainee in traditional dress, Peru
School of TEFL Antigua trainee with class
School of TEFL Ho Chi Minh City trainee with students

Why choose School of TEFL?

In-person courses are delivered through our partner centres:

What our graduates say

Testimonials reflect individual trainee experiences and are shared with permission.

Non-native speaker? No degree? We've got you covered.

  • I'm a non-native speaker

    No problem! While "native speaker bias" unfortunately still exists, the barriers are coming down all the time. So if you can demonstrate English fluency, many countries and online platforms offer teaching opportunities for non-native speakers. We'll be happy to help you explore your options and find the right path. Feel free to get in touch.

  • I don't have a degree

    While some countries require a Bachelor's degree for teaching jobs, there are many that don't. So there are plenty of opportunities in countries and with online platforms that value your teaching skills over university qualifications. Feel free to get in touch and we'll help you explore your options.

  • I'm over 50 years old

    While some countries put upper age limits on employing teachers from abroad, there are many that don't. Many employers recognise that life experience can be a huge asset in the classroom, helping you connect with students in meaningful ways. So whether you're looking for a new adventure or a change in pace, there are plenty of opportunities available. Feel free to get in touch.

FAQ about TEFL

  • What is TEFL?

    TEFL stands for “Teaching English as a Foreign Language.” It involves teaching people how to communicate in English for various purposes, such as work, travel, living or studying in an English-speaking country, or simply for enjoyment.

    You might also see the terms TESL (Teaching English as a Second Language) and TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages). These acronyms are often used interchangeably.

  • How much demand is there for TEFL?

    Demand for English teachers is strong worldwide, with hundreds of millions of learners studying English globally. All these learners need teachers, which drives the thriving worldwide TEFL industry.

    Some of this demand comes from non-native speakers living in English-speaking countries, who need English to integrate into daily life and work. The rest comes from people in non-English speaking countries. These learners might be studying English for professional reasons, to move to or study in English-speaking countries, or simply out of a passion for language learning.

  • Where can I teach with TEFL?

    You can teach in virtually any country in the world, or online from anywhere. Wherever there are people who need to learn English, there is a demand for TEFL teachers, creating almost limitless opportunities.

    You might find yourself teaching in private language schools, international schools, educational institutions at all levels, in summer camps, with voluntary organisations, in the corporate sector, as an independent freelance tutor, or online.

    The diversity of teaching contexts makes TEFL a highly versatile and rewarding career choice, whether for one, three, or even thirty years.

  • What's like like as a TEFL teacher?

    TEFL allows you to explore the world and immerse yourself in other cultures while getting paid. You’ll experience enormous job satisfaction, be inspired and challenged by new experiences and your students, and have a real and positive impact on their lives, feeling a sense of pride in what you help them achieve.

    Always wanted to live in Buenos Aires, working by day and dancing tango by night? Or work in a rural community in Thailand, teaching kids who wouldn’t otherwise have access to learning English? TEFL makes this possible.

    Of course, TEFL is a job, and like any other job, it comes with its amazing days and forgettable ones, highs and lows, stress and excitement, and the expectation to perform well in the role you’re being paid to do.

    But the nature of TEFL means that it may not always feel like a “real” job, and that’s one of the things that makes it so appealing.

    And then there are the “a-ha” moments – those incredible lightbulb moments when a student finally understands a concept that had previously seemed elusive. The look on that student’s face is one of the most rewarding aspects of teaching.

  • How do I get started in TEFL?

    The first step is to choose a TEFL course. A TEFL course gives you the certification you need to demonstrate to employers that you are qualified to teach.

    Once you’re qualified, decide where you want to teach and start applying for jobs.

    It’s that simple to get started.

    Our 20 page Guide to Getting into TEFL goes into detail about how to choose the right course.

    We’re here to help as well, and always happy to answer questions – just get in touch.