Chiang Mai, Thailand
4 week TEFL Course
- Government accredited
- 10 hours teaching practice
More info
Deposit Refund Guarantee
We're confident in the quality of our training: If you complete the course and don't pass, we'll refund your deposit.
Government accredited
Ofqual level 5 TEFL certification, recognised worldwide and exceeding international standards.
What's included?
4 week, 130 hour (+/-) course
10 hours of teaching practice
6 hours observing experienced teachers
Pre-course support, including visa advice
Expert tuition from certified vocational trainers
Lifetime job support
Accommodation assistance
Welcome breakfast or lunch and graduation ceremony
- Save $100 with our December offer
Lifetime job support (in addition to the partner centre job support)
Deposit refund guarantee
FREE add-on Grammar Course
FREE lesson plan subscription
FREE starter pack of resources
Thailand is one of the most popular destinations in Asia for TEFL teachers. With a low cost of living, an abundance of job opportunities, breathtaking landscapes and amazing cuisine, it’s an ideal place to launch your teaching career while immersing yourself in a new culture and way of life.
Whether you decide to stay in Thailand or not, our accredited, 4-week TEFL course qualifies you for thousands of English teaching jobs worldwide, and comes with expert job support.
The course
This is a full-time, intensive course, involving a commitment of time and work. Most trainees find the course immensely rewarding and attest to an enormous sense of achievement when they complete it. Please read What can I expect? and our FAQ below to learn more about what’s involved.The training centre
The training centre is located just a few kilometres east of the old city walls, and within easy walking distance of a range of markets, eateries, bars and shops.Class size
The average number of students on the course is 4-8. Courses tend to get fully booked up to three months before the start of the course.Schedule
The course runs for 130+ hours over 4 weeks. You can expect to be in class, or observing, planning and teaching lessons from 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday. The practical component of 10 hours teaching practice and 6 hours of observations is spread over the 4 weeks. Weekends are free, but with the expectation of some work completing assignments and assessments. Please see What can I expect? for more detail about the “day to day” of the course.Chiang Mai is known as the “Rose of the North” for its stunning beauty, rich culture, and tranquility. Dating back to 1296 as the capital of the Lanna Kingdom, Chiang Mai gracefully blends its historical legacy, evident in the ancient city walls and moat, with contemporary dynamism, creating a unique atmosphere.
Nestled in the lush valley of the Ping River and set against breathtaking mountain backdrops, Chiang Mai has something for everyone, from the tranquility of over 300 ancient temples to bustling markets and modern shopping plazas, an array of culinary delights and a vibrant, thriving nightlife.
The city hosts numerous festivals each year, giving you a unique glimpse into Thai traditions. These include the Flower Festival in February and the Loi Krathong Festival in November, where you’ll experience the unforgettable sight of thousands of lanterns floating into the sky.
Outside the city, you can explore the natural beauty of nearby national parks, which are home to hill-tribe villages, dramatic waterfalls and abundant flora and fauna.
Chiang Mai is an enchanting and unique backdrop for the start of your TEFL journey. Be inspired by its stunning scenery and energised by its lively, modern side. After your course, like many others, you may find yourself not wanting to leave!
What can I expect?
Before the course
Once you’ve enrolled and paid your deposit, we’ll get in touch with our partner centre, who will look at your application before confirming your place on the course.
(If for any reason we or the partner centre are unable to offer you a place on the course, you’ll receive a full refund of your deposit payment.)
The School of TEFL team and partner centre will keep in close contact with you until the course starts, providing information and advice about visas and documentation, arranging your accommodation and other practicalities, and answering any questions you have.
You’ll pay the balance payment directly to our partner centre approximately four weeks before the course starts. (If you enrol closer to the start date though, that’s no problem).
At the start of the course, our partner centre will invite you for a welcome breakfast or lunch, to help you get to know the people you will spend a month with during the course.
Day to day on the course
Theory
Each day, you’ll have three hours of input sessions covering a range of topics. You’ll learn about the language itself, teaching skills and techniques, classroom management strategies and much more. The aim of these sessions is to give you a strong grasp of the theory behind teaching English as a second language. You’ll also experience being taught in an unknown foreign language to put you in the shoes of your students, and have individual and group job guidance sessions.Practice
The practical part of the course takes place across the four weeks, and you’ll leave the course with invaluable hands-on experience. On the first two days you’ll have the opportunity to observe experienced teachers giving real classes. Then you’ll jump straight into teaching the students yourself for 10 hours across the four weeks, putting into practice what you have learnt on the course. You’ll have plenty of guidance and support throughout this process, including one and a half hours of guided lesson planning each day, lesson feedback from your trainer and discussion sessions to develop this feedback.Coursework and assessment
During the 4 weeks, you’ll be assessed on the following:- Teaching practice – You’ll need to show that you can reflect on your own teaching and put feedback into practice.
- Personal and professional portfolio – This is a “progress log” where you record your achievements and identify areas for growth.
- Individual Student Teaching Project – You’ll create a detailed learning plan for one student (including two lesson plans) and normally teach one of the lessons.
- Group Project – You’ll create a project with some of your fellow trainees around the themes of teaching and cross-cultural awareness. You’ll then present this project to the whole group.
- Final written test
- Attendance
You’ll also have several one-to-one tutorials with your trainer to talk about your progress and answer any questions about what you’ve covered on the course.
By the end of the course, you’ll have the knowledge, skills, and practical experience you need to confidently pursue a career in English language teaching.
What will I learn?
You’ll learn everything you need to start teaching English: teaching skills, how to manage a class, teaching theory and much more. Here’s a summary of the main areas you’ll cover on the course:
- Language awareness (learning about how the language works, including grammar and phonology)
- Lesson planning and lesson structure
- Different teaching methodologies and how to apply them
- Teaching group classes
- Teaching one-to-one
- How to teach grammar, vocabulary and pronunciation
- How to teach speaking and writing
- How to teach reading and listening
- Classroom management
- Error correction
- Testing and assessment of learners
- Preparing learners for English language tests
- How to find and develop materials and resources
- Using visual and audio aids
- How to teach children
- How to teach Business English
- Cultural awareness in English language teaching
- Life skills for TEFL, including communication and employment awareness
Accommodation
The TEFL course in Chiang Mai comes with a free accommodation finding and booking service on request. You’ll have the choice of living with a host family or in a furnished apartment (shared with a fellow trainee if you like) in close proximity to the training centre.
The cost of accommodation ranges from approximately $200 to $400 per month.
You are also free to find your own accommodation if you prefer.
After the course
What can I do with my TEFL certificate from School of TEFL in Thailand?
The School of TEFL course trains you to teach in Thailand or anywhere in the world. If you decide to stay in Thailand, you’ll find job opportunities in government schools and private language academies across the country. Positions are also available at international schools, especially once you’ve gained some experience.
Our partner centre has an extensive network of schools and language centres, many of whom give them advance notice of open positions. They will assist you in finding a teaching position suitable for you as part of their hands-on job guidance support, as well as helping you craft a CV tailored to Thailand’s job market, assisting with interview techniques and more.
Where can I teach?
Chiang Mai itself, along with Bangkok and locations such as Ayutthaya, Phuket and Korat are some of the more popular places to teach in Thailand, but jobs can be found in many other towns and cities as well, such as Pathumthani and Udon Thani. Demand is high, and as a newly qualified teacher you should have no trouble finding a job, especially if you’re prepared to be more flexible with location.
Peak hiring times for government schools (the most likely type of job as a new teacher) are in February to March, ready for the start of term in May, and in September, for the start of term in October. As part of their expert job support, our partner centre will work with you on all aspects of finding your first job.
If you decide to leave Thailand, there is quite literally a whole world of possibilities open to you, with teaching jobs in just about every country on every continent.
Again, the School of TEFL team and the specialist staff at our partner centre will provide you with advice and support, and we take this commitment to you very seriously. We’ll help you create a CV tailored to the job market’s requirements and work with you to explore prospects with language schools and other potential employers.
Requirements
Minimum 18 years of age.
Proficient in all aspects of English. (Non-native speakers may need to show TOEIC, TOEFL or IELTS score or attend an interview.)
Secondary education to pre-university level and able to complete an intensive university-level course.
Clean police/criminal record check and clean health check from your home country.
Clear understanding of professional conduct, punctuality, cultural sensitivity and the ability to get along with others.
Upcoming dates
| Dates | Spaces | Deposit | Enrol |
|---|---|---|---|
| Enrol now, choose dates later | $375 $275 | Enrol | |
FAQ about the course and Thailand
Course FAQ
Who is the course accredited by?
Our course is accredited by Learning Resource Network, an Ofqual-recognised awarding body, as a level 5 certificate.
How much does the course cost?
The course costs $1300 USD. You’ll pay a deposit of $375 when you enrol and the balance directly to the partner centre approximately four weeks before the start of the course.
Please note:
These prices may be lower if you see an offer listed on our site or have a discount code.What's included in the course price?
Included in the price of the course are:
– Pre-course support – visa, insurance and documentation advice
– The 4-week, 130+ hour course
– 10 hours of teaching practice
– 6 hours observing experienced teachers
– Expert tuition from certified and experienced trainers
– Accommodation assistance
– Welcome breakfast or lunch and graduation ceremony
– All course materials
– Organised social and cultural events
– Lifetime job support from the partner centre and from School of TEFL
– Online grammar courseHow easy/difficult is the course?
This is an intensive, university-level course that requires dedication and hard work! It’s not a ‘shortcut’ TEFL course. However, with your commitment, you’ll emerge from it well-prepared and highly motivated to start your teaching journey.
Will I teach actual students on the course?
Yes, you’ll teach actual local ESL students at two different levels for 10 hours. These students will be in small groups.
Will I learn how to teach both adults and children?
Yes, the course trains you how to teach both adults and young learners. You’ll learn core teaching skills applicable to all age groups, along with specific strategies for teaching young learners.
How will I be assessed?
During the 4 weeks, you’ll be assessed on the following:
- Teaching practice – You’ll need to show that you can reflect on your own teaching and put feedback into practice.
- Personal and professional portfolio – This is a “progress log” where you record your achievements and identify areas for growth.
- Individual Student Teaching Project – You’ll create a detailed learning plan for one student (including two lesson plans) and normally teach one of the lessons.
- Group Project – You’ll create a project with some of your fellow trainees around the themes of teaching and cross-cultural awareness. You’ll then present this project to the whole group.
- Final written test
- Attendance
You’ll also have several one to one tutorials with your trainer to talk about your progress and answer any questions about what you’ve covered on the course.
Who is the course suitable for?
The course is suitable for motivated individuals of all ages and backgrounds who want to teach English in Thailand, around the world or online.
How early should I book?
The course tends to get fully booked up to two or three months in advance, so it’s best to book as early as you can.
How many other people will be on the course with me?
There is an average of 4-8 trainees on each course.
What should I bring/wear for the course?
A laptop for lesson planning is useful if you have one. When teaching or observing classes, you need to wear professional, business clothing (no jeans, shorts, flip-flops or t-shirts). When not teaching or observing, you can wear more casual, but still “semi-professional” clothes.
Do I need to do anything to prepare for the course?
You don’t need to prepare in any way. However, we would recommend taking our add-on Grammar Course (free when you enrol). You’ll learn grammar on the course, but this will give you a head start.
If you want to read about English teaching before the course, Learning Teaching by Jim Scrivener and The Practice of English Language Teaching by Jeremy Harmer are both good options. Again, this is optional, as you’ll learn all you need to know about the theory and practice of teaching on the course itself, but some trainees find it helpful to be familiar with some of the terms and concepts before starting the course.
Do I need to speak Thai to take the course?
No – TEFL courses show you how to teach without needing to know the language of your students. If you go on to teach in an English speaking country, you’ll probably have classes of mixed nationality/first language, so using the students’ first language isn’t an option anyway!
What kind of job help and support is provided?
Our partner centre provides lifetime job assistance. During and after the course you will have individual job guidance sessions, and advice and assistance with all aspects of finding a teaching job, including writing a CV, interview techniques and arranging job interviews. The partner centre has contacts with many schools both locally and worldwide, and can often place graduates within its own network of language schools.
In addition to the job help provided by the partner centre, School of TEFL provides lifetime job guidance and support. Before, during and after the course we’re on hand with expert advice on preparing your CV, applying for jobs, succeeding at interviews and building your TEFL career, for as long as you need us, and we take this commitment to you very seriously. To access this support, all you need to do is send us an email or give us a call at any time, and we’ll give you one-on-one, personalised support.
What else can the partner centre help with / provide?
Included in the course fee is arrival point greeting. Optional social events are often organised.
Please feel free to ask if you need help with anything else as well – the partner centre team will do their best to assist you or point you in the right direction wherever they can!
Thailand FAQ and practicalities
What are the requirements to teach English in Thailand?
To teach English in Thailand, you'll need:
- a TEFL certification of at least 120 hours
- a Bachelor's degree in any field/major
- to be a native English speaker, or a non-native speaker with a native level and proven TOEIC score of 600, TOEFL score of 550, or IELTS score of 5 / 5.5+
- a clean criminal background check
- a clean health checkWhat type of visa do I need to teach English in Thailand?
Most trainees enter Thailand on a tourist visa. This can be either a single entry visa with 90 days of validity (an initial 60 days, extendable by 30 days) or a multiple entry visa with 180 days of validity. With a multiple entry visa, you'll need to leave and re-enter the country twice, and apply for two 30 day extensions to get the full 180 day validity. Tourist visas allow you to attend short training courses such as a TEFL course.
Once you have secured a job after the course, you'll convert your tourist visa to a Non-Immigrant B visa. You can do this either at a local immigration office or by doing a visa run to a neighbouring country. A Non-Immigrant B visa and a secured job allow you to apply for a work permit (sponsored by your employer), which in turn allows you to apply for a teaching licence. A teaching licence is required to legally work as a teacher in Thailand.
So to summarise:
1. Tourist visa
2. Secure a job
3. Convert tourist visa to Non-Immigrant B visa
4. Apply for work permit
5. Apply for teaching licence
Your employer will normally help you with the process of applying for the work permit and teaching licence.
For the work permit you'll need to provide your Non-Immigrant B visa, TEFL certificate, original Bachelor's degree certificate, certified health check (carried out in Thailand), passport and passport photos.
For the teaching licence you'll need to provide your Non-Immigrant B visa, work permit, original Bachelor's degree certificate, clean, certified criminal background check and passport photos.
Our partner centre will be on hand to help you with everything to do with visas, and you can read our detailed information about visas here.What paperwork do I need to bring to teach English in Thailand?
You'll need to bring your original Bachelor's degree certificate along with any university transcripts. You'll also need to bring your certified criminal background check.
Can non-native English speakers teach English in Thailand?
Yes, as long as you can demonstrate that you have a native level of English proficiency. You may need to provide proof of this, in the form of an official TOEIC score of 600 or more, a TOEFL score of 550 or more, or an IELTS score of 5 / 5.5+.
What is the hiring period for teaching English in Thailand?
Peak hiring times for government schools (the most likely type of job as a new teacher) are in February to March, ready for the start of term in May, and in September, for the start of term in October.
What are the typical working conditions when teaching English in Thailand?
If you’re working at a government school you'll work Monday to Friday, with weekends mostly free. Your holidays will be the same as the school holidays, giving you plenty of time to travel around Thailand. Your classes may be quite large - sometimes up to 40 or 50 kids, and you'll most likely teach about 20 hours a week.
If you work at a language school, you're likely to work in the early morning, evening and at weekends, as you'll be teaching students who need to fit their English classes around work or other commitments. Class sizes are usually much smaller. Holiday and other benefits vary from school to school. Some may provide accommodation or a housing allowance, flight reimbursement and health insurance.
Thai students, both kids and adults, are generally friendly, polite, and good fun to teach.What types of teaching jobs are available in Thailand, and where are they?
You can find English teaching jobs nationwide. Bigger cities like Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Phuket tend to have the largest number of jobs. Jobs in these popular locations can be more competitive than in smaller towns.
Most work is in government schools, teaching children (Thailand has an English teaching programme in schools) and in private language schools where you may teach children, adults or business professionals. It's also possible to work in universities and international schools, usually once you have some experience. Many teachers supplement their income with private tutoring (or do this full time).Is accommodation provided with teaching jobs in Thailand?
Some language schools, especially in less popular teaching locations, offer free accommodation. If not, accommodation is very affordable.
How much will I earn teaching English in Thailand?
You can expect to make anywhere between 30,000 and 40,000 Baht (about $850 - $1150 USD or £650 - £900) per month working at a language school, depending on the school and the location. Some positions may pay more, and you can supplement income with private tutoring for anywhere up to 1,500 Baht per hour. Experienced teachers at universities or international schools can sometimes earn up to 150,000 Baht per month (about $4000 USD).
Will I be able to save money teaching English in Thailand?
The cost of living in Thailand is very low compared to many European countries or the USA. This means that, even without supplementing your income with private tutoring, you should expect to be able to save a couple of hundred dollars a month (or more, depending on your lifestyle!).
Our support for Plan International UK
We believe everyone should have access to the education and future opportunities they need to thrive. That's why for every TEFL course we sell in 2024, we're donating £5 to Plan International UK via Work for Good.
