4-Week TEFL Course in Guadalajara, Mexico

The course is accredited by the Secretary of Education of Mexico (SEP). The 140-hour programme exceeds the international standard of 120 hours, making it widely recognised by employers around the world.

Please note:
These prices may be lower if you see an offer listed on this page or have a discount code.

The course costs $1495 USD. You’ll pay a deposit of $493 when you enrol and the balance directly to the partner centre approximately before the start of the course.

Included in the price of the course are:

– Pre-course support – visa and documentation guidance
– 4-week, 140-hour accredited course
– At least 10 hours of observed teaching practice with real EFL students
– 6 hours observing experienced teachers
– Expert tuition from qualified trainers
– Housing placement assistance
– Airport reception and transport to your accommodation
– One week of free Spanish lessons ($240 USD value)
– A free tour to a tequila factory
– Free monthly membership to Guadalajara’s bicycle share programme
– In-class refreshments (coffee, tea, water)
– All course materials and printing
– 11 micro-credentials on specific TEFL techniques
– Job guidance and CV preparation support
– Graduation dinner
– Ongoing job guidance
– Job support from School of TEFL
– Deposit refund guarantee
– Optional access to our Grammar 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.

Yes. You’ll teach genuine EFL students following an official curriculum for at least 10 hours. This is higher than the international standard and is one of the course’s key strengths.

Yes, the course trains you to teach both adults and young learners. You’ll learn core teaching skills applicable to all age groups.

Assessment is continuous throughout the course:

Teaching Practice – 40%
TEFL Essays – 30%
Class participation and assignments – 10%
Grammar – 10%
Classroom Management Tasks – 10%

The teaching practice grade is the most important component. There is no final exam.

No – TEFL courses teach you how to teach English without needing to know your students’ first language. Basic Spanish can be helpful for day-to-day life in Mexico, and ITTO includes a free week of Spanish lessons with your enrolment, worth $240.

The course is suitable for motivated individuals of all ages and backgrounds who want to teach English in Mexico, around the world or online. Most trainees are in their 20s, 30s, and 40s, but ITTO has successfully trained and placed graduates in their 50s, 60s, and beyond.

Classes can fill up several months in advance, so it’s best to book as early as you can. Once your deposit is paid, you can switch to a later course if there’s a spot available.

Class sizes are kept small to maximise learning – typically no more than 20 trainees per course.

When teaching or observing classes, you’ll need to wear professional, business-appropriate clothing (no jeans, shorts, flip-flops, or t-shirts). When not teaching, you can wear casual clothes.

You don’t need to prepare in any way. Everything you need to complete the course is covered during the training itself.

We include access to our Grammar Course when you enrol, which some trainees choose to use as a refresher.

If you’d like to do a bit of background reading, Learning Teaching by Jim Scrivener and The Practice of English Language Teaching by Jeremy Harmer are both good options. These aren’t required, but some trainees find it helpful to be familiar with a few terms and ideas before the course begins.

You should bring both digital and printed copies of important documents, including your CV (and degree certificate if you have one).

ITTO offers comprehensive job search support, including:

– CV/resume analysis and preparation tailored to the EFL market
– Practice interviews with professional feedback
– Direct contact with schools in your preferred locations
– Guidance on the job market in Mexico and worldwide

In addition to the support offered by ITTO, School of TEFL provides continued guidance and career advice. Before, during, and after your course, we’re here to help with CV preparation, job applications, interview tips, and building your TEFL career. You’re always welcome to reach out by email or phone for personalised support – we’re here to help whenever you need us.

Yes. As part of the course, ITTO provides practical support to help you settle in when you arrive in Mexico. This includes airport pickup, help with accommodation arrangements, and a local orientation so you can get to know the area and the training centre.

They also offer one week of Spanish lessons (worth $240 USD), and a free tour of a tequila factory. Both these are optional.

The only essential requirement is an accredited TEFL certificate. Mexico is very welcoming to both native and non-native speakers of all ages and nationalities, as long as you have an English level of C1 or equivalent. The course is designed to meet what local employers typically expect, preparing you for real teaching environments in Mexico.

No, you don’t need a degree to teach in Mexico, although some employers will prefer that you have one.

If you’re travelling to Mexico from the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Western Europe, or one of the countries on this list, you can usually enter the country on a standard tourist visa (FMM), which is issued on arrival. You’ll only need a valid passport for this.

Tourist visas are commonly issued for up to 180 days, which is more enough time to complete the TEFL course and find work.

If you hold a passport from another country, you may need to apply for a tourist visa before travelling. Entry requirements can vary, so it’s best to check with your local Mexican consulate in advance.

To work legally as an English teacher in Mexico, you’ll need a temporary work-related visa, often referred to locally as an FM3 or temporary resident visa. This is normally applied for after you’ve received a job offer from a school.

Most teachers arrive on a tourist visa, secure a position once they’re in Mexico, and then begin the process of switching to a work visa. Once you’ve accepted a job, your school will provide the documentation needed to start the application, and you’ll submit the required paperwork to complete the process.

Yes. Non-native English speakers can teach English in Mexico, provided they have a strong level of English and good language awareness.

To take the course, you’ll need a level of English equivalent to CEFR C1, in both spoken and written English. This ensures you’re able to follow the course content comfortably and prepare lessons for learners at different levels.

All applicants whose first language is not English are required to complete an interview (which may be conducted by phone) and a short language awareness test. In some cases, this step can be waived if you already hold an accepted English language qualification.

Non-native English speakers will be accepted automatically if they hold one of the following qualifications:

– IELTS: 7.0
– TOEFL (internet-based): 61
– TOEFL (computer-based): 173
– TOEFL (paper-based): 500
– Cambridge CPE: Score between 45 and 59

These requirements are in place to make sure all trainees are well prepared for both the course and the classroom.

Hiring in Mexico takes place throughout the year, rather than during a single fixed recruitment season. Language schools often hire as new courses open or student numbers increase.

This makes Mexico a relatively flexible destination if you’re not tied to a specific start date.

Most teachers work in private language schools, teaching children, teenagers, or adult learners. Classes are often scheduled in the mornings, evenings, or at weekends, and split schedules are common.

Pay is generally intended to cover local living costs, particularly outside the most expensive areas. Many teachers supplement their income with private lessons once they’ve settled in and built some experience.

Teachers with a TEFL certificate find jobs in language schools, private schools, universities, and through private tutoring. Business English and freelance teaching are also popular options.

Teaching salaries in Mexico often range around $800-$1,200 USD per month for entry-level positions. This is competitive within the local economy and generally covers living expenses comfortably.

This depends on your lifestyle and spending habits. While teaching salaries in Mexico are designed to cover living expenses rather than allow significant savings, the lower cost of living means many teachers find they can live well and still set something aside.

The cost of living in Mexico is relatively low compared to most Western countries. Many teachers find they can live comfortably on $500-$600 USD per month, depending on location and lifestyle.