International education has become more structured and regulated over the past decade. What was once a relatively informal sector now requires clear qualifications and recognised training.
For people interested in teaching English abroad, a Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) certificate is generally considered a basic requirement. It provides essential preparation for working with learners whose first language is not English.
What is the recommended number of hours for a TEFL course?
As demand for English continues worldwide, a 120-hour TEFL certificate is commonly accepted as the minimum standard for professional English language teaching.
Although shorter courses are available, many employers and visa authorities require at least 120 hours of training. This length allows for adequate coverage of both theory and classroom practice.
Established providers such as The TEFL Org offer training that aligns with the expectations of schools and language centres operating in different regions.
Choosing a 120-hour course gives trainees enough time to cover the core skills needed for teaching. Topics such as grammar, pronunciation, lesson planning, and classroom management can be explored in a practical way, often with guided tasks or examples that show how theory works in real classrooms. This makes the training more useful than shorter, more compressed courses.
The additional training time also helps new teachers feel more prepared when they start work. They are more likely to feel confident planning lessons, handling common classroom situations, and working independently, which can make the first teaching experience less stressful and more manageable.
From an employment point of view, this course length is widely accepted as the minimum standard in many regions, including Asia, Europe, and Latin America. Holding a 120-hour certificate helps avoid problems with employers or visa requirements and allows teachers to apply for a wider range of positions.
Can you build a career in TEFL?
For those who remain in education long term, a recognised teaching certificate can support career progression. While some people teach English primarily to travel, others move into more senior roles over time.
Additional advantages include:
- Online teaching options: Certified teachers can apply for roles with online platforms, offering location flexibility.
- Improved earning potential: Some schools and institutions offer higher pay to teachers with accredited qualifications.
- Specialisation pathways: Teachers can later focus on areas such as Business English or exam preparation, including IELTS or TOEFL.
Please note: Positions such as Director of Studies, academic coordinator, or teacher trainer often are required to hold a TEFL diploma: a qualification that goes beyond the entry level TEFL certificate.
Why is course accreditation important?
Accreditation is one of the most important aspects to consider when choosing a teaching qualification. Because there is no single international governing body for TEFL, external accreditation helps indicate whether a course meets recognised professional standards.
An accredited programme has typically been reviewed for its course content, trainer qualifications, and assessment methods.
It is worth being cautious about courses that rely solely on internal accreditation. In some cases, providers create their own accrediting organisations, which may not carry much weight with employers.
External accreditation from established bodies involves regular review and quality checks, offering reassurance that the certificate will be taken seriously by schools and recruiters.
How can you recognise a reliable course provider?
Finding a reputable provider requires some research. Since there is no legal barrier to selling TEFL courses, quality can vary significantly. Reliable providers are usually transparent about their training team, course content, and support systems.
For example, The TEFL Org offers tutor support from trainers with professional teaching and training experience, rather than relying only on automated assessment.
When evaluating a provider, it can help to:
- Review the website carefully: Clear information, accurate language, and realistic claims are generally good signs.
- Look at trainer qualifications: Experienced trainers with relevant academic and professional backgrounds add credibility to a course.
- Read independent reviews: Feedback on third-party platforms can provide insight into how past students experienced the course.
What do employers think?
Schools and language centres often prioritise candidates with accredited certifications because these qualifications reduce uncertainty in the hiring process.
Recruiting teachers from abroad involves time and cost, and employers want reassurance that new staff have a solid understanding of teaching fundamentals. Completing a recognised programme indicates that a candidate has met a defined training standard.
Accredited courses also indicate familiarity with current teaching practices. Employers value teachers who understand communicative and learner-centred approaches and can plan lessons, manage classes, and adapt materials for different learners. This can reduce the amount of initial training required once a teacher starts work.
Do you have what it takes to TEFL?
Teaching in another country involves more than classroom skills. Cultural awareness and adaptability are essential for working effectively with learners from different backgrounds.
Many accredited training programmes include guidance on intercultural communication and classroom expectations in different contexts.
This preparation helps teachers avoid misunderstandings and build inclusive learning environments.
It also supports teachers outside the classroom, as adjusting to a new country often requires flexibility and resilience. These skills are particularly valuable in schools that work with international or multicultural student groups.
Please note: Just as you prepare for your professional responsibilities as a teacher abroad, it is equally important to prepare for daily life in a new country, including local customs, workplace norms, housing, and basic legal or administrative processes.
Is there a professional life after TEFL?
The skills developed during teacher training are useful in many other professional contexts.
Teaching requires clear communication, organisation, and the ability to explain complex ideas simply. These skills are relevant in fields such as training, customer relations, marketing, and international business.
Experience working with learners from different linguistic and cultural backgrounds also demonstrates adaptability and intercultural competence. Even for those who eventually move away from education, a teaching qualification can strengthen a CV and broaden career options.
There’s more to TEFL than meets the eye
Moving from casual travel to professional teaching usually requires a deliberate investment in training. Accredited 120-hour courses provide a practical foundation in teaching methods, classroom management, and professional standards.
Providers such as The TEFL Org contribute to maintaining consistency and quality in a diverse global market. While certification does not guarantee a particular job or lifestyle, it can open access to opportunities in education, support professional development, and offer a structured entry point into working internationally.
