TEFL stands for Teaching English as a Foreign Language. It refers to teaching English to people who are not native speakers, usually in places where English is not the main language.

TEFL: Teaching English as a Foreign Language. It usually means teaching English in countries where English is not the main language.

TESOL: Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages. It’s a broader term that can cover both teaching abroad and teaching in English-speaking countries.

ESL: English as a Second Language. This describes the learners or the teaching context, often used for teaching English in English-speaking countries to non-native speakers.

TEFL teacher salaries vary significantly depending on your destination country, your level of TEFL qualification, and your teaching experience. In high-demand markets such as South Korea, Japan, China, and the UAE, certified TEFL teachers can earn the equivalent of US$40,000–$60,000 per year. There are also additional benefits such as tax-free income, free accommodation, flight reimbursement, and paid holidays.

No prior teaching experience or specialist degree is required to start a TEFL course. Simply enrol in your chosen TEFL course, complete the modules at your pace, pass the assessments, and receive your accredited TEFL certificate. Your TEFL qualification is all you need to begin applying for English teaching positions around the world.

Yes, it is possible to teach English and earn a TEFL certification without holding a university degree. While some countries and employers prefer degree-holding TEFL teachers for classroom-based roles abroad, the rapidly expanding online English teaching sector provides excellent opportunities for TEFL-certified teachers regardless of degree status. Our expert TEFL career advisors can help you identify the platforms and countries that best match your background and TEFL qualification level.

Absolutely. A TEFL course is one of the most valuable professional investments you can make. It unlocks a diverse range of teaching opportunities worldwide, such as full-time roles at international schools and flexible online teaching positions you can do from anywhere.

Many employers across Asia, Europe, and Latin America require a TEFL certification for recruitment. Beyond career benefits, TEFL opens the door to cultural immersion, world travel, and a lifestyle that goes far beyond the conventional 9-to-5.

If you are new to English language teaching, the 120-Hour Online TEFL Course is the ideal starting point. It is beginner-friendly, fully self-paced, and covers all the core TEFL skills you need to start teaching confidently. If you are serious about a long-term TEFL career and want to qualify for the highest-paying positions, the 300-Hour Level 5 TEFL Advanced Diploma is the gold-standard choice — equivalent to a CELTA qualification and recognised by employers worldwide.

The cost of a TEFL course varies according to the type of course. On average, a TEFL course in the UK might cost anywhere from £100 to £150, but as the course becomes more advanced, the cost of a TEFL course increases. Most popular of all, a 120-hour TEFL course costs around £135.

Yes, you can fail a TEFL course. However, the most common reason people do not complete a TEFL course is simply dropping out rather than failing assessments. At Premier TEFL, we commit to your success from day one. Our student support team provides one-to-one mentorship, assessment feedback, and flexible course extension options to ensure you finish your TEFL training with confidence. And if you do not pass, we offer a full money-back guarantee. Beyond certification, we continue to support your TEFL career journey with CV writing guidance, cover letter assistance, interview coaching, and direct access to TEFL job listings worldwide.

No, TEFL is not hard to pass. The assessments are straightforward and designed to test your understanding, not to trick you. You study at your own pace, with no exam hall pressure. At Premier TEFL, one-to-one mentor support is available throughout your course, so help is always on hand if you need it. Most students pass the first time and if you don’t, our money-back guarantee means there is no risk in trying.

Once you have your TEFL certificate, the opportunities are wide open. You can teach English online from anywhere in the world. You can apply for classroom roles abroad or join a structured TEFL internship programme to gain real experience. Many graduates use their TEFL qualification to travel, earn, and build a long-term teaching career. Our lifetime job board membership and dedicated career support team are here to help you find the right role, wherever in the world that may be.