People all across the globe have a desire to learn English. They may want to learn it to help with their work or education, or they may be interested in traveling to an English-speaking country and want to be able to communicate more easily. Because there are so many people interested in learning English, there is a great demand for educators who can teach the English language.
TEFL stands for teaching English as a foreign language. If you’re interested in becoming an English teacher for individuals who do not speak English as their first language, taking TEFL courses can help you gain the skills, experience, and credentials you’ll need to get hired. We’ve reviewed 12 of the best TEFL online courses to help prepare you to become an English teacher.
Because of the great demand for English teachers across the globe, if you complete the necessary requirement to be hired as an instructor, you should be able to choose where you’d like to work and the types of students you’d like to teach. For example, you may decide to instruct young students in China or work with adult learners in India. The possibilities are nearly endless.
As of 2012, the global English learning market was worth $63 billion and demand for English teachers has only increased since then. As the video explains, people all around the world want or need to learn English to help them with their business, studying, ability to communicate, and pleasure when traveling abroad.
When you take TEFL courses and receive a TEFL certificate, you’ll learn the skills and strategies to help you best meet the needs of the different English language learners you’ll be working with. Every TEFL course is different, but in general, they are designed to teach you how to help students learn to speak, read, write, listen, and pronounce words in the English language. You’ll also likely learn other important skills, such as classroom management, lesson planning, and assessment.
Best Online TEFL Courses
- Teaching EFL/ESL Reading: A Task Based Approach (Coursera) →
- TEFL Course: Teach English Online as a Foreign Language (Udemy) →
- TEFL Essentials: Teaching English as a Foreign Language (Udemy) →
- TEFL: How to Teach English Fluency (Udemy) →
- Teaching English as a Foreign Language TEFL (Udemy) →
- Earn Your TEFL Certification Online (Udemy) →
- Online TEFL Courses (Mytefl) →
- 20 Hour TEFL Teaching Practice (Global English) →
- 60-Hour Introduction to TEFL Course (International TEFL and TESOL Training) →
- 100-, 120- or 150-Hour TEFL Course (OISE University of Toronto) →
- Online TEFL Course-Certificate Included (Reed.co.uk) →
- TEFL Certification Bundle (120-Hour TEFL + Teaching English Online Course) (Reed.co.uk) →
Taking an on-campus or in-person TEFL course is not for everyone. Today, everyone’s schedule is full, and committing to a set course time and being able to attend an in-person class is just not possible for some. Online TEFL courses are a great alternative to in-person classes, and you won’t have to sacrifice any of the benefits. Online courses cover the same material you could learn in an in-person class, but they have the benefit of being much more flexible. You can take these courses around your schedule and can listen to lectures/complete coursework when it is convenient for you.
1. Teaching EFL/ESL Reading: A Task Based Approach (Coursera) →
Price: $49
Duration: 6 weeks
The Teaching EFL/ESL Reading course is offered by the University of London and UCL Institute of Education through Coursera. The course will introduce learners to TBLT (task-based language teaching and learning) and will help them see how TBLT can be helpful when teaching reading in a second language. Students will also have the opportunity to develop their own task-based materials that can be used for teaching reading to their students.
You will learn:
- What a task-based approach to teaching language is
- How TBLT and teaching reading are connected
- How to create task-based materials to use for instruction
- How to select texts for reading instruction that can be used alongside tasks
- Some of the issues associated with teaching reading to English language learners
User feedback:
“An exceptional course which brings up really interesting, thought-provoking ideas about pedagogy and ELT. Well-researched, easy to understand, and has some great assignment topics. Loved it.”
Best for: Individuals interested in teaching reading to students learning English as a second language.
2. TEFL Course: Teach English Online as a Foreign Language (Udemy) →
Price: $19.99
Duration: 6 hours and 6 minutes
If you’re looking for a course that can help you pass the TEFL Certification exam, you may want to consider the Teach English Online as a Foreign Language course from Udemy. This course is designed to help participants learn more about teaching English to English language learners. Participants will learn some of the most effective strategies to use with students, how to make the most of instruction time, and how to manage a class of students.
You will learn:
- How to instruct students in reading, writing, speaking, listening, and pronunciation
- How to plan and implement effective lessons
- How to meet the needs of students with different learning styles
- How to develop creative ways to form relationships and connect with students
- Classroom management strategies that can help ensure a safe and nurturing environment for students.
User feedback:
“It’s a fantastic course. The course content is vast and covers most of the topics relevant to teaching. I have learned a lot during this course and would highly recommend teachers to take up to have new ideas and different approaches and strategies while teaching. Thanks a lot to the tutor.”
Best for: Learners who would like to teach English as a foreign language and want to pass the TEFL Certification exam.
3. TEFL Essentials: Teaching English as a Foreign Language (Udemy) →
Price: $94.99
Duration: 3 hours and 48 minutes
Teaching English as a Foreign Language course from Udemy is designed to prepare educators to teach English to students in other countries. The course is designed to be easy to follow and will provide you with useful information for individuals who don’t have any experience teaching English as a foreign language. Many people choose to take this course to prepare for CELTA or other in-person courses, but it can also be very beneficial when taken alone.
You will learn:
- Strategies to help you teach a variety of learners
- How to assess student understanding and progress
- How to plan lessons that will keep students interested and motivated
- Classroom management strategies to make sure all students in the class can effectively learn
- When you should correct a student’s speech or written errors
User feedback:
“Well structured, clearly narrated, and insightful lessons which are easy to follow! I am really glad I purchased this course, it’s an absolute bargain!”
Best for: Students who want to become an English teacher in another country or individuals who are already teaching English and are looking for a refresher course.
4. TEFL: How to Teach English Fluency (Udemy) →
Price: $19.99
Duration: 1 hour and 45 minutes
Udemy’s How to Teach English Fluency course is designed to help English language teachers use the natural language learning process to become more effective in their teaching. The course shares a method of teaching English that is based on psychology, pedagogy, and statistics. Participants will learn strategies to help them keep students motivated and interested in learning the English language.
You will learn:
- What the Obvia Method is
- How the Obvia Method can be applied when teaching English as a foreign language
- How to spend less time preparing to teach and more time being able to work with students
- How to evaluate student progress
User feedback:
“It’s a wonderful course, it helps me so much to improve my teaching skills, I really appreciate it.”
Best for: English language teachers who are looking to improve the instruction they offer their students.
5. Teaching English as a Foreign Language TEFL (Udemy) →
Price: $94.99
Duration: 4 hours and 9 minutes
If you would like to become an English teacher, Teaching English as a Foreign Language TEFL course from Udemy is one you’ll want to consider. The course content is designed to leave you prepared to plan and implement effective lessons that will help your students develop mastery of the English language. Articles, numerous real-world examples, and video lectures are used throughout the course to present information to participants. A refresher course on grammar is also included in this course.
You will learn:
- How to make language education engaging for the student
- Strategies for teaching English to students
- How to effectively instruct online
- Tips for finding a job teaching English in other countries
- Basic grammar skills and rules
User feedback:
“This course is AMAZING! The content is clear, easy to understand and so is the instructor. The visuals are a wonderful addition to help with understanding concepts and verbiage. I especially enjoyed watching the teacher interact with her students. Brilliant
Thank you for creating a most excellent course!”
Thank you for creating a most excellent course!”Best for: individuals who would like to teach English as a foreign language online or in another country.
6. Earn Your TEFL Certification Online (Udemy) →
Price: $24.99
Duration: 3 hours and 20 minutes
This course from Udemy can help prepare learners to teach English as a foreign language in another country. Participants will learn strategies and skills that will help them instruct a variety of English language learners. They’ll engage in activities they can use with their students, learn lesson planning skills, and brush up on their English grammar. A TEFL certificate of completion is available for download upon successful completion of the course.
You will learn:
- How to manage a classroom of English language learners
- Strategies to use when teaching English as a foreign language
- Information about other cultures to build appreciation
- How to plan engaging and effective lessons
- English grammar skills and rules
User feedback:
“I really enjoyed taking this course, the material and resources are great and I will definitely use them. Furthermore, the instructor gives really good tips and advises and makes the course very easy to follow. I highly recommend this course.”
Best for: Any individual who would like to teach English as a foreign language.
7. Online TEFL Courses (Mytefl) →
Price: $139 (Fundamental Classroom Management-40 hours), $189 (Teaching Techniques & Methods-60 hours), $249 (Advanced Approaches & Grammar-80 hours), $299 (Master TEFL Expert Teacher-120 hours)
Duration: 40-120 hours
Mytefl offers four online TEFL courses for learners to choose from: The Fundamental Classroom Management Course (40 hours), The Teaching Techniques & Methods Course (60 hours), The Advanced Approaches & Grammar Course (80 hours), and the Master TEFL Expert Teacher Course (120 hours). All four-course offerings are fully accredited, provide students with 24/7 support from a tutor, and an official letter of recommendation upon completing the course.
You will learn:
- How to develop a curriculum for English language students
- Skill-based units you can use with students
- How to design systems to assess student learning
- How to teach grammar to students
- How to teach reading, writing, listening and speaking
User feedback:
“My experience with the online course was exhilarating; I didn’t realize how much I was missing out until I took the course! The reading was very thorough and informative with lots of quizzes. I was given ideas on how to be an effective teacher. Age groups were discussed in relation to how their learning styles affect how quickly they learn the English language which was very helpful to know.”
Best for: Teachers/future teachers looking to teach English as a foreign language or those looking to refresh or upgrade their current skill set.
8. 20 Hour TEFL Teaching Practice (Global English) →
The 20 Hour TEFL Teaching Practice Course from Global English provides students with customizable teaching practices. The course consists of a minimum of 6 hours of English language teaching in a location of the student’s choice, including an ESL school, volunteer organization, or faith organization. A GE TESOL 20 hour teaching practice certificate is available upon completion of the course.
Price: $112
Duration: 20 hours
You will learn:
- First-hand teaching experience to help prepare you for future employment
- Tips and suggestions from other English language teachers
- Feedback on the lessons you teach to students
User feedback:
“Really excellent course and I found the online teachers to be very helpful and always patient.
I would highly recommend anyone wishing to take a TESOL course to approach Global English as they are absolutely terrific and the courses are amazing.”
Best for: TESOL trainees who would like to receive recognition for their volunteer or teaching work.
9. 60-Hour Introduction to TEFL Course (International TEFL and TESOL Training) →
Price: $199
Duration: 60 hours
The International TEFL and TESOL Training’s 60-Hour Introduction to TEFL course provides learners with the flexibility to set their own schedule and pace for completing the course requirements. This course is designed to provide participants with an introduction to teaching English as a foreign language. The lessons cover a variety of topics including classroom management, planning for instruction, and assessing student learning. Students who score at least a 75% on course assessments and successfully complete the essay will officially graduate from the course.
You will learn:
- Theories of teaching English as a foreign language
- How to plan engaging lessons
- Strategies to evaluate student learning
- How to effectively manage a classroom of English language learners
- How to teach receptive and productive skills
User feedback:
“I’m a middle school teacher with thirteen years of experience. I wanted to get a TESOL certificate since I’ve been tutoring in English for a few years and wanted to be able to teach abroad or online. ITT was recommended on a few forums I read, so I gave it a try.
The materials are great and have helped me focus my lesson planning in my middle school teaching job. I would recommend this to both beginners and veteran teachers.”
Best for: People looking to volunteer in the TEFL field or those looking to gain more information about teaching English as a foreign language.
10. 100-, 120- or 150-Hour TEFL Course (OISE University of Toronto) →
Price: $995 (Basic TEFL-100 hours), $1,295 (Most Popular TEFL-120 hours), $1,495 (Premium TEFL-150 hours)
Duration: 100-150 hours
The University of Toronto offers three TEFL courses for learners to choose from: a 100-hour course, a 120-hour course, and a 150-hour course. All three courses are self-paced and take plane online. Each course also provides participants with assistance in finding a teaching position. The 120- and 150-hour courses will leave participants qualified to teach English online, in China, Japan, the UAE, Hong Kong, and other countries. Students who choose the 120- or 150-hour course will also be able to choose two specialization units. Some of the available options include Teaching English to Young Learners, Teaching English to Korean Speakers, Teaching English to Mandarin Speakers, and Teaching Business English.
You will learn:
- How to teach language skills to students
- How to plan and structure your lessons
- How to effectively deliver a language lesson
- Classroom management techniques to ensure all students learn
User feedback:
“I would definitely recommend the OISE University of Toronto TEFL course to others. I wouldn’t be in this wonderful country with the great job I have right now if it wasn’t for this course, and it was easy, informative, and helpful and there’s no reason not to add it to your resume if you have the time!”
Best for: Students looking to teach English as a foreign language online or abroad.
11. Online TEFL Course-Certificate Included (Reed.co.uk) →
Price: $295
Duration: Self-paced, one year to complete
UK’s Online TEFL Course can help prepare teachers to work with English language learners. The course covers a variety of topics that individuals will need to know when teaching English as a foreign language. These topics include creating a classroom environment where students can learn, how to plan for effective lesson, strategies and techniques to help students learn, and how to test and assess student learning. An e-certificate is available for students who successfully complete the course.
You will learn:
- How to teaching speaking, listening, reading, writing, and grammar skills
- Lesson planning and assessment techniques
- Effective techniques and strategies to help English language learners
- How to manage a classroom of learners
- Tips for applying for a job as an English teacher
User feedback:
“They are very professional and know your goals and try to help you achieve them.”
Best for: Individuals looking to gain skills and information to prepare them to teach English as a foreign language and prepare an ideal classroom environment for their students.
12. TEFL Certification Bundle (120-Hour TEFL + Teaching English Online Course) (Reed.co.uk) →
Price: $258
Duration: Self-paced, 120 CPD hours
If you are interested in teaching English online or in another country, you may want to consider the TEFL Certification Bundle from Reed.co.uk. There are two separate courses that make up the course bundle. These courses are designed to provide learners with the skills and information they’ll need to teach English to non-English speaking students. Some of the key concepts covered in the two courses include motivating students, managing a classroom, teaching reading, writing, speaking, and listening, and getting hired for a position as an English teacher.
You will learn:
- How to help a student learn English by using their primary language
- Strategies to motivate students to want to learn English
- How to manage a classroom of English language learners
- How to help students learn reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills
- Ways to make yourself stand out to a potential employer
User feedback:
“A perfect package. In two courses and for a small amount of money, you have all you need to exceed the competition and excel as an Online English teacher. Thanks for the golden opportunity!”
Best for: individuals who would like to get hired to teach English as a foreign language in another country or online.
Closing Thoughts
TEFL online courses can help prepare you to teach English to student and adult learners all across the globe. These courses can arm you with the knowledge and strategies you’ll need to provide quality instruction that will help your students become proficient with writing, speaking, listening, and reading in English. In addition to the TEFL courses we highlighted above, you may also find some of these TESOL courses to be very beneficial in preparing you to work with English language learners.
If you are planning on teaching English to younger students, you may also want to consider some of these early childhood development online courses. And, if you are planning on working with older students or adults, these blended learning online courses may prove to be very helpful as well.
Last Updated on May 13, 2022 by Emily
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