How much does a TEFL course cost? Being a native English speaker normally does not qualify you to teach English as a second language. Despite the fact that qualifications to teach English overseas vary widely depending on the nation and educational system you are applying for. Getting a TEFL certificate is the only thing standing in your way of travelling anywhere in the world and working as an English teacher.

Teaching English as a Foreign Language is what TEFL stands for. The certification programme gives you the instruction and support you need to develop all the necessary teaching abilities. This  includes the ability to plan lessons, assess students’ language proficiency, and better comprehend the nuances of the English language that are important for teaching it.

Is a TEFL course worth it?

It is definitely worthwhile to become certified if you intend to teach English. Nearly all institutions both offline and online that hire English teachers demand that they possess TEFL/TESOL certification among other credentials. The TEFL/TESOL certification will demonstrate to employers that you have the specific abilities to teach English as a foreign language, even if you are currently a licenced teacher in the US teaching another subject.

However, not all TEFL/TESOL courses and students are created equal, so be sure to pick the appropriate programme for your qualifications and teaching aspirations if you want certification to be worthwhile. An authorised TEFL course must meet an international requirement of 100–120 hours of instruction, including 6–20 hours of classroom practice. Make sure an outside organisation has validated the course itself.

It is definitely worthwhile to become certified if you intend to teach English, as nearly all institutions both offline and online that hire English teachers demand that they possess TEFL/TESOL certification among other credentials. The TEFL/TESOL certification will demonstrate to employers that you have the specific abilities to teach English as a foreign language, even if you are currently a licenced teacher in the US teaching another subject.

If you’re thinking about becoming certified, you might be curious about how much a certification programme will cost. The cost of your TEFL cert varies depending on the certificate’s type and where it is purchased—at home, abroad, in person, or online. Your financial situation and your goals in obtaining a TEFL certificate will determine the type of certificate you select.

Three primary elements affect how much a TEFL (teaching English as a foreign language) course costs:

• What kind of TEFL certification you’ll receive upon completion of the programme
• The duration of the TEFL programme
• The course provider, whether it is an online, hybrid, or classroom-based course.

TEFL course costs might vary greatly. Before creating your budget, you should always double-check the price of the particular course you’re interested in. Always double-check the price of the particular course you’re interested in before creating your budget.

Typically, the cost of an online 120-hour TEFL certificate programme ranges from £100-£300. The 120-hour TEFL course is typically regarded as the entry-level requirement for employment in TEFL. The course is online and will require you to put in 120 hours as the name says. 

Be careful of TEFL courses which are extremely cheap. Before paying even a few hundred dollars, you’ll want to check on the following items:

• Is the course accredited?
• Are the instructors well qualified?
• How many extras do you have to pay for later on?
• If there a job placement option?

Tips when looking for a TEFL course

• Do not compare quality and price. Some of the oldest and most well-known TEFL companies offer very affordable services. However, organisations with low student enrolment (sometimes for good reason) may raise prices to ensure that they can cover expenses.
• Before choosing your course, read reviews on websites like reviews.co.uk. Reconsider if the majority of reviews are unfavourable even if you can expect the occasional disgruntled client on any given course (in fact, you may want to doubt the reviews of any product that consistently reports 100 per cent satisfaction).
• Think about the country or region you want to teach English in and the courses that are most likely to earn you a living there. However, it’s unlikely that a taster course will land you a decent-paying job in China. It can be fantastic for a few days of volunteer work. On the other hand, there may not be a need to spend money on a CELTA or CertTESOL course if your heart is set on exploring all of Thailand. Your first employment should be secured with 120-hour training from a recognised, internationally renowned provider.
• Consider what you will require to feel comfortable speaking in front of a class on the first day. Ignore those who say you can obtain a job without this – and yes, we do know that includes us in the preceding point – if you would be happy with (and can afford) a more in-depth education with more practical teaching experience involved.
• Check if your preferred provider have any pricing promotions. Numerous others do this throughout the year. If they have anything advertised, it is worthwhile to inquire them. This can help bring down the cost of your TEFL course.
• Consider the costs of travel to the location and lodging, if necessary, while choosing a classroom-based course. 

Conclusion

You could still be able to obtain jobs teaching English abroad without a TEFL certification. However, they might be hard to come by or very low paying. You are more likely to get hired for more profitable positions at reputable schools or organisations, which would increase the viability of teaching over the long run, if you invest in your career development and qualifications as a teacher.

The greatest thing to ask might be: Assume you educate up to 100 students per week whose parents have spent hard-earned money to ensure that their children receive a quality education. Are you in a position to provide them with the training they need? Do you possess the training necessary to impart valuable language skills and lasting knowledge to others? Making the best decision on whatever TEFL course you want to enrol in will depend on you.