Ninja Teacher TEFL Courses

Ninja Teacher

Why choose Ninja Teacher?

Ninja Teacher was founded in 2013 with the goal of making it easy to start teaching English in Asia. We're since grown to be a leading teach abroad company with over 1000 alumni who have taken our programs in Vietnam and other countries in Asia.

At Ninja Teacher Academy we offer TEFL courses in Vietnam and online. Our Vietnam classroom TEFL course includes 4 weeks of in-class training, practical teaching hours, job placement assistance, and more! Our online TEFL is a highly video-based course where you learn by watching recorded training sessions from our experienced trainer with a Master's in Education from Harvard.

We pride ourselves on our community, and work hard to create an environment that produces enthusiastic, well-trained teachers who are ready to enter the market here in Vietnam (and around the world).

With our monthly programs typically filling up in advance, we encourage you to reach out soon for more information about getting started!

Reviews

Default avatar
William
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Wonderful experience

I was hesitating for a year before deciding to contact Ninja teacher and I’m so glad I did. Everyone in the staff was so helpful, thorough and supportive from the pre-arrival to during the course to job placement assisting to any question after the course. Anything from paperworks, getting settled in Vietnam to the smallest thing like where to buy rubber sandals for the rain. You wont be alone. For the first time in a long time, I feel like I belong and have a community to turn to. Thank you Ninja family! Love y’all!

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Kaden
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Hands-On, Supportive, and Life-Changing TEFL Experience!

I had an incredible experience with the Ninja Teacher TEFL course! From day one, the staff were personable, approachable, and genuinely invested in our success. Sadie, our instructor, was phenomenal—she didn't just teach us techniques; she demonstrated them in real-time, making each class both engaging and incredibly effective. The energy in the course was always positive, which made for an amazing learning environment.

One of the most rewarding parts was being thrown into teaching almost immediately. We were tasked with creating in-depth lesson plans, which was challenging, but it accelerated our learning in the best way possible. I came away with such a strong foundation in teaching thanks to the hands-on approach. It was intense, but I’m thrilled with what I gained.

The job placement process was seamless. Chi, Ngoc, and Miranda took care of all the logistics, so I could focus on finishing the course. Whenever any issue popped up, they were quick to resolve it, and their support made me feel fully supported from start to finish.

The course itself wasn't easy, but that's what made it worth it. I not only feel prepared to teach but also connected to a group of inspiring individuals I met along the way. I can confidently say that I walked away with both the skills and connections needed to succeed. If you're serious about teaching and want a course that genuinely prepares you for it, I couldn't recommend Ninja Teacher enough!

Default avatar
Trent
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

I'll tell you what they won't.

I have been teaching English in Vietnam for six months now. During this time, I’ve reflected on my experience with Ninja Teacher and thought about who I would be if I hadn’t taken their TEFL course. Without it, I would have arrived in May with just an online TESOL/TEFL certification, lacking a support system, mentors, and any real passion for the profession. Now, I’d like to share what Ninja Teacher offers that goes beyond what they advertise, qualities that a typical promotion wouldn’t convey authentically.

Ninja will make you love and understand the discipline of teaching:
Saddie Maddocks has crafted a comprehensive curriculum that not only covers teaching methodologies but also demonstrates them in action. You learn to be both her student and an emerging teacher. Her mentorship shows a level of finesse and passion that is truly infectious.

Friendships:
You’ll gain access to a supportive alumni network and classmates who can enrich your daily life. Ninja gave me a strong social foundation within days of arriving in Vietnam.

Job Placement:
The best compliment you can give a business owner is that they hire well, and Alex has built a team that is talented, hardworking, and attentive. Within a week of finishing Ninja Teacher’s program, I received three job offer, this is a direct result of their administrative expertise.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Just say yes to new experiences.
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Ian
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Excellent program

The Ninja Teacher Training Academy was an overall 10/10 experience. From facilitating my move to Vietnam, to the invaluable class instruction and then finally job placement, I was very impressed every step of the way. It has been a very smooth process and I was able to find work at a very reputable English language center within two weeks of completing the course. They have also continued to provide me with any assistance needed, I can honestly say the teaching and support staff have gone above and beyond to ensure they have provided me with all the tools and support needed to be highly successful in this new career.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Be prepared to learn new things while also thoroughly enjoying your time in Vietnam.
Default avatar
Mike
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Ninja TEFL in Vietnam is Outstanding

Amazing course, would recommend to anyone. The entire staff, from onboarding, support, and the instructor were all too notch. They will do everything they can to help you adjust to life in Vietnam. The support doesn't stop with the course either. The instructor is one of the best I've ever had regardless of level or subject. If you're thinking of taking this course I would strongly suggest that you do. I had never traveled to Asia before so the support aspect was a huge draw for me and it did not disappoint.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Keep an open mind and be willing to learn.
Pros
  • Quality course
  • Meaningful support
  • Community
Cons
  • Can be expensive

Programs

Displaying 1 - 4 of 4

Alumni Interviews

These are in-depth Q&A sessions with verified alumni.

Why did you choose this program?

It was simply a change of lifestyle. And feeling a sense of self-gratification from a job that also allowed me to grow as a person, as well as a sustainable wage. Plus, having a qualification which will allow me to open a whole new spectrum of doors. You could start off as a teacher and end up doing something even more diverse, once you get your foot in the door!

What did your program provider (or university) assist you with, and what did you have to organize on your own?

Ninja Teacher provided me with the TESOL certification and also guided me through the step by step process of having it authenticated. I did have to get a copy of my degree, arrange the tourist visa and get the criminal record check done myself, but Ninja Teacher guided me the whole way.

Also, accommodation was booked by myself, but I was advised of areas to scout out for. The most important thing I was assisted on was the job placement and arranging job interviews.

What is one piece of advice you'd give to someone going on your program?

You will enter the course as a stranger but leave with a family.

There's a strong sense of comradery and a sense of belonging. Everyone will give you different advice about the course, but it is for you to witness on your own. You will also gain strong alumni who regularly meet throughout the month.

What does an average day/week look like as a participant of this program?

It is a highly intensive course. And is manic from the get-go.

You have observations by the end of the week or the start of week 2. You have continual activities, and then your own group and peer assessment by week 3. But it manages to stay fun along the way.

Daily the classes tend to be structured from 9-5 like a school.

Going into your experience abroad, what was your biggest fear, and how did you overcome it? How did your views on the issue change?

My biggest fear was not managing to settle in and feeling homesick.

I definitely have settled in as it was just a matter of getting my bearings. You can not completely eradicate homesickness, but you will form a strong bond with your class-fellows, which will help alleviate it.

I also feel at home now!

Is there any other advice for prospective travelers?

Prospective travelers will definitely want to know that Vietnam is probably at a peak in terms of value for money right now. It is the best time to get the most from your currency back home.
I do not have one favourite story as there are so many. But, I would like to say it is funny how every ex-pat teacher seems to be connected to Ninja Teacher in some way or another!

Staff Interviews

These are in-depth Q&A sessions with program leaders.

Alex Stevenson

Job Title
Founder & Director
Alex has over 5 years of experience in the teach abroad industry in Asia, has obtained his Cambridge CELTA certification in teaching, and has taught English experience in Korea and Vietnam.

He then went on to start Ninja Teacher to help others start their teach abroad experience.
Alex Stevenson

What is your favorite travel memory?

One of my best memories is traveling South East Asia after my first year of teaching abroad in South Korea in 2013. A few friends and I rented a villa on Koh Samui island for the first month, which had an infinity pool looking out over the jungle and the ocean. We spent time on the beach, ate delicious Thai food, experienced the nightlife and had an all-around amazing experience.

While most people think doing something like this is totally unaffordable and can't imagine taking that much time off... Well, I comfortably managed it by teaching abroad for a year and had enough saved to travel for another 2 months through Thailand and Laos and to get set up in Vietnam where I've been ever since!

How have you changed/grown since working for your current company?

Ninja Teacher has been a huge part of my life since the day I left for Asia. I started out documenting my experience and giving tips and advice on YouTube and on my blog right from day one, and now have nearly 500 videos uploaded and 5 million views on those videos. Over time I started connecting my audience with teach abroad programs and turning Ninja Teacher into a company that helps people get started on their teach abroad adventures. Now we have a team, a TESOL school in Vietnam and help train, certify and place over 100 teachers per year in jobs.

At the start, I was as scared to take the leap and teach abroad as most people. I pushed my comfort zone and did it though, and my journey has been a constant one of moving forward, overcoming challenged and adapting. I've grown resilient and wouldn't take back all the ups and downs on this journey for anything.

I've also become more open to new ways of thinking by seeing how people live and what they believe in countries around the world. Without these experiences, I don't know who I would be today.

What is the best story you've heard from a return student?

My favorite stories are the ones where someone never expected to be a teacher or like teaching and then end up loving it.

Often people come to Vietnam because of the good salaries, low livings costs and great lifestyle and/or ability to save money you have here, which in my opinion is totally fine, as long as you ALSO take your job seriously.

Not everyone loves their job, and for some people teaching English in Vietnam is just that: a job they show up for and do what they need to do. But surprisingly, a large number of people end up really loving teaching. They may have never expected to and that's the great reward to me - seeing our graduates finding a new career path they enjoy (or at least something different to do for a year or two that they get a lot out of).

If you could go on any program that your company offers, which one would you choose and why?

Ninja Teacher's teach in Vietnam program with its classroom-based 150 hour TESOL training and certification with a paid job is the best possible way you could get started teaching in Vietnam.

You get practical training in the classroom at Ninja Teacher Academy in Ho Chi Minh City, teaching time with real Vietnamese learners, your TESOL certification and a job in a reputable school.

We also pride ourselves as being the most supportive and friendly team out there! We're here to help you out from the moment you sign up until you've secured a job, and also continue to keep in touch with our alumni through regular events in the city.

What makes your company unique? When were you especially proud of your team?

We're all previous teachers, we're a friendly and supportive team and we offer the best possible service throughout your time in Vietnam.

With Ninja Teacher Academy situated in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, the most progressive and exciting city in Vietnam, you'll be able to adjust to life in Vietnam through our orientation and as you complete your training over 4 weeks.

One of the biggest highlights is meeting your cohort of fellow trainees, which gives you a ready-made group of new friends. Not going at it alone is essential for the successful transition to life abroad!

What do you believe to be the biggest factor in being a successful company?

Every detail of what we do is geared towards helping our trainees successfully become great teachers and transition to life abroad - from daily support to quality training with experienced trainers.

We also have a great reputation with schools and Vietnam and they come to us first when looking to hire. This helps us to find the best possible jobs for our Ninja Teachers so they can travel, experience a new culture, live a great lifestyle, save money and make a difference!