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The TEFL Academy

4.86 Rating
1122 reviews
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Why choose The TEFL Academy?

The TEFL Academy specialises in TEFL courses and nothing else. All of our trainers are experienced EFL professionals. They have all qualified as TEFL teachers themselves, gained years of actual teaching experience and are now passing on their working knowledge to our TEFL course students.

We were the world’s first TEFL course provider to have received official recognition from government-regulated awarding bodies both in the US and the UK. The Level 3 and Level 5 versions of our TEFL course lead to accredited qualifications awarded by Qualifi (a UK-government-recognised awarding body), and are regulated by Ofqual (UK-government department). The Level 3 and Level 5 versions of our TEFL course are also DEAC (U.S. Department of Education recognised) approved as meeting the criteria for Approved Quality Curriculum (AQC) status. AQC is a quality assurance scheme that guarantees our courses have been peer-reviewed and meet strict standards and requirements.

Website
www.theteflacademy.com
Founded
2012
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Community Photos

Ready to begin my career as a qualified TEFL Academy student
Bali
My picture
On the metro, Rome
Lizel from Cape Town South Africa
Exploring Bangkok
TEFL-Certificate
Excited
Travelling in Mallorca
Happy selfie after I received my certificate
Photo shoot moment
A picture of me :)
my course
My husband and myself
PARMINDER SINGH
Me with my students sharing a Colombian Candy !

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Reviews

Default avatar
Junior Micheal
28
Male
South Africa
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program
Program:
Online Level 5 TEFL Certificate | 168-Hour Accredited Course

Learning to Teach English on My Own

May 4, 2025

I finished the online TEFL Level 5 course, which required me to work through everything independently. Despite the lack of classmates and in-person help, I found the course to be well-structured and replete with information I could use right away. It covered the full range of topics and types of knowledge a new teacher would need—teaching methods, classroom management, and the like, and I learned a ton.

The online format enabled me to learn at my own pace, and I valued the real-world applicability of the lessons. I’ve since applied to some of the teacher placement programs the course suggested, and I’m just now starting to hear back. I feel much more prepared to step into a classroom; in fact, I’m excited about it. I’d recommend the course to anyone who wants to get certified from home and is ready to take a real hand in their learning.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Ensure you are prepared to keep yourself motivated. You cannot rely on others for this.
The online Level 5 TEFL course is packed with fantastic materials. However, since it’s an independent endeavor, you have to really be focused to get through it. There are no classmates or live sessions to buoy your spirits and keep you moving forward. It’s just you and your self-discipline. If you lean more towards needing that external pressure to stay on a path, then be warned: this course is entirely within your control. And it’s a good thing; it allows you to set small goals that really keep you moving. You’ve got to stick to a schedule. And don’t be afraid to reach out to the course instructors if you’re feeling lost.
Pros
  • Flexibility
  • Comprehensive Course Content
  • Helps build independence
Cons
  • No Hands-On Practice
  • Requires Strong Self-Motivation
  • Delayed Feedback
Default avatar
Elena
Female
Spain
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program
Program:
Online Level 5 TEFL Certificate | 168-Hour Accredited Course

Rewarding experience with The TEFL Academy

May 3, 2025

Studying at the TEFL Academy online was a truly rewarding, productive and worthwhile experience overall.

To begin with, the price is comparatively appropriate, and you get immediate access to the course once you enroll. The website is easy to navigate at your own pace. I also found the materials to be useful, comprehensive, and extremely easy to go through. Likewise, each unit allows you to progress as it builds on what you previously learnt.

More importantly, the TEFL Academy teachers and official correctors will send helpful guidance and feedback as soon as possible, allowing you to move on to the next unit or assignment on time.

After successfully completing the course and being awarded the Level 5 Diploma, I would highly recommend The TEFL Academy to anyone looking into getting TEFL certified through an official, professional entity.

Default avatar
Charleen
64
Female
South Africa
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program
Program:
Combined Level 5 TEFL Course in South Africa

Knowledge in your Pocket

May 1, 2025

To complete the course was my gift to myself to refresh my learning abilities. I found the course to be informative and interesting, rekindling things that I had long forgotten. The online course was easy enough for me to navigate without too much stress as this was the first online course that I have done. Taking notes while working through the course material helped me when it came to answering some of the questions. Thought provoking and motivating I would recommend the course to anyone wanting to teach English to others.

If you did this all over again, what's one thing you would change?
If I had to do this over again, I would make sure I completed the course in a shorter time period.
Pros
  • Refreshed my use of the English language.
  • Clear instructions and step by step guides
  • Interesting, keep me engaged.
Default avatar
Isabella
South Africa
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program
Program:
Online Level 5 TEFL Certificate | 168-Hour Accredited Course

TEFL Academy level 5 experience

May 1, 2025

About a month ago I completed this course and it has been an extremely rewarding yet challenging experience for me. I am a 17 year old living in South Africa, I believe I am much younger than most people completing this course which was a challenge especially since the assignments were quite challenging but I passed everything first time round so I believe really anyone would be able to complete this course. With regards to the content and the presentation of the content, I had a really good experience and the content was very interactive. The academy also guides you on post completion of this course which is very helpful to me as I have no experience in the workforce. I would recommend this course to anyone looking to teach english as a foreign language and is eager to travel.

What would you improve about this program?
I would like to have more interaction with the other people in this program, I sometimes felt a bit lost or uneasy especially regarding the standard of my assignments. Luckily I knew someone who had completed this course but other people probably won’t have this.
Pros
  • Good and International Qualification
  • I can work anywhere in the world
  • Online hourse are flexible
Cons
  • Looking for work
  • Having to properly study english grammar structures
Default avatar
Rischa
Female
South Africa
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program
Program:
Online Level 5 TEFL Certificate | 168-Hour Accredited Course

Exactly what I needed!

Apr 30, 2025

I have been teaching at South African schools for various years as a qualified teacher. I have been looking to expand my horizons through working online, but I could not pass any of the interviews due to not having a TEFL qualification as well. I signed up for the Level 5 TEFL course and managed to complete it in a few weeks. The course was exactly what I was looking for! Signing up was straightforward, the price was appropriate, guidance was provided, feedback was timely, and the assessment was fair. I am now able to work from home and engage with students and teachers across the globe. Thank you, The TEFL Academy. I would recommend this course to anyone looking to enhance their teaching CV.

What would you improve about this program?
This program was what I expected and what I wanted. The content was clear and relevant, and the assessments were challenging in a sense of preparing you for what you will be expected to do in the working environment.
Pros
  • Quick feedback on assessments.
  • Great assistance from te support team.
  • Appropriate content.
Cons
  • Stable internet required to watch videos (this was mentioned before signing up to the course).
  • None.
  • None.
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Programs

Displaying 1 - 7 of 7

Alumni Interviews

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

Quentellus Ladale Toliver

Program
Online Level 5 TEFL Certificate | 168-Hour Accredited Course

Why did you choose this program?

Because of geological location; however, the reason I chose this particular program was in part due to it looking more official than the others. On my trip to a foreign country (South Korea), I was told by my friend that I was very knowledgeable about what I knew and wondered how I would do at teaching. With my current job, it made sense with the way the program was laid out.

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

The provider assisted with making me dig deeper into what I already knew about the subjects; on my own, it was up to me to decide mine on topics' materials for every assignment (the provider also assisted in the matter by providing templates). When it came to reviews, the assessor assisted in what I need to improve and what was good, if not great.

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

If I had to give advice to someone that wanted this program, it would be to take their time. Although it can be done as quickly as needed, I would recommend them to take their time. Rushing will make them impatient and the longer lessons seem daunting, making one miss the simple things one already knows.

Be prepared to not have reviews on some of the lessons, as it will seem as they are abundant in the beginning.

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

An average day, as it is an online course, is, however, the students want it to be. However, I would recommend doing half a lesson in 2 to 3 days, then the other. Even so, that is still pushing it for those who are struggling; spending 1 hr a day may be enough, depending on how much one covers in that hour.

I myself tried to cover a lesson a day; in the beginning, it worked out fine, until you get to the longer lessons; then you have to take into account the assignments, which would take almost a week to perform properly.

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

When going abroad, I was fearing that I would not be able to answer the questions that were being asked. But after a while, I felt more comfortable about that.

There are still times I feel I would not have the answer to some questions, but I am comfortable now that, if asked a question I don't know, I could easily answer it with the appropriate response.

Is there any type of information you would like to point out to others?

Yes. I would point out that it would be a good idea to find out what requirements one needs for the teaching job they want. It is important to note that there is paperwork that is needed as well when going abroad that needs to be taken into account. These two things are easily missed in the thought process.

Staff Interviews

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

Jess Morris

Program
Online Level 5 TEFL Certificate | 168-Hour Accredited Course
Job Title
Student Services
Hi! My name is Jess and I am a part of the Student Services Team here in The TEFL Academy! We deal with everything, from enrolling to certificates and are here to help existing, potential and alumni students with whatever questions they may have.
Jess Morris

What is your favorite travel memory?

One of my favourite travel memories is when I was in Croatia with a friend and we decided to venture in Bosnia Herzegovina for a few days. We stayed in a crazy hostel, with even crazier owners! They brought us to a rave in a cave which was so much fun. The next day we got to explore Mostar and we also traveled to Sarajevo and did a walking tour. It was so interesting!

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

Getting to work for The TEFL Academy has given me opportunity to grow in many different ways. I speak to a range of different people from different places daily which is really interesting and sometimes we do have little chats about where in the world we are! I've also significantly improved my geography, which is handy!

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

My favourite stories are from teachers who teach young learners. The students get so attached to their teachers and they always have gifts from them that the children have made! I love to see the photos also; we often share these on our social media (with consent). It's a good way to show current and future students the opportunities out there when they get their qualifications.

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

I would love to go on our Vietnam internship! I've always wanted to travel to Vietnam because it does look absolutely beautiful, but the internship sounds like a very rewarding one also. Getting to travel the world by also helping those to further their future prospects is an amazing opportunity.

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

I think our company is unique in many different ways. Our organization is special because we really do believe in the power of education. We all, in some way or another, have traveled to many different places across the world, and the majority of us have taught also. This gives us a real insight into the actual world of TEFL and the teachers.

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

Being successful means a lot of different things for different people. I think a successful company really values what they are intending to do, and I believe The TEFL Academy does it in every way. My hope for our organization is that it grows and expands to cover all across the world! Providing a course that helps individuals to further themselves but also to educate others is something that is very special.