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The TEFL Academy

4.87 Rating
1406 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.

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Website
www.theteflacademy.com
Founded
2012
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Proud graduate of The Level 5 TEFL Course! Ready for the next adventure.
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"Smiling because I did it 🙂the Tutors are amazing, the support is real and my career just leveled up. #TEFL gratuate"
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My Level 3 TEFL Certificate from The TEFL Academy.
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In-person 10 hour lecture
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Reviews

Xanthe
42
Female
Zambia
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program
Program:
Online Level 3 TEFL Course with the TEFL Academy

Review

Nov 13, 2026

I just felt that maybe there should be some "mock" lesson teaching at various class levels, so that you get comfortable with it as well. All very well knowing the theory.

I also felt that there were some areas that wasn't 100% clear and I needed to understand it better. But not by writing and getting an answer a day or so later.

Maybe some actual online reaching with a tutor would be a good idea so you get more of an idea of what is expected.

Also now that I have the certificate, it is not as easy to get a job as I thought it would be.

Response from The TEFL Academy

Hi Xanthe, thank you for your feedback and congratulations on completing your Level 3 course!
We completely agree that practical experience and support make a big difference. Alongside our weekly live webinars, which include Q&A sessions and tutor support, we offer a Level 5 combined course with dedicated classroom practice for those wanting hands-on confidence. Please also reach out to our student support team, who would love to help with your CV and job search. Wishing you the best of luck on your teaching journey!

By The TEFL Academy on November 13, 2026
Puleng Moleleki Profile Picture
Puleng
37
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program
Program:
Online Level 5 TEFL Certificate | 168-Hour Accredited Course

Level 5 TEFL

Nov 8, 2026

As someone with zero teaching experience, I found the assignments tough but well-structured and insightful. They were not tough just to be difficult; every assignment has a purpose. Every assignment built over the last one. It felt like someone was holding my hand but also pushing me to grow at the same time.
What I loved the most was how practical it was. I did not just learn theory, I learned how to write a proper lesson plan from start to finish- the aim, the stages, the timing, the activities and how to check if students actually understood.
They took me from not knowing where to start to confidently writing lesson plans to designing age-appropriate lesson for the right CERF level. I learned how to actually teach, not just pass a course. Highly recommended for beginners

What was the most nerve-racking moment and how did you overcome it?
Writing assignments, at first, I had an impression that they were as simple as studying the course only to hit a wall. That's when I started paying attention to the tiniest details and deeply understood the concept of teaching.
Pros
  • Forces one to pay attention to details- you can't just skim the course and pass you have to truly understand.
  • Builds real confidence- after hitting a wall and pushing through, I actually felt like a teacher.
  • Practical, not just theory- It taught me the real concept of teaching, not just how to study.
Response from The TEFL Academy

Thank you for your wonderful review, Puleng. We are pleased that you have completed the course feeling confident and ready for your career in teaching.

By The TEFL Academy on November 9, 2026
Edward
50
Male
South Africa
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program
Program:
Online Level 3 TEFL Course with the TEFL Academy

Excellent Learning Experience and Outstanding Support!

Nov 7, 2026

My experience with The TEFL Academy has been excellent from start to finish. The course content is informative, relevant and well-structured, providing a solid foundation and practical knowledge that I have been able to apply to my English teaching journey.

The learning experience has been engaging and motivating, and the support from the team has been outstanding. The online platform is user-friendly, easy to navigate and makes studying at your own pace convenient.

What really stands out is the overall quality of the experience, from the course material to the level of support provided. I have found The TEFL Academy to be professional, reliable and genuinely committed to helping students succeed.

I would happily recommend The TEFL Academy to anyone looking to start or develop a career in teaching English as a foreign language. A well-deserved 5-star rating!

What was the most unfamiliar thing you ate?
Back in 1995, when I visited Paraguay, I had the opportunity to experience a completely different culture and try some unfamiliar food.

One evening, I found myself somewhere where the local food was quite different from what I was used to back home in South Africa. I was offered a traditional dish made with ingredients I couldn't immediately recognise.

I was a little hesitant at first, but I'm always willing to try something new, so I decided to give it a go.

The dish had a very unusual texture and a strong, unfamiliar flavour. It wasn't exactly what I would normally choose to eat, but surprisingly, it wasn't bad at all!

What made the experience memorable wasn't necessarily the food itself, but the experience of trying something completely different in a foreign country.

Looking back, it taught me something simple: sometimes you need to step outside your comfort zone to appreciate different cultures and experiences.

Would I eat it again? Absolutely, provided someone could tell me exactly what was in it first!
Pros
  • Excellent Course Content
  • Outstanding Support
  • User-Friendly Learning Platform
What other participants should know
  • I would encourage future participants to stay motivated, manage their time effectively and make the most of the learning resources available. The course is well-structured and the online platform makes it easy to study at your own pace.
  • Don't be afraid to ask questions or reach out to the support team when you need assistance. Most importantly, approach the programme with an open mind, a willingness to learn and a positive attitude. The knowledge and confidence you gain can open doors to
  • Although the programme offers flexibility, staying organised and keeping up with the coursework makes the experience much more enjoyable. Take the time to understand the theory, complete the practical activities and think about how you can apply what you'
Response from The TEFL Academy

Edward, thank you for your positive review. We are glad to hear you enjoyed taking a course with TTA!

By The TEFL Academy on November 9, 2026
cherie953 Profile Picture
cherie953
41
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program
Program:
Online Level 5 TEFL Certificate | 168-Hour Accredited Course

level 5 course

Nov 6, 2026

Great way to learn English and to learn how to teach. The lessons are fun and explain everything. I loved everything about the course.
Give it a go and learn more about the English language then you thought you knew. Test along the way help you remember what you have learnt. Tips are welcomed. The teachers are human so you can relate. Videos are very helpful and fun to watch. A big community to help you get througj and alot of online apps recommend. Great structure and you study at your own pace.

Vernica
49
Female
South Africa
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program
Program:
Online Level 5 TEFL Certificate | 168-Hour Accredited Course

An exceptional, comprehensive course that truly prepares you for the classroom!

Nov 4, 2026

Completing the Level 5 TEFL course was an absolute game-changer. The platform is exceptionally well-structured, easy to navigate, and packed with practical, up-to-date teaching methodologies. I especially appreciated the deep dive into lesson planning, grammar instruction, and engaging young learners through interactive techniques like Total Physical Response (TPR). The assignments were rigorous yet rewarding, providing meaningful feedback that genuinely helped me grow as an educator. Whether you are transitioning to online teaching or looking to teach abroad, this course gives you the complete confidence and professional foundation you need to succeed. Highly recommended!

What was the most nerve-racking moment and how did you overcome it?
Passing both the AI and plagiarism checks cleanly, only to have the system stubbornly keep flagging me as 'high risk' because it was completely stuck! I spent ages stressing out over a technical glitch that just refused to update, which in hindsight is pretty funny
Pros
  • n-depth, practical course material that makes complex concepts easy to master.
  • Fantastic tutor support with prompt, constructive feedback on assignments.
  • Flexible pacing that fits seamlessly around a busy schedule.
What other participants should know
  • Pacing is key: Make sure to give yourself plenty of time to absorb the grammar and phonics units—they are dense but extraordinarily helpful.
  • Embrace the assignments: The written tasks and lesson plan creations are rigorous, but the detailed feedback you receive from your tutor is invaluable for your growth.
  • Don't panic over tech quirks: If a submission portal or system checker ever acts up or lags, take a deep breath and reach out to support—they are quick to sort it out!
Proud graduate of The Level 5 TEFL Course! Ready for the next adventure.
Response from The TEFL Academy

Well done, Vernica, and thanks for such a lovely review.

By The TEFL Academy on November 4, 2026
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Programs

Displaying 1 - 9 of 32

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.