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The TEFL Academy

4.87 Rating
1102 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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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
Muhammad
23
Male
South Africa
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program
Program:
Online Level 5 TEFL Certificate | 168-Hour Accredited Course

Road to TEFL

Apr 18, 2025

You're wondering if it's possible; it is. I started this course doubting myself, thinking there's no way I could achieve the goal I so badly craved. The TEFL Academy was recommended to me by a close friend. Yes, the institution is recognized internationally, and yes, the qualification you will receive is accredited.

When I started, I had no idea what to do, so let me clear things up. When you purchase the course, you'll receive emails. One with a link to their e-learning website, you just set up your profile and get to work. The learning experience itself is interactive and exciting, you have nothing to worry about.

If you did this all over again, what's one thing you would change?
I WOULD START SOONER!
Pros
  • Interactive activities
  • Learner centered
  • The style of tests(based on understanding, not memory)
Cons
  • Navigating a new website
  • Time it takes to grade assignments
  • You need internet access
Default avatar
Anneke
43
Female
South Africa
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program
Program:
Online Level 5 TEFL Certificate | 168-Hour Accredited Course

Best decision you'll make

Apr 15, 2025

I wanted to do a course that is engaging and not just has theoretical aspects. The TEFL Academy course level 5 provided not just theory, but probably one of the best interactive and real-life activities that I have ever come across. Even after I was in a bad spot between other work, etc, the support team motivated me and gave me options to still continue with the course while overcoming obstacles due to time constraints. I would refer anyone to do this course who not only wants to enrich others, but also enrich themselves.

If you did this all over again, what's one thing you would change?
I would not doubt myself. Everytime I had to submit a worksheet I created, I was so scared. But after using my son as a test subject ;-), I realised that my work and my teaching can actually do good and change a student for the better.
Pros
  • Student support are literally just an email away.
  • The interactive activities make you think beyond your comfort zone.
  • The content of the course are interesting and engaging.
Cons
  • I literally can't think of even one con to share.
Default avatar
Holly
27
Female
United Kingdom
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program
Program:
Combined Level 5 TEFL Course in the UK and Ireland

Overall positive experience

Apr 15, 2025

I have recently completed my Level 5 TEFL course with The TEFL Academy and had a positive experience.

The units are broken down well, and it allows you to work through at your own pace, which was really helpful for me as I work full time. I do feel like coming out of this, that I am lacking the practical experience, so I am looking into the next steps to gain this. I think if you were to book the course with the observed teaching included, this would tick all the boxes!

The YouTube lectures are especially helpful and a great guide to walk you through the assignments, and the feedback provided by the support team was easy to understand.

I do really recommend this course if you are looking to step your foot into the door of teaching English, and I am excited to see where it will take me!

Default avatar
Stacey
38
Female
South Africa
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program
Program:
Online Level 5 TEFL Certificate | 168-Hour Accredited Course

Excellent learning experience

Apr 15, 2025

The online structure of the learning material was so easy to navigate and understand. All learning material was so interesting as well as clear and precise that it made me so eager to want to go back to learn ore every single day. The assignments were daunting as a learner, however, with the clear instructions, detailed feedback and where improvements can be made for the next submission, as well as the excellent student support, made everything so much easier. The weekly live webinars were my favourite as it gave live information, feedback and support besides the excellent support online that was already provided. This course was the best I have ever done and would definitely recommend The TEFL Academy to anyone looking to to this course.

What was the most nerve-racking moment and how did you overcome it?
Completing the assignments were daunting and nerve racking at first, however, after submitting the first submission and receiving such detailed feedback on how to improve the assignment in each question, I was able to successfully complete assignments by the next submission and passed.
Pros
  • Excellent support
  • Easy to use website and materials
  • Very interesting learning materials and webinars
Ready to begin my career as a qualified TEFL Academy student
Default avatar
Jane
United Kingdom
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program
Program:
Combined Level 5 TEFL Course in the UK and Ireland

Excellent course. Well constructed.

Apr 15, 2025

The course is ideal to do at your own pace. The subject is well covered and the learning material easy to follow. The tests as you go through are good for checking understanding as you progress. The outstanding aspect is the examiners who give excellent, thorough feedback and good suggestions. This is particularly helpful as they address each part of the assignment you have submitted and you have a real sense of what works, what does not work and how to improve. I found this to be the best part of the course.

What was your funniest moment?
There was nothing funny about it. It is training to be a teacher.
Pros
  • Being able to go at your own pace
  • The price being affordable
  • The great feedback on assignments.
Cons
  • Can't think of any.
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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.