So, you think you'd like to teach English and live abroad? Great! But what now?
Well, since we've been a leading TESOL provider for many years, we've got a wealth of experience in advising people on their English teaching journey. So, if you're thinking about TESOL, read on; we've summarised our 'next step' advice into an easy five point checklist:
1. Have you seen real EFL teaching in action?
What is it like? Is it for you? Modern EFL methods are mostly based on communicative language teaching, which is total immersion in English and getting students using the language. It is usually much more direct and participatory than you will have experienced as a student at school! As a result, it is well worth seeing some live teaching beforehand and view the kind of techniques you’ll be using in the future.
Suggestion: take our 5 minute classroom video quiz; it’s a great place to get a sneaky peek at a typical EFL classroom.
2. Which country are you aiming for – and which TESOL does it demand?
This includes looking up visa/work regulations but also being clever about which type of TESOL is in most demand in your chosen location. It is worth remembering that most TESOL work sits in the commercial sector and so is demand-led. Therefore, it makes sense to opt for the TESOL course most suited to local demand.
For example, did you know that in northern Europe and Japan there is a lot of demand for business English? So, a 150-hour TESOL course with an additional business specialism is a good idea. Elsewhere in Asia, a 120-hour TESOL course with an additional young learner specialism can help you stand out. For more competitive locations, our 250 hour TESOL Master course is one of the best, most advanced you can get online.
Suggestion: check out our TESOL destinations pages for an overview and suggested courses by country. Then see the comments tab on each page for inspiration from our graduates who are living and teaching worldwide.
3. Is your TESOL provider well established – and properly accredited?
Many TESOL course providers have disappeared over the past few years, as competition has meant that they could not survive. So make sure the course provider you choose is well established, offers courses suited to your chosen destination and the option of an externally accredited certificate.
Accreditation is the single most important check. An independent body such as ACTDEC (which accredits Global English courses) scrutinises the syllabus, assessment and tutor support from outside, so your future employer can trust the certificate. You can read exactly how this works on our accreditation page, and see how course names compare in our guide to the difference between TEFL and TESOL. If you are weighing an online TESOL against a classroom qualification such as the Cambridge CELTA or Trinity CertTESOL, our CELTA or online TESOL comparison sets out the costs and trade-offs.
Suggestion: opt for a course provider which offers the possibility of an additional certificate issued direct from the accrediting body. This provides verifiable, independent reassurance to your employer about course quality.
4. Do you know what jobs to expect afterwards?
It’s never too early and it’s good motivation to have the end-game in mind. You need to have an overview of what employers are looking for. Are there other skill sets you could offer? Could you teach English online, host and teach students or freelance, for example?
Job adverts are also the best free market research you will get: they tell you which qualifications, hours and specialisms employers in your target country actually list, months before you apply. Ten minutes scanning adverts now can settle the 120-versus-150-hour question better than any brochure.
Suggestion: check the Global English TESOL jobs pages for more on positions currently available. Then widen your search beyond just private language schools. (Global English TESOL assists its trainees with resume help, jobs advice and links to international employers.)
5. Ready? Then just do it!
You’ve done some research and found the perfect course. A worldwide adventure is waiting. Now all you need to do is get started – and the sooner you begin, the sooner you finish and can start applying for jobs.
Suggestion: Go for it! Get started on a TESOL course today or get in touch for personalised advice direct from Louisa or William at Global English TESOL.
Your pre-TESOL checklist at a glance
| Step | Why it matters | Where to start |
|---|---|---|
| See EFL teaching in action | Confirms the communicative style suits you before you pay | Classroom video quiz |
| Research your destination | Visa rules and local demand decide which course you need | Destinations pages |
| Check provider and accreditation | An accredited certificate is what employers trust | Accreditation explained |
| Scan the job market | Shapes your choice of level and specialism | Jobs board |
| Choose and enrol | The course is the gateway to everything else | All courses |
Still comparing courses? Our guide to choosing the best online TEFL course for your career goes deeper on levels, hours and specialisms.
Frequently asked questions
What should I do before starting a TESOL course?
Five things: watch some real EFL teaching (a short classroom video is enough), research your target country's visa rules and course demand, verify your provider is established and independently accredited, browse live job adverts to see what employers ask for, and then enrol on the course level that fits your destination.
Is a 120-hour TEFL/TESOL certificate enough to get hired?
Yes, for most entry-level teaching jobs abroad and online a 120-hour accredited certificate is the standard minimum. If you are targeting a competitive market such as Western Europe or Japan, adding extra hours (150 or 250) or a specialism like business English or young learners makes your application noticeably stronger.
What does “accredited” mean for a TEFL course?
An accredited course has been vetted by an independent external body against published quality standards. Global English courses are accredited by ACTDEC, the UK Accreditation Council for TESOL Distance Education Courses, and you can request a certificate issued directly by the accreditor – verifiable reassurance for any employer.
Do I need to pick my teaching destination before choosing a course?
It helps enormously. Course demand is local: business English sells in northern Europe and Japan, young-learner skills in much of Asia, and higher-level qualifications win in competitive markets. Deciding your rough destination first means you buy the right course and specialism once, rather than topping up later.