Why fundraise for your TEFL course?
The most common reason people miss out on the opportunity to Teach English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) or to travel and teach, is lack of money. Purchasing an accredited TEFL course might cost you money at first, but it is an investment that will open the doors to new possibilities, increase your skills and it will give you the opportunity to earn money from teaching English.
Thankfully, fundraising for your TEFL course has become more accessible than ever with various digital tools and strategies. This Global English blog will guide you through nine practical steps to successfully raise funds and turn your TEFL dreams into reality.
How much do you actually need to raise?
Your target depends on the course level you choose. All three of our core online courses are accredited by ACTDEC, so whichever fits your budget, the certificate carries independent recognition:
| Course | Hours | Level | Price* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Global English Premier | 120 | Level 3 | £147.50 |
| Global English Advanced TESOL | 150 | Level 4 | £197.50 |
| Global English TESOL Professional | 250 | Level 5 | £325 |
*Prices correct at the time of writing – check the course pages for current offers. Remember to add a small buffer for extras such as a specialism or printed certification, and see our guide to choosing the best online TEFL course for your career before you set your target. If you are still untangling the acronyms, start with TEFL vs TESOL: what's the difference?
What are the 9 top tips for fundraising your TEFL course?
- Define your goals. Start by clearly defining your fundraising goals. Determine the total amount you need to cover your TEFL course expenses, including tuition, and any additional costs. Break down your goals into smaller, achievable milestones to make the fundraising process more manageable.
- Create a compelling fundraising story. Craft a compelling narrative that explains your passion for teaching and the impact you aspire to make through a TEFL certification. Share personal anecdotes, your journey, and the difference you hope to make in the lives of those you'll be teaching. Emphasise the value of education and the positive influence it can have on individuals and communities.
- Choose the right fundraising platform. Select a reliable and user-friendly online fundraising platform that aligns with your goals. Popular platforms allow you to create a dedicated fundraising campaign page where you can share your story, set financial goals, and receive donations securely. Well-known options include GoFundMe (personal causes), Kickstarter (reward-based projects) and Indiegogo.
- Optimise your online presence. Establish a strong online presence by creating a dedicated website or blog for your TEFL fundraising campaign. Use SEO techniques to ensure that your website is easily discoverable by potential donors. Top tip: incorporate keywords related to TEFL, education, and fundraising to enhance your online visibility.
- Leverage social media. Tap into the power of social media to broaden your reach and connect with potential supporters. Share your fundraising campaign across platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Craft engaging posts, use relevant hashtags, and encourage your friends and followers to share your campaign within their networks.
- Engage your network. Reach out to friends, family, and acquaintances directly. Personalise your messages, explaining your goals and why TEFL is important to you. Use email, messaging apps, and phone calls to connect on a more personal level. Remember, word of mouth is a powerful tool in fundraising.
- Offer incentives. Encourage donations by offering incentives to your supporters. Consider creating tiers of rewards based on donation amounts. For example, offer personalised thank-you notes, updates from your TEFL journey, or even virtual English lessons as a token of appreciation for different levels of support.
- Host virtual events. Organise virtual events such as webinars, live Q&A sessions, or workshops related to TEFL and language education. Promote these events through your fundraising channels and encourage attendees to contribute to your campaign. Virtual events not only raise awareness but also create a sense of community around your cause.
- Provide regular updates. Keep your supporters informed about your progress and how their contributions are making a difference. Share updates through your fundraising platform, social media, and email newsletters. Transparency builds trust and encourages ongoing support.
What happens once you hit your target?
By combining the power of online platforms, social media, and a compelling personal story, you can connect with a supportive community eager to help you achieve your TEFL goals. Remember, persistence and creativity are key as you navigate the exciting journey of fundraising for your TEFL course.
Thank every donor personally, close the campaign with a final update, and keep the momentum going: enrol promptly so your supporters see their contribution turn into a qualification.
Once you are funded and certified, the investment starts paying back: your donors become your first cheerleaders as you take up teaching work abroad or online. Browse the jobs board to see the kind of positions you will be applying for, or explore all our TEFL and TESOL courses to match a course to your dream destination.
Ready to get TEFL certified? Try…
Global English 120-Hour Premier Level 3 Course
Global English Advanced Tesol 150-hour Level 4 Course
Global English 250-Hour Tesol Professional Level 5 Course
Frequently asked questions
How much does a TEFL course cost?
Accredited online TEFL/TESOL courses with tutor support currently range from £147.50 for a 120-hour Level 3 certificate to £325 for a 250-hour Level 5 diploma at Global English. Beware of ultra-cheap deal-site certificates: without independent accreditation they carry little weight with employers.
Which fundraising platform is best for a TEFL course?
For personal education goals, a donation platform such as GoFundMe is usually the natural fit, since supporters give without expecting a product in return. Reward-based platforms like Kickstarter suit campaigns that can offer something back – for instance virtual English lessons once you qualify. Choose whichever your network already knows and trusts.
Is a 120-hour TEFL/TESOL certificate enough to get hired?
Yes – a 120-hour accredited certificate is the standard minimum requirement for most entry-level English teaching jobs abroad and online, which also makes it the most achievable fundraising target. You can always top up to a higher level later, once you are earning from teaching.
What does “accredited” mean for a TEFL course?
An accredited course has been independently examined by an external body – Global English courses are accredited by ACTDEC, the UK Accreditation Council for TESOL Distance Education Courses. Mentioning accreditation in your fundraising story reassures donors that their money is buying a recognised qualification, not just a printable certificate.