Quick answer: To start teaching English with no experience, take an accredited TEFL course of at least 120 hours, build a simple TEFL-friendly CV while you study, and begin applying for jobs online or abroad before you even finish. Most beginners qualify in about 6–10 weeks studying part-time, need no prior teaching experience, and can start teaching English online without leaving home. You do not always need a degree – it depends on the country. Follow the seven steps below to go from zero to your first paid lesson.
Thinking about teaching English but not sure where to begin? Whether you want to teach abroad, online, or as part of a gap year adventure, getting started with TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) is easier - and more exciting - than you might think!
Follow this step-by-step guide designed specifically for beginners.
What is TEFL and who is it for?
TEFL refers to teaching English to students whose first language isn’t English. TEFL teachers work all over the world - from classrooms in Spain and South Korea to online platforms connecting you with students globally. It's for career changers, graduates, gap-year travellers, parents wanting flexible remote work and retirees alike – no teaching background required to begin.
You’ll need a certification to show employers you’re qualified, especially a minimum 120-hour accredited TEFL certificate. Not sure whether it should say TEFL or TESOL? It barely matters – see our guide to TEFL vs TESOL.
Step-by-step: from zero to your first paid lesson
Here is the whole journey as a simple sequence. Each step is explained in more detail below.
- Understand what TEFL is. Learn what teaching English as a foreign language involves and confirm you'll need a minimum 120-hour accredited TEFL certificate to show employers you're qualified.
- Choose the right TEFL course. Pick a course that is accredited (like those by ACTDEC), offers at least 120 hours, provides personal tutor support and includes job guidance.
- Set realistic study goals. Most courses are flexible and online, so plan to study around 5–7 hours per week and finish a 120-hour course in about 6–10 weeks. Consistency is key.
- Build a TEFL-friendly CV. Before you finish, prepare a CV highlighting your education, your (soon-to-be-complete) certification, any teaching, coaching or tutoring, and skills like communication and second languages. Volunteer experience counts.
- Start job hunting early. Don't wait until you finish. Explore job boards such as the Global English TESOL jobs board, Dave's ESL Café and TEFL.com to line up online tutoring or teaching-abroad roles.
- Consider specialising. Stand out by adding a specialism such as teaching business English, teaching English online or teaching young learners.
- Be open-minded. Your first job may not be in your dream location – that's fine. Any teaching experience builds your skills, boosts your CV and leads to better positions later.
What qualifications do you need to start?
Not all TEFL courses are created equal. Look for one that is:
- Accredited (like those by ACTDEC)
- Offers at least 120 hours of study
- Provides personal tutor support
- Includes job guidance
✅ Our TESOL Premier 120-Hour Course ticks all these boxes - perfect for beginners! If you're changing careers rather than starting from scratch, our career-changer's guide to getting started in TEFL goes deeper.
How long does it take to get TEFL qualified?
Because most TEFL courses are flexible and online, it’s up to you to pace yourself. Here is a realistic first-90-days timeline for a complete beginner:
| Timeframe | What you're doing |
|---|---|
| Weeks 1–3 | Start your 120-hour course; learn core methodology and grammar |
| Weeks 4–8 | Finish the course; draft your TEFL CV; research destinations and platforms |
| Weeks 6–10 | Apply for jobs; sit interviews and demo lessons |
| Weeks 8–12 | Accept an offer; teach your first paid lessons online or abroad |
💡 Tip: Plan to study 5–7 hours per week. Most students complete a 120-hour TEFL course in about 6–10 weeks depending on their schedule. Consistency is key!
Where can beginners find their first TEFL job?
Don’t wait until you finish your course. Begin exploring job boards like the Global English TESOL Jobs Board, Dave’s ESL Café and TEFL.com. You’ll find jobs ranging from online tutoring to teaching abroad in schools, kindergartens, or language centres. Wondering whether you can do it without a degree? Read where you can teach English without a degree, and for landing that first role with an empty CV, see how to get a TESOL job with no experience.
Why start your TEFL journey with Global English?
🌍 Since 1997, Global English TESOL has been helping beginners become confident English teachers through:
- Fully accredited courses
- Lifetime tutor support
- Real job placement assistance
- Ongoing career resources
We don't just certify you - we support you every step of the way.
🎓 Learn more about our beginner-friendly TESOL courses here.
TEFL for beginners: FAQs
Can I do TEFL with no degree?
Yes. You do not need a degree to take a TEFL course or to teach in many countries and on many online platforms. Some destinations (such as parts of East Asia and the Gulf) do require a degree for a work visa, so check the rules for where you want to go – our guide to teaching English without a degree lists the countries that don't ask for one.
Can I teach English with no experience?
Yes. An accredited 120-hour TEFL course is designed to take you from zero to classroom-ready, and most first-time employers expect no prior experience. Highlight transferable skills – communication, coaching, mentoring or any second language – and start with online tutoring or an entry-level abroad role to build up quickly.
How much does a TEFL course cost?
An accredited 120-hour online course typically costs in the low hundreds of pounds, with short taster courses from around £150 and advanced 150–250 hour courses costing more. Be wary of “120-hour” certificates sold for almost nothing on daily-deal sites – check the accreditation before you buy.
What age is too old to start TEFL?
There is no upper age limit. Demand for mature, reliable teachers is strong, and online teaching in particular suits people starting a second career or supplementing a pension. Our oldest trainee qualified at 84 – see our guide to TESOL for retirees and mature learners for where older teachers are most welcome.