Did you know that it only takes 2 days to get a TEFL qualification so you can start teaching, living and earning abroad?
A weekend TEFL course in the UK condenses all of the basic TEFL methodology into just 20 hours. But is it really as simple as that? What’s involved? And how recognised is the certificate?
If you’re tempted by a weekend TEFL course, here are our replies to the five most frequently asked questions we get asked.
Can you really get TEFL qualified in one weekend?
The simple answer is, yes it is. If you live here in the UK, a weekend TEFL is a highly practical and efficient way to get TEFL qualified. Think, you could book your course Friday, attend Saturday and Sunday and by Monday morning be TEFL qualified, ready to access the many thousands of TEFL jobs available around the world.
There’s likely to be a weekend TEFL course near you. So whether you want to take your weekend TEFL course in Birmingham, London, Plymouth or another location UK-wide, the market has really opened up in order to bring TEFL courses direct to your neighbourhood.
What will I be doing on my TEFL weekend?
Throw away all your ideas about the conventional classroom and hold onto your hats for an intense, enjoyable and interactive 2 days. TEFL methodology is about immersion in the language, getting students actively communicating and it is exactly the same on a TEFL weekend course! You won’t get long lectures in silent rows. You’ll get to experience TEFL methodology first hand, discuss, engage, try things out and have a go at teaching your peers, all under the guidance of an experienced EFL practitioner. You’ll also take away a handy reference book with the main principles outlined to compliment the day. By all accounts the time really flies! Take a look here to see what’s involved in a typical 2 day TEFL course.
A typical weekend covers:
- How communicative language teaching works (and why it beats lecturing)
- Lesson structure and planning essentials
- Teaching vocabulary, speaking and listening
- Classroom management and correction techniques
- Peer teaching practice with tutor feedback
Who takes a weekend TEFL course?
Anyone who would prefer to obtain their TEFL certificate face-to-face rather than online. But it is a real mix. You might be a volunteer, a wannabe teacher-traveller or about to go on a gap year. Perhaps you are semi-retired or a mature life-changer looking for something different. Perhaps you just want an additional qualification to add to your portfolio ‘just in case’ in these times of job uncertainty.
How recognised is a weekend TEFL certificate?
A TEFL certificate of some kind is most often a minimum requirement now for paid English teaching jobs abroad. The demand to learn English worldwide is huge and often completely outstrips supply of EFL teachers in some locations such as China, Korea, Japan and Hong Kong. For some competitive locations (in English speaking countries, for example), many private language schools will expect to see an enhanced qualification such as the CELTA or an advanced online TESOL course. Don't worry, we run these too if you are interested in something online instead.
Here is the honest picture: a weekend certificate on its own is an introductory qualification. Most overseas employers now advertise for a minimum of 120 study hours from an independently accredited provider, which is why so many of our weekend trainees go on to complete an accredited 120-hour online TESOL afterwards. Accreditation bodies such as ACTDEC exist precisely so an employer on the other side of the world can trust your certificate – and you can check whether a UK qualification is regulated on the official government register. If you are unsure which acronym you even need, our guide to the difference between TEFL and TESOL clears it up in two minutes.
Other skills and qualifications which can help you in the employment stakes include a degree, a driving licence and any teaching experience. To make your weekend qualification really stand out, add on a short specialisation in teaching English for young learners, business or even online. You can do these cost-effectively online to enhance your career.
Weekend TEFL or 120-hour online TESOL: which do you need?
The two options do different jobs, and plenty of people sensibly do both. This is how they compare at a glance:
| Weekend TEFL (20 hours) | Online TESOL (120+ hours) | |
|---|---|---|
| Format | Face-to-face, intensive, one weekend | Online, self-paced over weeks or months |
| Best for | Hands-on practice, confidence, trying TEFL out | Meeting the 120-hour minimum most employers ask for |
| Teaching practice | Live peer teaching built in | Optional add-on (see our teaching practice guide) |
| Recognition | Introductory certificate | Accredited certificate (ACTDEC Level 3 and above) |
| Ideal combination | Weekend course for live practice + accredited online TESOL for the full qualification | |
Still weighing it up? Our article on how to choose the best online TEFL course for your career walks through the decision step by step, and you can compare all our TEFL and TESOL courses in one place.
Where can I work with a TEFL qualification?
EFL teachers who have gained a TEFL certificate over a weekend are working all over the world in private language schools, freelance positions and in-company. Not only that, job advice is part of the course and you can access our jobs board and our partner’s jobs board, so you can apply to employers that are actively recruiting our TEFL graduates right now.
So what are you doing next weekend? Could you be doing something more enlightening, fun and rewarding which could change the direction of your life? Check out the latest weekend TEFL course dates in your nearest UK location.
In the meantime, if you haven’t joined our community on Facebook, you’re missing out on half the fun! Our Facebook page is the perfect place to ask your TEFL questions and get answers directly from Louisa. Join here now.
Frequently asked questions
Is a weekend TEFL course enough to teach abroad?
On its own, usually not. A weekend course gives you around 20 hours of practical training and a taste of real TEFL teaching, but most paid jobs abroad ask for at least 120 hours from an accredited provider. Treat the weekend as your hands-on foundation, then top up with an accredited online TESOL to meet employer requirements.
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 employers ask for. Competitive markets such as parts of Western Europe may favour candidates with more hours, a specialism or documented teaching practice, which is where a weekend course or a higher-level TESOL helps you stand out.
What does “accredited” mean for a TEFL course?
An accredited course has been independently checked by an external body – ours are accredited by ACTDEC, the UK Accreditation Council for TESOL Distance Education Courses. Accreditation reassures employers that the syllabus, assessment and tutor support meet a published standard, rather than relying on the provider marking its own homework.
Can I combine a weekend TEFL with an online TESOL course?
Yes, and it is one of the most popular routes. The weekend course gives you live, face-to-face teaching practice and instant feedback, while the accredited 120-hour (or higher) online TESOL provides the internationally recognised certificate. Together they cover both the practical and the theoretical sides of getting TEFL qualified.