With so many TESOL courses out there, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Which one helps you start teaching English? Which TESOL certificate is recognised in the countries you’re targeting? And how do you make sure the program fits your goals, schedule, and budget?
This guide is designed to give you clear answers before you enrol. You’ll learn how to compare course providers, explore real teaching opportunities, and find a path that helps you build your teaching skills and real classroom confidence.
We’ll also talk about how to gain teaching experience, where to find job opportunities, and what kind of work and lifestyle to expect from teaching English abroad or online.
Ready to figure it out? Let’s get started.
What to look for in a TESOL course
Look for a TESOL course that’s accredited, includes teaching practice, and offers job support. These are the basics that help you build real skills and feel ready to teach. The course should also match your time and learning style so you can complete it without stress.
Here’s more on what to look for in a TESOL program:
- Global accreditation: Make sure a trusted educational institution or accrediting body like the British Council or TESL Canada recognises the program. Accreditation shows that the course meets set standards and is respected in many countries, especially where English teaching jobs are competitive.
- Real teaching practice: A solid program includes teaching practice with real students. This might mean peer-teaching, virtual practice sessions, or a practicum at a local school. It helps you apply theory in real life and builds practical skills fast.
- Job support and flexibility: Good course providers often include resume help, job interview training, and links to job boards. If you’re balancing work or family, check for part-time or online course formats you can complete in your own time.
- Course length and format: Standard TESOL certification programs offer 120 hours of training, which is the baseline requirement for most English teaching jobs abroad. Some offer short-term intensives, while others stretch across several months. Choose what matches your pace and goals.
Selecting a teaching course with these elements sets you up for success. Our findings show that teachers who start with well-rounded training adapt faster and find better job placements.
Next, let’s walk through how to build your confidence with real classroom experience.
Get real teaching experience with a TESOL program
Getting certified is an important step, but real confidence comes from practice. That’s why the best TESOL courses include structured teaching experience.
You’ll teach real or simulated classes, observe other teachers, and get feedback that helps you improve. These sessions give you a space to experiment, learn how to handle common classroom issues, and sharpen your instincts before stepping into a paid role.
Teaching practice might include:
- Peer-led lessons
- Live sessions with volunteer students
- In-person practicum hours through partnered schools or programs
These activities help you understand student needs, correct misunderstandings, and manage a class with ease. You also gain practical experience working with learners of different levels, ages, and backgrounds.
Based on our firsthand experience, we’ve seen new teachers go from hesitant to prepared within 10–20 hours of teaching practice. That early exposure often leads to smoother job interviews and stronger classroom performance.
Programs that provide structured teaching practice produce teachers who stay in the job longer and feel more confident from day one.
How to find teaching opportunities after TESOL
Once you’ve completed your training, it’s time to find teaching opportunities that align with your goals and schedule. You can start by exploring job boards, online platforms, school recruitment programs, or direct referrals from your course provider.
Where can you teach?
- Online Platform: Platforms like Cambly, Preply, and iTalki let you start teaching online from your own home. They’re flexible, low-barrier entry points. They’re perfect for you if you want to build experience or work part-time.
- Language schools: Schools in South Korea, Japan, Spain, and Germany often offer full-time roles with perks like free housing, airfare, and structured support. These are ideal if you’re seeking stability and full immersion.
- NGOs and volunteer programs: While these roles may not offer high pay, they provide cultural exposure, classroom hours, and a chance to make a social impact. Some programs lead to longer-term English teaching jobs abroad after the placement.
What age group suits you?
- Children: They benefit from energetic, game-based teaching. If you enjoy creativity and movement, this might be your best fit. It’s a common entry point in many overseas schools.
- Adults: Most adults are often career-focused or learning for migration. These classes require clear communication and real-world lesson topics like job interviews or travel.
Think about what suits your personality and schedule. Our investigation demonstrated that teachers who align their job type with their strengths tend to grow faster and stay longer in the field.
Now, let’s look at how to start teaching overseas, even if it’s your first time navigating the visa process.
How to start teaching English overseas
Starting your journey to teach English overseas involves a few clear steps. You’ll need to complete your TESOL certification, apply to teaching programs or schools, and work through the visa process. The more prepared you are, the smoother it will go.
Begin by choosing a destination. Countries like South Korea, Japan, and Vietnam usually require a bachelor’s degree, a TESOL certificate, and sometimes a clean background check. Others, like Cambodia or Latin America, have fewer requirements but still value well-trained teachers.
Next, apply to schools directly or through trusted programs. Public school schemes, private language centres, and international school chains are all options. Some recruiters specialise in placing new teachers. Use them if you’re unsure where to begin.
Then it’s paperwork time. Gather passport copies, health checks, references, and any forms your host country requires. Some schools also ask for demo lessons or short interviews via video.
Getting these steps right can help you start sooner, avoid avoidable delays, and secure a role that truly matches your goals. Teachers who take the time to prepare their documents and research school expectations are often offered stronger contracts and better support on arrival.
What you get with a TESOL certificate
A TESOL certificate is your entry point into the world of English teaching. It shows you’ve been trained, assessed, and prepared to teach in real classrooms or online settings. Also, it gives you a toolkit of practical skills and a launchpad for your teaching career.
- Employer recognition and global access: Most schools in English-speaking countries, Latin America, Asia, and the Middle East expect a recognised TESOL certificate. It’s the baseline for getting shortlisted and the first thing recruiters check when reviewing your application.
- Practical teaching tools and strategies: You’ll learn how to plan lessons, manage behaviour, and adapt your approach to suit different student levels. Courses also cover how to use storytelling, tech, and group activities to keep lessons effective and engaging. These methods are valued in both in-person and teaching English online roles.
- Increased classroom confidence: With a mix of theory and practical experience, TESOL training gets you comfortable leading a room, even if you’re new. Teachers who go through hands-on practice report feeling more prepared during their first week on the job.
- Access to both in-person and remote jobs: Once certified, you’ll qualify for roles at language centres, schools, or tutoring platforms. Many teachers start teaching English online first, then take their skills abroad. This flexibility makes it easier to test your strengths and build a stable income.
Our findings show that teachers who complete TESOL with live practice and job support often find work faster and stay in their roles longer.
How TESOL courses teach English grammar
TESOL courses teach English grammar in a way that’s simple to understand and easy to explain. You don’t have to be a grammar nerd. You only need to know how to break it down for your students and help them use it in real situations.
Step-by-step structure makes it easier to teach
TESOL courses don’t throw grammar rules at you all at once. They show you how to introduce topics in stages (like teaching verb tenses in context before focusing on exceptions). You’ll practise walking learners through examples, guiding them from simple sentences to more natural use.
You’ll also learn how to use scaffolding. Starting with model sentences, then guided practice, and finally letting students create their own examples.
Practical tools replace boring grammar lectures
Instead of lengthy grammar definitions, TESOL training teaches you how to use real-life materials like timelines, diagrams, videos, or simple dialogues. These help visual and auditory learners understand complex rules faster.
You’ll also cover how to deal with common errors and how to correct mistakes in a way that keeps learners motivated instead of embarrassed.
One new teacher said that after finishing his TESOL practicum, he taught a live lesson on “past continuous.” He was nervous at first, but the students understood. The class went better than expected. That moment helped him realise that clear, simple teaching works better than trying to be perfect.
Teaching grammar well is about making language useful for your learners. Next, we’ll explore what kind of pay and career paths you can expect once you’re certified.
What is the average salary for TESOL teachers?
TESOL salaries vary by country, contract type, and teaching format. However, there is consistent demand and strong earning potential for those with the right training.
- Middle East: Countries like the UAE and Saudi Arabia offer some of the highest packages. Teachers can earn between AUD $3,000–$7,000 per month, often tax-free, with added perks like free housing, flights, and healthcare. These roles usually require a degree and a recognised TESOL certificate.
- Asia: South Korea and Japan are popular due to competitive pay, structured support, and work stability. Expect salaries between AUD $2,500–$4,000 per month, often with housing included. Public school programs and private academies both recruit English teachers abroad year-round.
- Latin America: Jobs in Latin America, like Mexico, Colombia, and Chile, tend to pay less, around AUD $800–$1,800 monthly. But lower living costs and rich cultural experiences make them attractive for newer teachers or travellers looking for balance.
- Online teaching: For teaching English online, pay varies depending on the platform and experience. Hourly rates usually range from AUD $20 to $55. Some teachers build a full-time income. Others use it to supplement travel or freelance work.
After putting it to the test, many TESOL graduates report that their first job isn’t their highest-paying one. But, it leads to better contracts and long-term career path growth within 12–24 months.
If relocating isn’t your thing, the next best step might be building a flexible teaching schedule from your living room.
Can TESOL help you work from home?
Yes, you can teach English from home with a TESOL certificate, and it’s one of the fastest-growing teaching options right now. Once certified, you can apply to platforms like Preply, Cambly, and iTalki. These sites connect you with students from around the world, offering work that fits around your own schedule, even if you’re balancing other jobs or family.
All you need is a reliable internet connection, a headset, and a quiet space. Most platforms supply the lesson materials. Others let you build your own approach as a private tutor, giving you the freedom to run your own sessions and grow your client base over time.
Pro Tip: Keep a few structured lesson plans ready for trial classes. It shows you’re organised and helps convert new learners into long-term students.
After conducting experiments with it, several TESOL graduates reported earning a full-time income by starting part-time online. Some began with trial lessons and, within a few months, were teaching 20–30 hours a week, all from their own home.
Online work also helps build teaching experience before you head overseas or shift to classroom teaching. It’s a flexible way to grow, get comfortable, and stay in control of your schedule.
Let’s wrap it up by helping you choose the right course to match your goals.
Ready to take the first step?
You’ve seen what a TESOL certificate can do. It can give you real teaching skills, open global teaching opportunities, and help you work online from your own home. Plus, you’ve learned how to compare TESOL courses, choose the right course for your goals, and build teaching experience before stepping into your first role.
Now it’s time to act. Pick a course that’s accredited, flexible, and aligned with your teaching goals. You might plan to explore English-speaking countries, teach remotely, or grow into a long-term teaching career. No matter the goal, the best place to start is with the right training.
At Biography Shelf, we’re here to guide you every step, from researching programs to understanding where your certification can take you.
Take that first step today. Your teaching journey starts now.
