11 Helpful Online TEFL Course Reviews

Travelers worldwide have discovered that one of the best ways to explore the world is by teaching English abroad. TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) certification is the first step to delving into another culture, gaining international work experience, and doing some globetrotting without breaking the bank!

Online TEFL course reviews will help you choose between all the awesome virtual certification opportunities out there!

Online TEFL courses offer the knowledge and experience required to teach abroad and lay the foundation for your success, without having to pay top dollar to travel abroad and complete your course on-site. Plus, you’ll sometimes be able to secure employment and a place to live prior to finishing your TEFL course online, if you take the initiative.

For all of you self-starters, you’ll be hopping the first flight to your destination, certificate in hand. For those who require a bit more support (maybe this is your first time traveling abroad!), you’ll receive the resources you need to choose the perfect teacher placement. 

But first thing’s first: Find the right course for you through TEFL online course reviews. Learn from those who have been there, done it, and are eager to share their experiences and advice!

11 best TEFL online reviews

Editor’s note: This information about online TEFL course reviews was accurate at the time of publishing. Please refer to each individual program for current data.

1. The TEFL Academy: Combined Level 5 TEFL Course

“This course is the ultimate course if you are wishing to go teach abroad. I would highly recommend this course to any individual. It is in-depth, well structured and well thought out. The TEFL Academy covers all elements for teaching abroad. It is interesting, fun, challenging and informative. The TEFL Academy Team is very helpful and more than happy to assist you in any way. I can guarantee you will not have any regrets, this opportunity opens so many doors for anyone with a passion to do what they love and earn while traveling.”—10/10

• Program Perks: The TEFL Academy will prepare you for your time abroad by offering pre-departure courses and unparalleled support. Their courses are led by qualified EFL professionals who speak from first-hand experience, and there are a variety of at-home course options to choose from. As seen in their glowing online TEFL course reviews, the TEFL Academy assists with resume writing and has its own jobs board! To top it all off, you can enhance your CV with their unique, peer-to-peer 10-hour teaching practice course.
• Read more TEFL Academy reviews

2. International TEFL Academy: The Best Online TEFL Class for Teaching Abroad

“I was pleasantly surprised by the amount of help and guidance I got from the very first day I downloaded the information brochure to the end of the course. I didn't expect to have such an interactive experience! I got to talk to advisers, my professor, and peers personally. Not to mention, the countless videos and live lectures they offer. The course content is awesome and thorough! Not only do they provide effective teaching methods and approaches, but they also include lots of ideas and demonstrations of dynamic and fun activities to use with your students. I think this is a super well-rounded course and is definitely worth completing if you're looking to teach abroad.”—10/10

• Program Perks: TEFL online reviews rave about the affordability and quality of this course. You’re guaranteed a lifetime of job search support and a network of alumni that spans the globe. TEFL online reviews expound on the dynamic instruction, which includes “countless videos and live lectures”, fun activities, and engaging demonstrations. 
• Read more International TEFL Academy reviews

3. TEFLPros: 120-Hour Accredited TEFL Certification and Job Assistance

“This course builds confidence through knowledge! It has all the elements of an in-classroom course with the convenience of doing the work at your own pace and in your own time. It is NOT just a bunch of notes thrown at you. There are plenty of real-life videos from a variety of experienced teachers. Apart from observation teaching videos, the course material and lesson planning are also explained with visual elements, and is not just an audio or text that you go through. You have 18 months to complete while other courses offer a 6 month time frame.”—10/10

• Program Perks: The TEFLPros actually let you try their course before buying, which is a huge advantage if you’re not sure what you want in a TEFL course. TEFL online reviews rave about the high quality instruction offered by this course option. With step-by-step lesson planning and real EFL classes to study, you’ll feel at home in any classroom setting. You’ll also walk away with a professional portfolio to showcase your new skills!
• Read more TEFLPros reviews

4. CIEE Teach Abroad: 150-Hour Online TEFL Certification Course

“The material of the course was intriguing and fun to learn! I love the implemented use of peer interactions and the MGAs that required us to make videos and such. It was a challenging course, but it was so worth it and I would 5000% recommend it to anyone.”—10/10

• Program Perks: With CIEE, you’ll gain more than a certificate! You’ll have the cross-cultural skills to succeed during your time abroad. CIEE is a leader in intercultural exchange and learning, so you know you’ll be learning from the best in the business. You’ll also walk away with a deeper knowledge of the English language, thanks to one-on-one tutoring.
• Read more CIEE Teach Abroad reviews

5. OISE University of Toronto TEFL: 100, 120, 150 Hour OISE TEFL Course

“The course is very comprehensive and rich; outlining the very important elements in everyday teacher/student dialogue. The slides, one after another, are very engaging and user friendly. It almost feels as if you are centered in front of a live classroom. The course fee was well worth it when compared to the plentiful material and education for real-life encounters.”—10/10

• Program Perks: Designed by University of Toronto professors, this self-paced course option offers flexibility while maintaining quality. TEFL online course reviews of this program can’t say enough of the support you’ll receive from staff. This course easily translates into an incredible international teaching experience!
• Read more OISE University of Toronto TEFL reviews

6. Maximo Nivel: Online TEFL Certification - Teach from Anywhere

“I took this course with Maximo this August and I am happy with my decision! Jackie an awesome TEFL trainer! She makes the course fun and engaging. Her feedback during practical teaching week so helpful. After taking this course I feel extremely prepared to teach ESL now!”—10/10

• Program Perks: For an online course, Maximo Nivel is up there as one of the best. With 12 modules and international recognition, Maximo Nivel should be at the top of your list when picking an online TEFL course. Each course will come with tutor support and job support, and can be completed in 2-4 weeks. Each module is packed with fun, engaging videos for a better learning experience!
• Read more Maximo Nivel reviews

7. BridgeTEFL: Qualify for Jobs with an Accredited TEFL/TESOL Course Online

“The education that a student receives at BridgeTEFL is top-notch! The tutor was responsive and her analysis of the work that I submitted was obviously informed by years of education and experience. The administrative office made certain that there were no technical difficulties. The platform is intuitive and easy to access. I enjoyed this BridgeTEFL course so much that I am now taking another. It was an excellent experience.”—10/10

• Program Perks: With BridgeTEFL you’ll be putting your teaching certification in the hands of experts! You could even qualify for college credit and earn digital badges to show off your newly acquired skills on LinkedIn. With so many online TEFL courses out there, it’s important to note the small things that make certain courses stand out from the rest. With BridgeTEFL you’ll have dedicated advisors and be able to apply to leading global employers.
• Read more BridgeTEFL reviews

8. Premier TEFL: Accredited TEFL Qualification, Plus Teaching Placement

“The course was comprehensive and ideal as TEFL qualification. I was impressed by the research based approach.”—10/10

• Program Perks: With Premier TEFL, you get a lot of bang for your buck! From their many TEFL online course reviews you will gather that it’s the personal tutor support, downloadable TEFL course and grammar books, and easy-to-use application that make all the difference. Your teacher placement applications will get a huge boost with the letter of recommendation that comes with your certification.
• Read more Premier TEFL reviews

9. ITTO: Online TEFL Course + Teach English Online + Job Offers

“Thankful for this program that allows you to work through an information packed course over a year. I learned so much valuable information and had an amazing tutor who made sure I was equipped with resources, feedback and information to propel me forward. I would recommend this to anyone!”—10/10

• Program Perks: The benefits of this online TEFL course don’t end with graduation. You’ll have lifetime access to their teaching abroad help desk, employment contacts, and resume appraisal. In addition to the written TEFL online course reviews, check out the gallery available with videos and testimonials from former students!
• Read more ITTO reviews

10. i-to-i TEFL: TEFL Diploma: The Best Training for Teaching Online & Abroad

“I found this was the perfect course for me and I studied in 3 different countries throughout. It gave me the flexibility to study at different times and places around the world. Assessment feedback was detailed and quick and any other questions I had were always answered quickly.”—10/10

• Program Perks: Opting for a longer online TEFL course is well worth the extra time! i-to-i TEFL offers a 500-hour long course that will prepare you for life as a teacher abroad or online. The content is curated to those new to TEFL and also offers specialization like learning to teach Business English. This will give you a significant boost when exploring job prospects. Speaking of prospects, i-to-i has links to over 600 international language schools, who they’ve been sending graduates to for over 25 years.
• Read more i-to-i TEFL reviews

11. Teach Away UC Berkeley: TEFL from International House UC Berkeley

“The TEFL Course from the University of Berkeley was excellent. The course content was extremely informative and practical. It was of a universal teaching nature and will be useful wherever I decide to teach...I researched all the various TEFL online courses available, before committing to the University of Berkeley course and I was glad that I did, because the course content just appeared to be far superior than most of the other courses available on the market. It certainly proved to be the case and is endorsed by a reputable university as well. Congratulations to the design team! You are in a different class. I thoroughly enjoyed the experience and can highly recommend this course to all prospective TEFL students.”—9/10 

• Program Perks: By providing practical skills and strategies, Teach Away at UC Berkeley prepares its students for life abroad both in and out of the classroom. As the TEFL online course review notes, this TEFL course from International House UC Berkeley is truly “in a different class” offering a world-class university experience. Its focus on both international teaching and intercultural relations allows students to apply their certification well beyond their teaching experiences.
• Read more Teach Away UC Berkeley reviews

Compare these programs side-by-side for FREE with MyGoAbroad

TEFL online course reviews are glowing!

With the right amount of TEFL online reviews, you’ll be prepared to choose the right course for you.

There is no better time to get TEFL certified and prepare for future adventures abroad. TEFL online course reviews make it clear that you can choose a shorter, more intense program to obtain your TEFL certification, or take your time and carefully select your teacher placement with the help of advisors and online job boards.

You can learn at your own pace in your own time with the above course options. If you’re looking to switch up your day-to-day with an international experience, or if you’re simply looking to add to your current revenue stream by offering online English tutoring, taking a TEFL course is a smart move.

A year teaching abroad may lead to many more international experiences. You'll likely learn a new language while teaching your native one, become more culturally competent, and meet interesting people from all over the world. You don’t yet know where your TEFL certification will take you—but it will definitely be an experience of a lifetime!

Explore ALL TEFL Online Courses on GoAbroad.com

This article was written with help from The TEFL Academy. The TEFL Academy is one of the largest providers of TEFL courses (both online and abroad), and they are the only provider to be certified by both the US government and UK government. Their 10-hour teaching practice webinar is a great way to top up on experience prior to teaching abroad.