TEFL/TESOL Certification Courses in Thailand

Online vs In-Class TEFL Courses

Choosing between an online TEFL course and an in-class program comes down to where you plan to teach, your budget, and how quickly you want to get started. Both can lead to great jobs—but each has situations where it shines.

• Planning to teach in Thailand or Vietnam? In-class programs are a strong option here. These hubs in Southeast Asia offer lower living costs during training, plenty of accredited providers, and built-in cultural orientation. You’ll get hands-on classroom practice and direct access to local job networks.
• Heading to South Korea, Japan, China, Taiwan, or Hong Kong? It’s usually smarter to certify online before you arrive. Most schools hire from overseas and expect you to start work soon after landing. Online TEFL lets you finish training at home, avoid paying high rent during the course, and apply broadly to jobs before your move.Some teachers also choose to complete an in-class TEFL course in Thailand before heading to East Asia, as the lower living costs, real teaching practice, international accreditation, and fun introduction to Asia make it an affordable, confidence-building way to begin.
• Heading to Europe, Latin America, or the Middle East? Online TEFL courses are widely recognized and typically the most practical option, allowing you to qualify without relocating for training in regions where living costs may be higher or in-class TEFL centers are less common.

If you can afford the time and cost, taking your TEFL course in the country or region where you plan to teach can be invaluable—especially for first-time teachers who want hands-on classroom experience, real cultural immersion, and stronger local support. Otherwise, online TEFL courses are a flexible and cost-effective option. They allow you to study from anywhere, whether you're already abroad or still at home, and many are globally recognized.

Some teachers also look at in-class courses in their home country, but these are often more expensive and rarely provide the same local support, cultural immersion, or job placement opportunities as courses taken in your target destination. If you’re going to invest in in-person training, it’s usually more worthwhile to do it in the country or region where you plan to teach.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• What is the difference between a TEFL and TESOL certificate? TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) and TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) are essentially the same. Both certifications prepare you to teach English to non-native speakers, and employers treat them as interchangeable. Whether you choose a TEFL or TESOL course, it will qualify you for the same teaching opportunities abroad or online.
• Do TEFL courses guarantee job placement? Many in-class courses include job placement assistance or local networking opportunities. Online courses often provide resources, such as job boards, but placement is not guaranteed unless explicitly stated.
• How much can I earn as a TEFL teacher? Salaries vary by country. For example, teachers in China, South Korea or Japan can earn $2,000–$3,000/month with benefits, while salaries in Southeast Asia or Latin America might range from $500–$2,000/month. Online teaching rates can range from $10–$30/hour.
• Is an online TEFL course accepted everywhere? Most online TEFL certifications from reputable providers are recognized internationally and are accepted by the majority of schools and employers. However, some countries or individual schools may have additional preferences or requirements — for example, asking for a certain number of practicum hours or favoring in-person training. In-class TEFL courses can sometimes provide country-specific preparation (such as classroom management styles, cultural expectations, or local teaching practices), but an online TEFL is widely sufficient to start teaching abroad or online.
• What level of English do I need to teach? You don't need to be a native speaker, but you should have a strong command of English (C1 or higher). Many TEFL courses accept non-native speakers.
• Are there age restrictions for TEFL teachers? Most programs accept candidates aged 18 and older. However, some countries may have visa restrictions for teachers above 60 or below 21.
• How do I choose the right TEFL course? Consider accreditation, duration, cost, job support, and your teaching goals (e.g., online vs. in-class, location-specific needs). Additionally, if you're planning to teach in a country that requires apostilling/legalization (such as China and Vietnam), verify that the course provider supports this process.
• Should I take a TEFL/TESOL or a CELTA course? CELTA is respected worldwide, but it’s most useful if you plan to work in traditional European language schools, certain Middle Eastern universities, or adult-focused corporate training. For the majority of teachers—especially those heading to Asia, Latin America, or online teaching—a quality TEFL/TESOL course is the more practical choice. TEFL/TESOL is more flexible, affordable, and better matched to youth-focused classrooms, while CELTA is intensive, adult-oriented, and usually unnecessary outside Europe and a few niche roles.
• Are Level 5 TEFL Courses Really Worth It? Level 5 TEFL courses sit at the same academic level as CELTA and are often accepted as an equivalent in Europe and the Middle East. They provide deeper training and recognition than a standard 120-hour TEFL, but at a lower cost and with more flexibility than CELTA. That said, a well-accredited 120-hour TEFL/TESOL remains perfectly valid for most jobs worldwide—especially in Asia, Latin America, and online. Level 5 is a smart upgrade if you want advanced training or plan to work in European or Gulf markets, but not essential for every teacher.