So you’ve decided you’re ready to get TEFL certified and you’re considering the United States as the place to do it. Now you might be asking yourself, should I get TEFL certified in the US?
With all the TEFL certification programs out there, it can be challenging to decide which one is right for you. Why get TEFL certified in the US? With its cultural diversity, abundance of accredited TEFL programs, internship opportunities, and more, the US can be an excellent choice for your TEFL certification.
From reasons to get TEFL certified in the US to our top program picks, we’ve compiled your complete guide to getting TEFL certified in the US! If you’re ready to start your journey to teaching abroad, read on and let us help you decide whether the US is the right place to get your TEFL certification.
12 reasons to get TEFL certified in the United States
Take your pick of cities for an amazing TEFL certification experience.
Here’s why getting TEFL certified in the US is a great idea:
1. Easily find programs that you can trust
If you decide to get TEFL certified in the US, you can easily find reliable, accredited TEFL programs. TEFL certification programs in the US have easy-to-access websites that will provide detailed information about the program and its accreditation. By choosing an accredited program, you can ensure you’ll get a quality education before teaching abroad.
2. Get trained before you go abroad
If you’re from the US, taking a TEFL course in your home country allows you to be fully trained before going abroad. That means you can embark on your international adventure fully confident that you’re ready to teach! It also allows you to stay in a familiar environment while you search for jobs, apply for work visas, book flights, and prepare for your time abroad.
3. Have the opportunity to do an internship
The chance to participate in an internship is another reason to get TEFL certified in the US. Many TEFL certification programs in the US offer internship experiences so you can get real-life teaching experience before starting your job search.
A TEFL internship will jump-start your teaching career. With teaching experience under your belt, you’re sure to feel confident when you start teaching abroad.
4. Study with native English speakers
Taking your TEFL certification course in the US will allow you to study with teachers and classmates who are native English speakers. You’ll be able to improve your grammar and pronunciation before getting your first teaching job. Having experience studying with native English speakers will look good on your resume and is another reason to get TEFL certified in the US.
5. Give yourself time to choose where you want to teach abroad
Choosing the US for your TEFL certification is an excellent idea because you’ll have time to research the best locations to teach abroad before you go. While you’re in the US learning everything you need to become a great English teacher, you can spend your free time researching places you want to teach abroad. That way, you can be sure you know exactly where you want to go before you go abroad.
6. Get assistance finding a job abroad
Programs that offer job search assistance will give you an advantage when you’re looking for your dream job abroad.
Job search support is another reason why you should get TEFL certified in the US. TEFL certification programs in the US provide job search assistance to ensure you find the perfect teaching job.
Finding a teaching job abroad can be intimidating, so having help from a trusted TEFL certification program can be a lifesaver. With assistance from your TEFL certification program in the US, you can find the perfect teaching job before you begin your journey.
7. Have the option to study remotely
The ability to study remotely is another great reason to get TEFL certified in the US. You can access your education online in the comfort of your home. If you already live in the US, you can save money by living at home and continuing to work while you prepare to teach abroad.
8. Study in a multicultural environment
If you want to experience studying in a multicultural environment, you should get TEFL certified in the US. You will study with students from diverse cultural backgrounds as you get your TEFL certification.
Not only will it be fun to learn alongside a diverse group of people, but you will also gain valuable intercultural communication skills. Increasing your cultural competence is one of the top reasons to get TEFL certified in the US!
9. Brush up on American English
The strong international business presence of the United States means American English is valued by English learners across the globe. Learning American pronunciation and vocabulary will be a great resume booster as you apply for English teaching jobs abroad. Getting your TEFL certification in the US will give you the opportunity to practice American English in an immersive environment.
10. Experience American culture
If you’re asking yourself if you should get TEFL certified in the US, experiencing American culture is a big reason to say yes. If you take your TEFL certification course in the US, you’ll learn about American culture inside and outside the classroom. In your free time, you can travel, try new foods, and experience everything the US has to offer.
11. Improve your practical English skills
You’ll gain practical skills just by going out with classmates.
If you get TEFL certified in the US, your surroundings will be your classroom. You’ll spend time studying in class and also have constant opportunities to practice American English in the real world. The learning opportunities are endless, whether it’s dining out, taking public transportation, or just chatting with your classmates.
12. Network with other future English teachers
The lasting relationships you’ll build are another great reason to get TEFL certified in the US. You’ll be studying and learning alongside like-minded people with the same future goals.
You’ll share the joys and challenges of getting TEFL certified and starting your job hunt together. Who knows, you may just meet lifelong friends during your TEFL certification in the US!
Our Online Advisor can match you with 5 TEFL courses in the United States—it’s free!
3 TEFL certification programs in the US to get you started
1. TEFL Course for Teaching English Abroad
- Why? This is a top-rated TEFL course on GoAbroad. University-level instructors will teach your classes, and you’ll even have the opportunity for 10 hours of real-life teaching practice. An advisor will be with you every step of the way to support you in class and your job search.
- Where? Anywhere
- Read International TEFL Academy reviews
2. Accelerated Certificate Program in TEFL (ACP TEFL)
- Why? This program provides comprehensive TEFL instruction with options to study online or in person on UC Irvine’s stunning campus. You’ll have the chance to observe an American ESL classroom and even prepare your own ESL lesson. If you’d like to take your learning to the next level, you can participate in a three-month TEFL internship after your coursework.
- Where? Irvine, CA
- Read University of California, Irvine reviews
3. BeyondTEFL 120 hour TEFL Course
- Why? The 120-Hour Online TEFL Course provides a flexible, self-paced learning environment while offering a comprehensive curriculum. The course includes essential teaching tools like lesson planning resources and offers lifetime job placement assistance, which you'll find invaluable for starting your TEFL career. This program is a great choice if you’re looking for a fast-paced program to jump-start your teach-abroad journey!
- Where? Anywhere
- Read BeyondTEFL reviews
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Getting TEFL certified in the US is the first step to your English teaching career abroad!
Why get TEFL certified in the US? Because it will prepare you for the next steps in your teaching journey!
Now you have everything you need to get your TEFL career started. From job search assistance to networking opportunities, language immersion, and more, there are so many reasons why you should choose the US for your TEFL certification. Pack your bags, get ready for your adventure, and begin your teaching career in the US!
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