When it comes to teaching abroad, a TEFL internship may be just the opportunity for you. A TEFL internship comes with all of the benefits of a TEFL job experience—such as a teaching placement in a school abroad, preparation and instruction prior to the start of your journey, and access to an international network like no other. But it also comes with a multitude of other perks! 

For example, when you sign up for a TEFL internship through i-to-i TEFL, you’ll score free accommodation, in-country support, an in-depth orientation, visa guidance, and more. This added value is what sets a TEFL internship apart from a standard certification program and what may make it the perfect option for you!

READ MORE: GoAbroad's Pre-Departure Checklist for Upcoming Teachers Abroad

So, what is a TEFL internship?

You may be familiar with a TEFL certification program but not so familiar with a TEFL internship. TEFL certification programs vary by program provider and usually come with a set number of hours of coursework and teaching practice.

Once completed, you’re awarded a TEFL certificate which is required by many schools abroad seeking English language instructors. Most program providers will also assist you in finding a teaching position after completing their TEFL certification program, however it is usually not guaranteed and you may not find work in the location you wanted.  

With a TEFL internship, a team of experts will secure you a placement which will fit your unique needs and goals. Internships, some of which are paid TEFL internships, also come with a certificate and the hours of training that you’d receive with a TEFL certification program. 

However, your training and support don’t stop once you hop on a plane; you’ll continue to receive in-country support, including an orientation (most likely with others who are participating in internships nearby)!

Do I need a degree for a TEFL internship?

While having a degree is required for most TEFL internships, it’s not required for them all, and is mostly due to visa and government regulations. Like TEFL certification programs, eligibility requirements vary by program provider and internship/placement.

In short, a TEFL internship with no degree is possible. Here are some other common eligibility requirements to keep in mind:

• Fluency in the English language (preferably native English skills)
• 120 hours of TEFL coursework, which is provided
• A passion for learning/teaching and intercultural experiences
• The ability to stay positive and “not sweat the small stuff”

Why is a TEFL internship a good idea?

1. Loads of support (great for first timers!)

Adjusting to a new country and culture, on top of having a new job, can be challenging to say the least! With an ESL internship, you’ll have top-notch support from the get-go, and can count on it continuing throughout your experience.

Not having to worry about the obstacles international travelers inevitably face will leave you with the freedom to actually enjoy getting settled into your new life abroad! Additionally, most TEFL internships come with an in-country orientation which will acclimate you even more to your new surroundings, and leads us to the next benefit—an incredible global network!

2. Strong networks

Not only will you reap the rewards of having in-country support and a network of dedicated TEFL professionals to lean on, you’ll be forming lifetime bonds with your fellow teachers. A benefit of participating in a TEFL internship is that most likely, others will be starting their teaching abroad journey at the same time you are!

You’re sure to make incredible friends that will be able to offer you additional support when you need it the most. These ties often last long after your TEFL internship ends, and could lead to new personal and professional opportunities.

3. Flexibility

TEFL internships start year-round, which makes fitting one into your life plan a bit easier! Additionally, you’ll most likely be able to choose from a variety of locations. You’ll also most likely need to make a shorter time commitment for a TEFL internship than you would a traditional TEFL teaching placement.

This is not only great for first timers getting their feet wet, but for those who find there are other factors inhibiting them from teaching for a full year.

4. Visa support

While support in-country is great, part of the difficulty many face prior to their time abroad is securing a visa. Many TEFL internship providers offer visa support which, as you can imagine, is invaluable in the current travel landscape.

5. Accommodation

Another reason TEFL internships are a good idea is that accommodation is included. If you’ve traveled or worked abroad before, you know what a pivotal piece of the puzzle finding somewhere to rest your head is. With TEFL internships, you can really focus on preparing for your trip, and not just on the logistics!

6. Boost your resume

TEFL internships and a teaching abroad experience is, of course, incredibly personally rewarding. You’ll be learning more about yourself, the world, and how you fit in it. Additionally, an international experience, especially an international internship experience, looks incredible on your resume and will help set you apart.

Those who live and work abroad often have better intercultural communication skills, can better adapt and handle challenging situations, and usually return with a strong knowledge of a second language. All of these attributes will make you a stronger candidate in any professional setting.

7. Make a difference

Teaching abroad is an experience you’ll hold onto for the rest of your life. Likely, those you teach and come into contact with abroad will also be impacted by you and the culture you come from. As a global citizen, well supported and well versed in intercultural learning, you’ll be enriching the school and community you’ll be living and working in.

5 cool destinations for your TEFL internship

• South Korea. Did someone say paycheck? i-to-i TEFL offers a sweet deal in South Korea. You’ll get TEFL training plus a one-year paid teaching placement! South Korea has many of the highest paying positions available.
• Spain. For an experience in Europe, try heading to Spain. Spain experiences are typified by beautiful architecture, welcoming communities, and the siesta lifestyle!
• Italy. Encounter the renowned food and culture of Italy! Teaching abroad on an internship in Italy sounds like something right out of a movie, doesn’t it?
• Vietnam. For a truly intercultural experience, living in a community most likely very different from your own, venture to Vietnam. The dress, food, landscapes, languages, and history of Vietnam will inspire and surprise you.
• Argentina. Looking for a South American adventure? Argentina is a popular destination for teachers and travelers alike, offering a lower cost of living and a high quality of life!

Sign up for a FREE MyGoAbroad account and compare TEFL internships side-by-side

Elevate your TEFL certification with an internship!

TEFL internships abroad are a fail proof way to experience another culture, have an adventure, make lifelong friends from around the world, and gain international teaching experience. TEFL internships take TEFL certification programs to the next level by offering unparalleled support, taking the stress out of your teaching abroad experience.

Not only will you learn more about the world, you’ll learn more about yourself. Whether you decide to continue to teach, find another opportunity abroad through your new international network, or simply come home with a new worldview, your TEFL internship will set you on a new, global trajectory.

Explore all TEFL internships on GoAbroad

This article was written with help from i-to-i TEFL. i-to-i TEFL are one of the world’s leading TEFL course providers. Since opening their doors in 1994, they’ve qualified more than 210,000 teachers as well as pioneering the world’s first ever online and weekend TEFL courses. Their range of TEFL qualifications are UK Government regulated, internationally recognised, and 94% recommended by their graduates.