TEFL/TESL Undergraduate and Graduate Certificate Programs

The University of South Alabama offers Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL)/ Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL) undergraduate and graduate certificate programs. The TEFL/TESL certificate is a credential qualifying the holder to teach English to learners for whom English is not their first language. The certificates include a practicum or internship that allows the student to gain experience working with English Learners and professionals in the field. The TEFL/TESL certificate programs are delivered through a combination of online and face-to-face coursework. See below for how to apply and more information about the field and job prospects. USA’s TEFL/TESL Certificate is unique in that it offers the opportunity to participate in a (VIRSL) Virtual International Reciprocal Service Learning program. VIRSL provides virtual international experiences that will make you an attractive job candidate.

How to Apply

Click the buttons below based on which certificate you are interested in. 

Students Eligible to Apply

Individuals interested in these certificate programs can either be enrolled students in undergraduate or graduate programs who wish to add a TEFL/TESL certificate, or non-degree seeking individuals seeking to earn a standalone TEFL/TESL certificate. Individuals seeking admission for the graduate certificate must hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution. 

Job Demand 

There are hundreds of jobs listed every day for TEFL/TESL instructors internationally as well as domestically. The demand for TEFL/TESL is expected to remain stable or increase in the coming decade. See these web pages below for more information:

• http://www.tefl.com/job-seeker/
• http://www.internationalteflacademy.com/blog/how-large-is-the-job-market-for-english-teachers-abroad
• http://www.tefl.net/jobs/  

See the World

If you are looking for an opportunity to live overseas and learn a new culture, a TESL/TESL certificate helps prepare you for jobs that allow you to live and support yourself in many countries by teaching English to children and adults. Jobs are located all over the world. There is a tremendous demand for qualified instructors whose first language was English to teach English as a Foreign Language in Asia, the Middle East, Oceana, Eastern Europe and Latin America.

Jobs in the U.S.

A TEFL/TESL Certificate also opens up job possibilities in teaching English to adult learners living in the U.S. for whom English is not their first language.  

A Side Gig

TEFL/TESL is also an excellent secondary career for majors in Business, International Studies, Languages, English, Education and The Arts. Early career professionals can earn additional income or teach English between contracts, especially overseas. Retirees can travel and live internationally while supplementing their retirement income teaching English.  

Teach Online 

With the increasing prevalence of online learning, this certificate may also qualify you for online teaching positions in this area as well. 

Expected Income

TEFL jobs typically range between $2,000 to $4,000 per month, and these salaries vary greatly by country.