International TEFL Academy

( 27 Reviews )

Activities: CELTA Courses / Online TEFL Courses / TEFL Courses
Location: Multiple Destinations

Teach English abroad and change your life! We offer TEFL certification courses online and in 25+ locations worldwide.

Have you ever desired to live overseas as a local, not as a tourist? Do you speak English fluently and have a love of new cultures and far off adventures?

If the answer is yes, you are amongst hundreds of thousands of others just like you who have made the move abroad to Teach English as a Foreign Language (TEFL).

The demand for fluent and native English speakers is the highest in history with globalization, world economies, international business and education. Each country needs thousands of English teachers every year.

International TEFL Academy can train you in 1 or 2 months to be a professional English teacher with our Online TEFL and International TEFL courses. We offer lifetime job guidance assistance for our graduates to work overseas teaching English over 80 countries worldwide. If you would love to live in Europe, Asia, South America or the Middle East, you are one decision away from making this dream happen.

Contact us about country work options, requirements, hiring processes and choices of TEFL TESOL certification classes to get you to your dream lifestyle.

Contact Info

Address : 916 Diversey Parkway, Chicago IL 60614, USA

ITA in Prague

I went to The Language House in Prague through ITA and it was the best experience of my life. I learned so much in my four weeks there and the entire faculty and staff is amazing. 10/10 would recommend to anyone wanting to do their TEFL program abroad.

By: Lyndsay
Nationality: American

The key to a successful journey teaching abroad.

If you are reading this you are probably up late at night trying to figure out which company to choose to take your TEFL certification to fulfill a dream of exploration or make a change in the life you have now.

Although there are many options, I opted for The International TEFL Academy (ITA) based in Chicago. This certification program is a bit more expensive than others, but you get a return of investment in every penny you spend. ITA has two main ways to obtain certifications, online or in-person.

I took the online option which consisted of an 11 week course with deadlines, quizzes and videos to ensure you have read the course work and understood the material.

(*At the end of the course you can save all your material on USB for future references).

There is a total of 150 hours required for the online coursework and 20 hours for a practicum. This means you go out and use what you have learned and teach someone for experience.

(*You will often have to have both parties sign a document stating the hours spent teaching).

I also signed up for the 30 hours course of teaching business English and young learners for free. All in all, online you have the possibility of 200 hours.

The second option ITA provides for certification is in-person. It can be done in Chicago or in many locations they have abroad. But I have heard from fellow alumni that it is an intensive, full time work load all at once.

(*They have a location in Barcelona, Spain, where I live).

Rather you choose the online option or the in-person, ITA is extremely helpful every step of the way.

In 2014, I decided to do the online course during my senior year of University and 1 month after graduating with my diploma and certification in hand I bought a one way ticket to teach in Florence, Italy.

At first I didn't have much work because Florence is a very small city. However, I emailed my advisor and she was quick to put me in contact with an associated school that would help with possible job reccomendations.

Using her guided help and the ITA alumni job chart I was able to secure two employers during my year in Florence.

After my year in Florence came to an end, I decided to move to Spain because there wasn't any work in the summer. Looking at the ITA Alumni Facebook page, Spain just seemed to have the most activity and the job chart had more employers. I then decided on living in Barcelona and I hit the ground running handing out CVs and posting them online.

I have had the most success and comfortable living from teaching English in Spain as a private teacher. Three years later and I am still teaching English in Barcelona as it has not only become my home, but a beautiful destination where I can fulfill my dreams of traveling and still teach English.

With ITA you have a lot of advantages:

-200 hours of online course.
-In-person option to get certified in many locations abroad.
-You can apply to be an ITA ambassador for 6 months and tell your story through the city you live in and earn $500.

(*I was an ambassador for Barcelona, Spain, and it took a lot of time taking photos, writing articles, hosting events for almuni and doing Instagram / Snapchat takeovers for the company, but it was worth it and the money helped fund a trip).

-Write articles about your experience with ITA and teaching.
-Connect with other teachers in your country.
-Access to a dedicated Facebook page of almost any country you are curious working and living in.

(*Some Facebook pages have many FAQs and tips as well as job opportunities from private teachers and some companies).

-Attending a party once a year called World Alumni Day, where majority of the alumni in the area you teach in get together.

(*It's a great networking oppurtunity and ITA pays for the first round of drinks. This is a must if you are new to your area. I have hosted the ITA World Alumni Day in Barcelona twice and it is an amazing experience.

If you are not able to make it in person, ITA provided last year a Facebook live event of all the their locations in the United States and abroad. I don't know if the live Facebook event will be continuing every year. I think you can watch the previous years on their Facebook page.)

-Year round (Really life time support), with almost any situation you need help with while abroad and before you go. This was the main reason I applied for ITA.

-There are more advantages such as country info charts with average costs and what you need to know and save before going abroad.

(*If you plan on moving to any country, I would plan on taking / saving a little bit more than reccomended by ITA, just as a saftey cushion).

The disadvantages with ITA:

-The price can be quite expensive compared to other TEFL companies.

(*In 2014, I actually got a discount by signing up during the Christmas holiday season.

Also after being certified and teaching like listed above ITA has oppurtunities to make money after your certification).

All in all, my experience with ITA has been nothing short of excellent. My TEFL certification, like my passport have been one the best investments I have made.

If you are interested in knowing more about me and my journey of teaching English abroad as well as getting your fix of travel inspiration, you can follow me on Instagram: @travelingcrumbs (Travelingcrumbs)

By: Allen Tunstall
Nationality: American

Teach abroad

I really enjoyed my course with international TEFL academy. I did the online course and I really learned a lot. I’m currently teaching in China and I’ve traveled a lot in Europe. I’ve also met a lot of amazing people. Thanks to the academy for making my dreams come through!

By: Alexia
Nationality: American

Wonderful Experience

I had a wonderful admissions advisor, Matt, who guided me through the whole process and had great advice since he’s done this before himself. I did the online portion and the professor was very helpful and gave prompt and thorough feedback for every assignment. The only part that was never 100% clear to me (though, to be fair, I didn’t give it my full attention) was how to use advisors once you were ready to start applying for jobs. But, the alumni group on Facebook was incredibly helpful and a great resource.

I’m currently in Costa Rica (about 3 months now) and it’s been the experience of a lifetime and I can’t wait to do this again and again in other countries :) I’m so grateful to ITA for all their help and their endless resources.

By: Michelle
Nationality: USA

Awesome experience!

My advisor from International TEFL Academy was awesome! She helped me through every step and was able to answer all our questions. Applying through International TEFL Academy was easy and would definitely recommend! The only i was unprepared for was just how intensive the course (in Arequipa, Peru) was. But overall great experience!

By: Jesse Dueck
Nationality: Canadian

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Valuable Experience

I knew I would use ITA months before I booked with them. They had an attractive website loaded with real life stories that weren't sugar coated. Other teachers had positive experiences as well, and that shows through the articles on EVERY topic. I liked that the online course was comprehensive and detailed. I could easily contact the instructor. My positive experience with ITA is ongoing, as their alumni network supports you even after you complete the course. I've never regretted the decision to get certified through them!

By: Katie
Nationality: USA

A great foundation for teaching abroad

I really enjoyed the ITA course. I think it was the perfect high level overview on what it’s like to be a teacher. It covered a lot of the different age groups and classroom types. It painted potential situations and really allowed you to put yourself in the mindset of a teacher living in a foreign county.

By: Michelle Weeks
Nationality: American

TEFL Acadmey gave me an experience of a lifetime.

I took the TEFL online course to become certified. I knew the course would open doors for me overseas with job opportunities I desired, but I had no idea it would partner me with a dream job! Thanks to my TEFL certification and their global connections, I landed a job with an international summer camp in Croatia. I had no experience prior teaching/working with children in such a setting, but I felt more than prepared thanks to TEFL Academy. I cannot help but feel so lucky to have chosen this course! My only issue is that I didn’t think to find this academy sooner!!

By: Claire Johnson
Nationality: American

Best decision ever.

The choice was easy. I stumbled upon the International TEFL Academy website by chance, and let’s just say the rest is history. It just made sense. The courses were challenging and rewarding, and I had endless support from the school. The courses prepared me with the tools needed to teach effectively. Before I even finished my practicum I had already landed a job in Taiwan and moved abroad. Having my TEFL has allowed me the live a life of great abundance. Not only am I able to teach, but I am able to live abroad and travel the world.

By: Ralph
Nationality: African American

10/10 Would 100% Recommend

I genuinely loved my ITA experience. Everyone who helped me was so kind and patient, always willing to answer all of my questions. The course that I took was a lot of work but none of it was useless. I learned a lot more about the English language and how to accurately explain it to other people. I felt prepared for the teaching experience I would have in the future. This course taught me the necessary skills and also showed me that I was fully capable. It has also provided me with a lot of opportunities. I know that I have many options around the world and a trusted network of people from all different cultures and backgrounds that are available to me because of ITA. Enrolling in the Chicago course was one of the best and most fruitful choices I’ve made! Thanks ITA!!

By: Katelyn
Nationality: USA

The most amazing experience

I was certified though the TEFL Academy in Barva, Heredia, Costa Rica and it was simply the most incredible experience. I was supported throughout the entire course and always encouraged to do my best. I never felt overwhelmed and I always had my trainers as resources if I needed help or advice. The TEFL Academy helped me to find a job and I even got hired to work at the school I did my training at. The teachers that trained us are so supportive and they’ve really created a well knit family of English teachers. Being away from my family is the hardest part for me when living abroad. But being able to have a beautiful group of English teachers who are working to better themselves and in turn better the world really makes the homesickness fade. I could not be any more grateful for the experience I’ve had here and I hope to help others reach for the stars and accomplish their dreams. Pura vida

By: Maya Morales
Nationality: United States

ITA Nicaragua

I took the course in Nicaragua and it was an amazing experience!! The teachers there are so supportive and knowledgeable - they provide you with many tools to use in class by also after you graduate. They also make the practical experience a good challenge so you feel more confident teaching on your own after you finish the class. In addition they provide lots of support in finding jobs in Nicaragua or elsewhere - they know a lot of the local schools but they also have a resource to find schools in other countries if you wish to teach elsewhere. There are also resources to help develop your resume/cover letter, figure out moving/visa/etc...everything you could possibly need they have a resource for, and once you finish the class, the ITA in Chicago is very helpful and responsive in anything you need as well.
HIGHLY reccomend. 😊🙌🏼

By: Barbara Jandernoa
Nationality: United States

Highly recommend:)

International TEFL Academy is amazing. They immediately put me in contact with one of their advisors who answered all my questions and helped me sign up for a TEFL course in Florence, Italy. My ITA advisor always responded to my questions quickly and offered me great advice on what course to take based on what I was looking for. The course I took in Florence was phenomenal and I highly recommend using ITA if you are looking to get TEFL certified and teach ESL:)

By: Allix
Nationality: United States of America

Fantastic Course - Exceeded Expectations!!

The International TEFL Academy exceeded all expectations. I was pleasantly surprised by the outstanding quality of teaching, resources and support the whole way through the enrolment and the course itself. Our teachers, Jessica and Juliana, were extremely attentive and supportive the whole way through the course. The training was packed full of valuable information and practical experience, putting us in an ideal position to teach English Abroad.

By: Angela
Nationality: Australian

ITA Connections are LIFE

My favorite part about taking the TEFL course in person in Chicago were the connections I made. The staff, teachers and fellow students made the experience great. Getting advie and instruction from people who have done the exact thing you're trying to is priceless! My classmates and the whole ITA community continue to be a valued support system throughout this process!!

If you have any questions don't hesitate to reach out on Insta @melissaannmaida!

By: Melissa Ann Maida
Nationality: American

Awesome Course!

I am (very) recent graduate of ITA and I must say I absolutely loved the program! Though quite challenging, I believe International TEFL Academy in Chicago has prepared me for the exciting world of ESL!! They provide feedback and help with TONS of resources and guidance! I can't wait to start teaching!

By: L'aigner L. Massey
Nationality: American

AMAZING! THE BEST ACADEMY TO GET CERTIFIED!

I only have positive feedback for the International TEFL Academy because they are simply the best. From day 1 they gave me all the support and assistance I needed. Before I even signed up, they called me and we had a lengthy conversation about the program, what my future could look like after getting certified, and how awesome ITA is! It only took me a second to realize ITA was a good fit for me. They provide you with an abundance of resources to learn from whether its to improve your grammar, become a better teacher, or finding a job abroad. ITA is there literally every step of the way. The course itself is manageable with assignments and quizzes every week to keep you on your toes. I learned a great deal and I'm so grateful for it because ITA truly prepared me to become an educator. I will be moving to Japan next year to teach and I am absolutely ECSTATIC. Thank you ITA! For everyone thinking about it... DO IT. There is no better time than now!

By: Jareena
Nationality: American

Thank you for making my dream come true!

If your dream is to travel, explore and make a living of it I will highly recommend ITA as your academy to get certified to teach abroad. Even though I'm not American, they still consider me a good fit for their academy and gave me the chance to get certified. They helped me every step of the way during the certification process and I got to learn a lot while I was teaching in my country. Their staff is always there for you every step of the way, making the whole experience a lot easier.

By: Rosa
Nationality: El Salvador

Fantastic TEFL organization

I’ve loved my experience before, during, and after my actual TEFL course. They recruiting/admissions team really helped me decide on the right course for me (online vs. classroom) and answered all my questions. The course (online) prepared me very well and there were so many opportunities to work on lesson plans that I started working with many lesson plans already done! The Student Affairs Team for post course students were so great! They helped me narrow my job search and get me different options to look into as well. Overall, I had a fantastic experience with ITA.

By: Allison
Nationality: American

Amazing! Changed my life

Honestly the best experience of my life. I’m so happy I took the leap of faith and just went for it! It was scary but i just packed all my stuff up and moved to Italy. I took the one month course in Florence and I was put in an apartment with an amazing girl from NZ who was also taking the same course. After two weeks we decided to look for a job together. We found one on TEFLjobs.com for two teachers with a car included down in southern Italy (Puglia). We loved it!! Stunning rugged beaches and authentic Italian food. No English speakers which was difficult but my roommate knew Italian. Lovely people, lovely place.

By: Holly
Nationality: American

5+ Stars for ITA

ITA initially caught my eye with the about of information they provided on their website, and the transparency of the company. When I called for more information, they were helpful, answered all of my many (many) questions, and helped be decide on the best course for me - best of all, I felt no pressure from them to enrol right away. There course provided a lot of information and I received a lot feedback from the instructor (even in the online course!). By the end, I felt prepared to teach and the practicum experience I gained as part of my certificate helped me to get my first job teaching abroad in Colombia. I have received continuous support and guidance from ITA, and definitely feel like I got the most out of my TEFL training with them!

By: Lisa
Nationality: Canadian

Wonderful Experience

I loved my TEFL courses through this organization. What a rewarding and educational experience. I would highly recommend the International TEFL Academy!

By: Alicia
Nationality: American

Plenty of Positive Things to Say

I took the 4-week TEFL certification course at their Chicago headquarters in August 2016. It took me quite a long time to decide where I wanted to get my TEFL. There were many companies to choose from and a lot of confusing information flooding the internet about the topic. I finally chose ITA because they seemed to have a good system in place for before, during, and after receiving your TEFL. I'm truly happy I went with them. Both of my teachers were well-qualified, knowledgeable instructors who really helped me hone my skills in a classroom setting. Regardless of whether a TEFL is required for the country in which you want to teach, the training will teach you how to evaluate students language ability and how to prepare various kinds of lesson plans for different situations, levels, and time allocations. The course was well-organized and fun. There were many long days and nights of classes, homework, and teaching, but it's worth it for what you will acquire in the process. Also, their website rocks and really helped me make sense of the strange world of teaching abroad before taking the leap.

By: Trace White
Nationality: United States of America

Thanks, ITA!

I had such a great experience with ITA. I wouldn’t be where I am now, teaching English in Thailand, without them. My friend recommended ITA to me so I called an advisor. After a few phone calls, emails and webinars, my questions were answered and my fear and concern subsided. I knew teaching overseas was what I wanted to do. The course was great; it was challenging but not overwhelming and fit perfectly in my 8-5 work schedule. With the course and required practicum, I felt ready to teach. The lifetime job search guidance was also a plus! I can’t recommend ITA enough and tell my friends about them every chance I get.

By: Kittia Broadus
Nationality: USA

A big thanks to International TEFL Academy

International TEFL Academy helped me every step of the way during my process of getting abroad to teach. It started off as nothing more than a simple goal or maybe even dream in the back of my mind. After contacting the academy, they put into perspective the reality of my dream and how easily attainable it was with just a little hard work and dedication. Their staff kept in contact with me regularly and never failed to support me with advice, tips, words of wisdom and encouragement. Even after completing the course for the academy, they continued to help me by getting me in personal contact with trustable agents in China who would find me reliable jobs and also provide me with experienced advice on what I needed to prepare myself with for the adventure, psychically and psychologically. A big thanks to International TEFL Academy for transforming my life from a mundane 9-5 into a wild adventure full of travel and beautiful memories.

By: Bradley Krae
Nationality: USA

ITA - 5 stars!

I highly recommend the International TEFL Academy if you are looking to get certified to teach English abroad. I met some AMAZING people, learned a lot, and ended up landing great jobs once I moved to my desired country. I travel, I teach, and I am so happy where ITA has brought me. Check out my blog post for a full review: https://thatbrunetteabroad.wordpress.com/2016/12/14/tefl-certified/ .... good luck!

By: Lindsey
Nationality: Canadian

International TEFL Academy Review

Throughout my experience with International TEFL Academy, the online TEFL course and my current ambassadorship, I’ve had a plethora of support from advisors, instructors, and the Student Affairs department. I genuinely enjoyed my TEFL course because of the effectiveness and my instructors helpfulness and speedy response times. My ambassadorship has been one of the most exciting and fun things I’ve ever done. I love being able to help people transition abroad and answer questions about living in Berlin! I would most definitely recommend ITA to anyone interested in teaching abroad!

By: Tina Angok
Nationality: American