As 2027 gets closer, you might already be thinking about what you want the next year to look like. A new job? More travel? The chance to live somewhere new? Or simply a career that gives you the opportunity to do something different?
If a career change is on your mind, Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) could be an option worth exploring.
From teaching English abroad to working with students online, a TEFL qualification can open up opportunities around the world, and you don’t necessarily need previous teaching experience to get started.
TEFL stands for Teaching English as a Foreign Language. A TEFL course gives you the skills and knowledge needed to teach English to people whose first language is not English.
During your training, you can learn about areas such as lesson planning, classroom management, teaching grammar and vocabulary, and creating engaging lessons for different learners.
For many people, TEFL is their first step into teaching. You don't need to already be a qualified teacher to begin TEFL training.
One of the biggest attractions of TEFL is the variety of directions it can take you.
Some people qualify because they want to spend a year teaching abroad. Others want to travel while working, teach English online or move into education as a longer-term career.
A TEFL qualification can help you explore opportunities including:
The opportunities available will depend on factors such as the country, employer, visa requirements, qualifications and experience, so it is important to research the requirements for the type of role you want.
A lack of teaching experience is one of the reasons people can hesitate to explore TEFL, but you don't need previous teaching experience to enrol on a TEFL course.
Your training is designed to introduce you to the fundamentals of teaching English and help you develop the skills you'll need to get started.
For someone coming from a completely different industry, that can make TEFL a more accessible way to explore a new career direction without already having a background in education.
If you're considering TEFL, you'll likely come across different course levels and durations.
A 120-hour TEFL course can provide a strong introduction to teaching English and is a popular starting point for those looking to gain a TEFL qualification.
For those looking for more comprehensive training, a Level 5 TEFL Diploma offers more in-depth study and may be particularly appealing if you're planning to take teaching more seriously or want a higher-level qualification.
Before choosing a course, think about where you'd like to teach and the type of positions you'd eventually like to apply for. Checking employer requirements before making your decision can help you choose the qualification best suited to your plans.
If your goal is to teach abroad next year, you don't have to wait until January to start thinking about it.
Starting your TEFL training now gives you time to work through your course, research potential destinations, prepare your CV and understand the requirements for the countries you're interested in.
Depending on the destination, these requirements can include a TEFL qualification, a university degree, background checks and particular visa or work-permit requirements.
Taking the time to research these details early can make the process much easier when you're ready to start applying.
A career change doesn't necessarily have to involve packing a suitcase.
TEFL can also lead to opportunities to teach English online, whether that's alongside another job, as part of a freelance career or as a way to gain teaching experience.
Requirements vary between online teaching companies and platforms, so it's worth researching individual employers before applying.
TEFL isn't one single career path, and that's part of its appeal.
You might want to spend a year experiencing life in another country. You might discover that you love teaching and decide to pursue it further. Or you may simply want to add a new skill and qualification to your CV.
Whatever your motivation, the first step is understanding your options and choosing training that suits where you want to go next.
If you've spent 2026 thinking about making a change, 2027 could be the year you finally explore what TEFL could look like for you.
Explore TEFL courses with The TEFL Institute of Ireland and start planning your next step for 2027.
Use code 'COURSES12' for 12% off your enrolment!
