10 Things I Wish I Knew Before Starting My TEFL Course

If you’ve been considering the idea of teaching abroad, chances are you’ve come across the acronym “TEFL.” A TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) course is one of the most common entryways into the world of ESL teaching. Whether you’re dreaming of teaching in a Thai public school, a South Korean private academy, or working remotely from your laptop, getting TEFL certified is a major step that can open a lot of doors.

Here’s the twist: I actually started teaching abroad without one.

Teaching English in Isaan Thailand at an amazing school with wonderful students and co-teachers was an incredible experience. I poured my heart into the classroom, my students loved me, and I was immersed into Thai culture.  I quickly realized I was relying heavily on instinct, personality, and trial and error. I knew I wanted to keep teaching abroad (possibly in other countries down the line), and also planned to return to Thailand- this time making a higher salary and having a lot more teaching tools. When I returned home to the U.S., I decided to enroll in the 150-hour TEFL certification course. 

Whether you’re already enrolled or considering getting certified, here are 10 things I wish I knew before starting my TEFL course:

1. Even If It’s Not Required, It’s Still 100% Worth It

In some countries (like Thailand), a TEFL certificate isn’t always required if you’re a native English speaker with a bachelor’s degree.

Just because you can teach without one, doesn’t mean you should.

While teaching in Thailand, I wished I had the language to explain things better and knew there were more effective ways to teach certain concepts. Completing my TEFL course gave me terminology for strategies I was already using intuitively and introduced me to techniques I didn’t know existed. I have a better understanding of lesson planning, classroom management, teaching methods, intercultural competence, and tailoring teaching to diverse learning styles and proficiency levels. It refined my natural teaching instincts into intentional strategies and filled in the gaps that the experience alone couldn't. 

Another important factor is being TEFL certified can increase your earning potential and can give you access to better schools and more desirable locations. It’s a smart investment in yourself and your career.

2. Not all TEFL Courses are Created Equal

There are online courses advertised for extremely low prices, but there’s a reason for that. The quality of the course matters. Choosing a reputable company with a strong curriculum, exceptional instructors, and a practicum component, is what’s going to make you a great educator and secure you the teaching position. 

3. Your Practicum Might Push You Out of Your Comfort Zone and That’s a Good Thing

I completed my practicum with adult ESL learners, which was a huge shift from my experience teaching young learners in Thailand. The material was similar (we were still covering basic English), but the classroom environment was completely different. Adults bring their own personalities, perspectives, and motivations into the room, and the lessons are much more conversation-driven.

At first, I felt totally out of my element. I missed the silliness and energy of my kids. The experience and discomfort challenged me to grow as a teacher. It taught me how to adjust my tone, reframe explanations, and approach classroom dynamics in a new way. I gained a whole new level of adaptability, and that’s a skill I know I’ll use for the rest of my teaching journey. Even though I’m interested in teaching young learners now, maybe I’ll end up working with adults in the future. 

4. Cultural Awareness Makes You a Better Teacher 

Before Thailand, I thought being a “good teacher” was all about charisma, energy, and creativity. And while those things help, I discovered teaching in another culture requires a lot more than that. Teaching in a foreign country isn’t just about language- it’s about culture, too. 

During my TEFL course, I reflected more deeply on cross-cultural communication and the role of cultural norms in education. Understanding how culture influences classroom behavior, student motivation, and even the way people ask questions made me more thoughtful, respectful, and prepared to create inclusive learning environments.

5. Just Because It’s an Online Course Doesn’t Mean it’s Easy 

Taking a TEFL course online allows for a lot of flexibility and it was nice to work at my own pace, while still having structured due dates to keep me on track. The content was in-depth, the assignments took real effort, and the practicum put me out of my comfort zone. To really learn the information, you can’t just check a box and be done; It took a lot of studying and practicing to fully absorb and understand the curriculum.  

That being said, it was absolutely doable with discipline, time management, and a consistent routine. You get what you put into the course; The course provides extra articles, videos, and resources for you to study if you want to learn more about topics. For someone who's serious about teaching, you’ll find it rewarding and extremely valuable.  

6. You Can Take What You Learn Anywhere 

Teaching English as a Foreign Language gives you transferable skills like communication, adaptability, creativity, public speaking, and cross-cultural understanding. Whether I’m managing a classroom in Thailand or navigating group projects in another field, I know I’ve also grown professionally in many ways. And even if I decide not to teach forever, these skills are valuable in any profession that involves people.

7. TEFL Methods are Rooted in Student-Based Learning

In Thailand, I often felt like I had to be the star of the show just to keep my kids’ attention. It was exhausting at times. My TEFL course helped shift that mindset. I learned how to design lessons that let students do the talking, interact with one another, and engage in hands-on activities that put them in the driver’s seat.

That’s a game changer; I’m now focused on building lessons around student participation, not teacher performance.

8. You’ll Build a Portfolio Without Realizing It

Throughout the course, I created lesson plans, classroom activities, and reflections on teaching strategies. By the end, I had unintentionally created a professional portfolio that I can now send to schools and employers to show my experience. Being able to show examples of your work can set you apart and help you secure the position. 

9. Your Classmates Can Be Your Network 

During my course, I met people with all kinds of backgrounds and plans- some were already teaching abroad, and others were planning to start soon. Even though our paths were different, we were all in the same boat; figuring things out, swapping stories, and cheering each other on. It’s a special feeling working with people who have a similar global mindset. 

These connections helped me feel supported during the course, and I can’t wait to follow their journey’s teaching abroad. 

10. TEFL Helped Me See Teaching As a Career, Not Just a Job

When I first went to Thailand, I thought of teaching as a fun and amazing opportunity to grow- a cool chapter in my life. But after completing my TEFL course, my mindset shifted. I no longer see teaching as a temporary gig. I see it as a career path that I’m proud to walk down.

I’m no longer winging it, I’ll be walking into my classroom with intention and purpose. I have a deeper sense of pride and professionalism and I’m even more excited to go back to Thailand.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re a complete beginner or you’ve already ventured into teaching abroad like I did, getting TEFL certified is one of the best decisions you can make. It gave me the tools I needed to grow from a passionate teacher into a prepared one and it opened doors I didn’t even know existed.

If you’re thinking about teaching English abroad, take the leap. Invest in yourself. And who knows? Maybe we’ll cross paths in a classroom somewhere on the other side of the world.