TEFL Certificate Program Information

What is a TEFL Certificate?

A Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) certificate is designed for those with little or no experience teaching English. A TEFL Certificate prepares you for your first English teaching job overseas. The majority of international employers expect their English teachers to have (i) a college or university degree, and (ii) a TEFL Certificate that demonstrates knowledge and qualifications to plan and deliver effective English lessons.

A TEFL Certificate also provides the skills and knowledge for those working with English language learners in U.S. nonprofit organizations (NPOs), community groups, translation services, and other support services. A TEFL Certificate has become a valuable and important skill for those assisting speakers in multicultural cities and towns in the U.S. and abroad whose English is not their first language.

Why a TEFL Certificate at UNG?

The TEFL Certificate at the University of North Georgia (UNG) is offered through the Center for Language Education (CLE) in the College of Education (COE). The TEFL Certificate will  

• provide you excellent instruction and training
• be taught by instructors who have overseas English teaching experience
• meet the TESOL Standards for TEFL/TESL Certificate Programs

In addition, the TEFL Certificate at UNG will provide you with opportunities to conduct classroom observations and practice teaching during the TEFL Certificate practicum through our partner schools and ESL centers.

TEFL Certificate Online

There are four online courses totaling 120 hours, with opportunities for classroom observations and teaching practice. Course instructors in the TEFL Certificate are accessible and quickly respond to students’ questions. Some video-conference or face-to-face classes may be integrated into each course if there is student interest.

International Teaching Opportunities

There are many opportunities to teach English overseas. Faculty and staff in the TEFL Certificate are available to assist you with your job search.

• Teaching abroad opens up the world to you. A TEFL Certificate from the University of North Georgia is your ticket to the world!

Application Requirements

An individual must be 18 years and completed high school or possess a GED or foreign equivalent. An individual must self-certify that they earned a high school diploma or possess a GED or a foreign equivalent.

If English is not your first language, non-native English speakers may demonstrate language proficiency by (i) arranging an oral interview with a TEFL instructor, or (ii) sharing a TOEFL (iBT) score of 70.