Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) Certificate
Details
Important Dates:
TEFL will not be offered in Spring 2025.
Total Cost:
$1900 per Clemson-affiliated student
$2400 per non-Clemson affiliate
$100 to register and reserve your space
Duration:
10 weeks
120 hours of online coursework
20 hours of practicum, self-paced
What is TEFL?
Program Features
TEFL is a certification program for students proficient in English who are interested in teaching English abroad or online.
- Intensive online modules taught by Clemson instructors
- Curriculum to introduce you to the profession and prepare you to teach
- Classroom management and lesson plan development informed by Second Language Acquisition theory
- Teaching practicum with local and international students
- Job placement advising
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Why Choose TEFL
The following are testimonials from past TEFL graduates:
“I’m currently working for TAPIF (Teaching Assistant Program in France) at 3 primary schools in the Amiens region of France. My contract ends in a month but the experience has been amazing culturally. The hardest part of leaving will definitely be saying goodbye to my kiddos, all of whom are so sweet and eager to learn.”
Abby Rich, Psychology
TEFL 2021 Graduate“I absolutely recommend it to everyone! I would say this is a fantastic opportunity that has the potential to radically change your life.”
Hannah Burns, English
TEFL 2022 Graduate“The staff for the TEFL program are amazing. I have stayed in touch with them and they have helped me a lot especially during my job search. They are so supportive and care about you which you don't find anywhere.”
Logan Radwanski, International Business and German
TEFL 2021 Graduate“I am currently teaching English abroad in France! It has been so helpful because I use plenty of resources shared with me through this course and work that I did to graduate the course. Everything I did through this program helped me get to where I am. Every part of it was necessary.”
Student in Language and International Business
TEFL 2023 Graduate“If you are interested in teaching full time or perhaps working with non-profits who work with international students this could be a wonderful stepping stone in the right direction.”
Emily Danuser
TEFL 2023 Graduate -
Ways to Find Out More
- Contact ELP Director Jen Brondell at jbronde@clemson.edu
- Visit us in Martin Hall E307D
- Helpful Links
- Get Started
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the TEFL certificate for?
If you're aiming to access the global market, this program is tailor-made for you. The TEFL Certificate equips individuals with the necessary tools to live and work abroad, enabling them to confidently and competently teach English. This certification opens doors to employment opportunities and ensures proficiency in assisting non-native English speakers in diverse communities worldwide, including multicultural cities and towns in the U.S. and beyond.
- How long is this program?
The online portion of the program takes 10 weeks to complete. Some or all of the 10 hours of required observations can occur during those ten weeks, or they can be done after, just like the teaching practicum, at the student's convenience.
- How many hours each week should I plan to devote to this program?
Managing your time effectively is crucial for success in this program. We advise allocating 10 hours weekly for homework assignments. We're here to support you in optimizing your schedule to achieve your fullest potential!
- Do I have to be enrolled as a student at Clemson University to take the TEFL certificate course?
A student does not have to be enrolled at Clemson University or another college or university to register for the TEFL Certificate.
- Will the program provide me with job placement assistance?
We will help you search for a job and find a job by looking at postings with you, reviewing your resume and offer letters and any other details you want our help with. We can't "place" you in a job, though.
- Are the program instructors accessible?
Absolutely! You can reach the course instructor via email or text. Additionally, interactive video-conference sessions will be conducted to discuss topics, address issues, and engage with both the instructor and fellow students in the program.
- Do I have to pay in a lump sum?
You have to pay the non-refundable deposit of $100. The remaining amount can be divided into a payment plan of 4 payments, with each due at the end of every two weeks once the program starts.
- What if I get too busy and can't finish?
This program is not a go-at-your-own-pace program. We keep the group together week by week, because that is how we have seen students be most successful! If, however, you find yourself too busy with school work or something else comes up, you can opt to defer your session and payments to another session if you let us know within the first 4 weeks.
