Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) Certificate

Teach English overseas, live abroad, and experience another culture while working. We’ve been preparing people to become effective teachers of English to speakers of foreign languages for more than twenty-five years. Whether you have little to no teaching experience or have already spent your career in a classroom, this program provides you with what you need to join our graduates who have taught in more than 40 countries worldwide!

Why study at Hamline?

  • Learn the teaching techniques you need to function effectively in an English as a foreign language classroom from internationally-recognized faculty
  • Gain hands-on experience through 40 hours of teaching and observation in a classroom with English learners—real-world training is not often found in most other programs
  • Earn an internationally-recognized certificate that follows rigorous international standards that reputable employers expect and respect
  • Experience the Hamline difference: Our program is one of only two university-based, accredited programs in the Midwest, with global recognition of our program and preference for our graduates, whom employers know receive the best training available

Teaching English as a Foreign Language Certificate frequently asked questions

Are my courses online or on-campus? On-campus, evenings; See below for more information.
When can I start this certificate? You can start this certificate in the fall
What is the typical time to complete this certificate?  Two terms (8 months)
How many credits do I have to take? Eight credits
How many courses is the certificate? Two courses
How much does the certificate program cost? Your total cost is calculated by the tuition rate per credit (8 credits total). For more information on the current tuition rate per credit, see the School of Education and Leadership tuition page.

You can apply your certificate toward a master’s degree

Enrolling in a certificate program is a great way to experience what the master's programs at Hamline are like and take care of your electives. With the Teaching English as a Foreign Language Certificate, you'll earn credits that you can apply toward a Hamline master's degree in education, or master’s in teaching (initial licensure), or a master’s in teaching English to speakers of other languages (TESOL).

Shortly after completing Hamline's TEFL course, I began my career as a teacher at a university in South Korea. After three years, I concluded it was the best decision I ever made. Teaching is a wonderful and rewarding occupation and the fact that I'm now qualified to teach all over the world is simply amazing. My next destination will be Japan or Mexico."

—Kristal O'Sullivan

Frequently asked questions about the TEFL Certificate

Get an Advanced TEFL Certificate

Once you complete the TEFL Certificate, you can apply your credits to earn an Advanced TEFL Certificate where you will learn more about language theory and linguistics. While the initial TEFL certificate is offered on-campus, the courses for the advanced certificate are offered online.

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