Kang & Kriel Recruitment

Get TEFL Certified

Boost your teaching career with an internationally recognized TEFL certificate. We have partnered with top providers to offer exclusive discounts for ESL365 users.

3Partners

Up to 15%Discount

AccreditedPrograms

Do I Need a TEFL Certificate?

The Short Answer

A TEFL certificate is not legally required to teach in South Korea — a bachelor's degree is the minimum for an E-2 visa. However, TEFL certification significantly improves your job prospects, starting salary, and classroom confidence.

Most competitive positions now list TEFL as "required" or "strongly preferred." Having one puts you ahead of 40% of applicants who do not.

Benefits of TEFL

✓Higher starting salary (100,000-200,000 KRW/month more)
✓Access to better positions at top schools
✓Practical teaching skills and lesson planning
✓Confidence managing a classroom effectively
✓Globally recognized — teaches in 100+ countries
✓Career foundation for long-term teaching

Our TEFL Partners

Trusted providers offering exclusive discounts for ESL365 users.

i-to-i TEFL

ODLQC accredited, recognized by TEFL.org

15% OFF

One of the world's largest online TEFL providers with over 200,000 graduates. Their flexible, self-paced courses are ideal for teachers who want to get certified while working or traveling. Recognized worldwide.

Price$149-$399

Duration2-6 months (self-paced)

Courses

120-hour Online TEFL140-hour Online + Classroom180-hour Advanced

Highlights

✓Most affordable option
✓Fully self-paced online learning
✓Includes teaching practice via video
✓Job placement assistance included
✓Lifetime access to course materials

Visit Website

Code: ESL365

International TEFL Academy

ACCET accredited (US Dept. of Education recognized)

10% OFF

Premium TEFL certification with comprehensive career support. ITA is known for personalized guidance, alumni community, and strong placement rates. Their in-class options in major cities offer hands-on training.

Price$1,199-$1,699

Duration3-4 months (structured)

Courses

170-hour Online TEFL120-hour In-Class (Chicago, Barcelona, more)11-week Hybrid

Highlights

✓Dedicated job search advisor for life
✓Strong alumni network (50,000+)
✓In-class options in 25+ cities worldwide
✓Comprehensive lesson planning training
✓Highest placement rate in the industry

Visit Website

Code: ESL365ITA

CIEE TEFL

University-affiliated, CIEE institutional accreditation

University-backed TEFL certification from the Council on International Educational Exchange. CIEE has over 75 years of experience in international education. Their courses combine academic rigor with practical teaching skills.

Price$349-$649

Duration3-6 months

Courses

150-hour Online Certificate180-hour Online + PracticumIn-person Seoul Summer Intensive

Highlights

✓University-affiliated program (backed by academic standards)
✓Seoul-based in-person intensive option
✓Practicum with real ESL students
✓Comprehensive grammar and pedagogy modules
✓Access to CIEE global teaching network

Visit Website

Quick Comparison

Feature	i-to-i TEFL	International TEFL Academy	CIEE TEFL
Price Range	$149-$399	$1,199-$1,699	$349-$649
Duration	2-6 months (self-paced)	3-4 months (structured)	3-6 months
Format	3 options	3 options	3 options
Accreditation	ODLQC accredited, recognized by TEFL.org	ACCET accredited (US Dept. of Education recognized)	University-affiliated, CIEE institutional accreditation
Discount	15% off	10% off	—

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need TEFL to teach in Korea?

Technically, no — a bachelor's degree is the minimum legal requirement for an E-2 visa. However, most schools strongly prefer TEFL-certified teachers, and many job postings list it as required. A TEFL certificate can increase your starting salary by 100,000-200,000 KRW/month.

What is the minimum TEFL hours I should get?

A 120-hour TEFL certificate is the international standard and what most Korean schools recognize. Anything less may not be accepted. Some schools prefer 140+ hours with a classroom component.

Online vs in-class TEFL — which is better?

Both are accepted in Korea. Online is more affordable and flexible. In-class gives hands-on teaching practice and networking. If budget allows, a hybrid (online theory + in-class practice) offers the best of both worlds.

Does my TEFL need to be accredited?

Korean immigration does not require specific accreditation, but accredited courses are more respected by employers and ensure quality training. Look for accreditation from ACCET, ODLQC, or university affiliation.

Can I get TEFL certified while already in Korea?

Yes! Online TEFL courses can be completed from anywhere. Some providers also offer in-person intensives in Seoul. Many teachers get TEFL certified during their first contract to improve their credentials for renewal.

How long does TEFL certification take?

Self-paced online courses can be completed in as little as 4-6 weeks with dedicated study, though most people take 2-4 months. In-class intensives run 4-6 weeks full-time.

Already TEFL Certified?

Start your teaching journey in Korea. Create your profile and get matched with schools looking for qualified teachers.

Find Teaching Jobs Explore Guides

Get TEFL Certified

Boost your teaching career with an internationally recognized TEFL certificate. We have partnered with top providers to offer exclusive discounts for ESL365 users.

3Partners

Up to 15%Discount

AccreditedPrograms

Do I Need a TEFL Certificate?

The Short Answer

Most competitive positions now list TEFL as "required" or "strongly preferred." Having one puts you ahead of 40% of applicants who do not.

Benefits of TEFL

✓Higher starting salary (100,000-200,000 KRW/month more)
✓Access to better positions at top schools
✓Practical teaching skills and lesson planning
✓Confidence managing a classroom effectively
✓Globally recognized — teaches in 100+ countries
✓Career foundation for long-term teaching

Our TEFL Partners

Trusted providers offering exclusive discounts for ESL365 users.

i-to-i TEFL

ODLQC accredited, recognized by TEFL.org

15% OFF

Price$149-$399

Duration2-6 months (self-paced)

Courses

120-hour Online TEFL140-hour Online + Classroom180-hour Advanced

Highlights

✓Most affordable option
✓Fully self-paced online learning
✓Includes teaching practice via video
✓Job placement assistance included
✓Lifetime access to course materials

Visit Website

Code: ESL365

International TEFL Academy

ACCET accredited (US Dept. of Education recognized)

10% OFF

Price$1,199-$1,699

Duration3-4 months (structured)

Courses

170-hour Online TEFL120-hour In-Class (Chicago, Barcelona, more)11-week Hybrid

Highlights

✓Dedicated job search advisor for life
✓Strong alumni network (50,000+)
✓In-class options in 25+ cities worldwide
✓Comprehensive lesson planning training
✓Highest placement rate in the industry

Visit Website

Code: ESL365ITA

CIEE TEFL

University-affiliated, CIEE institutional accreditation

Price$349-$649

Duration3-6 months

Courses

150-hour Online Certificate180-hour Online + PracticumIn-person Seoul Summer Intensive

Highlights

✓University-affiliated program (backed by academic standards)
✓Seoul-based in-person intensive option
✓Practicum with real ESL students
✓Comprehensive grammar and pedagogy modules
✓Access to CIEE global teaching network

Visit Website

Quick Comparison

Feature	i-to-i TEFL	International TEFL Academy	CIEE TEFL
Price Range	$149-$399	$1,199-$1,699	$349-$649
Duration	2-6 months (self-paced)	3-4 months (structured)	3-6 months
Format	3 options	3 options	3 options
Accreditation	ODLQC accredited, recognized by TEFL.org	ACCET accredited (US Dept. of Education recognized)	University-affiliated, CIEE institutional accreditation
Discount	15% off	10% off	—

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need TEFL to teach in Korea?

What is the minimum TEFL hours I should get?

A 120-hour TEFL certificate is the international standard and what most Korean schools recognize. Anything less may not be accepted. Some schools prefer 140+ hours with a classroom component.

Online vs in-class TEFL — which is better?

Does my TEFL need to be accredited?

Can I get TEFL certified while already in Korea?

How long does TEFL certification take?

Self-paced online courses can be completed in as little as 4-6 weeks with dedicated study, though most people take 2-4 months. In-class intensives run 4-6 weeks full-time.

Already TEFL Certified?

Start your teaching journey in Korea. Create your profile and get matched with schools looking for qualified teachers.

Find Teaching Jobs Explore Guides

Get TEFL Certified — Partner Discounts for Korea | ESL365 | ESL365

Get TEFL Certified

Do I Need a TEFL Certificate?

The Short Answer

Benefits of TEFL

Our TEFL Partners

i-to-i TEFL

International TEFL Academy

CIEE TEFL

Quick Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions

Already TEFL Certified?

Get Jobs in Your Inbox

Get TEFL Certified

Do I Need a TEFL Certificate?

The Short Answer

Benefits of TEFL

Our TEFL Partners

i-to-i TEFL

International TEFL Academy

CIEE TEFL

Quick Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions

Already TEFL Certified?

Get Jobs in Your Inbox