★★★★★
“Bina was a fantastic teacher and able to help all learners. Stuart has been fantastic helping with looking for jobs after the course finishes.”
Stuart Daly, Google Review120-Hour In-Person TEFL Course in Bangkok
Train face to face over four weeks and learn how to plan, teach and manage English lessons. The course includes observed teaching practice with real students in Thai schools, giving you experience that an online-only course cannot provide. Thai schools accept the certificate as a TEFL or TESOL qualification.
No previous teaching experience is required. Small training groups allow time for individual guidance, practical work and feedback from your trainer.
120 hoursTeacher training
Four weeksMonday to Friday
In personBangkok training centre
45,000 THBCourse fee
Next Start Dates in Bangkok
A new intake starts most months. These are the next four; the full list of dates, fees and payment options is on the dates and fees page.
Starts16 November 2026to 11 December
Starts4 January 2027to 29 January
Starts8 February 2027to 5 March
Starts15 March 2027to 9 April
What You Learn on the 120-Hour TEFL Course
The course gives new teachers a practical foundation for teaching English in Thailand and other international settings. Training connects teaching theory to the decisions you will make when planning and delivering a lesson.
- Planning clear, purposeful English lessons
- Managing classrooms and maintaining student engagement
- Teaching grammar, vocabulary and pronunciation
- Developing speaking, listening, reading and writing
- Teaching young learners and adapting to different age groups
- Understanding Thai school routines and expectations
- Reflecting on lessons and using trainer feedback
Trainees go on to teach preschool, primary and secondary students, adult learners and corporate English. The course introduces the different needs of each group and shows you how to adapt your planning, language and classroom approach.
You can review the broader 120-hour course syllabus for more information about the areas covered.
Our practical guides explain lesson planning, the PPP teaching method and teaching phonics.
Teaching Practice in Real Thai Schools
Teaching practice is a central part of the course. Trainees observe classes, prepare lessons and teach real students in Thai schools, not their classmates. Your trainer observes your teaching and provides feedback on planning, instructions, classroom management and student participation.
Observations and feedback help you recognise what worked, address problems and improve your next lesson. This experience helps you understand what teaching feels like before applying for a paid position. Read more about our real classroom teaching practice.
Course Schedule and Location
The course is completed over four weeks. Face-to-face training normally runs Monday to Friday from 10am to 3pm or 4pm. Trainees also complete assignments and lesson preparation outside class.
Training takes place at Essential TEFL, 22/2 Lat Phrao Road, Soi 21, Chatuchak, Bangkok. The centre is within walking distance of Lat Phrao MRT station. See our Bangkok training-centre location and nearby transport information.
A Graduate's Experience
Harry explains what the four-week course is like, including the practical training, classroom experience and support he received.
TEFL or TESOL?
If you have been searching for a TESOL course in Bangkok, this is it. Thai schools and most employers use the terms TEFL and TESOL interchangeably. What they look at is the number of training hours, the accreditation behind the certificate and how much observed teaching practice you have done with real students. On all three counts this course is the same course whichever name you use. Our guide to TEFL vs TESOL explains the history of the two terms.
Who Can Join the Course?
You do not need previous teaching experience or a degree to enrol. You must be at least 22 and have a good command of spoken and written English. Applicants who speak English as an additional language should have at least a B2 level.
A bachelor degree is normally required for a Thai work permit and many full-time teaching positions. Applicants without a degree are welcome to train, but employment options are more limited. Talk to us before booking if you would like an honest assessment of your options.
Coming to Bangkok from Abroad
Trainees join us from the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia and across Europe. If you are travelling to Thailand for the course, our guides cover the practical side of the move: Thai visas and work permits, student accommodation near the training centre, what to pack and living costs in Bangkok.
Job Placement Support After the Course
Essential TEFL works alongside Essential Educational Staffing, our Bangkok teacher recruitment agency. Eligible graduates receive help preparing their CV, interview guidance and introductions to suitable schools.
Job placement depends on your qualifications, nationality, English level and the positions available when you graduate. Native English-speaking graduates with a bachelor degree can receive guaranteed interviews for suitable roles. We do not guarantee employment for applicants who do not meet school and work-permit requirements.
Read the full TEFL job placement policy before enrolling.
Course Fee and Booking
The 120-hour in-person TEFL course costs 45,000 THB, roughly 1,300 US dollars or 1,000 pounds depending on the exchange rate. A 20,000 THB deposit reserves your place, with the remaining balance paid according to the booking terms.
The fee covers face-to-face training, course materials, classroom observations, teaching practice and trainer feedback. Current start dates and payment options are listed on the course dates and fees page.
Compare Your TEFL Course Options
The 120-hour course is the standard route. If you want a UK-regulated qualification, a paid placement built in, or accommodation and visa paperwork handled for you, the other three options build on the same four weeks of training.
| Feature | 120-Hour TEFL | TQUK Level 5 | Paid Internship | All-In Bundle |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | 45,000 THB | 50,000 THB | 90,000 THB | 130,000 THB |
| Training | 120 hours in person | 168 guided learning hours in person | 120 hours in person | 120 hours in person |
| Teaching practice in Thai schools | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Academic assignments | No | Yes | No | No |
| Qualification | 120-hour TQUK-approved TEFL certificate | TQUK Level 5 Certificate in TEFL (RQF), regulated by Ofqual | 120-hour TQUK-approved TEFL certificate | 120-hour TQUK-approved TEFL certificate |
| Job support | Placement support for eligible graduates | Placement support for eligible graduates | Paid teaching placement at a partner school | Guaranteed interviews for eligible graduates |
| First month accommodation | Not included | Not included | Not included | Included |
| Visa support | Guidance | Guidance | Guidance | Full document handling |
| Details | This page | Level 5 TEFL course | TEFL internship | All-In Bundle |
The paid internship is open to native English speakers with a bachelor degree. Not sure which option fits? Talk to us and we will give you a straight answer.
What Our Trainees Say
★★★★★
“The instructors were always willing to go above and beyond whenever I needed help. The job placement support has been excellent.”
Elliot Gold, Google Review★★★★★
“Fantastic support and service from Essential TEFL. Friendly, knowledgeable and supportive.”
Chris Russell, Google ReviewFrequently Asked Questions
Is the 120-hour TEFL course taught in person?
Yes. The course is delivered face to face at our Bangkok training centre and includes observed teaching practice with real students in Thai schools.
How long does the 120-hour TEFL course take?
The course runs for four weeks. Face-to-face training normally takes place Monday to Friday from 10am to 3pm or 4pm, with additional assignments completed outside class.
What certificate will I receive?
Graduates receive a 120-hour TQUK-approved TEFL certificate issued through Kidsangsan Language School, a private language school approved by the Thai Ministry of Education.
Is this a TESOL course as well as a TEFL course?
Yes. Thai schools and most employers use the terms TEFL and TESOL interchangeably. What they look at is the number of training hours, the accreditation behind the certificate and the amount of observed teaching practice with real students, and this course meets those requirements under either name.
Do I need a degree to enrol?
A degree is not required to enrol. However, a bachelor degree is normally required for a Thai work permit and many teaching positions. Applicants without a degree should speak to us before booking.
Does the course include job placement support?
Eligible graduates receive CV preparation, interview guidance and introductions to suitable schools. Eligibility and available positions depend on qualifications, nationality and English level.
How much does the 120-hour TEFL course cost?
The course fee is 45,000 THB. A 20,000 THB deposit reserves your place. Current dates, fees and payment options are published on the Dates and Fees page.
What age groups will I be trained to teach?
The course covers teaching students from preschool to high school, adult learners and corporate English. You will learn how to approach different age groups and learning styles effectively.
Apply for the 120-Hour TEFL Course
Tell us about your background and preferred course date. We will review your application and contact you to discuss the next step.
Apply Now Talk to Us