TESOL Certification: Train to Teach English Online and Abroad
American TESOL Institute (ATI), founded in 2004, offers flexible teacher training for people preparing to teach English online, in their communities, or abroad. Join a community of more than 30,000 graduates and choose a program suited to your teaching goals.
Explore Courses & EnrollReview accreditation and recognition
What Is TESOL Certification?
TESOL means Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages. Training covers teaching methods, lesson planning, language development, classroom management, and assessment. ESL often describes English learning in an English-speaking environment; EFL often describes English taught where another language predominates. Both involve supporting learners with effective, practical instruction.
Choose Your TESOL Certification Program
| Program | Training | Best suited for |
|---|---|---|
| TESOL Advanced | 80 hours | Core teaching methods and classroom practice |
| TESOL for Children | 60 hours | Young learners and age-appropriate teaching strategies |
| TESOL for Business | 60 hours | Adult professionals and workplace communication |
| TESOL Foundation for Children | 140 hours | Advanced plus Children specialization |
| TESOL Foundation for Business | 140 hours | Advanced plus Business specialization |
| TESOL Expert | 200 hours | Advanced, Children, and Business together |
Online courses are self-paced. See current program details and prices before enrolling.
Why Choose American TESOL Institute?
- Experience since 2004: ATI has supported teacher training and international teaching careers for more than two decades.
- Over 30,000 graduates: Learn about graduate credential verification or visit the verification portal.
- Transparent recognition: ATI publishes information about its educational reviews, recognitions, and historical approvals. These are not a promise that every employer, government, or licensing authority accepts every certificate. Read the accreditation and recognition details.
Teaching English Abroad and Online
TESOL training can help prepare you for roles in language schools, private tutoring, and online instruction. Requirements differ by country and employer; some positions require a university degree, teaching license, relevant experience, or specific visa eligibility. Confirm requirements with prospective employers and official immigration authorities before making travel plans.
Optional Job Placement Guarantee
After completing certification, ATI graduates may opt into the Job Placement Guarantee. Participants select their five preferred countries for teaching abroad and consider online teaching opportunities. Graduates must allow at least three months to receive job offers. The program is optional; employment eligibility, visas, employer decisions, and the terms of individual offers still matter. Review job-placement details and submit your résumé.
Ready to Begin?
Choose the training that matches the learners you want to teach, explore your future classroom possibilities, and build a foundation for meaningful work in English language education.
