We’ve talked about how to get certifications to teach English in other countries…but what about how to pay for them?!
Yes, there are scholarships available for TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) certification programs, though they may not be as widespread or well-known as scholarships for traditional academic degrees. TEFL scholarships can help offset the cost of the certification, making it more accessible for aspiring teachers who want to teach abroad. Here’s an overview of where you can find TEFL scholarships and financial aid opportunities:
1. TEFL Providers Offering Scholarships
Some TEFL certification programs and schools offer partial or full scholarships to help reduce the cost of their courses. Here are some well-known organizations that provide scholarships:
A. International TEFL Academy (ITA)
ITA offers various scholarships and tuition discounts throughout the year. Some of their scholarships are awarded based on merit, while others are geared toward those interested in specific regions or types of teaching.
– Diversity in Teaching Scholarship: ITA promotes diversity in teaching by offering scholarships to candidates from underrepresented groups. These scholarships aim to encourage diversity in the TEFL teaching community.
– Alumni Scholarship: ITA often has scholarships for its graduates who want to continue their education with advanced TEFL training or other certifications.
– Seasonal Discounts and Promotions: ITA regularly offers discounts or partial scholarships during certain times of the year, such as holidays or back-to-school promotions.
– Scholarship Amounts: Typically range from $500 to $1,000 depending on the scholarship type.
B. Premier TEFL
Premier TEFL offers seasonal discounts and scholarships for specific groups of applicants, such as those applying for teaching internships or TEFL programs in certain countries.
– Scholarships for Internships: Premier TEFL sometimes provides scholarships for their internship programs, which include both TEFL certification and placement in countries such as Spain, Thailand, or Vietnam.
– Seasonal Promotions: They frequently offer discounts or partial scholarships around holidays or during specific campaigns.
C. i-to-i TEFL
i-to-i TEFL occasionally offers scholarships for their online TEFL courses as well as financial aid options for people participating in teaching internships abroad. These scholarships are often promoted on their website during special campaigns or events.
– Discounted Course Prices: Instead of offering full scholarships, i-to-i often runs promotions where they provide significant discounts on their TEFL courses, especially during Black Friday or New Year sales.
This provider offers occasional promotions and competitions where students can win scholarships or discounts on their courses. They also have partnerships with organizations that provide financial aid to students pursuing a TEFL certification.
2. External Organizations Offering TEFL Scholarships
Aside from TEFL course providers, external organizations sometimes offer grants or scholarships specifically for TEFL certification as part of a broader educational or international development program.
A. Fund for Education Abroad (FEA)
While not specifically for TEFL, FEA offers scholarships to U.S. students who want to study abroad, and TEFL certification may fall under this umbrella, especially if it’s part of a broader international study program.
– Eligibility: U.S. citizens or permanent residents who are enrolled in U.S. universities and wish to participate in study abroad programs.
– Scholarship Amount: Awards range from $1,250 to $10,000.
B. Fulbright Program
The Fulbright English Teaching Assistant (ETA) Program places U.S. citizens in classrooms abroad to assist local English teachers. While it doesn’t offer a TEFL certification specifically, the program is a fully funded opportunity to teach English abroad. You can combine this experience with a TEFL certification to further enhance your qualifications.
– Eligibility: U.S. citizens with a bachelor’s degree.
– Benefits: Provides funding for travel, housing, and a stipend.
Go Overseas, a popular platform for study abroad, volunteer, and TEFL programs, offers scholarships for those who want to teach English abroad. These scholarships can often be used toward the cost of obtaining TEFL certification.
– Eligibility: Depends on the specific scholarship program, but typically applicants must demonstrate interest in teaching abroad.
– Scholarship Amounts: Varies but can range from $500 to $2,500.
3. Government and Nonprofit Support
Some government organizations and nonprofit foundations support English teaching initiatives abroad, and they may offer grants or scholarships that could help cover the cost of a TEFL certification.
Programs like the English Language Fellow Program provide Americans with opportunities to teach English abroad, often with funding and support. While these programs don’t directly offer TEFL certification scholarships, participants may benefit from other educational training and professional development opportunities.
– Eligibility: U.S. citizens with a master’s degree in TESOL or a related field.
– Benefits: Fully funded placements, travel expenses, and stipends.
The Peace Corps places volunteers in various teaching positions around the world, including English teaching roles. Although the Peace Corps doesn’t offer TEFL certification directly, it provides training and education for teaching roles abroad, and the experience can serve as a stepping stone to a TEFL career.
– Eligibility: U.S. citizens, usually with a bachelor’s degree.
– Benefits: Living allowance, travel expenses, and professional experience.
4. TEFL Course Discounts and Competitions
Many TEFL course providers offer frequent discounts and competitions where participants can win a free or discounted TEFL course. Keeping an eye on these promotions can help you save money on certification.
– Competitions: Platforms like GoAbroad and GoOverseas often host essay or photo contests, where winners receive free or discounted TEFL courses.
– Seasonal Discounts: Many TEFL providers offer sales during Black Friday, New Year, or other promotional periods. Signing up for newsletters or following them on social media can keep you informed about these opportunities.
5. Crowdfunding and Personal Grants
If you can’t find traditional scholarships, you can also consider crowdfunding to raise money for your TEFL certification.
– GoFundMe: Many aspiring TEFL teachers use crowdfunding platforms like GoFundMe to raise money for their certification and travel expenses.
– Personal Grants: Some private foundations or grant organizations may offer funding for educational pursuits like TEFL certification, especially if you plan to teach in underprivileged areas.
Tips for Finding TEFL Scholarships:
– Check regularly: TEFL providers frequently offer time-sensitive scholarships and discounts. Subscribe to their newsletters and follow their social media accounts for updates.
– Be proactive: Don’t hesitate to contact TEFL course providers directly to ask if they have scholarships, grants, or flexible payment options.
– Research government and nonprofit opportunities: Programs like Fulbright, Peace Corps, and English Language Fellowships offer great opportunities for funded teaching abroad, which can help offset the need for certification costs.
– Use crowdfunding: If scholarships aren’t available, starting a crowdfunding campaign can help raise funds for your certification and teaching abroad goals.
I worked hard finding out all of these options, so go MAKE THAT MONEY and make your international teaching dreams come true! If you’re tight on funds and looking for other ways to work/teach abroad, check out my last post about opportunities for Americans abroad with no formal degree or certification(s)!
Ciao, Bella!
Curves and a Carry On 
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