Question 1

What does TEFL stand for?

Accepted Answer

TEFL stands for Teaching English as a Foreign Language. It is the internationally recognised qualification you need to teach English to non-native speakers in countries where English is not the primary language, such as Thailand, Japan, South Korea and Costa Rica.

Question 2

What is a TEFL course?

Accepted Answer

A TEFL course trains you to teach English as a foreign language. It covers lesson planning, classroom management, grammar, teaching methodology and practical teaching skills. Our 60-hour accredited online TEFL course is included in every Adventure Camp and is completed before you depart.

Question 3

Is TEFL worth it?

Accepted Answer

Yes. A TEFL qualification opens doors to paid teaching roles in dozens of countries, boosts your CV with transferable skills, and gives you the confidence to stand in front of a class. Whether you want to teach for a summer or build a long-term career abroad, TEFL is the first step.

Question 4

How long does a TEFL course take?

Accepted Answer

Our accredited 60-hour online TEFL course is self-paced and most participants complete it in 2 to 6 weeks alongside their studies or work. You complete it online before you fly, then put everything into practice during three weeks of hands-on English camp teaching.

Question 5

Do I need a degree to teach English abroad?

Accepted Answer

Not always. Many countries and programs accept teachers without a degree, as long as they hold a TEFL qualification. Our Adventure Camps are open to anyone aged 19 and over, with no degree required.

Question 6

Can I teach English abroad without a degree?

Accepted Answer

Yes. While some countries like South Korea and Japan prefer degree holders for certain visa categories, there are plenty of destinations where you can teach with just a TEFL certificate. Thailand, Cambodia, Costa Rica and parts of Latin America are popular options for non-degree holders.

Question 7

What is a TEFL adventure camp?

Accepted Answer

A TEFL adventure camp combines a TEFL qualification with real teaching experience and cultural immersion in one trip. Over four weeks you complete your accredited online TEFL, take part in a one-week cultural orientation, then spend three weeks delivering English camps to local students.

Question 8

Do I need teaching experience to join a TEFL camp?

Accepted Answer

No experience is needed. Most of our participants have never taught before. Your included TEFL course gives you the foundation, and you will have full on-the-ground support from experienced coordinators throughout your teaching weeks.

Question 9

What is the difference between TEFL, TESOL and CELTA?

Accepted Answer

TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) and TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) are broadly similar and both are accepted worldwide. CELTA is a specific, more intensive brand-name qualification from Cambridge. For teaching abroad at camps and language schools, an accredited TEFL like ours is the most common and cost-effective route.

Question 10

Can I do my TEFL course online?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Our 60-hour TEFL course is completed entirely online before you travel. You will work through interactive modules at your own pace, then apply everything during three weeks of real English camp teaching abroad.

Question 11

Is the TEFL certificate internationally recognised?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Our TEFL course is fully accredited and recognised by employers around the world. The certificate you receive can be used to apply for teaching positions globally, not just on our camps.

Question 12

How much does a TEFL course cost?

Accepted Answer

Standalone TEFL courses typically cost £200 to £500 depending on the provider and hours. With our Adventure Camps, the accredited 60-hour TEFL course is included in your program fee, along with accommodation, cultural orientation, three weeks of teaching practice and full support.

Question 13

Can I teach English abroad in the summer?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. Summer is one of the most popular times to join a TEFL camp. Our Adventure Camps run across multiple intakes from January through November, including summer months, so you can complete a TEFL qualification and gain teaching experience during a university break or annual leave.

Question 14

Is it safe to teach English abroad?

Accepted Answer

Yes, when you travel with a reputable provider. Safety is at the centre of everything we do at The Fewer Things. You will have a dedicated coordinator before departure and an in-country coordinator once you land, plus airport pickup, included accommodation and a ready-made group of fellow travellers.

Question 15

What countries can I teach English in?

Accepted Answer

TEFL qualified teachers are in demand across Asia, Latin America, Europe and the Middle East. Our Adventure Camps currently run in Thailand, Japan, South Korea and Costa Rica. Each destination offers a unique cultural experience, and your TEFL certificate is valid for teaching roles worldwide.

Question 16

What should I pack for a TEFL Adventure Camp?

Accepted Answer

Pack light and practical. The essentials are comfortable teaching clothes (smart-casual, shoulders and knees covered for school settings), light layers for warm climates, a reusable water bottle, basic toiletries, a universal plug adapter, a small daypack, and any personal medication. We send every participant a detailed destination-specific packing list after enrolment.

Question 17

How early should I apply for my visa?

Accepted Answer

As soon as you have secured your place. Visa processing times vary by nationality and destination, typically between 1 and 6 weeks. TFT will confirm exactly which visa you need and the steps to get it, and we recommend applying at least 6 weeks before your departure date.

Question 18

Do I need travel insurance?

Accepted Answer

Yes, comprehensive travel insurance is a requirement for all TFT participants. Your policy should cover medical treatment, trip cancellation, lost luggage and any activities you plan to do.

Question 19

What travel documents do I need to bring?

Accepted Answer

Bring your passport (valid for at least six months beyond your return date), your visa if required, travel insurance documents, flight details, and a copy of your TEFL certificate. We also recommend carrying printed and digital copies of each.

Question 20

Will I need any vaccinations before I travel?

Accepted Answer

It depends on your destination and home country. We recommend booking an appointment with a travel clinic or your GP at least 6 to 8 weeks before departure to check recommended vaccinations and any medication you might need.

Question 21

How do I handle money while abroad?

Accepted Answer

A combination works best: a travel-friendly debit or credit card with no foreign transaction fees, plus a small amount of local currency for your first few days. ATMs are widely available in all our destinations.

Question 22

What should I wear when teaching?

Accepted Answer

Smart-casual is the standard. Lightweight trousers, knee-length skirts or shorts, and tops that cover your shoulders are ideal. Comfortable closed-toe shoes are a good idea for the classroom.

Question 23

What is the TFT Clubhouse scheme?

Accepted Answer

The TFT Clubhouse is our alumni programme that lets you join other TFT camps after your initial program at a discounted cost. Once you've completed one Adventure Camp, you become part of the Clubhouse for life, with access to exclusive rates on any future camp across Asia and Costa Rica.

Question 24

Can I join another TFT programme for free after my first camp?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The camps are voluntary, but if you love the experience, you could join one of our paid programmes in Asia free of charge. Once you've completed your first camp, a guaranteed place is there waiting for you on a paid programme whenever you're ready to come back.

Question 25

Is the Clubhouse good for university students?

Accepted Answer

It's perfect for university students. Join us for a summer camp while you study, and after you graduate you have a guaranteed job waiting for you. Many of our alumni join during a summer break, then return to a paid teaching role after graduation.

Question 26

How much discount do Clubhouse members get?

Accepted Answer

Discounts vary by programme and destination, but Clubhouse members always pay less than the standard programme fee. Exact rates are shared with you once you've completed your first camp, and you can use your membership on as many future camps as you like.

Question 27

Which programmes can I join through the Clubhouse?

Accepted Answer

Every destination we operate in, Thailand, Japan, South Korea, Costa Rica and Vietnam, is available to Clubhouse members. We also run paid teaching programmes in China and Vietnam, which aren't set up as camps yet but are available through the Clubhouse. Your guaranteed place applies to any paid teaching programme we run.

Question 28

How long does Clubhouse membership last?

Accepted Answer

Lifetime. There's no expiry on your membership, so whether you come back the following summer or five years later, your guaranteed place and discounted rates are still there waiting for you.

Question 29

Can I use the Clubhouse if I want to teach abroad after graduation?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. The Clubhouse is designed exactly for this. Join us during your studies, and after you graduate you have a guaranteed paid teaching role abroad waiting for you.

TFT Ambassador Portal