TEFL for Students: Teach English, Earn Money, Gain Experience

Being a student doesn’t have to mean surviving on instant noodles and part-time bar shifts. TEFL gives you a smarter, more flexible way to earn money—using a skill you already have: English. Whether you’re looking to teach online between classes, spend your summer at a language camp in Spain, or gain experience for a future career abroad, teaching English as a foreign language fits neatly around university life. It's a chance to build confidence, earn real-world experience, and start carving out an international career—without waiting for graduation.

What You Need to Get Started

Before you can land your first TEFL job, you’ll need to get certified. Most employers—whether online or in-person—require at least a 120-hour TEFL course from a recognized provider. It’s the industry standard, and anything less could limit your options or land you in poorly paid gigs.

The good news? TEFL courses are designed to be flexible. You can study online, on your own schedule, and fit modules around your academic workload. Think of it like a side project with real career benefits. With 10–15 hours a week, you can finish your certification in just a couple of months—even faster if you’re on a break or during a lighter term.

Look for beginner-friendly courses that include tutor support, real teaching practice (even simulated is better than none), and an internationally recognized certificate. If you’re thinking long-term, choose a provider that also offers advanced add-ons like teaching young learners or teaching English online—these specializations can give you an edge early on.

Getting certified while you’re still a student means you won’t just graduate with a degree—you’ll have global job options waiting for you, too.

Teaching English Online While You Study

If there’s one TEFL path tailor-made for student life, it’s online teaching. You can work from your dorm room, library, or anywhere with decent Wi-Fi—no commuting, no travel costs, and complete control over your schedule. Whether you have a few free hours a week or want to teach during weekends, online TEFL fits around lectures, deadlines, and exams.

Plenty of platforms hire TEFL-certified teachers without a degree, making it perfect for students. Some popular options include Cambly, PalFish, and Preply. Each has different teaching styles—some are casual conversation, others follow structured lessons. Explore what suits your personality and availability.

To get started, you’ll need:

• A laptop or tablet with a webcam and microphone.
• A quiet space with good lighting (a simple desk lamp works wonders).
• Zoom, Skype, or a browser-based platform depending on the company.
• A backup internet plan—like mobile hotspot—in case of connection issues.

For an even smoother start, consider taking a 40-hour online teaching add-on. It covers digital classroom tools, how to plan virtual lessons, and strategies for engaging students online. It’s a smart investment—especially if you want to freelance or build a long-term online teaching profile.

Summer and Winter TEFL Programs

Seasonal breaks are prime time for TEFL students. Whether it’s two weeks or two months, summer and winter TEFL programs let you dip into real-world teaching while traveling or staying local. They’re ideal if you’re unsure whether TEFL is your long-term goal—or if you just want to make your break more meaningful.

Common short-term options include:

• Summer camps in Europe (e.g. Spain, Italy, Poland): Teach during the day, enjoy cultural activities at night.
• Immersion programs in Asia: Volunteer or teach in exchange for accommodation and meals.
• Winter ESL camps: Often found in countries like South Korea or Japan during their school holidays.

You’ll find both paid and volunteer roles—some even include free housing or a small stipend. Programs vary in structure: some are focused on conversation and games, others follow a light curriculum. It’s also a chance to meet students from around the world and gain real classroom confidence.

Before signing up, check:

• Visa rules: Tourist visas often allow volunteering, but paid roles might need special permits.
• Accommodation and meals: Are they included? If not, budget accordingly.
• Insurance: Make sure you’re covered for medical emergencies or travel disruptions.

If you’re adventurous, you could even do multiple short-term programs in different countries across a summer. It’s the kind of travel-meets-career experience most students dream of—and a serious CV booster.

Volunteering Locally or Abroad

Volunteering as a TEFL student isn’t just a feel-good side project—it can be one of the most impactful ways to grow as a teacher. Whether you're working with refugees in your own city or joining a community education initiative overseas, you’ll gain experience, perspective, and a deeper sense of purpose.

Local volunteer roles often involve supporting migrants, asylum seekers, or underserved communities who need English for everyday survival—filling out forms, navigating public transport, applying for jobs. These opportunities can be found through universities, NGOs, or local councils. They often need compassionate, reliable people more than seasoned experts.

Volunteering abroad opens doors to immersive cultural experiences. You might teach at a village school in Cambodia, help with English camps in Latin America, or support nonprofits in East Africa. But be cautious: not all organizations are ethical. Avoid “voluntourism” schemes that charge high fees but offer little training or support. Look for established nonprofits or platforms like Workaway, GivingWay, or grassroots NGOs with good reputations.

While unpaid, these experiences are often a stepping stone. Many volunteers go on to land paid TEFL roles based on connections and references made during their placement. And you’ll walk away with a better understanding of how language—and empathy—can make a real difference.

Private Tutoring: Flexible Work on Your Terms

Private tutoring is one of the easiest and most rewarding ways for TEFL students to start earning on their own terms. You set the schedule, choose the students, and decide what to charge. It’s ideal for fitting around a uni timetable, and you can tutor in-person, online, or both.

You don’t need tons of experience to begin. Start with what you know—maybe help international classmates improve their conversational English or assist younger students preparing for exams. Even if you charge a modest rate at first, it’s a great way to build confidence and get used to lesson planning.

Some tips for getting started:

• Advertise smart: Use university bulletin boards, student groups, or platforms like Superprof and Facebook.
• Start small: Offer discounted trial sessions or group classes to attract your first clients.
• Teach where it’s comfortable: Libraries, cafés, or Zoom—whatever works best for you and your students.

Over time, you’ll build up testimonials, a small client base, and a reputation—three things that matter just as much as formal experience when applying for future jobs or internships. Plus, tutoring hones your teaching instincts quickly. You’ll learn how to explain clearly, adapt to different learners, and stay organized—all before you graduate.

Language Exchange: Teach and Learn at the Same Time

If you're not quite ready to jump into paid teaching or tutoring, language exchanges are a relaxed and rewarding way to dip your toes into TEFL. The concept is simple: you help someone practice English, and in return, they help you learn their native language. No contracts, no pressure—just mutual learning.

These exchanges often happen informally at universities, community centers, or online through platforms like Tandem, HelloTalk, or ConversationExchange. Some universities even have dedicated language exchange programs or clubs you can join.

The beauty of language exchange is how naturally it builds your teaching instincts. You’ll learn to explain grammar on the fly, adjust your pace, and give feedback that’s encouraging but useful. It also sharpens your ear for other languages and helps you understand what it feels like to be a learner—something every great teacher needs to experience.

You don’t need a formal lesson plan. Just agree on a structure—maybe 30 minutes in each language—and keep it consistent. Whether you’re helping someone prep for an English exam or just chatting over coffee, these sessions boost your confidence, broaden your cultural horizons, and offer a fun way to practice your own language goals.

Internship and Au Pair Programs for Students

Want to teach English and explore the world without committing to a full-time job just yet? TEFL internships and au pair programs are perfect for students who want a guided, short-term experience abroad. These programs offer structure, support, and a clear start and end date—ideal for fitting around academic calendars.

As a TEFL intern, you might spend a few months teaching in a school, summer camp, or community program. Many come with perks like accommodation, meals, or even a stipend. Countries like Vietnam, Argentina, and Spain offer especially popular internship placements for student teachers. These roles give you a feel for life as a teacher without the long-term contract pressure.

Au pair programs work slightly differently. You'll live with a host family and usually teach the children conversational English for a few hours a day in exchange for room, board, and sometimes a small allowance. France, Spain, and South Korea are top picks for this kind of cultural exchange, and no degree is required—just a TEFL certificate and a good attitude.

Both paths give you international teaching experience, immersion in a new culture, and a clearer sense of whether TEFL could become a long-term career. They're also a fantastic way to travel affordably and build your CV while you're still in school.

How to Build Your TEFL Portfolio as a Student

When you're just starting out, experience may be limited—but that doesn't mean you can't build a strong teaching portfolio. In fact, creating one while you're still a student can put you far ahead of the curve by the time you graduate.

Start with your TEFL certification. Include details about the number of hours, any specializations (like online teaching or young learners), and the provider. Then, add anything you’ve done since—volunteering, private tutoring, online lessons, language exchanges. Even short-term gigs or unpaid work count.

Document your work as you go: save student feedback, ask for references, and jot down notes on lessons that went well. You can also create your own teaching materials or short video clips showing your teaching style—just make sure to respect privacy guidelines if using real learners.

Next, decide where to showcase your experience. LinkedIn is a great starting point, especially if you join TEFL-related groups. If you want more control, build a simple website or blog to display your portfolio, teaching philosophy, and contact info. You can even sign up for freelance teaching platforms that allow you to market yourself with a public profile.

A clear, organized portfolio shows you're serious—and it gives employers confidence, even if you haven’t had a full-time job yet. Starting now means you’ll graduate not just with a degree, but with proof that you’re already a capable and committed teacher.

TEFL as a Stepping Stone After University

Many students who dip into TEFL during university end up making it their first full-time job after graduation—and for good reason. Your early experience, even if it’s part-time or voluntary, gives you a head start in a competitive market.

Countries like Japan, South Korea, China, and Taiwan typically require a degree for work visa eligibility, but they also favor candidates with some hands-on teaching experience. If you've already taught online, worked at a summer camp, or tutored privately, you’ll stand out from other first-time applicants.

Plus, you're not going in cold. You've already tried teaching, built some confidence, and hopefully learned what kind of learners you enjoy working with. That makes it easier to choose the right teaching destination and avoid contracts that aren't a good fit.

Your student TEFL journey also gives you time to figure out what kind of career you want. Maybe you’ll pursue long-term teaching, or pivot into curriculum design, edtech, or international education policy. TEFL doesn’t have to be the end goal—it can be the launchpad.

When you graduate with both a degree and real teaching experience under your belt, you’re not just employable—you’re ready to take your skills global.

Tips for Balancing TEFL with University Life

Balancing lectures, deadlines, and a part-time teaching gig might sound like a stretch—but with the right mindset, it’s more doable than you’d think. In fact, many students find that teaching actually adds structure and purpose to their weekly routines.

Start by setting realistic time blocks. If you're teaching online, choose 2–3 short slots per week during low-energy times (like evenings or weekends). For tutoring or volunteering, communicate your availability clearly—most people will be flexible if you’re honest and committed.

Stay organized using simple tools: Google Calendar for scheduling, Trello or Notion for tracking your TEFL goals, and a shared folder to keep all your materials in one place. The key is consistency—doing a little each week adds up fast.

Motivation can dip, especially during exams or busy months. So celebrate small wins: great student feedback, your first paid class, or a lesson that goes smoothly. These moments build confidence and remind you that you’re gaining real-world skills.

And don’t underestimate the social side. Teaching—whether online or face-to-face—connects you with people around the world. You’ll meet students, parents, fellow tutors, and TEFL professionals. Some might become friends, mentors, or even future colleagues.

Balancing TEFL with university isn’t about doing it all—it’s about doing what fits your life right now, and letting it grow from there.

Final Thoughts: Start Now, Reap the Benefits Later

There’s no rule that says you have to wait until graduation to become a teacher. With a bit of training and the right mindset, you can build experience, earn money, and explore your interests—without putting your studies on hold.

Even a few hours a week of teaching can open doors. It might lead to a job abroad, a remote career, or simply a more fulfilling use of your time. Plus, you’ll graduate with more than just a degree—you’ll have skills, confidence, and a head start on whatever comes next.

TEFL isn’t just about travel or jobs. It’s about learning to communicate, connect, and grow. And there’s no better time to start than while you’re still a student.