60 DAY TEFL · THE APPLY PLAN

the plan, start to offer

Get certified. Then apply properly.

Four phases, sixty days, and the exact country steps underneath. Work through it in order and you'll be sending real applications by week five instead of still reading about it.

PASS GUARANTEED IN 60 DAYS
Start with the course
Classroom on a TEFL teaching placement abroad
week five is application week
Course first, visa secondPaperwork starts in week two10–15 applications a weekContract before flights

do these in order

The 60-day plan

Day 1–7

Lock the course and the country shortlist

  1. 1.Buy an accredited course: 120-hour to start, Level 5 if you want the stronger CV, CELTA if teaching is the career.
  2. 2.Do the first modules the same week. Momentum now is what makes 60 days realistic.
  3. 3.Shortlist two countries you actually qualify for — degree or no degree decides the map.
  4. 4.Check your passport has at least 6 months left and your name matches your degree exactly.
Day 8–21

Grind the certificate, start the paperwork

  1. 1.Set a fixed daily slot for modules. Most people finish inside three weeks at 1–2 hours a day.
  2. 2.Order your ACRO police certificate now — it takes longer than you think.
  3. 3.Request an extra degree certificate copy and your transcript if you only have one.
  4. 4.Book the apostille once the documents are in hand.
Day 22–35

Build the application pack

  1. 1.One-page CV with a photo where it's expected, your TEFL, your degree and any tutoring or coaching work.
  2. 2.Record a 60-second intro video: clear audio, plain background, say who you are and where you want to teach.
  3. 3.Scan everything into one folder: passport, degree, transcript, TEFL, police check, photos.
  4. 4.Write one short cover email you can adapt per school in two minutes.
Day 36–60

Apply hard, interview, accept

  1. 1.Apply to 10–15 schools or recruiters a week. Volume beats a perfect single application.
  2. 2.Expect video interviews with a short demo lesson. Practise one 5-minute lesson until it's boring.
  3. 3.Read the contract: hours, paid holiday, flight, housing, visa sponsorship, who pays the fees.
  4. 4.Only resign or book flights once the visa paperwork is actually moving.

pick where you're going

Country steps

🇻🇳 Vietnam

Degree normally required for the work permitAround 27–48m VND a month
  1. 1.Get your degree and police check apostilled before you go — doing it from Hanoi is slower and pricier.
  2. 2.Apply directly to language centres in Hanoi, HCMC and Da Nang; many hire year-round.
  3. 3.Expect a demo lesson with real students as part of the interview.
  4. 4.Confirm who pays for the work permit and temporary residence card before signing.
Full Vietnam guide →

before you apply anywhere

The folder you need ready

→ Passport, 6+ months validity
→ Accredited TEFL certificate
→ Degree certificate and transcript
→ ACRO police certificate
→ Apostilles where required
→ CV, photo and 60-second intro video
TEFL documents checklist →Teach English abroad with a degree →Teach English abroad without a degree →

step one, right now

Nothing happens until the course is bought

120-hour to get moving, Level 5 if you want the stronger application, CELTA if you're in this for the long run. Your pass is guaranteed within 60 days.

Pick your TEFL course
Get certified →