International TEFL Academy
International TEFL Academy is a Chicago-based, privately held TEFL certification provider that delivers OFQUAL Level 5 accredited online and in-person courses, certifying roughly 6,000 students annually to teach English abroad and online in 80+ countries.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2010
- HeadquartersChicago, United States
- Headcount51–100
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What International TEFL Academy does
International TEFL Academy (ITA), founded in 2010 and headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, is a privately held provider of accredited TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) certification. The company sells accredited coursework that prepares individuals — primarily career changers and recent graduates — to teach English abroad and online in 80+ countries. ITA certifies approximately 6,000 students per year and has graduated more than 50,000 alumni since inception. All ITA-operated classes carry OFQUAL Level 5 accreditation via TQUK, the highest tier for TEFL certification, with digital certificates verifiable online.
ITA's product portfolio centers on a 170-hour, 11-week part-time online TEFL course (priced at $1,399 discounted / $1,649 list) and a 4-week full-time online TEFL intensive, complemented by 4-week in-person courses delivered in 20+ locations across Asia, Europe, and Latin America. The core curriculum is supplemented by seven specialty add-on courses (e.g., Teaching English Online, Business English, Young Learners, Digital Nomad Essentials, Foundations of English Grammar). Bundled services include guaranteed TEFL Job Placement Programs in Asia and Costa Rica, student-visa teaching programs in Italy and Spain, and lifetime job search guidance for all graduates. The technology stack is built on a Moodle-based e-learning platform with live-lecture capabilities and webinar integration.
Revenue is generated predominantly through one-time course fees with installment payment-plan options and a $50 upfront-pay discount, supplemented by specialty add-on purchases, referral-program rewards (alumni receive $100 per referred enrollment), and B2B partner/affiliate arrangements. Distribution combines sales-led inside sales via admissions advisors, self-service online enrollment, live webinars as lead-generation events, university relations, B2B channel partnerships (Greenheart Travel, GVI, InterExchange, African Impact, Adventure Teaching), and teacher-recruitment partnerships (Intervultura, RVF International). Customer segments span career changers, recent graduates, digital nomads, working professionals, and current educators, with primary personas in the first two categories.
International TEFL Academy firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- International TEFL Academy
- Legal name
- International TEFL Academy
- Website
- https://internationalteflacademy.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2010
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 51–100 employees
- Short description
- International TEFL Academy is a Chicago-based, privately held TEFL certification provider that delivers OFQUAL Level 5 accredited online and in-person courses, certifying roughly 6,000 students annually to teach English abroad and online in 80+ countries.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
International TEFL Academy industry classification
Industry- Product category
- TEFL Certification / ESL Teacher Training
- NAICS
- Language Schools (611630), Educational Support Services (611710)
- SIC
- Services-Educational Services (8200)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Teacher Training & Language Teaching Certifications (e.g., CELTA/DELTA) (EDAIAEAI)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Teacher Training & Professional Development for Adult ESL (TESOL/TEFL/CELTA for Adult Ed) (EDAAACAM), General ESL/EFL Coursebooks & Integrated Skills Series (EDAGAHAA), English Language Schools (ESL/EFL) (EDAIAEAB)
Keywords
Where International TEFL Academy is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Chicago
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
International TEFL Academy business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Operations, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- TEFL Certification Courses: ITA generates revenue primarily through the sale of accredited TEFL certification courses. The 11-week online course is priced at $1,649 (currently discounted to $1,399), and in-person courses are available at various price points. Payment plan options allow students to pay in installments.
- Specialty Add-On Courses: ITA offers optional specialty courses that graduates can purchase to enhance their credentials, including Grammar Fundamentals (60 hours), Teaching English Online (30 hours), Business English, Young Learners, Tutoring English, and Teaching Test Prep Skills.
- Referral Program: ITA operates a referral program where existing students and alumni can refer friends to enroll. When a referral enrolls, the referrer receives a $100 reward.
- Job Placement Programs: ITA offers TEFL Jobs Programs with guaranteed job placement in Asia and Costa Rica, which bundle the certification course with job placement services.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | 11-Week Part-Time Online TEFL Course - 170 Hours |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | 4-Week Full-Time Online TEFL Course |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | In-Person TEFL Courses - 20+ Locations |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Specialty Courses |
Go-to-market motion4 records
Distribution channels6 records
Marketing channels9 records
International TEFL Academy product offering
Product offeringCore offering
International TEFL Academy sells accredited TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) certification courses that prepare individuals to teach English abroad and online. The core product is a 170-hour online TEFL course, supplemented by a 4-week full-time online course, in-person 4-week courses in 20+ global locations, and a portfolio of specialty add-on courses. All offerings include hands-on live practice teaching, OFQUAL Level 5 accreditation through TQUK, and lifetime job search guidance.
Product overview
International TEFL Academy operates as a unified platform offering accredited TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) certification for teaching English abroad and online. The core product portfolio includes: the 11-Week Online TEFL Course (170-hour, part-time) and 4-Week Full-Time Online TEFL Course as online delivery options; In-Person TEFL Courses in 20+ global locations as the classroom-based option; Specialty Add-On Courses including Foundations of English Grammar (60 hours), Teaching English Online (30 hours), Business English, Young Learners, Tutoring English, Teaching Test Prep Skills, and Digital Nomad Essentials; plus Visa Programs for Europe and TEFL Job Placement Programs for guaranteed employment in Asia and Costa Rica. All courses include lifetime job search guidance as a bundled service. The company also provides free ESL classes and operates the ITA Cares charitable initiative.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- 11-Week Part-Time Online TEFL Course (170 Hours) 170-hour part-time online TEFL certification course spanning 11 weeks, with 10–12 hours of coursework per week and 20 hours of hands-on live practice teaching. OFQUAL Level 5 accredited through TQUK, includes lifetime job search guidance. Priced at $1,649 with payment plans and a current promotional price of $1,399.
- 4-Week Full-Time Online TEFL Course Intensive 4-week full-time online TEFL certification course designed for rapid certification with 10 hours of virtual live practice teaching built into the curriculum. Intended for learners who want to become TEFL certified quickly.
- In-Person TEFL Courses (20+ Locations) Full-time 4-week in-person TEFL certification courses offered in 20+ locations across Asia, Europe, and Latin America, with 6–10 hours of live practice teaching included. Suited to students who prefer classroom-based learning abroad.
- Foundations of English Grammar Specialty Course 60-hour add-on specialty course for ITA graduates that strengthens understanding of English grammar and prepares students for EFL classroom instruction.
- Teaching English Online Specialty Course 30-hour add-on specialty course designed to advance online teaching skills and help graduates stand out in the competitive market for remote English teaching roles.
- Business English Specialty Course Specialty course that advances adult teaching skills and enhances job prospects for graduates who want to teach Business English to professionals.
- Young Learners Specialty Course Specialty course that boosts teaching skills for instructing children, enhancing the resume and career opportunities of graduates in ESL education for young learners.
- Tutoring English Specialty Course Specialty course that develops tutoring skills, increases earning potential, and strengthens professional credibility for graduates who want to tutor English privately.
- Teaching Test Prep Skills Specialty Course Specialty course that develops the skills needed to teach English test preparation and increases earning potential for graduates in the test-prep segment of the TEFL market.
- Digital Nomad Essentials Specialty Course Specialty course designed for those who want to teach English online while traveling and living abroad as digital nomads, covering the practical skills needed for location-independent teaching.
- Visa Programs for Teaching in Europe Student-visa programs enabling individuals to legally teach English in Italy and Spain through ITA's supported enrollment process. Combines TEFL certification with the documentation needed to live and work in Europe.
- TEFL Job Placement Programs Job placement programs with guaranteed placement in teaching positions in Asia and Costa Rica for certified TEFL graduates. Bundles the certification course with job placement services and ongoing support.
Quantifiable outcome
- 6,000+ students certified per year
- +5 more outcomes
Companies that use International TEFL Academy
Customer profileNamed customers8 records
Segments5 records
Ideal customer profiles5 records
International TEFL Academy technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature4 records
International TEFL Academy partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
16 partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.
- PreplyminorOnline language learning platform that is part of ITA's hiring network. ITA graduates can find employment opportunities teaching English online through Preply.
- Education FirstminorInternational education company that partners with ITA for teacher placement. Education First operates language schools worldwide and recruits ITA-certified graduates.
- Apax EnglishminorLanguage learning company that recruits ITA graduates for teaching positions across their network of schools.
- GabaminorEnglish language school in Japan that hires ITA-certified teachers for one-on-one English conversation lessons.
- Hess InternationalminorLanguage education company in Asia that recruits ITA graduates for teaching positions in their network of schools.
- ILAminorEnglish language institute in Taiwan that recruits ITA-certified graduates for teaching positions.
- NOVAminorJapanese English conversation school that recruits ITA graduates for teaching positions across Japan.
- InterculturaminorLanguage school network that partners with ITA for teacher recruitment and placement.
- Greenheart TravelcoreB2B partner offering ITA TEFL courses to their customers through affiliate and agent arrangements. Works with students participating in study abroad and international programs.
- GVIcoreB2B partner that offers ITA TEFL certification as part of their international volunteering and teaching programs.
- InterExchangecoreB2B partner providing ITA TEFL courses to participants in cultural exchange and teaching abroad programs.
- African ImpactcoreB2B partner offering ITA TEFL certification to volunteers and participants in African teaching programs.
- Adventure TeachingcoreB2B partner that promotes ITA TEFL classes to those looking for teaching abroad opportunities.
- Conversa SpainminorPartner organization in Spain that recruits ITA graduates for English teaching positions.
- Bogota Business EnglishminorBusiness English training provider in Colombia that hires ITA-certified teachers.
- Workaway RecruitmentminorRecruitment partner connecting ITA graduates with teaching positions through their international network.
Scale indicators7 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights5 records
International TEFL Academy competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- International House: Global network of language schools and teacher training centers offering CELTA/DELTA certifications and in-house TEFL programs. Comparable to ITA's in-person course footprint and accreditation positioning in the broader ESL teacher training market.
- CIEE (Council on International Educational Exchange): Large international education nonprofit offering TEFL certification alongside study abroad and exchange programs. Competitor on certification but also listed as a placement partner, illustrating overlap in the broader international teaching placement market.
- Cambridge CELTA: University of Cambridge-administered initial teacher training qualification widely recognized as the gold standard for English language teaching. Competes with ITA's Level 5 course on premium credentials and employer recognition globally.
Direct peers
- The TEFL Academy: UK-based TEFL certification provider with Level 5 OFQUAL-regulated courses and an active online offering. Directly comparable to ITA on accreditation tier, course structure, and target customer (career changers seeking to teach abroad).
- i-to-i TEFL: Long-standing online and in-person TEFL certification provider offering 120-hour courses and job placement support. Directly competes with ITA in the same English-speaking market segments targeting prospective ESL teachers abroad and online.
- TEFL Worldwide Prague: In-person TEFL certification school in Prague offering 4-week intensive courses with job placement assistance. Directly comparable to ITA's in-person TEFL course offering in Europe and to its job placement service model.
- Premier TEFL: Online TEFL provider offering 120-hour and longer courses with job placement services. Competes with ITA on price-sensitive online learners and on recruitment partnerships with schools abroad.
- Oxford TEFL: Online TEFL certification provider based in the UK offering 120-hour Level 5 courses. Competes with ITA in the same online-first segment, with similar job placement support and tutor-led delivery.
- Bridge (BridgeTEFL / BridgeEnglish): US-based provider of TEFL/TESOL certification and teacher training with online and in-person courses in Latin America. Overlaps with ITA on online certification, practicum requirements, and job placement assistance.
- TEFL Org: UK-headquartered TEFL certification company offering Level 5 OFQUAL-regulated online courses and lifetime job guidance. Closely comparable to ITA on regulatory standing, course tier, and consumer-facing job search support model.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
International TEFL Academy social profiles
Digital presenceInternational TEFL Academy compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance3 records
International TEFL Academy financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
International TEFL Academy leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles11 records
International TEFL Academy funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
International TEFL Academy M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about International TEFL Academy
What does International TEFL Academy do?
International TEFL Academy sells accredited TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) certification courses that prepare individuals to teach English abroad and online. The core product is a 170-hour online TEFL course, supplemented by a 4-week full-time online course, in-person 4-week courses in 20+ global locations, and a portfolio of specialty add-on courses. All offerings include hands-on live practice teaching, OFQUAL Level 5 accreditation through TQUK, and lifetime job search guidance.
Is International TEFL Academy a public or private company?
International TEFL Academy is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was International TEFL Academy founded?
International TEFL Academy was founded in 2010. It employs 51 to 100 people.
Where is International TEFL Academy based?
International TEFL Academy is headquartered in Chicago, United States, in the North America region.
How does International TEFL Academy make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. TEFL Certification Courses are the primary driver. The others are specialty Add-On Courses, referral Program and job Placement Programs.
Who are International TEFL Academy's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are International House, CIEE (Council on International Educational Exchange) and Cambridge CELTA. Direct peers are The TEFL Academy, i-to-i TEFL, TEFL Worldwide Prague, Premier TEFL, Oxford TEFL, Bridge (BridgeTEFL / BridgeEnglish) and TEFL Org.
Does International TEFL Academy have an API?
No public API is recorded for International TEFL Academy.
What industry is International TEFL Academy in?
International TEFL Academy's product category is TEFL Certification / ESL Teacher Training. Its primary akta.pro industry code is EDAIAEAI, Teacher Training & Language Teaching Certifications (e.g., CELTA/DELTA), with a secondary code of EDAAACAM, Teacher Training & Professional Development for Adult ESL (TESOL/TEFL/CELTA for Adult Ed). Its NAICS code is 611630 and its SIC code is 8200.