Description
Chiang Mai University’s Teaching English as a Foreign Language Certificate Program (CMUTEFL) is Chiang Mai’s only 4-week university approved TEFL certification program. This course offers university standard instruction for those who are interested in learning how to teach English to non-native speakers of the language, whilst at the same time immersing themselves in the culture and customs of Thailand, providing a holistic and rewarding experience
CMUTEFL will be operated on the main campus at Chiang Mai University. The university campus provides the perfect setting for academic study and recreational activity. Language Institute Chiang Mai University will provide the setting for the CMUTEFL training at its multi-purpose language and training facility.
It could be that the area of teaching with the most employment prospects for graduating teachers is Young Learners Teaching, including Kindergarten. Knowing how to teach young learners and being able to demonstrate this to future employers gives graduates from the CMUTEFL program an advantage in the jobs market. For this reason the four week course has two “Teaching Young Learners” workshops, covering every aspect of the theory and practice of how young learners learn and effective classroom practice, including materials production.
Teaching English is a rewarding experience and an excellent way to explore the world. Students who graduate from CMUTEFL will have the opportunity to teach not only in Thailand but across the globe.
Courses
Course Types
Course Lengths
Certifications
Locations
Thailand
I recently completed the TEFL course at Chiang Mai University in February 2025, and I couldn’t be happier with my experience. The program is gives me the skills and confidence needed to succeed as an English teacher.
The course covers all the essential aspects of teaching English, from lesson planning and classroom management to understanding how students acquire language. It is a in-person 4-weeks course. And what I appreciated most was how interactive and practical the lessons were—rather than just studying theory, we had plenty of opportunities to apply what we learned in real teaching situations.
The instructors were knowledgeable, encouraging, and always willing to provide guidance. Their years of experience in both local and international classrooms made their advice incredibly valuable. They created a supportive learning environment and provided constructive feedback that helped me improve my teaching skills.
One of the highlights of the course was the teaching practicum. CMUTEFL partners with local schools, giving us trainees the chance to teach real students at different levels, from young learners to university students. This hands-on experience was incredibly beneficial, allowing us to refine our techniques and gain confidence in a real classroom and online setting.
My classmates came from different backgrounds, and we learned a lot from each other, whether it was sharing teaching strategies or helping each other prepare lessons. The sense of camaraderie made the course even more enjoyable.
Chiang Mai is an amazing place to study, with its friendly atmosphere, affordable cost of living, and rich cultural experiences. The university’s staff were also very helpful, providing support when you need them.
Overall, I highly recommend the CMUTEFL course to anyone serious about becoming an English teacher. The combination of expert instruction, practical experience, and a supportive learning environment makes it an excellent choice. I feel well-prepared to start my teaching career, and I’m grateful for everything I learned during this program!