What to Expect in a 120-Hour In-Class TEFL Course in Thailand

If you're considering becoming an English teacher in Thailand, the 120-hour TEFL certification is the most widely recognized and respected qualification. But what actually happens during those four weeks of training? What will you learn? How intense is it? And how does an in-class TEFL course in Thailand compare to online TEFL programs?

This guide breaks down exactly what you can expect — from day-to-day schedules and lesson planning practice to teaching real Thai students and preparing for your first job.

4-Week Course Designed to Turn Beginners Into Confident Teachers

A 120-hour in-class TEFL course is structured as a full-time program, usually Monday–Friday, and designed to give you everything you need to start teaching immediately.

✔ You can expect:

• 4–6 hours of classes per day

• homework and lesson planning in the afternoons

• practical teaching practice

• feedback sessions

• fun cultural workshops

• Thai language lessons

• supportive trainers

It’s intensive — but in a good way. You’ll learn fast, practice daily, and get hands-on experience that online courses simply cannot provide.

Week 1: Foundations of Teaching English

Your first week focuses on the basics:

✔ Teaching methodology

• PPP (Presentation–Practice–Production)

• lesson staging

• how to explain vocabulary

• classroom instructions

• teacher roles

✔ Understanding learners

• young learners vs older learners

• Thai student behavior

• cultural expectations

✔ Classroom observation

You’ll watch experienced teachers teach real lessons, giving you a clear model of what good teaching looks like.

✔ Thai language & culture

Most programs include starter Thai lessons so you can navigate daily life more confidently.

Week 2: Teaching Skills & Language Awareness

Week 2 builds your confidence and deepens your understanding of English from a teacher’s perspective.

✔ Skills training:

• teaching speaking: fluency & accuracy

• teaching listening

• teaching reading & pre-reading tasks

• teaching writing activities

✔ Language awareness:

• English grammar essentials

• tenses and sentence structures

• pronunciation and phonology

• stress & intonation

• common learner errors

✔ Micro-teaching

You’ll deliver short activities to your classmates and receive trainer feedback.

Week 3: Lesson Planning, Real Teaching & Classroom Management

By Week 3, you begin teaching real Thai students.

✔ Real teaching practice includes:

• creating full lesson plans

• teaching 30–60 minute lessons

• managing groups and pairs

• correcting errors gently

• using real teaching materials

Each lesson is observed by your trainer, who gives constructive, supportive feedback afterward.

✔ Classroom management focus:

• dealing with large classes

• mixed ability groups

• attention-getting techniques

• using your voice effectively

• building rapport with students

This is often the most rewarding part of the course — the moment everything “clicks.”

Week 4: Assessment, Job Prep & Professional Skills

The final week shifts toward preparing you for life as a professional teacher in Thailand.

✔ You’ll learn:

• how to write assessment tasks

• how to measure student progress

• self-reflection skills

• how to adapt materials

• how to design clear learning objectives

✔ Job preparation:

Most TEFL programs hold:

• CV writing workshops

• mock interviews

• job placement consultations

• job fairs or school introductions

This is where many trainees receive guaranteed job placement offers.

Daily Schedule Example

A typical day might look like:

Schedules vary, but most days mix theory, practice, and hands-on work.

What Makes an In-Class Course Better Than an Online TEFL?

Many trainees wonder whether they should choose an online or in-person TEFL.
Here’s the difference.

✔ In-Class TEFL Advantages:

• real teaching practice

• feedback from trainers

• experience with Thai learners

• in-person support

• confidence building

• immediate job placement

• learning with classmates

• cultural & Thai language immersion

Schools in Thailand overwhelmingly prefer applicants with in-class TEFL experience, especially those who have practiced teaching Thai students.

Who Will Be in Your Class?

Trainees usually come from:

• the US

• Canada

• UK & Ireland

• Australia & New Zealand

• Europe (especially Scandinavia)

• South Africa

Most are aged 22–35, but older applicants are common too.

You can expect a friendly, social, supportive environment. Many trainees end up traveling or teaching together afterward.

What You Will Feel During the Course

✔ Week 1

“Nervous but excited.”

✔ Week 2

“Wow… I’m learning a lot.”

✔ Week 3

“This is actually fun — and I’m getting good at it!”

✔ Week 4

“I'm ready to teach. Let’s do this.”

By the end of the month, most trainees are surprised by how far they've come.

After the Course: Guaranteed Job Placement in Thailand

Most reputable TEFL programs (including ours) offer job placement assistance or guaranteed placement.

You can expect:

• help preparing documents

• choosing school types

• interview coaching

• assistance with ED visa or work visa

• placement in Bangkok or upcountry

And because you're already in Thailand, schools can hire you immediately.

A TEFL Course That Changes Your Life

A 120-hour in-class TEFL course in Thailand is more than just a certificate — it’s a transformation.

You arrive as a beginner.

You leave as a prepared, confident teacher ready to step into a classroom of Thai students.

If you want:

• hands-on training

• real teaching practice

• cultural immersion

• professional support

• guaranteed job placement

Then an in-class TEFL course in Thailand is the perfect way to start your new career.