About Us
About Destination TEFL
About Destination TEFL
Looking to make an impact while exploring one of the coolest destinations in Southeast Asia? Destination TEFL has got you covered. Since 2011, we’ve been all about combining epic travel spots with high-quality TEFL training that sets you up for teaching success. Our Siem Reap, Cambodia location has been running strong since 2020, and we’re stoked to announce some exciting changes for 2025!
Siem Reap, Cambodia – Your Next Adventure Awaits
Picture this: you’re in Siem Reap, home to the iconic Angkor Wat, ancient temples, buzzing night markets, and some of the friendliest locals you’ll ever meet. Whether you’re into exploring historical sites, soaking up local culture, or getting off the beaten path, Siem Reap has it all. Oh, and did we mention you’ll also get your internationally recognized TEFL certificate here?
What’s Changing?
For the remainder of 2024, our 4-week TEFL course remains unchanged—providing you with all the skills and practical experience needed to launch your teaching career. Starting in 2025, however, we’re taking things to the next level by extending the course to 5 weeks. This allows for more time to immerse yourself in cultural activities like temple runs and local food tours, while also giving you extra space to fully absorb the course content and refine your teaching techniques.
But that’s not all! Along with the extended course length, we’re thrilled to introduce even greater value to our trainees. Upon completion, you’ll now graduate with two certificates: a 168-hour TEFL certificate and a 40-hour CELTYL certificate (Certificate in English Language Teaching to Young Learners). This dual qualification not only enhances your teaching credentials but also makes you stand out in the job market—particularly for roles focused on young learners.
More learning, more adventure, and more opportunities await in 2025!
Why Destination TEFL?
At Destination TEFL, it’s more than just a course—it’s an experience. Here’s why we’re the perfect fit for your travel and teaching dreams:
- Hands-On Teaching Practice: You’ll get to practice teaching in local schools, NGOs, and community centers, making a real difference.
- Vibe with the Locals: Our immersive approach means you’ll experience Cambodian culture like a local, not just a tourist.
- Top-Notch Trainers: Our team is passionate about teaching and travel, and they’ve got years of experience to back it up.
Join the Adventure
Ready to start your teaching journey and explore one of Southeast Asia’s hottest backpacking destinations? Whether you’re all about adventure, making a difference, or just want to live and work abroad, Destination TEFL in Siem Reap is where it all begins.
Our Mission Statement
To improve the level of ESL teachers across Southeast Asia by offering Internationally recognized and accredited TEFL certificate training onsite in Cambodia, Indonesia and Thailand.
Destination TEFL is in collaboration
What is it and why is it important?
When you’re getting started in TEFL and deciding which certification to take, one thing to keep in mind is whether or not the course provider is accredited.
So first of all, what is TEFL accreditation and what does it involve?
TEFL accreditation is a form of quality assurance. An external organisation comes up with a set of standards which it believes providers should adhere to in order to deliver a quality training program.
The biggest problem with the TEFL industry is the lack of regulation. Anyone can create a TEFL course, market and sell it.
Inevitably, this means that there are hundreds of courses to choose from, many of which are low quality. Some are even created as a means of exploiting badly informed potential trainees, with hollow promises of high quality training at rock bottom prices. So you can start to see why having a reputable, high quality accreditation behind a course can help both you and the training centre.
- According to the Memorandum of Association as a registered company in Cambodia, license no 00051068, Destination T.E.F.L Training Co., Ltd. is registered as the following:1. 852 – Secondary education
85211 Lower secondary education85212 Upper secondary education
2. 853 – Higher education
85301 College and university education (Private) (7)3. 854 – Other Education
85495 Other non-degree vocational and technical training (5)PROOF OF REGISTRATION – https://opencorporates.com/companies/kh/00051068
- All Destination TEFL alumni enjoy free access to an exclusive teachers job portal www.teachersjobworld.com to apply to 100’s of jobs globally.
- It can ensure that you are receiving good quality training that has met the standards imposed by the accrediting body.
- Accreditation may increase the chance that your TEFL certification will be recognised and trusted when it comes to finding a job. The majority of employers will only consider applicants whose TEFL certification meets some minimum standards. Many employers, for example, require a course that is at least 100 hours in length and includes at least 6 hours of observed teaching practice. Accreditation from a body that sets these standards is one way for providers to give this guarantee to its trainees (it should be noted that our Destination TEFL courses are 140 hours).
- You can look at accreditation as a form of protection. It is protection for yourself, to ensure that you aren’t being exploited by a shady TEFL course provider, and therefore to ensure that you aren’t throwing your hard-earned money down the drain on a low quality, untrusted or unrecognised course.
- It is protection for your future employers, who need to know that they are recruiting teachers who have received quality training.
- And it is protection for your students, who have the right to expect their English language trainer to be well qualified.
Some of the advantages that might come from taking an accredited TEFL course:
Before making your decision, you should also look at the team who will be doing the actual training on the course, and what qualifications and experience they have. They should not only have suitable qualifications, but also experience teaching in different situations. Be wary of any TEFL company which does not mention who will be doing the training as often unqualified and inexperienced trainers are hired. Meet the Destination TEFL team here.
Reviews from graduates on an independent review site, (not the TEFL provider’s own website) are also a good indication of the quality of a course. Destination TEFL is proud of their over 150 verified reviews, at an average rating of 99% on GoOverseas.
Does the TEFL training centre incorporate teacher pracs with REAL students in a real classroom situation? Often, TEFL schools say they do teacher pracs, but they use the students themselves and do ‘peer teaching’. Teaching your peers is NOT the same and lessons with non-native English speakers. Quality feedback should also be provided after each teacher prac so that you can improve for the next lesson. Follow the TEFL school on social media to see if they go out to schools for their pracs.
About the TEFL course
The accredited TEFL course in Siem Reap – Cambodia is 140 hours, over 4 to 5 weeks, and additional hours will need to be done in your own time for resourcing, studying and planning.
About the Course
Get ready for an adventure! Destination TEFL offers an in-person TEFL course in Cambodia, where you’ll gain real teaching experience through observed lessons—something most schools around the world prefer over online-only certificates. Say goodbye to boring theory and get hands-on from day one, learning through games, activities, and interactive lessons. You’ll even receive your internationally recognised TEFL certificate on the last day, plus a detailed report to show off to future employers.
Starting from week two, you’ll be teaching real classes in local schools, applying the fun techniques you’ve learned. And don’t worry—we keep class sizes small, so you get all the help you need with lesson planning, grammar, and more. You’ll teach both kids and adults, giving you well-rounded experience that will open doors to teaching jobs across Southeast Asia and beyond.
Our classes usually run from 9am to 5:30pm, but with plenty of time for adventures! There’s even a day dedicated to exploring local culture and activities, so you’ll really get to know Cambodia while you’re here.
What Will I Learn?
Here’s what you’ll dive into over 4 exciting weeks at Destination TEFL:
- Southeast Asian culture: Get the lowdown on local customs to help you fit right in.
- Teaching techniques: Learn how to teach everyone—from kids to adults, beginners to advanced learners.
- Language skills: Master how to teach speaking, listening, reading, and writing.
- Grammar and phonics: Brush up on your grammar and phonics, and learn how to teach them in fun ways.
- Lesson planning: Craft lessons that students will love using the techniques you learn here.
- Classroom management: Learn how to manage big and small classes like a pro, keeping things fun and focused.
- Teaching vocab and correcting errors: Pick up simple ways to help students learn new words and fix mistakes without stress.
- Preparing for your job search: Get help with your CV, interview tips, and everything you need to land your dream teaching job.
Teaching Practicums and Projects
From week two, you’ll be in front of real classes, teaching kids and adults with plenty of support. After each lesson, your trainer will give you feedback to help you grow as a teacher.
You’ll also work on fun group projects, including designing lesson materials, keeping a journal, and completing short assignments. There’s no big final exam—it’s all about how well you participate, the progress you make in class, and how you teach in your practicums. You’ll need at least 70% to pass, but don’t worry—we’ve got your back every step of the way!
Finish the course with one of four grades—‘Pass,’ ‘Merit,’ ‘High Merit,’ or ‘Distinction.’ If you hit ‘Distinction,’ you’ll even get a personalised reference letter to help you score the best teaching gigs.
Meet the team
Between the directors and our trainers, we have 50-plus years’ of experience in the TEFL and training business. All members of the Destination TEFL team have lived abroad – so they know what a daunting prospect it can be to take the plunge and start your TEFL adventure. You are in good hands…what’s your next destination going to be?
Meet Kathryn Webb, the visionary co-founder and Head Course and Academics Director at Destination TEFL.
Embarking on her journey over two decades ago, Kathryn relocated from the USA to Italy, setting the stage for her remarkable TEFL career. Armed with a psychology degree, her insights into classroom management are invaluable. Additionally, she holds a DELTA (Diploma of English Language Training to Adults) and a CELTYL (Certificate of English Language Training to Young Learners), showcasing her expertise in teaching both adults and children.
Before making her mark in Thailand, Kathryn established and operated a renowned language school in Italy for an impressive nine years. During this tenure, her company specialized in training teachers and facilitating placements within Italy’s elite fashion houses and various businesses. Beyond this, her school conducted classes for both children and adults within their premises.
Kathryn’s teaching philosophy revolves around a dynamic, hands-on, and interactive approach that captivates and involves students. This ethos is not only imparted to trainees but also encouraged for implementation with their future students. Splitting her time between Bangkok, Siem Reap and Bali, Kathryn brings a wealth of experience and dedication to the educational forefront at Destination TEFL.
Introducing Willie van Loggerenberg, the 3rd partner at Destination TEFL and your dedicated contact in Siem Reap.
With an extensive background as a seasoned Key Accounts Manager boasting 17 years of involvement in the TEFL/TESOL sector, Willie brings a wealth of experience. Having served as a program developer and National manager for teach abroad initiatives at South Africa’s oldest and largest Work and Travel organization, his expertise spans the TEFL and Gap Year domains, having explored and studied 23 different countries.
Willie possesses comprehensive insights into the intricacies of partnership dynamics and the day-to-day recruitment processes for TEFL candidates. His extensive international engagements across Southeast Asia and Latin America underscore his ability to foster enduring and fruitful relationships.
Based in Siem Reap, Willie is actively engaged in on-site operations, encompassing training, placement, and holds the pivotal role of global managing director, driving new business development initiatives on a worldwide scale.
Chiep Chy is our general assistant and school network manager. Chy grew up in the Siem Reap province, about 60 kms from Siem Reap City. He earned his bachelor degree in Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) at Build Bright University in 2016 and recently added a second TEFL certificate at Destination TEFL in November 2020 under his belt. From 2014 to 2017, he taught English to young and adult learners at ‘Khmer for Khmer Organization’ here in Siem Reap. Since 2017, he’s been an English-Speaking tour guide with a great knowledge of Cambodian history and also all the amazing tourist attractions in and around Siem Reap, as well as other provinces in Cambodia.
Chy joined the Destination TEFL team in Cambodia as the General Assistant and School Network Manager. He is responsible for building great relationships with all the international schools in Cambodia, and offers the Destination TEFL graduates placement assistance. He will soon become the Khmer teacher, offering short language courses to the Destination TEFL trainees and other expats in our city.
Meet Emily, a seasoned traveller with an enriching journey spanning almost three decades. Her adventures have taken her far and wide, from backpacking escapades to delightful cruises, all while dedicating the last 20 years to the world of teaching. Emily has had the pleasure of visiting and working in over 51 countries, immersing herself in diverse cultures that have profoundly influenced her perspective and character.
Emily is not only a passionate educator but also a highly qualified professional. Her journey in education has been enriched by a series of TEFL qualifications, including:
– Certificate in Teaching English as a Foreign Language (CTEFL) – 2003
– Delta Modules 1 & 2 – 2015
– British Council Teacher Trainer Professional Development Certificate – 2014
Throughout her extensive educational career, Emily has prioritised delivering exceptional customer experiences and her own personal development through dedicated research, knowledge expansion, and embracing varied roles in the academic domain. These roles have ranged from Teacher and Trainer to Coordinator and examiner, as well as local and regional Academic Manager positions.
Her dedication extends beyond the classroom, striving to be a valued member of any team and championing the training and career development of others. Emily has had the privilege of supporting students from around the world, spanning a diverse age range of 3 to 80 years old, each with unique needs, levels, and motivations for improving their language skills.