Plan a strategy and timeline for how you will get your TEFL certificate. If you are planning to go abroad in the next few months, you might want to take an intensive classroom weekend course. If you are busy with work or school, you can choose an online TEFL course that will allow you to go at your own pace.
Sign up for an online TEFL course at the Transitions Abroad website, which includes a wide variety of links to online programs. Choosing an online course allows you to become certified at your own pace. If you choose the intensive route (four hours each day), you can finish an online course in about two months. Online courses are best suited for busy people who can work in classes around their busy schedules.
Sign up for an on-site TEFL course at a community college, language school or adult continuing education school. The benefit of classroom teaching is that you will receive more hands-on experience in person, as opposed to online learning, which is mostly just theory. In on-site TEFL training you will also have the chance to practice teaching in front of your class, which will be good preparation for the real thing.