Good Places To Teach English Abroad

For both newly qualified and experienced teachers, one common concern when planning to teach English abroad is how to find accommodation that is comfortable, in a safe location and suitable for your personal needs. The good news is you are unlikely to be the first foreign teacher in the area you are heading for, so you will probably have several options to choose from. Here we break down the most common aspects of organizing accommodation when teaching abroad. For many teachers, accommodation is not an issue as employers often provide housing as part of the teaching contract. Schools in countries such as China and South Korea, as well as many countries in the Middle East, routinely provide some form of free or subsidized accommodation. If you sign-up for a government-run recruitment...  [Read more]

  Tyler recently found our 120-hour online TEFL course very organized and enjoyed working with his tutor. He found the feedback from the tutor very helpful to develop his skills. He is excited to start working as an English teacher abroad. Below you can read feedback from an ITTT graduate regarding one section of their online TEFL certification course. Each of our online courses is broken down into concise units that focus on specific areas of English language teaching. This convenient, highly structured design means that you can quickly get to grips with each section before moving onto the next. Learning Business English is something I am looking forward to learning. For I know it will help develop my skills as a teacher and a learner. I found this unit to be very...  [Read more]

  ITTT’s Peru TEFL course is the perfect place to earn your certificate to start your new teaching career in South America. Once at the heart of the Inca civilization, Peru is one of the most fascinating countries in Latin America. After graduating from our course here, you will be in a good position to find your first job teaching English as a foreign language in Peru or elsewhere in South and Central America. Peru is a country filled with wonders that are products of a long and interesting history. From the curious lines and animal drawings of the Nazca Desert to the wonder that is the abandoned city of Machu Picchu, there is plenty to awe and inspire any visitor to Peru. The country is also one of outstanding natural beauty with diverse landscapes from the Pacific coast to the...  [Read more]

There are many reasons why people take a gap year and there is no particular best time to do it. You might have just finished high school or university and are unsure what you want to do next. You might already be in work, but are bored of the daily routine and looking for a break. Whatever your reason for taking a few months, a year, or even longer away from your existing life, it could be the best decision you ever made. After being away for a while you should find you have time to reflect on the past, enjoy your present, and most importantly, make well thought out plans for your future. Initially many people assume that teaching English during a gap year is simply a good way to earn some cash while traveling from place to place. However, there are many reasons why teaching abroad is a...  [Read more]

It is a common misconception that teaching English abroad requires a large amount of money up front before you even start earning. While you will need to cover the cost of your TEFL certification and get yourself to the destination you have chosen to work in, you should soon start earning enough to get those outlays back quickly. However, in some destinations the cost of living is so high that it can seem like you are constantly hemorrhaging money. So where can you teach English and live well on just a small budget? Here we look at some of the cheapest destinations for teaching English abroad. Thailand makes an appearance on many lists of the best places to teach English abroad for various reasons and one is its relatively low cost of living. Although the average salary for English...  [Read more]

For many English speakers worldwide, teaching English abroad has recently grown to be a lucrative career path. This is largely because teaching salaries are getting more and more competitive as a result of the swiftly rising demand for the English language in many countries around the world. Additionally, online teaching opportunities have been booming, and many teachers have moved their workplace entirely to the virtual classroom. Due to a combination of high salaries, low cost of living, and a wide range of fascinating cultures to discover, Asia has long been one of the most popular regions for teachers. Traditional hotspots like South Korea and Taiwan are still well-liked since new teachers can earn between $2,000 and $2,500 per month on average, while experienced teachers can earn up...  [Read more]

  TEFL International offers superb training courses for people who want to gain TEFL Certification in Argentina, and our course in Argentina is very popular. On completion of the course, you will have gained one of the most highly regarded TEFL certificates in Argentina. Our TEFL training course in Argentina gives you the opportunity to learn how to teach English and will also provide you with priceless job support during your job search. You’ll experience the traditions and lifestyle of one of the most desirable places to live and work in South America. Following the course, many remain here and then go on to teach TEFL in Argentina. There is a need for qualified English language teachers, so once you’ve completed the course you should be able to find a job teaching TEFL in...  [Read more]

Anyone who is thinking about teaching English abroad has most likely received a response along the lines of "Oh, how fun, but what will you do when you get back?" Some people believe that teaching English as a foreign language is not a "real job" but rather something that people do to pay off student debt or simply for fun before settling down into a "normal" job and lifestyle. Many people decide to teach English abroad for these reasons, but there are also many who have made a successful and lucrative career out of it. Yes, you can pursue a long-term career as an EFL teacher. For the vast majority of people who travel abroad to teach English, it all begins with a simple desire to see some of the world while earning some money. After a while, many people realize that they enjoy and are...  [Read more]

Indonesia has the fifth largest population in the world, and at times, it seems as if everyone is learning English. This is great news for anyone wanting to work as an English teacher, because TEFL Jobs in Indonesia are plentiful. There are TEFL jobs available in both private and state sectors. Most of the positions available are on the main island of Java and especially in the capitol of Jakarta, but there are many job openings on one of the many other Indonesian islands as well - Bali, for instance. Although requirements to teach English here are very flexible, you will be required to hold a TEFL certificate from a recognized course in order to get a work visa. Some jobs will require you to have a university degree, while others will not. A sense of humor and a positive attitude are...  [Read more]

Teaching English in Egypt used to be much more popular than it is today. Knowledge of the English language has now become more prevalent and more Egyptian nationals are teaching English themselves. This, of course, reduces your opportunities, however they do still exist, and are in fact some of the higher paying English teaching positions available in northern Africa. In Alexandria, the Sinai Desert and Cairo, finding a good job shouldn’t be too hard. If you have experience in business or with IT, you will find yourself an even more desired applicant. It’s best to get yourself a tourist visa and actually come to Egypt to find a job. Not many jobs are advertised on the internet for Egypt, and you will have an easier time finding work if you make contacts in person in Egypt who can help...  [Read more]

Of the tens of thousands of people who head overseas every year to teach English abroad, the vast majority will have some level of anxiety about meeting new people and making new friends. The good news is that most teachers soon forget these concerns once they are immersed in their new environment. The chances are high that you will not be the only foreign teacher in your new school, apartment building, or neighborhood. As well as other teachers, you can also expect to meet friendly and welcoming people from the local community who will be more than happy to help you settle into your new home. One obvious source of friendship in your new life overseas will be your place of work. The majority of teachers will find there are other foreign teachers working in the same school, many of whom...  [Read more]

If you have a degree and a recognized TESOL certificate such as that offered by ITTT, you won’t find a region in which you can make more money teaching EFL than in the Middle East. These oil-rich nations might suffer from a bad reputation, and admittedly, they’re not for everyone, but saving thousands of dollars every month will certainly make up for any hardships along the way. Don’t believe everything you hear about the Middle East. Countries like the UAE, Kuwait and Qatar are much more liberal than you might imagine. And while the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is still rather strict, it offers top dollar, paid accommodation, tax-free income and paid airfare. As mentioned, you won’t find higher salaries than here. You’ll need a degree and a TESOL certificate but with those two...  [Read more]

Among the tens of thousands of ESL teachers working overseas, it is relatively common to find friends or couples who set off to teach English abroad together. Although it is common practice, there are still a few things to think about before you both pack your bags and head to the airport. If you plan to set off abroad with a friend or partner, it is vital that you choose a destination where you both have a good chance of finding employment. Although you might dream of working in a tropical beach resort with swaying palm trees and a laidback lifestyle, this may not be realistic as the limited number of jobs and a high level of competition could make things difficult. In contrast, most major cities across Europe, Asia and Latin America have a high demand for teachers, making employment...  [Read more]

Many potential TEFL trainees come to us and ask whether they need to speak another language in order to teach English overseas or online. The good news is the answer is most definitely NO, you do not need to have any language skills other than a thorough understanding of the English language. Obviously, if you do speak the native language of the country you intend to live and work in it can be a real help in many ways, but it is not normally required by the employer. The specific requirements for teaching English abroad or online will vary depending on the country and the individual employer. In all cases a thorough understanding of the mechanics of English will be required. On top of that, a TEFL certificate from a reputable course provider is usually a must, while some jobs will also...  [Read more]

  TEFL International offers superb training courses for people who want to gain TEFL Certification in Thailand. We have four course locations on offer in Thailand and we also offer our combined course here. Thailand is one of the most desirable countries in which to work and we’ve helped thousands of teachers gain their TEFL certificates for teaching in Thailand. In addition to this, the likelihood of finding a job after the course is about as high as you’re going to find it anywhere in the world. Thailand has something for nearly everyone. It’s got undeniably good food, wonderful beaches, vibrant night life, an incredibly low cost of living and the people are as welcoming as you’d want anyone to be. Upon completion of your TEFL course, the odds of you finding a job range from...  [Read more]

If you’re looking for a real world experience but need to ensure that you’ll find a TESOL job, Asia is the place for you. Asia’s market is as hot as you’re going to find anywhere in the world. When it comes to China, it’s not about finding a job; it’s about finding the right job to suit your individual tastes and needs. After China, you’ve got the Far East and Southeast Asia as well as Mongolia, the Indian subcontinent, and many of the Former Soviet Republics (FSRs). Azerbaijan, Kirgizstan and Kazakhstan are some of the better options for paying jobs and if you’re looking to volunteer, Armenia is also a good choice. TESOL positions in Asia can be divided into three main categories: private schools, university work, and freelance teaching. Universities are generally lower...  [Read more]

Europe attracts large numbers of people who are looking to teach English abroad, particularly from North America. However, it can be a daunting prospect for many as most employers expect to recruit their teachers locally rather than in advance from within their own countries. Unlike Asia and the Middle East, most foreign teachers working across Europe have to head to their country of choice and then start the job hunting process by visiting potential employers in person. If this approach doesn’t appeal to you, there are a few exceptions that you can explore. In recent times, Russia has rapidly grown in popularity as a destination for teaching English abroad as demand has boomed and salaries have increased. Another popular reason for teaching in Russia is the fact that employers routinely...  [Read more]

Many opportunities exist for TEFL jobs in Korea. It is also one of the more popular choices of destinations to teach English because it is one of the highest paid. A TEFL teacher willing to work overtime can earn $6000 US per month, and because the cost of living in this country is not that high, savings can be considerable. TEFL jobs are available in state universities and private language schools (hagwons). There are thousands of hagwons throughout the country, and a large proportion of teachers find work at one of these in Seoul or Busan. But there are also lots of good employment opportunities in towns and smaller cities as well. As long as you have a university degree, a well recognized TEFL certificate and you come from UK, Ireland, USA, Australia, New Zealand, Canada or South...  [Read more]

Teaching English as a foreign language (TEFL), also known as teaching English to speakers of other languages (TESOL), is a rewarding profession that needs commitment and love. Luckily, you also won't have to sacrifice a good salary! We are sure you are curious about what type of teachers earn the most when teaching abroad, so let's have a look. The simple answer is your potential salary often depends on three main factors: your qualifications, the country you teach in, and the type of school you work for. The fact is, TEFL and TESOL certified teachers earn higher salaries compared to teachers without a certificate. Saudi Arabia, Japan, and the United Arab Emirates are among the top-paying countries in the world to teach English, with salaries ranging from $2,000 to $4,000 USD a month....  [Read more]

Although many people choose to teach English abroad for the adventure, to experience a new culture, or to simply leave behind the daily 9 to 5 grind, the financial side of making the move is hard to ignore. While most teachers will have no trouble earning enough to afford a comfortable day to day lifestyle, many teachers actually need to find a job that allows them to save some of their income to pay off student loans or to fund future travel etc. Although Europe is often the number one choice for many TEFL qualified teachers, it is not an easy place to save money. In teaching hotspots such as France, Italy and Spain, you can certainly earn enough to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle that includes nights out and some amount of travel. However, you should not expect to be able to save much of...  [Read more]

Located on the tip of the Malay Peninsula, Singapore is a truly cosmopolitan city and has been home to people from all over the globe for hundreds of years. The world’s only island city-state, Singapore was founded in 1819 as a trading post by Sir Stamford Raffles and remains an important center of international trade and business today. Since independence the city has blossomed into highly-developed, Asian metropolis where skyscrapers rise above tree-lined streets, Chinese shop houses and British colonial buildings. The legacy of the British Empire and Singapore’s multicultural history can be seen in the numerous districts where different ethnic groups settled in the city. The Colonial District was the seat of British power in Singapore and is centered on the Padang, a large playing...  [Read more]

Teaching English abroad has become a popular and lucrative job for many English speakers around the world in recent years. This is mainly due to the increase in demand for the English language in many countries, which has resulted in increasing competition for teaching salaries. When looking for a teaching job abroad it is always a good idea to compare the salary on offer with the local cost of living, which can vary greatly from one country to the next. A monthly salary of US $1,000 would allow you to live a very comfortable lifestyle in Costa Rica, whereas the same salary in a city like Paris would most likely not be enough to provide all of the comforts you desire. Other contract benefits such as free housing, health insurance, paid vacations, and airfare reimbursement can all add up to...  [Read more]

In the run up to your departure overseas to teach English there will inevitably be plenty of things to organise. You will probably have one or two leaving parties to attend and you might have to clear out your old apartment and office space. Even if you only have to pack a bag in preparation for your trip, you will still need to consider exactly what you will and won’t need to take with you. Although mobile phones now have improved cameras built in, taking a separate, high-quality camera is certainly recommended. Mobile phones are only as good as the battery that runs them and these can be short lived when using the camera extensively. Bear in mind that many of the places you might visit could be lacking in charging points and you do not want your phone to die on you while you visit the...  [Read more]

South Korea is a small but incredibly beautiful country, and during the 4 week TEFL you will have fantastic opportunities to experience the rich culture and history. Not only will you have the chance for local excursions, but based in Incheon, you will be less than an hour away from the lively city of Seoul on the express train. The first week of your program includes in-depth cultural orientations, ensuring you deeply understand the Korean way of life and culture. This includes a welcome dinner, tour of the local neighbourhood and the “Grand” Palace (Gyeongbok Palace), taekwondo class and learning South Korean cookery and language. Incheon is home to Korea’s only official Chinatown, where you can try jajangmyun (noodles with black bean sauce) at the Gongwachun restaurant and for...  [Read more]

In recent years teaching English abroad has become a popular and profitable job for many native English speakers around the world. This is largely due to the rapid increase in demand for the English language in many countries, leading to teaching salaries becoming more and more competitive. When looking for a teaching job it is always advisable to weigh up the salary on offer in comparison with the local cost of living as this can vary considerably from one country to the next. A monthly salary of US $1000 in Bolivia would allow you to live a very comfortable lifestyle, while the same salary in a city such as Barcelona would probably not be enough to provide all the comforts you had hoped for. Other benefits included in the contract are also worth noting as free housing, health...  [Read more]

Most of the TEFL Jobs in Costa Rica are to be found in the bigger cities such as the capital, San Jose. But teaching English in a big and noisy city like this may not be everyone’s cup of tea or first-class coffee. If that is the case, you may get lucky and find a TEFL job at one of the several schools to be found in beach cities or smaller towns in the country. Competition for these jobs is higher, especially at the beaches. You may have to put in more effort and wait longer to find one of these more sought after positions. Most schools in Costa Rica recruit between May and September. At this time of year, there is a great demand for English teachers, with more TEFL jobs than teachers to fill them. If you can’t look for work at this time, there are still positions available year...  [Read more]

In terms of earning a good salary, Taiwan is one of the best locations in which to work. Hard-working teachers who are willing to work extra hours can expect to save much more each month than they would be able to in their home country. TEFL jobs are available in state universities and bushibans, or private language schools. Bushibans can be found all over Taiwan and a large percentage of TEFL teachers find work at one of these settings. As long as you have a university degree, a well recognized TEFL certificate such as that offered by TEFL International, and you are a native-English speaker getting a TEFL Job in Taiwan should be no problem at all. ITTT recommends Reach To Teach Recruiting for teaching positions in Taiwan. They are the only fully licensed and legally owned foreign...  [Read more]

  Popular TEFL Destinations China Despite there being an estimated 100,000 plus foreign teachers currently working in China there is still a huge demand for English teachers and plenty of opportunities around the country. One of the great things about China is that there are positions available for both newly qualified teachers and those with experience. The more experienced and qualified you are the better salary and benefits you can expect to receive. Some of these benefits include accommodation and paid airfare. South Korea South Korea has been a popular draw for newly qualified TEFL teacher for some time and it is not hard to see why. Salaries are such that you can count on saving a significant portion of your income each month and schools offer many benefits including...  [Read more]

Almost anyone who has the desire to teach English abroad can make their dream come true. Although you will find some restrictions regarding teaching experience and academic qualifications in some countries, there are plenty of great destinations around the world where a TEFL certificate is all that is required. Whatever your background, work history, or age, there is the perfect teaching job waiting for you somewhere in the world. Yes, you can start a new career teaching English abroad without any form of teaching experience. Due to a huge demand for English language teachers in countries all over the world, tens of thousands of English speakers head overseas every year to work in a variety of different classrooms. Of this number, approximately 90% will have never worked in any kind of...  [Read more]

Being interviewed for a TEFL related position is much like any other interview situation; it can be an intimidating prospect. However, if you do your homework and prepare for some general questions in advance, you can remove a great deal of worry from the whole process. Unfortunately you cannot predict exactly how any interview will unfold but most will include a similar range of questions that are aimed at assessing your suitability for joining the existing workforce. The employer will certainly want to form an impression of who you are as a person, so expect questions such as: What do you like to do in your spare time? What are your strengths and weaknesses? Where do you see yourself in five years? If the job is outside of your home country you can also expect some questions...  [Read more]