There are many types of teaching programs abroad, depending on the organizing structure, the program’s objectives, and the age or background of the students you’ll be teaching.
These programs offer excellent opportunities to work in public institutions, such as schools, with financial support and visa assistance often included.
One well-known example is NALCAP (North American Language and Culture Assistants Program), which allows native English speakers from North America to support English teachers in Spanish public schools.
Private language schools abroad also offer numerous job opportunities for foreign English teachers across the globe. The demand for English education continues to grow in many countries.
You might teach teenagers preparing for university, adults aiming to improve their English for work or social integration, or even professionals needing specific language skills.
These schools often provide diverse teaching environments and flexible contracts.
Volunteering and NGO placements offer excellent opportunities to immerse yourself in diverse cultures, support local communities, and make a meaningful impact.
You will gain valuable teaching experience by working in local schools and helping people who truly need your support.
Placement agencies are an excellent option if you’re looking for security, time savings, and ongoing support throughout the entire process.
These agencies have access to numerous job opportunities through their local partners and often possess valuable on-site experience. This allows them to help you make informed decisions and find the best teaching placement suited to your goals.
It depends on location and type of program.
Many programs, especially in less developed countries such as Nepal, Cambodgia or Central America are based on volunteering or work-exchange arrangements where you receive accommodation instead of a salary.
However, there are also numerous paid teaching programs, particularly in developed countries such as South Korea, Japan, United Arab Emirates and private school placements.
These paid opportunities generally require formal certification (e.g. TEFL certification).
Going abroad to teach English involves start-up costs that can vary significantly depending on the destination and the program you choose.
These initial expenses often include flight tickets, a major cost, especially if you're traveling far.
The first month of accommodation can also be substantial, particularly if you’re joining a program that doesn’t provide housing and the country has a high cost of living. Other common costs include a work visa, daily living expenses, vaccinations, and travel or health insurance.
It’s essential to factor in these costs when deciding on your destination and program to ensure you’re financially prepared for the move.
There are certain requirements to teach English abroad to ensure your legitimacy, compliance with local laws, and access to opportunities.
Most countries and schools abroad require a Bachelor’s degree to teach English, and there are several reasons for this.
First, many countries require a university diploma to issue a legal work visa and to ensure a minimum level of education.
In addition, schools often seek to maintain their credibility by hiring qualified staff.
Requiring a degree also helps protect teachers from exploitation and contributes to ensuring a higher standard of education and classroom support.
The Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) certification is an internationally recognized qualification that prepares you to teach English effectively to non-native speakers.
Most TEFL programs include at least 120 hours of training and are led by experienced instructors.
In many countries such as South Korea, Japan or United Arab Emirats, a TEFL certification is required to teach in schools, as it ensures a high standard of education.
Even in countries with more flexible requirements, having a TEFL certificate adds credibility, opens up more job opportunities, and can lead to higher salaries.
For native English speakers, the requirements are often somewhat different.
First of all, a TEFL certification is not mandatory for most placements, although obtaining one is still highly recommended. Like for non-native speakers, having a TEFL certificate adds credibility, increases job opportunities, and can lead to higher salaries.
However, a Bachelor’s degree remains mandatory in the same countries where it is required for non-native speakers.
Salary varies depending on the country, its economic situation, and local demand.
However, keep in mind that salary also varies based on experience, opportunities, and working conditions. That’s why the best-paid teaching programs abroad are often concentrated in specific regions.
Countries in the Gulf region usually offer competitive salaries to foreign English teachers.
For example, in the United Arab Emirates, the average salary can reach around $4,000 per month in 2025, often with accommodation included.
Qatar, Kuwait, and even Oman offer similar salaries and benefits, making them serious options to consider.
Although these locations may not be paradisiacal and are known as tax-free desert cities, you can easily feel comfortable thanks to vibrant expat communities and a close-knit lifestyle.
Countries in East Asia can also be excellent options if you’re looking for well-paid teaching jobs combined with deep cultural immersion.
Japan, in particular, is known for offering a good balance between competitive salaries and the chance to experience a rich and unique culture, from its cuisine and landscapes to its vibrant cities and way of life.
In South Korea, teachers benefit from attractive salaries, free housing, paid airfare, and generous vacation time, especially through public programs like EPIK.
Taiwan offers a mix of modern urban life and natural beauty, with a growing demand for English teachers and a lower cost of living than neighboring countries.
China and Vietnam have a vast population and booming education market, presenting a wide range of teaching opportunities, from public schools to private language centers, with competitive pay and cultural depth.
Despite lower pay, teaching English in Europe offers a rich lifestyle, deep cultural immersion, travel opportunities, and often a better work-life balance than in higher-paying regions.
It's a perfect option for those looking to gain international experience while enjoying the historical, artistic, and culinary diversity of the old continent.
Countries like Spain, Italy, Portugal, and Greece have a high demand for English teachers in private language schools, summer camps, and after-school programs.
EU citizens have a clear advantage when applying for teaching jobs across Europe, as they don’t need work visas.
The average salary for English teachers abroad can vary greatly depending on the country, the type of institution, and your qualifications. Generally, it ranges from $1,000 to $5,000 USD per month in 2025.
It’s also important to note that experience plays a key role in determining your salary, more qualified or seasoned teachers often access higher-paying positions.
However, teaching English abroad isn't always about the paycheck. For some, it’s a strategic step in their career path. For others, it’s a chance to live a once-in-a-lifetime experience, immerse themselves in a new culture, and see the world from a different perspective.
Teaching English abroad during the summer is a fantastic way to travel, gain valuable experience, and immerse yourself in a new culture.
These short-term programs offer unique advantages compared to longer contracts. Instead of regular school teaching, you could work at summer camps, lead intensive summer classes, or help students prepare for exams like the TOEFL. Because these placements are popular, competition for spots can be quite high.
Join our RealStep program and secure a paid teaching position in Thai schools across the country! From kindergarten to middle school, placements range from 3 months to several years in public schools throughout Thailand.
An opportunity for a rich cultural exchange and learning experience, as well as a job.
This program included a 4 weeks formation on site to obtain the TEFL and a placement across the country. The occasion to combine a paid and meaningful experience.
Learn more about the programs over here!
There is no age restriction to obtain a TEFL certification. You simply need to be over 18 years old and have a comfortable level of English (typically B2 to C1 on the CEFR scale).
TEFL is not about age, it's about your passion for teaching, your willingness to learn, and your ability to connect with students through effective pedagogy.
The TEFL certification is a comprehensive 120-hour training program, typically completed over 4 weeks. During this time, you’ll cover key areas to prepare you for the classroom, including:
This hands-on approach ensures you leave the course ready and confident to start teaching anywhere in the world.
Teaching abroad without a Bachelor’s degree is not possible in many countries and will, more broadly, limit your opportunities significantly.
Similarly, teaching English without a TEFL certification or without being a native English speaker can make it much harder to find a position, especially in competitive or high-paying destinations.
While there are some exceptions, having the right qualifications opens doors, ensures visa eligibility, and gives you access to better placements and higher salaries.
Not necessarily. Many programs accept beginners, especially if you have a TEFL certificate. Some countries or schools may prefer experienced candidates, but entry-level roles are widely available.
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