Teach English abroad

Teaching English abroad is a popular option for:

• career changers
• career breaks
• gap years
• recent graduates.

It offers the chance to travel, earn money and develop valuable skills, including communication, adaptability and intercultural awareness.

How do I start teaching English abroad?

If you're wondering how to get started, the typical pathway is to:

• choose destination
• check visa/degree requirements
• complete TEFL qualification
• apply for jobs
• arrange travel and accommodation.

Do I need a degree to teach English abroad?

If you want the widest choice of countries, having a degree will significantly expand your options.

For most roles, a 120-hour TEFL course is the minimum employers expect. If you don't have a degree, you can still find opportunities by:

• targeting countries with fewer visa restrictions
• teaching online
• volunteering.

To explore country-specific requirements, see our working abroad profiles.

Do I need a TEFL qualification?

A TEFL qualification isn't required for every teaching role, but it can significantly improve your chances of finding well-paid work with reputable employers.

TEFL courses equip you with the skills and confidence to:

• manage classrooms
• plan lessons
• teach students at different levels of English.

Once qualified, you can expect to earn between £8 and £16 per hour, depending on your location, experience and qualifications.

Discover what to expect as an English as a foreign language teacher.

Which TEFL course is right for me?

The right course depends on your goals. If you're planning a long-term career in teaching, a recognised qualification will carry more weight with employers. If you want to gain experience while travelling, a shorter or more flexible option may be sufficient.

Two widely recognised qualifications include:

• Cambridge CELTA - a Level 5 qualification with at least 120 hours of study and practical teaching experience, usually completed over four to five weeks full time.
• Trinity CertTESOL - equivalent to CELTA, with similar entry requirements and around 130 hours of training.

When choosing an online TEFL course, look for programmes of at least 120 hours that include a practical teaching component. While online courses offer flexibility, employers often value classroom experience.

What will I learn on a TEFL course?

Course content varies, but most programmes cover:

• assessing students' English proficiency and adapting teaching methods
• designing tests and assessing progress
• grammar, pronunciation and vocabulary
• lesson planning and classroom management
• teaching reading, writing, speaking and listening skills.

How much is a TEFL course?

Course costs vary depending on the provider, but typically range from around £600 to £1,400, including exam fees.

As a guide:

• 190 Hour Ofqual Level 5 TEFL Diploma: £635
• CELTA: around £1,400.

What teaching jobs are available?

There are several routes into teaching English abroad:

• language schools - year-round work with students of all ages
• public schools - structured roles, often through government programmes
• private or international schools - higher salaries with stricter requirements
• universities - typically require degrees and teaching experience
• summer camps - short-term roles, ideal for students
• private tutoring - flexible and often informal
• online teaching - remote work with global students.

How much can I earn as a TEFL teacher?

Salaries and benefits vary by location. While some regions offer lower pay such as South East Asia, lower living costs and included benefits can still make them better for saving.

Here's a guide to help you compare:

When comparing salaries, consider:

• cost of living
• included benefits
• working hours.

Do I need to speak the local language?

You don't usually need to speak the local language to teach English abroad. Teaching is often conducted entirely in English to maximise student immersion.

TEFL training prepares you to communicate clearly using visual aids and structured activities to overcome language barriers. However, being able to speak even a little of the local language can make it much easier to settle into a new country. Simple phrases help with everyday tasks like:

• asking for directions
• making small talk
• ordering food.

Even basic language skills can make your experience feel less isolating and help you feel more at home.

Where are the best places to teach English abroad?

When choosing a destination, consider:

• cost of living
• lifestyle and travel opportunities
• salary and benefits
• visa requirements.

Best for high salaries and benefits

These countries offer competitive salaries, often with accommodation and additional benefits included.

China

• Degree usually required for a visa.
• Large job market with high demand.
• Roles often include accommodation.

Japan

• Degree typically required.
• Structured teaching programmes available.
• Well-established but competitive market.

United Arab Emirates (UAE)

• Among the highest salaries globally.
• Usually requires a degree and teaching experience.
• Tax-free income and premium benefits.

Best for first-time teachers

These destinations tend to have fewer barriers to entry, making them ideal if you're new to teaching. However, salaries may be lower.

Thailand

• Consistent demand.
• Flexible opportunities.
• Lower cost of living.

Vietnam

• Competitive salaries relative to living costs.
• Growing demand.
• Relatively accessible entry requirements.

Brazil

• Easier entry requirements than some countries.
• Good for building initial experience.
• Lower pay but strong cultural experience.

Best for lifestyle and travel in Europe

These destinations are popular for their culture and quality of life, though salaries are typically lower than in Asia.

Spain

• Language assistant programmes available.
• Lower salaries.
• Strong lifestyle appeal.

Italy

• High demand in private language schools.
• Lower salaries but strong cultural appeal.
• Opportunities vary by region.

France

• Competitive roles with moderate salaries.
• Good option for graduates.
• Structured teaching assistant programmes available.

Remember, higher salaries don't always mean a better experience - countries offering free accommodation and lower living costs may allow you to save more overall.

Do I need a visa to teach English abroad?

Yes - obtaining the correct visa is essential, and requirements vary by country.

For example:

• Asia - many roles include visa sponsorship
• Europe - countries such as Spain and Italy may require long-stay or student visas
• the Middle East - employers often arrange work permits.

It's important to research the specific requirements for your chosen destination before applying for jobs.

What will my lifestyle look like as a TEFL teacher?

Your salary only tells part of the story - living costs can vary widely.

Key factors include:

• daily expenses
• healthcare (sometimes included in contracts)
• rent (often provided in Asia but not Europe)
• transport costs.

In countries such as South Korea and China, employer-provided housing can make saving easier. In Europe, lower salaries are often offset by lifestyle benefits.

Common challenges include:

• classroom management
• culture shock
• homesickness
• language barriers
• visa administration.

Being aware of these challenges can help you prepare and adapt more easily.

Are there volunteering opportunities for teaching English abroad?

Yes - volunteering can be a good way to gain experience, especially if you're new to teaching or don't yet meet the requirements for paid roles.

Programmes typically involve supporting schools with limited resources and may last from a few weeks to several months.

When looking for volunteer roles, make sure to choose ethical, community-led programmes and avoid placements that replace paid local teachers or lack long-term impact.

Can I teach English to students online?

You can also teach English online, either alongside or instead of working abroad. Many TEFL providers include online teaching opportunities as part of their training.

Online teaching offers:

• a way to gain experience before moving abroad
• flexible working hours
• the ability to work from anywhere.

To get started, you'll typically need a:

• 120-hour TEFL qualification
• reliable internet connection
• webcam.

Eligibility requirements can vary between online teaching platforms. You can check with the following providers for details:

• EF - Teach English online
• Go Overseas - Teach English online
• i-to-i - Teach English online
• The TEFL Org - Teach English online

How do I find a TEFL job?

Once qualified, you can find roles through:

• government teaching programmes
• online teaching platforms
• recruitment agencies
• school websites
• TEFL job boards.

Search for TEFL jobs.

It's often best to apply to multiple sources and compare offers, particularly in terms of:

• benefits
• salary
• working conditions.

Teaching English abroad doesn't have to be a short-term role. As you gain experience, you could move into:

• academic management
• international schools
• teacher training.

A TEFL qualification can also provide a pathway into formal teaching roles.

Explore our advice on working in the teacher training and education sector.

Find out more

• Explore your options with our gap year ideas.
• Compare working holiday visas.
• Find roles in your preferred destination using our work abroad guides.