Key Takeaways
- Teaching abroad for the first time isn’t difficult but it takes proper research and preparation.
- A TEFL certificate isn’t always required to teach abroad but it’s highly recommended to earn one, especially if you’re new to teaching.
- Even if you don’t have teaching experience, you can showcase your transferable skills like organization, creativity, time management, and interpersonal communication on your resume.
- Program providers and recruiters make getting started as a TEFL teacher overseas a breeze by securing you a job and providing vital support from start to finish.
Teaching English as a Foreign Language is a highly mobile career that can take you all around the world. If you dream of living in another country (or three), traveling on the weekends, and soaking up a new culture and language, working as a TEFL teacher can get you there.
Any significant life change can be overwhelming but breaking the process down makes it seem a whole lot more attainable. In this article, we’ve done just that!
If you’re an aspiring teacher who’s ready to get started teaching English abroad, read on and get ready for an amazing adventure.
How hard is it to start teaching English abroad?
If you have the right qualifications and meet the visa requirements, teaching English abroad is well within your reach. Some countries have a smoother or quicker process than others but there are plenty of teaching programs that can assist you as you gather paperwork, apply, and obtain your visa. More on that below!
1. Get TEFL certified
While it’s true that there are countries that hire teachers without TEFL qualifications, we recommend this invaluable training for anyone planning to teach English abroad. Speaking English at a native or near-native level is one thing, but knowing how to teach and explain grammar is another.
Here are some TEFL quick facts to keep in mind:
- TEFL means Teaching English as a Foreign Language. TEFL courses are usually geared toward teaching English to non-native speakers in their home country.
- TEFL certificates can be earned in person or online.
- Most employers will require a certificate that includes a minimum of 120 classroom hours, though 160 hours are recommended if you’re looking to gain more comprehensive training and experience.
- Some TEFL certificates include observed teaching practice while others don’t. Depending on the employer, completion of a certificate program that includes live teaching may be preferred or even required.
- TEFL/TESOL, CELTA, and CertTESOL are all certifications geared toward training future Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) teachers. However, they differ in the organizations that deliver them as well as their format, curriculum, and requirements.
If you already know where you want to work and are also interested in earning your TEFL certificate, why not kill two birds with one stone? Program providers like TravelBud and The Fewer Things provide TEFL training in-country and then guarantee a teaching placement after completion. Get acclimated to your new country while you earn your TEFL certificate then walk away with a job when you’re done!
Read more: The 12 Best Online TEFL Courses in 2025
2. Decide where you want to teach
It’s a great big world out there for prospective English teachers. Positions for TEFL professionals exist in nearly every country. Below, we dive into the TEFL market worldwide to give you an idea of the pros and cons of each region.
| Region | Top Countries | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Europe | France, Spain, Poland |
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| Asia | Japan, China, Korea |
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| The Americas | Costa Rica, Mexico, Argentina |
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| Middle East | UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia |
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| Africa | Ghana, Egypt, Morocco |
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Read more: The 10 Best Countries to Teach English Abroad in 2025
3. Explore types of teaching jobs available
You may be surprised to know just how many different types of English teaching positions there are abroad. Keep these in mind when starting your job search!
There are pros and cons to each type of gig. You might need to try a few before you find the one you prefer!
4. Create your TEFL teacher resume
Having an up-to-date and polished resume or curriculum vitae (CV) is crucial to landing your first TEFL gig overseas. Even if you have no teaching experience, you can highlight transferable skills from previous positions that will help you in the classroom. This is also a great place to showcase that TEFL certificate you worked so hard for!
Be aware that the expectations for what is on a CV and how they are presented differ by country. Some employers in certain countries will be surprised if you don’t include a headshot with your resume. Others will be surprised if you do. Make sure to research the country where you want to teach to understand the norms.
5. Start your job search
Usually, when searching for a job in most industries you go to a job search engine like Indeed and apply directly to positions. Teaching English overseas is a little different though. You have several options for finding jobs.
- Program providers place you in a school or language academy and provide support throughout your teaching journey. Teaching Nomad, CIEE, and Greenheart are examples of program providers who can get you a job abroad. Many program providers offer TEFL training, too!
- Government-sponsored programs hire native English speakers to work in public schools around the country. The most popular programs include NALCAP in Spain, EPIK in South Korea, JET in Japan, and TAPIF in France.
- Recruiters work with a network of schools and/or language academies to find jobs for qualified candidates. They will often help you negotiate contracts and may provide visa assistance. You should never have to pay a recruiter if they are reputable. Recruiters are popular across Asia and the Middle East.
- Searching for a job independently is usually easiest for teachers hoping to work in a language academy, business English organization, or university rather than at a public or private school. Jobs can be found through our teaching jobs board or websites like TES, Dave’s ESL Cafe, or teachaway. Avoid scams by doing proper research!
6. Apply and prepare for interviews
You’ve polished up your teaching resume and found some great opportunities. Now it’s time to apply!
When applying to TEFL jobs abroad, there are a few common documents you may be asked to submit.
- Application form
- Resume/CV
- Cover letter
- Copy of TEFL certificate
Once you’ve landed an interview for teaching English abroad, it’s a good idea to prepare!
- Research the company or school. This will show your potential future employer that you’re interested enough to take the time to learn about them.
- Think of some questions. Your research will likely lead to some questions so write them down!
- Practice with a mock interview. Have a family member or friend conduct a practice run interview so you can get comfortable with talking about your skills in the context of TEFL.
- Plan your outfit. Your interview will probably be held via video but you still want to look professional. Research the country to see if it has specific preferences for how interviewees present themselves. For example, suits are considered best practice for interviews in Japan.
7. Review your teaching contract
Never sign a contract until you understand and agree to all the terms. This is a legally binding document and signing it without being crystal clear on the contents could get you into trouble.
Here are some of the things you can expect to see outlined in your contract:
- Hours
- Visa sponsorship
- Duties
- Remuneration
- Benefits (housing, healthcare, etc.)
- Sick leave and holidays
- What happens if you resign before the contract ends
Should you not fully understand all of the terms presented in your contract, don’t be afraid to reach out to your recruiter, program provider, or even a local lawyer.
8. Apply for your visa
The last step before getting on an airplane is arranging the necessary documents to obtain your visa. If you’re teaching abroad through a program provider or recruiter, they will usually guide you through the process to make sure that everything goes smoothly.
Commonly required documents include a background check, job contract or sponsorship letter, passport photos, and a notarized copy of your college diploma and/or transcripts. You’ll need to apply for your visa at the country’s local consulate in your home country before departure.
Once you have your passport and visa in hand, the real fun can begin. You’re now ready to get any necessary immunizations, book your airfare, and pack (but don’t overpack!) your suitcase!
Pro tips for first-time teachers
Your first time teaching abroad is both an exciting and nerve-wracking time. Check out these general tips to make your teacher debut a success.
- Try to save up as much money as possible before you go. There are always unexpected expenses that pop up!
- Managing a classroom full of kids is a true art. Brush up on some strategies ahead of time and face the first day of school with confidence.
- Always have an arsenal of fun ESL games to pull out of your pocket when you need them.
- If you know you’ll be teaching in a low resource school, find out what you may be lacking and show up with some creative solutions.
- TEFL courses usually teach participants how to plan a lesson but it’s helpful to have extra ideas for inspiration.
- To bring in extra cash, think about taking on a side hustle like teaching English online!
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Getting started is easier than you think!
Now that you have an idea of the steps involved in teaching English abroad, we hope you jump right in! Making a big life and career change is always daunting but it will be worth the effort. Whether you’re planning to teach for the foreseeable future or just want to try it out for a year, follow this guide to kick your plans into gear and prepare yourself for your next big adventure.
