How they actually landed their first teaching job abroad
For aspiring teachers, finding a job can feel daunting when competition is high and opportunities seem limited. Fortunately, there is a practical way to widen your options: get TEFL certified. An accredited, recognized qualification prepares you for a flexible career path that can take you abroad, keep you closer to home, or make you eligible to teach online.
For The TEFL Academy (TTA) graduates, their certificate has allowed them to work with children, teens, and adults in a wide range of settings. Some teach full-time, others part-time, and their careers may last a few months or several years. Some don’t ever want to stop teaching.
These are their stories.
The traditional classroom
Hagwon in South Korea
Rea landed her dream job teaching in Busan, South Korea, with her TEFL qualification from The TEFL Academy.
Travel becomes part of everyday life when you teach overseas.
“I teach kindergarten and elementary students at a private school near Gwangalli beach. I work Monday to Friday, nine to six. From nine a.m. until two p.m., I teach kindergarten children. They are so smart and super cute!
The first lesson of the day is story time; the second and third classes of the day are reading classes. After lunch, I teach either a Science or a Maths class, which is always really fun. In the afternoon, I teach Elementary students.
The job is tiring, but I get a lot of time off too. Teachers get paid a lot in South Korea, and most schools offer you a free apartment and free round-trip airfare from your home country.
The TEFL Academy has opened so many doors for me and provided me with an amazing job opportunity. The course has definitely had a positive effect on my teaching. Furthermore, I now have the skills and qualifications to teach at many other schools around the world and turn my TEFL experience into a long-term career.”
Primary school in Spain
UK-born Holly was 24 and working as a bar manager when she decided to take a TEFL course. Once qualified, she found a position as an English Language Assistant in Seville, Spain.
Travel becomes part of everyday life when you teach overseas.
This is what she told us about it while she was there:
“I am currently working in a Spanish primary school in the mornings as a language assistant, which is incredible. I get to see what life is really like in schools here. In the evenings, I have my own classroom in a language school where I am my own teacher. I was terrified at the beginning. I don’t speak Spanish; how can I just move and work in this new country?
But I’m so glad I did. I am learning Spanish as well as teaching English. The students are amazing and friendly. You gain such a sense of achievement when they get a good grade in a test, or even just have a simple conversation with you; you suddenly realize, wow, I made that happen! I taught them this!
I wish I had begun this journey sooner, but I am so grateful for it now!”
JET program in Japan
Sean O’Toole is a South African who signed up for a TEFL course as a way to live in foreign countries, meet new people, and learn new languages. His first teaching gig was on the JET program in Japan.
A warm welcome can make a first teaching job unforgettable.
“When I first discovered that I was being placed in Kumamoto, a rural Japanese prefecture far, far away from the bright neon lights of bustling Tokyo or Osaka, I was terrified.
I had very few expectations – and very little practical classroom experience. Nevertheless, I packed away my nerves and boarded a bus to my very first Japanese elementary school. My first impression was wonderful. The staff and students had lined up to greet me. I was welcomed by smiling elementary school children and beautifully decorated cards.
Working as an assistant language teacher (ALT) is a lot of fun, and it’s great when the students understand and take part in the lesson.
I don’t think that there will ever be a day when I don’t think about my wonderful time in Japan. It truly changed my worldview and has provided me with so many new opportunities.”
Government school in Thailand
Anastasiia found a job on The TEFL Academy Jobs Board, teaching at a school in Chaiyaphum, Thailand.
Every lesson is another opportunity to build confidence on both sides of the classroom.
“Teaching here has been both humbling and exhilarating. With 16 hours of teaching per week, I work with 16 groups of students aged 10 to 12. That’s roughly 720 kids! Initially, the class sizes — 45 students per group — felt overwhelming. I wondered how I could possibly connect with so many young minds.
But everything changed the moment I walked into my first lesson. The students greeted me in unison, their voices chiming, “Good morning, teacher! How are you today?” The sheer enthusiasm in their eyes melted my nerves.
Each class is a whirlwind of energy, laughter, and occasional chaos. Some days, the challenge lies in keeping their focus, while other days, I’m blown away by their eagerness to learn.
Outside the classroom, I’ve embraced local culture through Muay Thai boxing, weekend markets, and trips to nearby waterfalls. These experiences make me appreciate how much teaching abroad is about more than just the classroom — it’s about connection, growth, and embracing a new way of life.”
Do you really need a TEFL certificate to teach abroad?
Online educators & digital nomads
The freelancer
Aussie Amanda is a masterclass in using your TEFL qualification to its full extent. Qualified with a Level 5 TEFL certification from The TEFL Academy, she initially taught online through platforms like Cambly, AmazingTalker, and Engoo.
She now works as a full-time independent online teacher, handling 1:1 and group classes and creating online self-paced courses for English language learners.
Finding a teaching niche can help your career stand out.
“When I started, I used to teach lots of different things: conversation, Business English, whatever students needed.
Now, I focus more on Australian pronunciation and accent, because that’s what I enjoy the most. But finding that took time.
You need a niche.
So many people are trying to teach General English, so you have to figure out what makes you different. Think about what you enjoy teaching, what you’re good at, and what people ask you about. If there’s a pattern – that’s probably your niche.”
The platform teacher
At just 18 years old, Sane completed a TEFL course with The TEFL Academy and found full-time work with online teaching platform Preply. Based in South Africa, her students are mostly from Spain and Italy.
A classroom can be anywhere with a laptop and an internet connection.
“Teaching online from the comfort of my home has been an extraordinary experience, allowing me to connect with students from all over the world. It’s truly amazing to see the diverse cultures and perspectives my students bring to our virtual classrooms.
Teaching isn’t just about helping students with grammar or vocabulary; it’s about creating an environment where they feel comfortable, curious, and excited to learn. Every lesson offers a chance to inject a bit of fun, explore new ideas, and build a positive rapport with students.
The TEFL course not only equipped me with the necessary tools to teach effectively but also inspired me to embrace lifelong learning and personal growth.”
The digital nomad
Matt is a TEFL teacher and digital nomad who has lived and breathed the realities of being a global online teacher, working remotely whilst traveling through over 20 countries.
For some teachers, the office comes with an ocean view.
“Having taught in the classroom for close to four years across Spain, South Korea and Türkiye, my girlfriend and I decided we wanted to take the show on the road by becoming digital nomads, teaching online to fund and sustain our travels.
We made this decision in August 2023 and have been on the road ever since, generally spending a month in a different country.
Fast forward to today, and we’ve been to 24 countries in that time and have never looked back!”
Online teaching offers the freedom to work remotely while experiencing new places at your own pace. An interesting lifestyle?
Smart travel tips to prepare for life on the road
Non-traditional routes and short-term placements
Summer camp tutor
Au pairing in Spain made TTA alum Emily fall in love with Europe. She completed a TEFL course to enable her to travel around the continent, teaching to fund her adventures. Her first stop was teaching at summer camps in Italy.
Language learning often grows through everyday moments.
“Teaching in Italy was the BEST experience of my life! I was sent to amazing camps and locations. The English camps are called Lingue Senza Frontiere (language without barriers).
We spent half of the day in the classroom and the other half outside doing fun activities. My first camp was in Scarperia, just 30 minutes outside of Florence, and my other was in Gravedona, Lake Como. My class in Florence was 11-13-year-olds, and in Como I taught 5-8-year-olds. The older children had a very good level of English, while the youngest had very basic English. This let me experience both ends of the spectrum.
We had family fun days, water games, Olympics – all through English. We ended each camp with a big show for all the parents, and there were a lot of tears when the other teachers and I had to leave for our next camp.”
Au pair
Brit Acacia had always loved learning Spanish, so it was a no-brainer to enroll in a TEFL course and set off for Spain after graduating from high school. She worked as an au pair in Granada, Spain, looking after a 4-year-old boy, Hector.
Weekends abroad are perfect for exploring your new home.
“Part of the fun of living in Spain and looking after Hector is that every day brings something new. There is always something new going on, which enables me to bring in new vocabulary to everyday conversation.
Through my TEFL course, I gained an insight into the complexities of the English language, which makes me much more understanding of the difficulties Hector has. I am able to use my understanding from the course to explain vocabulary and grammar in an easy and simple way.
Taking the TEFL course was the best decision I have made!
With easy-to-learn modules and assignments to help me apply my knowledge before going out in the real world, I feel that it opened up so many opportunities for me. I love the fact that I don’t know what the future holds for me. In a few years, I could be teaching English in any country I want, traveling the world and teaching students of all ages!”
TEFL Volunteer
Wendy took a TEFL course on a whim without even knowing what she would do with it! Interestingly, she ended up with TEFL volunteering in Kathmandu, Nepal, for her first teaching job.
Every classroom offers a chance to learn from one another.
“As this was my first teaching experience, I was extremely nervous, but the pupils soon put me at ease. Less privileged than many, these children are so eager, so curious, so keen to learn; they are an absolute delight to teach.
This teaching experience has certainly enriched my life, given me confidence and motivation. I hope to continue. It’s so worthwhile; the rewards are enormous. I can only encourage anyone thinking of embarking on such a journey to embrace it.”
Tips for after you get your TEFL certificate
Niche locations & career changers
Teacher in Latin America
TTA alum Simon is an Economics and Politics graduate and was working in London when he realized he didn’t want the usual 9-5 office job. Instead, his TEFL certificate took him to Guatemala.
Teaching abroad comes with unforgettable views beyond the classroom.
“One thing I had always wanted to do was live abroad and learn a new language. Thus, my interest in teaching English began, as I knew this would be a great way to broaden my skills and help me to discover what really interested me.
As a result, I took my Level 5 TEFL course with The TEFL Academy in Sheffield, and it was undoubtedly very useful in helping me prepare for my teaching experience here.
To this day, I still recall some of the feedback I was given by the instructor and incorporate it into the classroom to the benefit of my students.
Not only did this course improve my teaching methods, but it also enabled me to find a job here in Guatemala City (which I simply found through emailing different institutions with my qualifications!).”
The over-40 teacher
Finding herself at a crossroads at age 52, Stacie discovered that TEFL was a way for her to change her life. She now teaches in her home country, the United States.
The people you meet often become the most memorable part of teaching abroad.
“I pulled up my boot straps and signed up for the Level 5, 168-hour certification. I had never taken an online course in my life.
It wasn’t easy, but if you are patient, it is worth every penny. I went from making $12.50 an hour, got hired before I even finished my certification, and doubled my salary.
Two years later, I am making $45.00 an hour, and I have options. I’ve worked with adults, schools, private clients, and now I am going back to The TEFL Academy to learn how to teach online. The TEFL Academy has been with me from the start. Professional, helpful, and not a “fly-by-night” operation.
So if you need a change, want to travel, make more money and have options, sign up today!!”
If you’re still wondering, “Is TEFL worth it?”
Final thoughts: What do all these graduates have in common?
What do all of these teachers really have in common? Simple: they all started with the same doubts and uncertainties, but they took the leap anyway. By getting certified with The TEFL Academy, they proved that landing their first teaching job isn't some impossible hurdle.
Today, their lives look completely different. They are living proof that a TEFL course isn't just about getting a piece of paper. It’s about giving yourself the freedom to build a life on your own terms, anywhere in the world.
This article is written in collaboration with The TEFL Academy, an organization that helps aspiring English teachers prepare for opportunities around the world. TTA is known for delivering internationally recognized, high-quality certification programs that meet rigorous academic standards in both the US and the UK. Beyond certification, TTA supports graduates with industry insights, career resources, and practical guidance, helping them build the skills and confidence needed to teach English abroad.
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Kirsten Colquhoun
Content Manager, The TEFL Academy
Kirsten did a TEFL course in 2003, almost by accident, and hasn’t stopped teaching since. Her TEFL career has taken her to more than 30 countries, but Thailand will always be her fave destination.
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