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Teaching English abroad offers an incredible opportunity to travel the world while gaining invaluable skills and experiences that can enrich both your personal and professional life. With English in high demand across the globe, teaching jobs can take you to almost any destination you can dream of, from bustling cities to serene countryside communities. This career path is perfect for those who crave adventure and are eager to make a meaningful impact by helping others learn a vital skill. Along the way, you’ll immerse yourself in new cultures, form lasting friendships, and create memories that will stay with you forever—all while potentially earning a competitive salary. If you’re ready to embrace the challenge and excitement of teaching abroad, now is the time to start exploring opportunities to take your journey to the next level!

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How to Teach Abroad

Overview

How to teach English abroad

Wondering how to be an English teacher abroad? Don’t worry—it’s actually fairly straightforward! Here’s a brief overview of how to teach english abroad:

Get TEFL certified. Although not always required for every teaching job, this is the most basic step to prepare yourself for teaching English abroad. Having a TEFL certificate is quite frequently a prerequisite for teaching opportunities abroad anyway, so having one will open you up to jobs in almost every country in the world. You can get certified online or in-person, in as little as 60 hours or as much as 8 weeks! The right certification for you depends on your level of teaching experience, as well as your career goals, so make sure you evaluate the TEFL program before investing your time and money.
Have a degree. Yes, a Bachelor’s degree isn't always required for teaching jobs, but it is actually required to teach English abroad in many destinations that offer decent compensation packages. You degree definitely doesn't have to be in education though, so if you have a bachelor's degree in any course then you could be eligible for hundreds of English teaching jobs. However, a relevant degree won't hurt your on the job skillset either!
Apply for teach abroad programs. You can find ESL jobs abroad without a teach abroad program, but it’ll require a lot of research on your part. Not to mention, it can be easy to get scammed or accidentally work illegally if you go it alone, so be sure to consider every detail in your application process. Formally arranged teach English abroad programs will find you a reputable placement, and may even secure a salary on your behalf, so it's worth considering having expert support along the way. Check out our most recently posted teaching jobs now!
Prepare for interviews. Submitting your application with all the right degrees and certifications they are looking for is only the first part of getting your dream teaching job. You also have to nail the interview! Make sure you prepare for all the right interview questions and you'll be on your way to getting hired.
Get your visa and passport. Once you've got a teaching job secured, the legal paperwork begins. Most teaching abroad programs will make your life easier by organizing all the logistics involved in getting a valid work visa for teaching English abroad, and they can even assist you in applying for a passport if you don’t have one. But if you're going it alone, make sure you qualify for a visa that will allow you to legally teach English in your destination—especially if you intend to earn a wage.

Why

Why teach English abroad?

Teaching English abroad offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in new cultures while making a meaningful impact on students' lives. By providing learners—from young children to adults—with essential language skills, you will empower them to compete in the global job market and engage more effectively in today's interconnected world.

Becoming an English teacher abroad requires patience, adaptability, and a strong work ethic, because navigating different educational systems and cultural norms can be challenging, but these experiences will foster a great deal of personal growth and resilience wherever your career takes you after. Teaching English abroad will enhance your professional development in unparalleled ways, equipping you with valuable skills that are transferable to other career paths. Your experience teaching abroad will serve you well as a resume-builder and networking opportunity, potentially leading to a range of future jobs abroad or at home.

If you are hardworking, flexible, and eager to deeply engage with new cultures, teaching English abroad can be a truly transformative experience. It offers the chance to make a tangible difference in students' lives while enriching your own through cultural exchange and professional development. If you're ready to embrace the challenges and rewards of this path, teaching English abroad can be a fulfilling, life-changing endeavor.

Locations

Where to teach English abroad

You can teach English abroad pretty much anywhere. But if you're looking for the best countries to teach English and save money, then we suggest heading to countries like South Korea or China, where you can earn a great wage and manage your living expenses more effectively. However, there are also plenty of jobs to teach English in countries all around Africa, South America, and Europe too. Choosing off the beaten path locations like Colombia or Myanmar can mean you are in higher demand and have less competition for job opportunities, not to mention you can have an even more authentic experience living abroad.

When deciding where to teach English abroad, it’s essential to think about the type of teaching environment that best suits your skills and goals too. Different regions offer unique opportunities that can shape your experience. For example, in Asia, many English teaching jobs cater to professionals in corporate settings, focusing on business English and communication skills. In contrast, teaching roles in Africa are often centered around schools, where you can contribute to grassroots educational development. Meanwhile, in countries like Spain or Argentina, one-on-one tutoring is common, offering flexibility and a personalized teaching approach compared to traditional classroom roles.

Beyond the teaching setting, consider the lifestyle and cultural experience that each destination offers. Urban areas, such as Tokyo or Berlin, may appeal to those who thrive in fast-paced, resource-rich environments, while rural areas in Thailand or Costa Rica offer a more tranquil, community-focused experience. Factors like the cost of living, climate, and work benefits also vary greatly by location.

Ultimately, finding the right destination to teach abroad is about balancing your professional ambitions with your personal preferences. Whether you prefer the structure of a formal school environment or the flexibility of private tutoring, and whether you’re drawn to big cities or quiet countryside, carefully considering these factors will help ensure your teaching abroad experience is both rewarding and enjoyable.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Teaching English abroad is a great way to travel the world and make money at the same time. Not only that, you can also turn teaching English abroad into a career, or use it as a resume-builder or networking opportunity.

To teach abroad, you'll need to get TEFL, TESOL, or CELTA certified. In most cases, you'll also need a bachelor's degree in any field and native English skills. After, you'll apply directly to jobs in your target destination and have an interview.

The most popular places to teach English abroad are Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, China, and Korea. This is due to the massive demand for English skills. Other places to teach English include central America and Eastern Europe.

10 Best Countries to Teach English Abroad

Sometimes! Many countries require you to have a TEFL certificate in order to be legally employed, but some don't. You can research this requirement for your intended destination.

10 Lifelong Benefits of Having a TEFL Certificate

There are a few requirements for teaching English abroad. In general, you will need a bachelor's degree in any field, a TEFL certificate, and native English skills. These requirements vary from country to country.

What Do You Need to Teach English Abroad?

Latest Program Reviews

This is your sign to move abroad

May 21, 2025by: Kennedi George - United StatesProgram: Teach English in Spain with RVF

Moving to Spain to teach English has been one of the most life-changing things I’ve done—and RVF International made it possible. From the moment I applied, RVF was with me every step of the way. They helped me navigate the application process, walked me through the visa requirements (which can be overwhelming on your own), and always made me feel like I had someone in my corner. No question was too small, and no email went unanswered. I ended up placed in the beautiful region of Andalucía, where I’m teaching kids just 12 hours a week. The work-life balance is unmatched, and I’ve had the freedom to explore Spain, deepen my Spanish skills, and fully immerse myself in the culture. This experience has helped me grow not just as a teacher, but as a person. I’ve learned how to advocate for myself, adapt to new environments, and show up for others in ways I never expected. It’s also given me space to pursue my own goals—like preparing for grad school and working on personal projects. If you’re thinking about teaching abroad and don’t know where to start, I can’t recommend RVF International enough. They helped turn something that felt impossible into a reality—and for that, I’m so grateful.

The best decision I've ever made!!!!

May 20, 2025by: Madeline Shaline - United StatesProgram: Teach English in Spain with RVF

Working with RVF International has been such a great experience. From the start, the staff has been super friendly, supportive, and easy to talk to. They made the whole process of moving to Spain feel way less overwhelming and were always there to answer my questions, no matter how small. It honestly felt like I was being helped by friends! Living in Spain has been incredible. I’ve had the chance to really immerse myself in the culture, improve my Spanish, and meet so many amazing people along the way. Every day feels like an adventure, whether I’m exploring new cities, enjoying the food, or just enjoying the lifestyle. It's been everything I hoped for and more. I’m so thankful I chose RVF—they made this whole journey possible and enjoyable from day one. If you’re thinking about teaching abroad, I can’t recommend them enough!!!

This is your sign to move abroad

May 21, 2025by: Kennedi George - United StatesProgram: Teach English in Spain with RVF

The best decision I've ever made!!!!

May 20, 2025by: Madeline Shaline - United StatesProgram: Teach English in Spain with RVF

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