How to Teach Abroad

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. Your degree definitely doesn't have to be in education, though, so if you have a bachelor's degree in any field, 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.

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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, but 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.

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.

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 proficiency in English. These requirements vary from country to country.

Latest Program Reviews

A Creative Adventure!

December 05, 2025by: Alex TorresProgram: Xplore Costa Rica TEFL Program with Guaranteed Placement

9

This was truly a beautiful experience—one I’d recommend to anyone, whether you’re an aspiring teacher, healer, artist, or any other walk of life. It may terrify you, intimidate you and possibly make you question your life choices, but I assure you, you will not regret it. To have the ability to step out of your comfort zone is in itself a blessing and what better way to learn more about yourself than by being an English Teacher. I had a 6 month contract at Colegio Victoria in Costa Rica where I covered for another teacher who was on a maternity leave. I've already had experience as a teacher but this type of role was completely new to me for 2 main reasons. I found myself teaching an older age group, despite having little experience with that level, and a subject I wasn’t very versed in: American Literature. It pushed me well beyond my comfort zone! So I decided to dig deep as I usually do. With my background in Art as a 2D animator I connected the dots and realized the similarities between literature and 2D animation. The concept of creating fiction in any medium has always been innate to me and the appreciation of a well-written story has always been present with me. When my workload felt overwhelming I used Ai tools to assist me in the Literature Analysis as well. I felt accepted by the students and staff because I was upfront about my learning curve and although I faced challenges, I decided to make the best of it. Currently, I am still in Costa Rica living with my girlfriend (a fellow teacher) and may even consider becoming a resident here.

AMAZING EXPERIENCE WITH XPLORE ASIA TEFL IN COSTA RICA!

December 04, 2025by: Sydney HoekstraProgram: Xplore Costa Rica TEFL Program with Guaranteed Placement

9

Doing my TEFL and placement through Xplore Asia in Costa Rica was honestly one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. The team was so supportive from day one — organized, friendly, and always there to help, whether it was with lesson planning or figuring out how not to get lost on my way to class. The TEFL course was way more engaging than I expected. The instructors made everything practical and fun, and by the end I actually felt confident teaching English (which still surprises me). The placement they found for me in Costa Rica was perfect. The school was welcoming, the kids were hilarious and full of energy, and the staff made me feel at home instantly. Outside of teaching, the experience was just as incredible. I met so many amazing people in the program, and we explored beaches, waterfalls, and little local spots I never would’ve found on my own. I genuinely felt supported the entire time — not just professionally, but personally. If you’re looking for an adventure, real cultural immersion, and a program that actually cares about you, I can’t recommend Xplore Asia enough. Costa Rica became a second home for me, and this program is a huge reason why. 💛🌴✨

A Creative Adventure!

December 05, 2025by: Alex TorresProgram: Xplore Costa Rica TEFL Program with Guaranteed Placement

9

This was truly a beautiful experience—one I’d recommend to anyone, whether you’re an aspiring teacher, healer, artist, or any other walk of life. It may terrify you, intimidate you and possibly make you question your life choices, but I assure you, you will not regret it. To have the ability to step out of your comfort zone is in itself a blessing and what better way to learn more about yourself than by being an English Teacher. I had a 6 month contract at Colegio Victoria in Costa Rica where I covered for another teacher who was on a maternity leave. I've already had experience as a teacher but this type of role was completely new to me for 2 main reasons. I found myself teaching an older age group, despite having little experience with that level, and a subject I wasn’t very versed in: American Literature. It pushed me well beyond my comfort zone! So I decided to dig deep as I usually do. With my background in Art as a 2D animator I connected the dots and realized the similarities between literature and 2D animation. The concept of creating fiction in any medium has always been innate to me and the appreciation of a well-written story has always been present with me. When my workload felt overwhelming I used Ai tools to assist me in the Literature Analysis as well. I felt accepted by the students and staff because I was upfront about my learning curve and although I faced challenges, I decided to make the best of it. Currently, I am still in Costa Rica living with my girlfriend (a fellow teacher) and may even consider becoming a resident here.

AMAZING EXPERIENCE WITH XPLORE ASIA TEFL IN COSTA RICA!

December 04, 2025by: Sydney HoekstraProgram: Xplore Costa Rica TEFL Program with Guaranteed Placement

9

Doing my TEFL and placement through Xplore Asia in Costa Rica was honestly one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. The team was so supportive from day one — organized, friendly, and always there to help, whether it was with lesson planning or figuring out how not to get lost on my way to class. The TEFL course was way more engaging than I expected. The instructors made everything practical and fun, and by the end I actually felt confident teaching English (which still surprises me). The placement they found for me in Costa Rica was perfect. The school was welcoming, the kids were hilarious and full of energy, and the staff made me feel at home instantly. Outside of teaching, the experience was just as incredible. I met so many amazing people in the program, and we explored beaches, waterfalls, and little local spots I never would’ve found on my own. I genuinely felt supported the entire time — not just professionally, but personally. If you’re looking for an adventure, real cultural immersion, and a program that actually cares about you, I can’t recommend Xplore Asia enough. Costa Rica became a second home for me, and this program is a huge reason why. 💛🌴✨

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