Employment
Types of TEFL Jobs
Children and adults around the world attend English classes (usually conversational) in private language schools. Classes are usually about an hour long and held once or twice a week for each group of students, but this varies. The benefits of working for private language schools often include:
- small classes (6-12 students in a class)
- highly motivated students (and usually paying a lot of money for their courses!)
- high-quality curriculum and resources provided
Language schools are usually the most comfortable and supportive environments for new TESOL teachers.
The need for “native English” teachers in regular school systems around the world varies dramatically. For those who already have a teaching certification, adding a TESOL certificate to that will open many doors for you. However, in most of Asia, for example, the need is so great, that anyone with a TESOL certificate has access to many opportunities as well. Many of the positions in the local school systems can be found on the internet, but others will also be found once you arrive in the country and you have some teaching experience.
Because the classes are larger, the students are less motivated and the curriculum is often not “Communicative”. Teaching in this environment can be much more challenging, but there are many benefits and rewards as well!
The demand for English in the business environment is enormous! Many English teachers land great opportunities to teach one or two-hour lessons once or twice a week in businesses. While you don’t need to have a background in business to teach business students, our section on ESP in the English to the World Series will both prepare you and make you more marketable as you look for opportunities to supplement your income and get involved in your community.
If you have spent some time in a non-English speaking country, you may have noticed that many of the locals are very eager to practise their English with native English speakers. Their motivations will vary! Some want to attend English-speaking universities. Some want to understand and be understood when they travel. Others want their children to have more academic advantages. Still, others desire to gain more satisfaction from watching English news, documentaries and movies. And of course, many locals enjoy being seen with “a foreigner”.
In truth, the profession of teaching online has taken the English teaching industry by storm. So, who wouldn´t want to be their own boss? In addition, teaching online has the real potential to offer you stable employment – either full-time or part-time. Not only this, but you get to teach and interact with people from all over the world. Furthermore, if you are already an English teacher at a language school, why not teach English online as well? Moreover, a great way to boost your income! So, what are you waiting for?
Employment Considerations
Passport Restrictions
Native Speaker
Bachelor's Degree
TEFL Certificate
Criminal Record
Health Check
Employer
Country
Passport Restrictions
Unfortunately, your passport can have a direct impact on where you can legally teach and find TEFL employment. Many job advertisements online specify passport holders from certain English-speaking countries such as the US, UK, Ireland, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa. This is due to different immigration rules implemented in these countries, which may only issue work visas or permits to teachers from these specific countries. While there are countries where English is widely spoken and natives are fluent, some immigration authorities still hold outdated perceptions. It is hopeful that these practices will change over time for a more equitable and fair TEFL job market.
Native Speaker
Some employers may advertise English teaching jobs for “Native English Speakers,” which refers to fluent English speakers with passports from English-speaking countries. While this requirement is considered discriminatory by many in the West, it is still prevalent in many parts of the world. Non-native English speakers may find some exceptions and opportunities through online job boards, groups, and forums.
Bachelor's Degree
In the past, anyone who could speak English could teach English abroad, but nowadays most employers require applicants to hold at least a bachelor’s degree. However, there are some exceptions, and it is still possible to teach English in certain countries without a degree. For more information, visit our dedicated page on teaching without a degree.
TEFL Certificate
In almost all cases, employers will require applicants to hold a TEFL TESOL certificate. Some employers may waive this requirement for applicants with an education degree, but many still prefer applicants with TEFL TESOL training to learn the necessary methodologies and techniques for teaching English to second/foreign language learners.
Criminal Record
To obtain a work visa/permit, you may need to submit a police clearance certificate, and any record or blemish on your record may disqualify you from obtaining a work visa/permit in certain countries.
Health Check
Some countries may require you to undergo health/medical checks, and certain health or medical issues may affect your eligibility for a work visa/permit. It is important to inquire with your employer about any required health checks.
Employer
In addition to the aforementioned considerations, employers may have their own specific job requirements, such as previous teaching experience, gender preference (e.g. female teachers for young learners), or age range. It is important to be aware of these requirements when applying for English teaching jobs.
Country
Based on the considerations and factors mentioned above, it is crucial to have a clear understanding of the criteria you meet and those you do not. It is recommended to check the country requirements of your desired teaching destination to determine if you qualify.
Employment FAQs
You can find numerous online TEFL job sites to explore for employment opportunities. Our comprehensive course module, ‘The World of TEFL,’ covers various aspects of finding a job, including tips and advice. Additionally, our blog contains articles on country profiles, teaching requirements, and other valuable information. Our blog is a treasure trove of posts and articles that provide insights into the English teaching job market in general.
Many people mistakenly believe that obtaining a TEFL/TESOL certificate automatically qualifies them to teach English anywhere in the world. However, this is not entirely true. For instance, even if you possess a Bachelor’s degree and a TEFL/TESOL qualification, you may face significant challenges in securing an English teaching position in Europe if you lack an EU passport or the right to work in that country. Therefore, it is crucial to thoroughly research and understand the specific requirements of the country where you aspire to teach.
Our programme provides you with the essential skills to effectively teach a wide range of students, including young learners, teenagers, adults, business professionals, and even online learners.
While having a bachelor’s degree is not mandatory for registering in our online TEFL/TESOL course, it is recommended. However, it’s important to note that in many countries, a bachelor’s degree along with a TEFL/TESOL qualification may be required for employment as an English teacher. This is often a prerequisite set by governments/immigration authorities for obtaining a work permit or visa. Nevertheless, there are a few countries where teaching without a degree is possible, and you can find more information on our employment page.
When searching for English teaching jobs abroad, conducting thorough research is crucial. It’s worth noting that many TEFL/TESOL jobs may specify that applicants should be native English speakers, meaning passport holders from countries like the US, Canada, Ireland, South Africa, UK, Australia, and New Zealand. However, there is a growing trend of employers who are open to accepting non-native English speakers for these positions. Therefore, it’s important to stay updated and explore various opportunities, as the landscape of English teaching jobs abroad continues to evolve.
There may be instances of ageism when it comes to teaching English abroad, primarily due to visa requirements. Each country has its own unique rules, and some countries may not issue work visas or permits to teachers who are over the age of approximately 60 or 65. For example, in many Asian countries, the official age cutoff is either 55 or 60. Similarly, in the Middle East, most countries specify that teachers should be below the age of 60. It’s important to be aware of these age-related requirements when considering opportunities to teach English abroad.
Many friends or partners often embark on teaching abroad together, but there are important factors to consider. For instance, securing jobs at the same school may be challenging, though not impossible. However, there may be opportunities to work in different schools within the same city. This way, you can still be in close proximity while working at different locations. On the positive side, sharing accommodation and expenses can be advantageous, and having companionship can be beneficial regardless of whether you work at the same school or not. It’s important to carefully weigh the pros and cons before making any decisions when planning to teach abroad with friends or partners.
The salaries for English teachers vary greatly depending on the country where you choose to teach, your employer, and your previous teaching experience. However, most teaching jobs generally provide a comfortable living standard in the country where you are teaching. Salaries can range from modest to higher end, with some teachers earning over $2500 or more, though this is towards the top end of the scale.
The policy regarding flight expenses varies among employers and schools. Some may cover the cost of your flight upfront, while others may reimburse you for the expenses. In some cases, flight costs may not be included and you may be expected to cover them on your own. It’s crucial to clarify the flight payment policy during the interview phase of any job to avoid any misunderstandings.
The provision of accommodation varies depending on the school or employer. Some schools may offer free accommodation, while others may provide a housing allowance or assistance in finding accommodation. It’s crucial to clarify this during your interview to avoid any unexpected situations.
Contract durations typically range from 6 months to 12 months, with the option for renewal in many cases. However, there may be instances where shorter contract periods are available.
It’s important to ensure that your school or employer provides you with health insurance. It’s recommended to check with your employer to understand the coverage and benefits of the health insurance provided.
Your employer, school or agent should assist you with acquiring the necessary paperwork and help you with securing the correct type of visa. You will have to discuss or negotiate with your agent or employer to see whether you have to pay for the visa or whether they will pay.
The availability of a contract completion bonus depends solely on your employer and the terms outlined in your work contract. While some employers may offer a contract completion bonus, others may not include it as part of their compensation package.
It’s advisable to have some cash on hand when you arrive in a new country to start working. The amount needed may vary significantly depending on the country. You can refer to our country chart for guidance on the recommended amount to set aside for initial expenses.
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