Ever dreamed of teaching English while exploring the world? Whether you’re looking to fund your gap year adventures or build a genuine career in education, Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) might be your ticket to an incredible life abroad.
Here’s everything you need to know about getting started, where to go, and what to expect – the good, the bad, and the reality check you probably need.
Getting Your TEFL Certification: The First Step
Let’s cut through the confusion: you need a TEFL or TESOL certification to teach English abroad. It’s not optional – it’s your entry ticket.
The industry standard is 120 hours, and honestly, most employers don’t care where you got it. Many successful teachers paid under $20 for an online certification from what are essentially diploma mills, and companies still hired them. (Though we’re not saying you should skimp on quality training!)
Your Options:
Online courses: Flexible and affordable ($150-$500). Perfect if you’re working or studying.
In-person courses: More expensive ($800-$1,500) but you get real classroom practice.
Basic requirements: Be 18+, speak fluent English, and have a high school diploma (though many online programs don’t even require a degree).
Popular certification providers: TEFL UK, International TEFL Academy, OnTESOL, TEFL.org
Where the Money Is: Top-Paying Countries
Let’s talk numbers – because we all want to know what we can actually earn.
The Big Players:
United Arab Emirates 💰
$3,500-$5,500/month, tax-free
The holy grail for TEFL teachers. You’ll get free housing, flights, and health insurance. But be warned – they want the best of the best. Think bachelor’s degree, teaching license, and years of experience.
Saudi Arabia & Gulf States 💰
$3,000-$5,000/month
Incredible money, but you’ll need to navigate cultural restrictions. Great for saving serious cash, but maybe not ideal for your first teaching gig.
South Korea 🏆
$2,200-$3,200/month
The sweet spot for first-time teachers. Programs like EPIK provide housing, flights, and that all-important contract completion bonus. You can save up to 50% of your income here.
China
$1,800-$4,000/month
Huge market, lots of opportunities. Private tutoring can net you $50/hour on the side. Just be aware of occasional visa changes and air quality in some cities.
Japan
$2,500-$3,500/month
Cultural immersion at its finest, but Tokyo rent will eat into your savings. The JET Programme is highly competitive but incredibly rewarding.
Vietnam
$1,500-$2,200/month
The up-and-comer. Lower salary but your money goes far here. Great for adventurous souls who want to explore Southeast Asia.
Taiwan
$2,000-$3,500/month
Safe, clean, excellent healthcare. Perfect work-life balance, though you’ll hit a ceiling without learning Mandarin.
Teaching English Online: Your Flexible Alternative
Not ready to pack your bags? Online teaching lets you dip your toes in the water.
Top platforms and what they pay:
- VIPKID: $14-$22/hour (needs bachelor’s degree)
- Preply: Set your own rates ($15-$50/hour)
- Cambly: $10-$20/hour (no degree required!)
- Qkids: $16-$20/hour
Pro tip: Specialize in Business English, IELTS prep, or medical English and charge $30-$100/hour. Build a client base with free trial lessons and watch your reviews pile up.
Eligibility and Requirements:
- Non-native speakers can teach English with a proficiency certificate (e.g., IELTS 7.5+).
- Top markets for non-native teachers: Europe, Latin America, and Southeast Asia.
- Many countries (e.g., South Korea, China) require a bachelor’s degree, but online platforms like Cambly and Preply often do not.
Pro tip: most online tutoring companies do not care where your TEFL comes from. Most people pay less than $20 and get one from a diploma mill, and companies still offer them contracts.
The Reality Check: Pros and Cons
Why TEFL is Amazing:
- Global mobility: Your certification works in 100+ countries
- Cultural immersion: You’re not just a tourist – you’re living the culture
- Financial freedom: Save serious money or fund your travels
- Flexibility: Part-time, full-time, online, abroad – take your pick
- Skill building: Adaptability and cross-cultural communication are gold in any career
The Not-So-Great Parts:
- Upfront costs: Certification plus moving expenses add up
- “Dancing monkey” syndrome: Some schools treat you as entertainment, not an educator
- Contract instability: Especially in smaller language centers
- Cultural isolation: Rural placements can be lonely
- Career ceiling: Without advanced degrees, progression can be limited
- Workplace stress: Last-minute schedule changes and unpaid duties are common complaints
How to Succeed (And Avoid Getting Burned)
Do your homework: Research schools thoroughly. Check forums like Dave’s ESL Cafe and Reddit’s r/TEFL for real teacher experiences. Scam schools are unfortunately common.
Find your niche: Exam prep, business English, or industry-specific teaching pays more and makes you indispensable.
Network like crazy: The TEFL community is tight-knit. Your next job often comes from a friend’s recommendation.
Stay current: AI tools, VR classrooms, and gamification are changing how we teach. Embrace the tech.
The Bottom Line
TEFL isn’t just a gap year adventure anymore (though it can be that too). It’s a legitimate path to seeing the world while building valuable skills and potentially serious savings.
Sure, you might not get rich teaching English, but you’ll gain experiences money can’t buy. And who knows? You might just fall in love with education and never look back.
The world wants to learn English, and if you’re young, energetic, and ready for an adventure, this could be the career path you’ve been looking for.
Ready to start your TEFL journey? The first step is getting certified. The second is deciding where your adventure will take you.
Useful Links & Resources
- British Council TeachingEnglish: Free lesson plans and professional development
- TESOL International Association: Research and teaching resources
- Reddit r/TEFL: Real talk from teachers worldwide
- Dave’s ESL Cafe: Job boards and community forums
Have you taught English abroad? Share your experiences in the comments below – both the good and the challenging parts. Future teachers want to hear the real story!
