Teaching opportunities overseas are an excellent way to see the world, learn about new cultures, and get paid well while giving back. No matter if you wish to teach English, be employed in an international school, or teach a particular subject, there are lots of options out there.
We will discuss in this guide the top countries to find teaching work, the required qualifications, what you can expect to earn, and how to apply effectively.
Why Teach Overseas?
Teaching overseas has numerous advantages:
Cultural Exposure: Stay in another nation and immerse yourself in various cultures.
Competitive Salaries & Perks: Competitive salaries, free accommodation, and tax-free wages are many countries’ offerings.
Professional Development: Obtain international teaching experience to enrich your curriculum vitae.
Travel Experience: Experience various regions while teaching abroad.
Top Teaching Jobs Abroad in 2025
- English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) Teacher
English teaching abroad is among the top foreign jobs. There is a great demand for English teachers in Asian, Middle East, and European countries.
Average Salary: $1,500–$5,000 per month.
Best Countries: China, South Korea, Japan, Thailand, UAE, Saudi Arabia.
Qualifications: TEFL, TESOL, or CELTA certification (degree preferred).
Where to Find Jobs: TEFL.com, Dave’s ESL Café, TeachAway.
- International School Teacher
International schools recruit teachers to teach math, science, and history in English.
Average Salary: $2,500–$6,000 per month.
Best Countries: UAE, Singapore, China, Switzerland, Germany.
Qualifications: Teaching degree + teaching license (PGCE, QTS, or equivalent).
Where to Find Jobs: International Schools Services (ISS), TeachAnywhere, Schrole.
- University Lecturer/Professor
Several universities employ international staff to teach business, engineering, and humanities courses.
Average Salary: $3,000–$10,000 per month.
Best Countries: UAE, China, South Korea, Canada, Australia.
Qualifications: Master’s or Ph.D. in the field.
Where to Find Jobs: HigherEdJobs, ChronicleVitae, UniJobs.
- Online Teacher/Tutor
Online teaching lets you work from home while teaching students globally.
Average Salary: $15–$50 per hour.
Best Platforms: VIPKid, Preply, iTalki, Cambly.
Qualifications: TEFL certification (for English tutors), subject matter expertise.
- Private School Teacher
Private schools in nations such as the UAE and China employ foreign teachers to instruct core subjects.
Average Salary: $3,000–$7,000 per month.
Best Countries: Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Hong Kong.
Qualifications: Teaching experience, teaching degree.
Where to Find Jobs: SeekTeachers, Guardian Jobs, TeachAway.
- Government-Sponsored Programs (Teach Abroad Programs)
There are some countries with government programs that employ foreign teachers.
Popular Programs:
JET Program (Japan) – Teach English in Japanese schools.
EPIK (South Korea) – Teach in public schools in South Korea.
TAPIF (France) – Teach English in France.
NET Scheme (Hong Kong) – Teach English in Hong Kong public schools.
How to become qualified for Foreign Teaching Jobs
- Be Certified
Many English teaching careers demand a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) certification. You may obtain a TESOL or CELTA certificate as well for superior opportunities. - Obtain a Degree
Schools abroad and universities typically insist on at least a bachelor’s degree in teaching or a connected field. - Gain Some Experience
There are some job requirements for teaching experience (a minimum of 1–2 years), particularly in international schools. - Master the Local Language
Most teaching positions overseas do not call for proficiency in the native language, but picking up the basics will make it easier to settle in and interact with students.
How to Apply for Teaching Positions Overseas
- Browse Global Teaching Job Boards
Employ worldwide job boards to search for teaching positions overseas:
TeachAway – Worldwide teaching opportunities.
Dave’s ESL Café – English language teaching positions.
ESL Base – TEFL job postings.
Guardian Jobs – UK and overseas teaching positions.
- Submit to Recruitment Agencies
Teaching recruitment agencies will assist you in obtaining employment and negotiating contracts. Some of the top agencies are:
Teach Anywhere
SeekTeachers
Footprints Recruiting
- Have a Strong Resume
Emphasize your teaching experience, qualifications, and overseas experience (if applicable). Use action verbs and measure your successes (e.g., “Assisted 50 students in developing English skills by 30%”). - Write a Wonderful Cover Letter
Tailor your cover letter to demonstrate why you would like to teach in this country and why your experience equips you ideally. - Prepare Your Documents
Most institutions will require:
Degree & Teaching Certification Copies
Criminal Background Check
Work Visa or Sponsorship Documents
- Be Interview-Ready
Teaching job interviews usually take place through Zoom or Skype. Be prepared to talk about:
Your pedagogical approach.
Classroom management techniques.
Adjusting to a new culture.
Salaries & Benefits for Teaching Positions Overseas
- Middle East (UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar)
Salary: $3,000–$6,000/month
Benefits: Free accommodation, tax-free salary, flight reimbursement - Asia (China, Japan, South Korea, Thailand)
Salary: $1,500–$4,500/month
Benefits: Free accommodation, flight tickets, contract completion bonuses - Europe (France, Spain, Germany, UK)
Salary: $1,800–$4,000/month
Benefits: Work visa sponsorship (varies by country), medical insurance - Latin America (Mexico, Brazil, Argentina)
Salary: $1,000–$2,500/month
Benefits: Lower cost of living, cultural immersion opportunities
Challenges of Teaching Overseas - Cultural Differences
Adjusting to a new workplace and classroom environment will take time. - Language Barriers
Knowing some local expressions can assist in communication in foreign countries that do not speak English. - Work Visa Process
Every nation has unique visa requirements, and documentation will take time. - Homesickness
Being separated from loved ones can be difficult. Being connected online will help.
Final Thoughts
Teaching abroad is a fulfilling career path that offers very good salaries, travel, and rich international experience. Teaching English, teaching in an international school, or tutoring remotely are just a few of the many opportunities waiting for you in 2025. With the right qualifications, strategic job application, and preparation for cultural adaptation, you can begin a stimulating teaching career overseas.