Teaching overseas is a great opportunity to discover new cultures, gain a secure income, and contribute positively to students across the globe. Whether you’re a seasoned teacher or just starting out, numerous nations are eager to recruit foreign teachers. In this guide, we will discuss the advantages, qualifications, and top tips for finding a teaching position overseas.
Why Teach Abroad?
Teaching abroad has a number of benefits, such as:
Competitive Salaries: High salaries are offered by most countries, particularly for English teachers.
Cultural Immersion: Live as a local and get immersed in new traditions and languages.
Travel Opportunities: Spend weekends and holidays visiting nearby places.
Professional Growth: Acquire precious experience in varied educational environments.
Types of Teaching Jobs Abroad
- Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL)
Teaching English is the most typical international teaching position. There is great demand for English teachers in many countries, particularly throughout Asia, the Middle East, and Europe.
Requirements: Bachelor’s degree (occasionally voluntary), TEFL/TESOL certification, native or fluent English speaker.
Best Countries: China, South Korea, Japan, Thailand, Spain, UAE.
- International School Teacher
International schools use American, British, IB, or other curricula and employ qualified instructors for subjects such as Math, Science, and History.
Requirements: Teaching degree, teaching license (e.g., PGCE, QTS), classroom experience.
Best Countries: UAE, Singapore, China, Switzerland, Qatar.
- University Lecturer
Universities hire foreign professors, especially in STEM fields, business, and English programs.
Requirements: Master’s or PhD, teaching experience, research background.
Best Countries: South Korea, China, Germany, Saudi Arabia, Japan.
- Private Language Academy Instructor
Language institutes offer evening and weekend classes for adults and children learning English or other languages.
Requirements: TEFL/TESOL certificate, native fluency, adaptable work schedule.
Best Countries: Japan, South Korea, Spain, Vietnam, Taiwan.
- Volunteer Teaching
NGOs and organizations offer teaching work in poor communities.
Requirements: Volunteer commitment (no degree necessary), love for teaching.
Best Countries: Peru, Nepal, Cambodia, Kenya, India.
Requirements for Teaching Abroad
- TEFL/TESOL/CELTA Certification
Most English teaching positions demand TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) or TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) certification. CELTA is a more advanced one with a higher priority in Europe.
Where to Become Certified:
Online: TEFL.org, ITTT, Bridge TEFL.
In-Person: CELTA centers, universities.
- Bachelor’s Degree
A minimum of a bachelor’s degree is required by most countries, but the study major may not be necessary. - Teaching License (For International Schools)
If applying to an international school, you will require a teaching certification like:
PGCE (UK)
QTS (UK Qualified Teacher Status)
Teaching Certification (US, Canada, Australia, etc.)
- Work Visa
Visa requirements vary by country. Some schools sponsor work visas, and others will require you to apply on your own.
Best Countries to Teach Abroad
- China
Salary: $1,500–$4,500/month
Benefits: Free accommodation, flight reimbursement, visa sponsorship
Popular Programs: EF English First, China Teach Abroad, VIPKid - South Korea
Salary: $1,800–$3,000/month
Benefits: Free accommodation, reimbursed flights, health cover
Popular Programs: EPIK, GEPIK, Hagwons (private academies) - UAE (Abu Dhabi, Dubai)
Salary: $3,000–$5,500/month
Benefits: Tax-free salary, accommodation allowance, flight allowances
Best for: Licensed teachers, international school teachers - Japan
Salary: $2,000–$3,500/month
Benefits: Reimbursed flights, housing allowance, cultural exchange
Popular Programs: JET Program, Interac, private language schools - Spain
Salary: $1,000–$2,000/month
Benefits: Work visa, cultural experience, government assistant programs
Popular Programs: Auxiliares de Conversación, private academies - Vietnam
Salary: $1,200–$2,500/month
Benefits: Low cost of living, high savings rate
Best for: Degree-less TEFL-certified teachers
How to Apply for Teaching Jobs Overseas - Select Your Destination
Take into consideration salary, cost of living, work-life balance, and visa policies. - Obtain Certification
Take a TEFL, TESOL, or CELTA course if necessary. - Apply on the Internet
Use these sites to search job postings:
Teach Away (International schools, ESL positions)
Dave’s ESL Café (Asia-based teaching opportunities)
Go Overseas (Volunteer and paid teaching work)
ESL Base (TEFL job listings)
- Prepare to be Interviewed
Most interviews are done over Zoom or Skype. Prepare to be asked questions regarding classroom management, lesson planning, and why you wish to teach overseas. - Obtain a Work Visa
When you have a job offer, your employer will assist you in the visa process. - Organize Your Move
Secure housing, book your flights, and learn about your destination’s culture.
Challenges of Teaching Abroad & How to Overcome Them
- Cultural Differences
Acclimatization to a new nation is not easy. Master basic phrases in the native language and study cultural traditions. - Homesickness
Maintain regular contact with family and friends using video calls and social media. Interact with the locals to form new friendships. - Adapting to Different Teaching Styles
Every nation has its own teaching expectations. Be flexible and adaptable to new pedagogical styles.
Final Thoughts
Teaching overseas is a fulfilling profession that enables you to travel, experience new cultures, and make a difference in students’ lives. With proper preparation—certifications, research, and job applications—you can effectively secure a teaching position overseas and have an experience of a lifetime.