Country Profiles

TURKEY

Turkey is where East meets West and has an amazing diverseness of flora and fauna. Visit the Blue Mosque and the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul, take a hot air balloon in Cappadocia and walk around the Roman ruins of Ephesus.

There are great opportunities for teaching English in Turkey, particularly in the larger cities. Salaries are reasonable and TEFL teachers are able to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle. Opportunities mainly exist within the private educational sector. Most TEFL teachers seem to find teaching and living in Turkey a pleasurable experience. A university degree is deemed necessary for teaching English in Turkey but this is not strictly abided by.

The cost of living here is very low and the minimum legal wage is about US$450 per month. Teachers of English will generally make double that amount. The Turkish middle classes are very eager to learn English, especially from a native speaker of the language. The number of students wanting to learn English far outweighs the number of English teachers. There is an abundance of English schools in Istanbul that cater to adult students, and these are definitely easier to find a job teaching English than the primary schools. This means that you will likely work evenings and weekends, which leaves your day free to explore. There are language schools in other cities, such as the capital, Ankara, and Izmir. The majority of schools request you to stay for a year minimum. If you have an MA in TESOL, linguistics or education, and some teaching experience, you should be able to land a relatively well-paying teaching job at a public university in Turkey. These are regarded as the best employment prospects within the Turkish education system and therefore competition is high. If you have a degree and no formal TEFL training, it is advised to enrol on a TEFL course. Read more…

THAILAND

Thailand is a very popular tourist destination – known as the land of smiles. There are many beautiful temples and cultural treasures to visit. Stroll around any of the many shopping malls or take a walk on one of Phuket’s amazing beaches. When it comes to food, Thailand has a huge array of spicy dishes such as Tom Yam Goong, Som Tham and Pad Thai.

There are a plethora of job opportunities for teaching English in Thailand right now. Especially in Bangkok and the large tourist destinations, where there are far more jobs than teachers. Throughout Thailand, a qualified TEFL teacher will have no problems securing a job. In most other parts of the country, the prospects are strong as well. All state schools employ at least one native English language teacher so the demand for teachers is massive. Teachers here are highly respected by their Thai students (the usual order of respect being King, monk, teacher, parents), and they are generally highly motivated and willing to learn. Thailand is one of the most attractive countries in Southeast Asia in which to work, but because of this, many unqualified teachers try to set up shop here. TEFL qualified English teachers will find work very easily. Pay is relatively low but more than adequate for the cost of living.

The minimal requirements for most positions teaching English in Thailand are a university degree (area of study is usually unimportant) and a TEFL certificate. As the demand for qualified TEFL teachers is high, schools will offer positions to those with only a TEFL certificate (they obviously have some agreement with the immigration authorities). Jobs are prevalent in Thailand, and especially easy to find in the many Schools, which are scattered around the country. Because of a recent lock-down on visa regulations, be informed that you must have your original diploma/degree and original university transcripts from your home country in order to receive a work permit. Read more…

Taiwan

Taiwan is well known for its colourful temples, spectacular gorges, mountain scenery, hot springs, festivals, food, and quiet beaches. Taroko Gorge, Alishan, Sun Moon Lake, Lukang and Kenting are some of the more famous tourist attractions outside of Taipei.

Opportunities for teaching English in Taiwan are huge and jobs for degree holding, TEFL qualified native English speakers are available throughout the country. Salaries are quite high, the cost of living is low and working conditions are reasonable. English teaching positions are normally found in the hundreds of Bushibans (private schools) throughout the country. There are more jobs teaching children than teaching adults. Taiwanese people are warm, friendly and like to get to know people from other cultures. Always ask for a copy of the exact contract before considering a position. Always ask questions regarding contracted hours, times and days of employment, salary, holidays, flights, accommodation, medical insurance, contract completion bonus and visas. Hourly paid teaching jobs will give you more free time for extra lessons and are usually better paid than salaried positions. However, you will usually not receive holiday pay. Seek private students if you wish to boost your income. Positions are also available for Associate degree holders from recognized colleges who have also attended a recognized TEFL course. There are many large chain schools in Taiwan and many jobs on offer. It is a teachers market. Always check forums and run web searches for additional information. Read more…

South Korea

South Korea is an incredibly high-tech nation with plenty of shopping malls and festivals. Finding English teaching jobs in South Korea is extremely easy and it is a great destination to save money. South Korea has a relatively low cost of living that caters for all tastes.

There are literally thousands of Hagwons (private institutes) offering business English and general English lessons. The South Korean government also offers two programmes for TEFL teachers to teach English in the South Korean public school system. These are the EPIK and Talk programmes. In order to teach in South Korea, you will be required to have a Bachelor’s degree and a TEFL / TESOL qualification.  There are also the highly prized English teaching positions offered at the universities. These positions usually require that applicants have at least a Master’s degree.

You can find English teaching positions in South Korea all year round. Housing is often included with many contracts and air flights reimbursed. The major cities where TEFL teaching positions can be found are Seoul, Busan, Daegu, Incheon, Gwangju, Daejeon, Ulsan. Interviews are often conducted over the phone or via Skype. An average TEFL teacher teaches around 25 to 30 classroom hours per week plus preparation time – earning from 1,800,000 – 2,700,000 KRW per month.

Poland

Poland is vastly underrated but offers a huge amount for travellers of all types – from the beautiful old towns of Krakow, Zamość, Gdańsk and Wroclaw to the wilderness of the Białowieża National Park – all with its ubiquitous buffalos and epic vistas.

The availability of jobs teaching English in Poland has been huge for a number of years now. So much so that Poland is said to have the most English teaching opportunities than anywhere else in the region, and some say the world. There are positions teaching English in Poland available countrywide in both the state sector, at schools, colleges and universities, and in the private sector, private language schools, institutes and companies. Salaries are high by local standards and you will live comfortably, however, as with many countries in the region, saving can be minimal unless you support your income with private lessons.

Jobs are advertised year-round on the many. A TEFL certificate and a university degree (not always a requirement) are usually required to secure employment. Contracts are usually for one year unless applying during the academic year, which runs from September to June. Polish people are friendly and motivated and have high respect for teachers. TEFL teachers are usually provided with a yearlong curriculum, which is broken down into terms and weeks within a term. Most schools acknowledge that although a curriculum has been provided, teachers can adapt lesson contents to meet student requirements. It is important to achieve the results required by the school by following the curriculum, but how you achieve those results are often determined by the TEFL teacher.

Most opportunities teaching English in Poland are to be found in the larger cities where the demand for lessons is higher due to a larger population and an eager workforce. With Poland joining the EU in 2004, the demand for English teachers has increased significantly. Should you wish to teach English in Poland after your TEFL course, you will have little or no problem securing a job very quickly. Read more…

Peru

Peru is considered one of the oldest civilizations in the world – combining amazing landscapes, modern and ancient cultures. See the mysterious Nazca Lines to the enigmatic Machu Picchu.

Peru is one of the most visited destinations by foreign tourists, as it not only has Archaeological wealth and monuments, but also a rich culture, beautiful tourist cities that combine the coast, highlands and jungle, the Peruvian cuisine is well known worldwide. There is a huge demand for English native speaking teachers. However, the low salaries, difficulty in obtaining working papers and bad reputation of the country in safety terms generally mean that English teachers often ignore it. Yet opportunities teaching English in Lima are enormous for those who plan to teach English here.

Expect quite good conditions teaching English in Peru with a regular work schedule running from Monday thru Friday. Teaching schedules are usually split, and you can expect a block of classes in the morning and again in the early evening, this, of course, leaves a large part of the day free. Age groups are adults and young learners and you can expect to teach both types of TEFL class, with the majority being adult classes. You may be asked to work on a Saturday, which will earn you an extra day off during the week. Read more…

Mexico

Mexico is known as the home of tacos, Aztecs, sombreros and tequila. There is, however, a lot more to Mexico. Mexico offers a mixture of Mesoamerican cultures, Spanish traditions and contemporary arts. Visit its incredible blue coastline of Baja California and the cactus-strewn deserts of the north, to the Maya villages of the south.

Due to its close proximity to the USA, there is a vast jobs market for positions teaching English in Mexico. The demand for native English speaking teachers is high in almost every town and city in the country, and as a result, TEFL qualified teachers should be able to find work in most locations. There is good demand for TEFL teachers of business English in the major cities and those with a business background will find positions easily.

Usually, the requirements to secure good English teaching positions in Mexico are a university degree and/or an internationally recognized TEFL/TESOL certificate. Some of the larger language schools employ teachers with just a TEFL certificate. On the other side of the spectrum, many universities prefer to employ teachers who hold a Master’s degree in TESOL or education. For the TEFL teacher though, a degree and a TEFL certificate will secure a job teaching English in Mexico.

While some teachers find jobs at primary or secondary schools, or in business settings, the bulk of English teaching jobs in Mexico are either at universities or private language schools. University jobs usually pay better than language schools and often offer more benefits. Still, while they tend to offer the best package deals to their teachers, university jobs in Mexico can vary greatly in salary, benefits, and overall desirability. It is easier to find work at a language school than a university since there are more of them and they don’t always require a lot of experience. You can find English teaching jobs at a language school at practically any time of the year, whereas universities often hire only prior to each new semester. Read more…

Japan

Japan has one of the lowest crime rates and the highest life expectancy in the world. Japan is an electronic powerhouse and public transport services are unsurpassed. Experience a cultural heritage that spans thousands of years, indulge in one of the healthiest diets in the world or relax in one of their many springs.

Opportunities for teaching English in Japan are good for those who hold a TEFL Certificate. In Tokyo and Osaka, there are usually more English teaching positions than there are teachers, while all over Japan employment prospects remain good. Teachers are highly respected throughout Japanese society, and students are generally highly motivated and willing to learn. You will need a BA or BS degree in order to obtain a work permit, so employment prospects are limited to graduates. Teacher’s salaries are good and you can expect to save approximately, and depending on the lifestyle, of course, 70,000 Yen per month (US$ 580). More income can be generated by arranging private students.

Many large corporations employ a huge amount of teachers. Opinions vary on each organization so always do some research first and ask questions that are important to you before reaching a decision. Questions to ask potential employers include “Can I see a copy of the contract? What are my exact teaching hours and is there a degree of flexibility? Are lesson plans provided or can I introduce my own materials? Is housing provided or is housing assistance provided? Is health insurance included in the package?” Schools in Japan like their teachers to be fun and energetic with a good sense of humour. Read more…

Indonesia

Indonesia is a fantastic place to teach English and save some money – with a relatively high salary and a low cost of living. Indonesia has more than seventeen thousand islands – go surfing in Bali, trek through the Indonesian rainforests or see the Komodo Dragon on Komodo.

Indonesia is the fifth most populous nation on earth and at times it can seem as if all of them are learning English! This is good news for TEFL teachers as jobs abound teaching English in Indonesia. Positions teaching English can range from state to private sector. Most teachers find employment on the country’s main island of Java, but there are many openings on other islands too.

The requirements to teach English in Indonesia are quite flexible but in all cases, TEFL certification from a recognized TEFL course provider is required by the government in order to issue a work visa. Some schools require a university degree while others do not. Most schools value a positive attitude and a sense of humour. With the cost of living very low, a TEFL teacher’s salary goes a long way. Although you should be able to live comfortably, do not count on saving. Indonesia is a good place to begin your TEFL years but is quite poorly paid in comparison to other Asian countries. Always check what you have been offered against the actual contract. Therefore, it is a good idea to check your contract before signing. In all cases and in all countries, always check web forums and notice boards for information. Look for schools that offer a housing allowance in addition to or instead of providing housing. This will give you more options. Never agree to housing without seeing it first. A return air ticket is required to enter Indonesia. Your school should reimburse 50% of the fare after 3 months and the balance on completion of your contract. Also, check the hours you are contracted to teach and try to achieve a good balance. Don’t sign a contract, which states you may have to work alternate Saturdays if you do not want to work Saturdays. Read more…

India

India is a beautiful and fascinating country. India stretches between the wonderful sandy beaches of the Indian Ocean and the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayan mountains. Visit a tapestry of natural and man-made wonders – incredible temples, mystical monasteries, buzzing cities, national parks, lavish palaces, lost kingdoms, tantalizing markets and some of the world’s most iconic monuments. India is truly an assault on the senses. The sights, sounds, smells and sensations are all mixed into an unforgettable experience.

Competition is strong for paid TEFL positions, but they are still available, especially in the business field. A degree in the field of education or a good deal of teaching experience, as well as a TEFL or similar certificate, is usually necessary. Many jobs teaching English in India require you to work 6 days a week, and approximately 20-25 hours.

Teachers in India are generally treated with the utmost respect. In the Indian culture, knowledge is regarded highly, therefore enticing students to gain as much as possible. Jobs teaching English remain somewhat difficult to obtain due to the fact that English is already widely spoken; therefore, schools generally look for someone willing to make a long-term commitment. Aside from the school atmosphere, language schools are plentiful in India, especially in the large cities scattered throughout the country. Many of these jobs require nighttime availability and offer part-time positions to start. Corporate training is also a good way to get your foot in the door in India, but will most likely require some experience or certifications in the fields of business and commerce. In the BPO industry, teachers are hired as voice and accent trainers, and companies’ nationwide higher soft skill trainers to increase the awareness of appropriate interview skills, dress, general politeness and manners, etc. Read more…

Egypt

The most important tourist attractions in Egypt include the ancient monuments in the Nile Valley. These include the Pyramids and Great Sphinx at Giza, the Abu Simbel temples south of Aswan and the Karnak Temple Complex and the Valley of the Kings near Luxor. There are further attractions in Cairo such as the Cairo Museum and the Mosque of Muhammad Ali Pasha. The coastal region of the Sinai Peninsula has some great and popular seaside resorts.

In the past, Egypt was a top destination for teaching English. However, as English has become more widespread over the years, opportunities to teach English in Egypt have decreased due to the fact that many Egyptian citizens are qualified to teach English themselves. That said, there are still numerous positions available, and Egypt offers some of the best paid TEFL teaching positions in Northern Africa. In the Sinai Desert, Cairo and Alexandria, securing a desirable position should come relatively easily. Many available jobs are in the fields of business and computers, so experience in these fields will definitely increase your chances of finding a job.

The students in Egypt are often some of the best to teach in the world. As most of them need to become fluent in English in order to obtain a job themselves, they are very diligent workers and excited to learn. The requirements for most teaching positions throughout Egypt are a University diploma and a TEFL certificate. Read more…

China

China is a populous nation whose vast landscape encompasses grassland, desert, mountains, lakes, rivers and coastline. Beijing is the capital and mixes modern architecture with historic sites such as the Forbidden City Palace and Tiananmen Square. Shanghai is a skyscraper-filled financial centre. The Great Wall of China runs east-west across the country’s north.

The opportunities for teaching English in China are huge. Year-round there are far more jobs available than teachers. Positions teaching English in China are available countrywide. Any TEFL qualified teachers should be able to teach English in any part of China they choose with a variety of opportunities throughout the country in both state and private sectors. Salaries (and costs) can vary tremendously between regions. China has developed rapidly over the last 5 years, which means that teachers in China can expect similar standards of living in Asian countries such as Japan and Taiwan. For the first time TEFL teacher, living and working in China’s ever-evolving situation can be an exciting and rewarding experience. Most jobs can be arranged from outside China (in these cases most schools will reimburse airfares) and a University degree is usually required to obtain a work visa.

The cost of living in China is low, travel is inexpensive and food in restaurants cheap. TEFL teachers have the opportunity to teach extra hours in China by arranging their own private lessons. This is a great way to earn extra income and to save very well indeed. Check and double-check all documentation provided by employers and search the web for forums and feedback. Overall, a great place to work and save. Read more…

Chile

Chile stretches along South America’s western edge, with a very large Pacific Ocean coastline. Santiago is the capital of Chile and is located in a valley surrounded by the Andes and Chilean Coast Range mountains. The city’s palm-lined Plaza de Armas contains the neoclassical cathedral and the National History Museum. The massive Parque Metropolitano offers swimming pools, a botanical garden and a zoo.

Chile has a relatively strong economy compared to other countries in South America and the growth in jobs teaching English in Chile has matched the economic growth. There is a thriving market for jobs teaching business English and increasing demand for teachers of young learners. There are many private language schools, particularly in the capital city of Santiago, and certified English teachers should have little problem finding suitable employment. Demand for English teachers is dynamic and fluctuates week to week, and sometimes day to day. Emphasize your international experience, education, and your TEFL training/ teaching experience.

The school year in Chile begins at the end of March, so try to apply for jobs by the previous October. If you do apply early, schools will not usually contact you until the New Year. If you cannot apply in October, then anytime before March is a good second best with last-minute recruitment being quite common. Once a school has shown an interest in you, they will request an interview either in person or by telephone. If they offer you the job, you will usually have a few days to reply. Schools like prompt replies to job offers so you need to decide quickly. Schools are obliged to offer you a contract, which is necessary for obtaining a work visa. If you are hired without a contract, you will have to leave the country every three months to gain another 3-month tourist visa. Bureaucracy runs quite slow in Chile so obtaining paperwork can take some time. Schools are well versed in how to prolong your visa. Most schools run their own in-house training, but this is usually forfeited for those who have undertaken a TEFL course. Class sizes vary from one to twelve students. Your teaching schedule can be quite varied with early morning and late afternoon/early evening classes. This leaves afternoons free for lesson planning, catching up on sleep, private lessons, or other recreational activities. Read more…

Brazil

Brazil is a very large country, stretching from the Amazon Basin in the north to vineyards and massive Iguaçu Falls in the south. Rio de Janeiro is famous for its busy Copacabana and Ipanema beaches as well as its enormous, raucous Carnaval festival, featuring parade floats, flamboyant costumes and samba music and dance.

As the fifth largest country in the World, you can find good opportunities for teaching English in Brazil, especially in the larger cities (as well as some smaller ones). TEFL qualified teachers in Brazil can usually find work easily. Salaries usually pay well enough to give teachers a comfortable lifestyle. Most people looking for employment teaching English in Brazil just arrive on a visitor’s visa and then begin contacting schools once in the country. There are English schools throughout the country, in small towns and large cities. Unlike almost every other country, big cities do not always offer better prospects for teaching English. If you decide to teach English in a small Brazilian town, the locals will greatly respect your decision to immerse yourself in their town and culture and will be grateful for your presence. If you are looking for a uniquely Brazilian experience, then consider this option.

Pay is not great anywhere in Brazil, with low salaries in the country and larger in the cities, but it is quite easy to pick up private students, increasing your income by a large degree, sometimes doubling it. Always get to know people and offer your professional services as an English teacher. After you have gained some private lessons, you may well find that the students recommend you to their friends and family. Read more…