International TEFL InstituteHiring Seasons – when to look for work abroad!
In most countries/regions, the hiring of English teachers is seasonal or cyclical (hiring seasons). There are however some markets where the hiring of English teachers takes place all year round.
Europe
The primary hiring season for English language schools in Europe is in September/October and the secondary hiring season is in January. Turkey and Russia, on the other hand, hire English teachers all year round.
Central/South America
In Central America (e.g. Costa Rica and Mexico), the primary hiring season is June/July and the secondary hiring season is in January/February. English teachers wishing to teach in South America should ready themselves for the primary hiring season in February/March and the secondary hiring season in July/August.
Asia
The demand for English teachers in Asian countries, such as China, Japan, South Korea and Vietnam is so high that English language schools are hiring all year round.
Public schools in South Korea typically hire English teachers in March/April for August/September start dates. Teachers are also hired for public schools in August/September for start dates in January/February/March.
The JET Programme in Japan requires that applications be submitted by the first of December for positions beginning August/September the following year. The hiring season in Thailand is usually in May and November. In Taiwan, English teachers are hired after Chinese New Year (February) and in July/August.
Middle East
In the Gulf countries (UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia), English teachers are usually interviewed in March/April for August/September start dates. Some schools may recruit English teachers in August/September for start dates in January/February/March.
For further information regarding peak hiring seasons and interview procedures in various countries around the world, refer to our country chart comparison.
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