What are the Top Countries for Teaching English Overseas?
Author: Jessie Smith
South Korea. Spain. Mexico. China. Which countries will make the list as top destinations for teaching English abroad in 2019?
With 1.7 billion people using and learning English worldwide, the international job market for teaching English abroad and teaching English online have never been stronger. There are new opportunities opening every single day overseas from Thailand & Mexico to Germany & South Korea. Teaching English overseas provides more opportunities than any other field for English speakers from all walks of life and all backgrounds to live, work and travel abroad in foreign countries across the globe.
No prior teaching experience is required! However, taking an accredited TEFL certification course will allow you to gain the skills and qualification you need to get hired and to teach on the professional level.
As we look forward toward to 2019, here are 10 of the top job markets to consider as you look at your options for teaching English abroad this coming year....
10. Germany
If you're set on teaching English in Europe then it's worth throwing Germany onto your list of considerations. Germany is still holding strong as one of the largest teaching markets in Europe. One key advantage to teaching English in Germany is that American teachers can get sponsored for a work visa.
Those seeking to teach English in Germany typically find work towards the beginning of September or October, and then again in January. The most popular cities for teaching in Germany include major cities like Berlin, Stuttgart, Frankfurt, Hamburg, Dusseldorf, and Wiesbaden.
To Learn More:
Featured Germany Alumni Stories:
- Berlin, Germany Alumni Q&A with Megan Cape
- Munich, Germany Alumni Q&A with Gabrielle Toborg
- View All Germany Alumni Stories & Testimonials
9. THAILAND
Known for its tropical climes and hospitality of its people, Thailand represents one of the fastest growing teaching markets in Asia. Who wouldn't want to live and teach English in Bangkok or Chiang Mai? Not to mention, you're in the thick of Southeast Asia with endless opportunities for travel throughout the region. A generous salary affords those teaching English in Thailand the opportunity to live a comfortable lifestyle while saving the equivalent of $200–$400 USD per month.
Teaching English online is also becoming a popular option for English teachers in Thailand as a means to boost income to further fund travel, savings, or paying off student loans.
To Learn More:
- 10 Reasons Why I Loved Teaching English in Thailand
Featured Thailand Alumni Stories:
- Teaching English in Chiang Mai, Thailand: Alumni Q&A with Aundrea Connelly
- Teaching English in Bangkok, Thailand: Alumni Q&A with Julianna Montgomery
- View All Thailand Alumni Stories & Testimonials
8. Japan
From Shogun castles to sushi bars, Japan is the ultimate combination of ancient and more. In addition, Japan is easily one of the largest and strongest teaching markets in Asia. Private language schools are very popular, and many Americans also teach English in Japan through the Jet Program and the Interac Program.
A bachelor’s degree is required to teach in Japan, and TEFL certification is typically required. Major cities for teaching in Japan include Tokyo, Fukuoka, Kobe, Kyoto, and Osaka.
To Learn More:
- Teaching English in Japan - Country Profile
- What Are The Basic Requirements to Teach English in Japan?
- What is the JET Program for Teaching English in Japan?
Featured Japan Alumni Stories:
- Teaching English in Japan: Alumni Q&A with Edward Young
- Teaching English in Hikone, Japan: Alumni Q&A with Shana Heagwood
- View All Japan Alumni Stories & Testimonials
7. Mexico
With a huge population and an economy that is deeply intertwined with that of the United States, Mexico is easily one of the largest markets for teaching English abroad in Latin America. English teachers the opportunity to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle and have the potential to earn a solid hourly wage. Schools typically offer around 20 to 25 hours of work per week, leaving plenty of time to travel and explore.
Teaching English Online is also gaining popularity among English teachers in Latin America, as this is a great way to boost your income and fund travels or pay off debt.
While English teachers are not required to have a bachelor’s degree to teach in Mexico, it is preferred. An accredited TEFL certification is typically essential to teach English in Mexico. English teaching jobs in Mexico are found in the larger cities of Mexico City, Guadalajara, Puebla, Juarez, Puerto Vallarta, and León.
To Learn More:
- Teaching English in Mexico - Country Profile
- TEFL Certification Class in Guadalajara, Mexico and Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
Featured Mexico Alumni Stories:
- Queretaro, Mexico English Teaching Q&A with Stacey Robison
- Guadalajara, Mexico English Teaching Q and A with Ekaterina Nastina.
- View All Mexico Alumni Stories & Testimonials
6. Spain
Despite a sluggish economy - or perhaps because of it - the demand for English teachers in Spain remains among the strongest in Europe. The key for getting a job in Spain is to be on the ground with a TEFL certification and ready to interview during prime hiring seasons: mid-September through mid-October and again in January right after 3 Kings Day, which is January 6.
The biggest job market by far is Madrid, which makes it an ideal spot for beginning your job search. Barcelona is also a large job market, and you should also consider a city like Bilbao, which is not as well-known and therefore is less competitive but still offers an awesome experience.
To Learn More:
- What Are The Basic Requirements to Teach English in Spain?
- Spain Student Visa options - Madrid Student Visa Program & Barcelona Student Visa options to live and teach English legally in Spain.
Featured Spain Alumni Stories:
- Teaching English in Madrid, Spain: Alumni Q&A by Christina Bates
- How My Plan B Turned Into My Plan A: Alumni Story by Kaci Tokumoto
- View All Spain Alumni Stories & Testimonials
5. CHINA
With an estimated 300 million Chinese learning English, it's no secret that the world's most populous nation is also the largest job market in the world for teaching English abroad.
Not only that, but China is one of the most lucrative job markets for teaching English overseas. Many English teachers receive benefits such as free housing and free airfare and a combination of good salaries and a relatively low cost of living enables many English teachers in China to make enough to save $500 - $1000 a month or even more after expenses.
But teaching English in China is not just about the ease of getting a job or making a good salary. Living and teaching English in China provides the opportunity of a lifetime to explore the history and culture of one of the world's greatest and most important civilizations while also experiencing one of the most dynamic and fast-changing countries in the world.
To Learn More:
- Teaching English in China - Country Profile
- 6-Step Plan for Getting Hired to Teach English in China
- What are Salaries for English Teachers in China?
Featured China Alumni Stories:
- Shenzen, China Q&A with Armand Diab.
- Teaching English in Shanghai, China: Alumni Q&A with Briana Campbell
- View All China Alumni Stories & Testimonials
4. Colombia
Twenty or 30 years ago, Colombia was a "no-go" zone ravaged by drug violence and political turmoil, but today, after two decades of economic reform and political stabilization it represents one of the fastest growing economies in Latin America as well as one of top job markets for teaching English. Cities like Bogota and Medellin have become dynamic centers of commerce and culture, renowned for their colorful markets and fast-paced nightlife. In addition, Colombia offers magnificent beaches, lush rain forests, and rich history and culture.
English teachers will find opportunities in private language schools and the Ministry of Education has also begun to recruit foreign instructors as well. A growing number of schools interview English teachers in advance and it is also possible to find many opportunities locally as well.
To Learn More:
- Teaching English in Colombia - Country Profile
- What Type of Visa Can I Use for Teaching English in Colombia?
Featured Colombia Alumni Stories:
- Bogota, Colombia English Teaching Q&A with Elisa Cruz
- Quito, Colombia English Teaching Q&A with Kim Jackson
- View All Colombia Alumni Stories & Testimonials
3. Czech Republic
If you seek to live in a classic European setting complete with medieval castles, cobblestone streets, picturesque villages and great bars and cafes, then teaching English in the Czech Republic is your kind of place for teaching English abroad. As an up-and-coming economy in the heart of Europe, Czech Republic is also one of the top job markets for teaching English in Europe even though it is not a large nation.
For Americans, Czech Republic is a nation where it is easier to get a legal work permit to teach English than it is in some other European nations, and the cost of living is lower than in some Western European nations like France and Germany. Its prime location in the heart of Europe makes it very convenient for travel to countries like Poland, Hungary, Germany, and Austria.
To Learn More:
- Teaching English in Czech Republic - Country Profile
- 11 Expert Tips for How to Get a Job Teaching English in Czech Republic
- Staff Report: The Job Market for Teaching English in Prague, Czech Republic
- Check out International TEFL Academy's 4-week TEFL certification class in Prague.
Featured Czech Republic Alumni Stories:
- Prague, Czech Republic Q&A with Andrea Perkins
2. Vietnam
From the highlands of Sapa and colorful street markets of Ho Chi Minh City to the sprawling Mekong River Delta, Vietnam is a feast for the senses and a treasure trove of fantastic cultural and natural offerings.
Vietnam also represents one of the fastest growing job markets in Asia for teaching English abroad. The capital of Ho Chi Minh City is home to hundreds of language schools and represents the largest job market, however schools across the country hire new English teachers on a regular basis. Due to good salaries and a low cost of living, most foreign English teachers earn enough to save the equivalent of $500+ USD each month after expenses. Schools highly prefer to employ citizens of native English-speaking nations and a four-year degree (bachelor's degree) is required, often in addition to an accredited TEFL certification.
To Learn More:
- Teaching English in Vietnam - Country Profile
- TEFL Certification Classes in Hanoi
- TEFL Certification Classes in Ho Chi Minh City
Featured Vietnam Alumni Stories:
- The Many Ways I Taught English in Saigon, Vietnam
- Hanoi, Vietnam Alumni Q&A with Holly Grudovich
- View All Vietnam Alumni Stories
1. South Korea
Want to live in an uber-modern country in the heart of Asia that boasts thousands of years of history, high-tech cities, and some of the best barbecue on the planet?
How about receiving free airfare, free housing, and making enough salary to save $1,000 a month or more after expenses?
That's the deal for those who teach English in South Korea.
Those who teach English in Korea can expect to receive 2-4 weeks paid vacation, health insurance, and the opportunity to live in some of the most dynamic and cosmopolitan cities in the world like Seoul and Busan. The 170-Hour Online TEFL Certification Class is recommended for those looking to teach English in Korea as schools and recruiters will interview you from your home country and you will receive job placement during the course so you can get going with the interview and job search process.
To Learn More:
- Teach English in South Korea - Country Profile
- What are the basic requirements to teach English in Korea?
- What is the EPIK Program for Teaching English in South Korea?
Featured South Korea Alumni Stories:
- Daejeon, South Korea Alumni Q&A with Kim Jackson [EPIK Program]
- Seoul, South Korea Alumni Q&A with Michelle Garcia
- View all South Korea Alumni Stories
*Bonus OPTION*- Teaching English online
Bottom line, online learning is a booming business and it's here to stay – from world class universities to Fortune 500 companies, computer, mobile, and Internet-based training has become an integral part of nearly all fields of education, including language instruction, and Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL).
Teaching English online is becoming very popular with TEFL certified English teachers because it offers great flexibility and the ability to make money working part-time or full-time from just about anywhere.
If you are TEFL certified and a fluent English speaker then you can teach English online! Most companies will also require that you have a Bachelor’s degree, although this fluctuates from company to company.
To Learn More:
- What Are The Basic Requirements to Teach English Online?
- Teaching English Online: Your Guide on How to Make Money & Travel the World
Featured Teaching English Online Alumni Stories:
- Teaching English Online With a Full-Time Job- Alumni Q&A with Sam Kg
- Earn a Side Hustle By Teaching English Online - Alumni Q&A with Mike Crescitelli
Are You Interested in Teaching English Abroad in 2019?
Request a free brochureor call 773-634-9900 to speak with an expert advisor about all aspects of teaching English around the world, including TEFL certification, the hiring process, salaries, visas and more. Do it now to make this the best year of your life!
Related Articles:
- Top 5 Countries to Make the Most Money Teaching English Overseas
- Teach English Online: Your Guide on How to Make Money & Travel the World
- What is TEFL & TEFL Certification?
- How Quickly Can I Get TEFL Certified & Begin Teaching English Abroad?
- What's the Difference Between TEFL, TESOL, CELTA?
- Visit the Alumni Ambassador Corner - Get videos, articles & inside tips for teaching and living abroad from ITA Ambassadors living on the ground.
An International TEFL Academy graduate who now works at ITA as an Advisor & Writer, Jessie is a Chicago native who began traveling in 2010 when she studied abroad in Gold Coast, Australia. Jessie graduated from The University of Iowa with a degree in journalism and then taught English for 3 years in South Korea and Vietnam before joining the International TEFL Academy team.
