How to Become an English Teacher Abroad Without Experience

If you want to experience a new culture and travel long term, becoming an English teacher might be the right choice for you. Teaching English abroad is probably the easiest way to move to a new country. With the demand for native English speakers constantly growing, many countries will pay top dollar to attract native English speakers to their schools.

So how do you become an English teacher? What qualifications and certifications do you need? What country would be best for you? To answer those questions, I’ve created this guide for beginners who want to teach English abroad. Learn how to plan your move and what to expect as an English teacher in a foreign country.

Qualifications

The great thing about teaching English abroad is that there’s a relatively low barrier to entry. You can get accepted to many programs without teaching experience, a college degree, or previous experience abroad. The main requirement is that you to be a native English speaker.

That said, the more credentials you have, the greater your options. Some programs require that you have a Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) qualification and/or a Bachelor’s degree. I taught English in Spain for a year through the North American Language and Culture Assistant Program. The program required a degree from a 4-year university but not a TEFL certification. Some programs require a TEFL certification but not a college degree. Others require both a college degree and a TEFL certification. I’ve compiled a list of programs across four continents and their requirements to make your life a little easier.

No Experience, No Problem

Like myself, thousands of recent college grads move abroad every year to teach English. Before moving to Spain to teach English in 2015, my only teaching experience was volunteering at schools with a student club in college. I’ve never considered myself a teacher and actually dislike working with kids. Yet I ended up teaching primary school kids in the suburbs of Madrid. You don’t need to love children or teaching to do this job. 

If you have no previous teaching experience, it helps to have a bachelor’s degree. Many programs will give you a pass on being TEFL-certified if you went to a 4-year university. If not, there are still ways to make it work. Find programs just require a TEFL certification.

Before You Begin Your Search

First ask yourself what you’re hoping to gain from teaching English abroad. Do you want to learn a language, volunteer, or just travel long term? Take a moment to think about your motives. This will inform your research and help you weed out programs from the start.

For me, I knew I wanted to go to Spain – Madrid, specifically. When I studied abroad in Bilbao as a college student, I took a weekend trip to Madrid. Instantly, I felt a sort of spiritual connection to the city. ‘I would love to live here!’ I thought. At the end of that trip, I decided that I would live in Madrid someday.

As an expat in Madrid, I wanted to experience more of Spain and Europe, volunteer, take Spanish classes. With that in mind, I focused my research on Spain programs with assignments in Madrid. I narrowed it down The North American Language Assistant Program and BEDA, which places teachers in Catholic schools. I applied to both of them and chose the former because of better pay and work hours.

Certifications

The TEFL certification is the standard certification that is commonly required to teach English abroad. It prepares you to perform the core skills of an ESL (English as a Second Language) teacher, such as managing a classroom, preparing lesson plans, and explaining the rules of grammar. Not all programs require the TEFL so you may be able to skip obtaining this certificate like I did. Getting a TEFL certificate costs $1,500-$2,000.

There are various ways to obtain a TEFL certification. You can take either an in-person or through an online class. The International TEFL Academy is a great resource for all things related to obtaining a TEFL certificate. It also manages English teaching programs in more than 15 countries.

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English Teaching Programs Around the World

Every country has a variety of English teaching programs, from government-sponsored programs to private schools to independent teaching companies. Not all programs are created equal so I did some research to find the best ones. For each country below, I’m sharing one reputable program with great benefits and positive reviews from participants. I’d recommend, though, that you use this as a starting point. There may be other programs out there that would better suit your needs. Below I’ve compiled information about programs in Europe, Asia, South America, and the Middle East.

Teach English in Asia

South Korea

It’s safe to say that South Korea is the best place to teach English in terms of salary and perks. EPIK (English Program in Korea) is the most popular program for teaching English in the country. Run by the the Korean government, it places English teachers in elementary, junior high, and high schools across Korea. In addition to a generous salary, the government pays for roundtrip airfare and housing for all English teachers. People have been able to save up to $15,000 after a year of participating in this program.

Program: English Program in Korea (EPIK)

Requirements: You must be a citizen of Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, the United States, or South Africa. In addition, you must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university, be a good mental and physical shape, and have a solid command of the English language.

How To Apply: Complete the online application according to the instructions listed on their How to Apply Section.

Hiring Schedule: Fall term (begins August) and Spring term (begins February)

Salary: $1,850-$2,150 per month

Duration of Contract: 12 months

Japan

Japan is up there with South Korea as one of the best places to teach English. With a competitive salary and free or subsidized housing, you can live comfortably and also save money. The Japanese government runs the Japan Exchange and Teaching Programme (JET), which combines English teaching with cultural exchange. This is perfect if you want to immerse yourself in Japanese culture, interact with the locals, and deepen your understanding of Japan. In its 30 year history, over 66,000 people have participated in this program.

Program: The Japan Exchange and Teaching Programme (JET)

Requirements:  You need to have a bachelor’s degree, be interested in participating in exchange activities, and not have done the program for more than 5 years. Check the eligibility page to see the full list of requirements.

How To Apply: The JET programme is open to people from 44 countries. To apply type in ‘JET Program apply [insert your country]’ to find the application portal for your country. Here is the application portal for American applicants.

Hiring Schedule: Applications are open from October to late November or early December

Salary: $1,500-$2,000 per month

Duration of Contract: 12 months

Taiwan

Taiwan also has a high demand for English teachers. That’s why the government offers great benefits to attract qualified English teachers, like competitive salaries and flight reimbursement. The Foreign English Teachers (FET) program in the a government-run program that provides professional training and financial support for participants. The FET program specifically aims to place English teachers in K-9 rural schools across Taiwan and foster stronger relationships with English speaking countries.  

Program: The Foreign English Teachers Program (FET)

Requirements: You must be a citizen of the United States, Canada, England, New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, Ireland, or countries where English is an official language. You must also have a bachelor’s degree and be willing to teach in rural areas. Read the full requirements on their website.

How To Apply: Submit an application on their application portal before April 30th.

Hiring Schedule: All year round

Salary: Your salary depends on your degree level:

• Post-doctoral: $2,410-$3,020
• Masters: $2,310-$2,860
• Bachelors: $2,070-$2,575

Duration of Contract: 11 months (an academic year is August-July)

China

With 1.3 billion people and a civilization dating back thousands of years, China is a truly fascinating country. That said, it is not for the faint of heart. I lived there for 3 months and was constantly stared at and asked for pictures. If you have dark skin, you will stick out.

Forget about the western values and attitudes you’re accustomed to. China plays by different rules. What may be considered rude in America, like shoving people in the metro, is just the way of life there. With such a large population, you can imagine that space is a precious commodity. Oh, and remember to download a VPN to access Facebook and Twitter. The Chinese government prohibits the use of all social media.

Although it has been seven years since I lived in China, I still remember the experience well. Living in China has been the most eye-opening adventure I’ve had so far. If you’re looking for an entirely new experience, give China a try.

Program: English First

Requirements: You must be a citizen of the United Kingdom, Ireland, the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand or South Africa. A TEFL certification is also required.  You can earn it through the program.

How To Apply: Complete their application form and wait to be contacted for an interview

Hiring Schedule: All year round

Salary: $1,995 – $2,300 per month

Duration of Contract: 12 months

Hong Kong

Living in China may be a major culture shock for some. If you’re not sure you can adjust to life in China, Hong Kong is an alternative. A former British colony, Hong Kong is more westernized than the mainland. It feels like a cross between New York City and Honolulu. At the same time, it is still very much a Chinese city. During my visits to Hong Kong, no one stared at me. But some taxi drivers called me Beyonce and Michelle Obama.

Program: International TEFL Academy in Hong Kong

Requirements: A bachelor’s degree and a TEFL certification.

How To Apply: Review the introduction video and speak with an advisor to discuss your preferences. See more details on their website.

Hiring Schedule: All year round

Salary: $2,300-$3,000

Duration of Contract: 12 months

Teach English in Europe

Spain

Spain lags behind the rest of Europe in English proficiency so the government is working to change that. Part of their solution is the North American Language and Culture Assistant Program. The program recruits Americans and Canadians to work as language assistants and cultural ambassadors in K-12 schools. I participated in this program in Madrid and have mixed feelings about it, but I enjoyed my time in Spain. The pay is not as competitive as other programs, but you typically work 16 hours a week. The cost of living is cheap in Spain so you can live well on that money. You won’t be able to save much though.

Program: The North American Language and Culture Assistant Program

Requirements: You must be a citizen of the United States or Canada with a bachelor’s degree.

How To Apply: Submit an application with a letter of recommendation by April 30th on their application portal. Apply earlier to improve your chances of getting your first choice location. Check out my moving abroad guide for more tips on moving to Spain.

Hiring Schedule: Applications are due every year in April

Salary: $800-$1,170

Duration of Contract: 9 months (one academic year is September-June)

Germany

With 80 million people, Germany is one of the largest markets for teaching English in Europe.  Private language schools offer most of the teaching jobs. Unlike in the Asian countries, you won’t get any accommodation assistance or flight reimbursement. The programs in Europe aren’t as generous. But if you’re looking for a home base to explore Europe, Germany might be a good choice for you. It’s located right in the center of Europe, bordering the Netherlands, France, the Czech Republic, Belgium, and Denmark.

Program: International TEFL Academy in Germany

Requirements: A bachelor’s degree is not required but a TEFL certification is.

How To Apply: Review the introductory brochure and speak with an advisor to discuss your preferences. See more details on their website.

Hiring Schedule: Applications are accepted in September and January

Salary: $900-$2,200

Duration of Contract: 12 months

France

The Teaching Assistant Program in France (TAPIF) differs from others programs in Europe. It offers positions in both France and French territories overseas. You have the option to work in Guadeloupe, Guyane, Martinique, OR Réunion. Every year, over 4,500 teachers from 60 countries participate in this 7-month program.

Another unique thing about TAPIF is that it has a graduate school scholarship fund for alumni. You can get a grant to attend a select group of graduate schools in America, including New York University. If you’re looking to improve your French skills while exploring French or West Indian cultures, TAPIF may be the program for you.

Program: The Teaching Assistant Program in France (TAPIF)

Requirements: You must have an intermediate level of French and a bachelor’s degree. A letter of recommendation from a French teacher is recommended. You don’t need a TEFL certification.

How To Apply: Complete your application on their application portal before January.

Hiring Schedule: Applications for the school year are due every January

Salary: $1100 per month

Duration of Contract: 7 months

Italy

Like Spain, Italy lags behind the rest of Europe in English proficiency. The land of la dolce vita has plenty of opportunities for native English speakers due to the growing demand to learn English. Despite this demand, getting an English teaching job in Italy can be a bit tricky. First, there is no official government-sponsored program for teaching English. Secondly, private English academies prefer to hire residents, like British expats, instead of going through the hassle of hiring someone from North America. Your best bet for landing a job is to go through a placement program. Also, consider summer camp teaching positions. They are much easier to obtain than long-term teaching jobs.

Program: International TEFL Academy in Italy

Requirements: You must have a bachelor’s degree and a TEFL certification.

How To Apply: Request a brochure and speak to an advisor to discuss your plans. Go to their website for more information.

Hiring Schedule: September and January are the peak hiring months.

Salary: $1,100-$1,850 per month

Duration of Contract: 10-12 months

The Netherlands

The Netherlands is so much more than Amsterdam. This super liberal country is full of charming towns, history, and beautiful architecture. If you’re looking for that storybook European experience, the Netherlands is perfect. That said, the Netherlands is one of the strictest countries in Europe for English teachers, Having a bachelor’s degree won’t cut it. According to the Dutch Ministry of Education, those wishing to teach in the Netherlands need to be qualified teachers and meet a specific set of standards. This program is ideal if you have teaching credentials and plan to pursue a career in education. If you have the right qualifications, the Dutch Ministry of Education will place you in a bilingual school.

Program: Educaide

Requirements: You must be a qualified teacher with strong interpersonal skills and knowledge of international education.

How To Apply: Download and complete the form on the Educaide website. Then send it to teach@educaide.nl. A representative will get in touch with you

Hiring Schedule: All year round

Salary: About $2,800 per month

Duration of Contract: 12 months or longer

Teach English in Latin America

Costa Rica

With miles of tropical rainforest, hiking trails, and hundreds of yoga retreats, Costa Rica is the ideal escape for rejuvenation. This, combined with the low cost of living, makes Costa Rica a top destination for teaching English in Latin America. There is a high demand for native English speakers at language schools in Costa Rica’s major cities, particularly San Jose. See if the land of la Pura Vida might be the perfect destination for you.

Program: International TEFL Academy in Costa Rica  

Requirements: You must have a TEFL certification, but a bachelor’s degree is not required.

How To Apply: Download and review the brochure. Then schedule an appointment with an International TEFL Academy advisor to discuss your plans. Find out more about how to apply on their website.

Hiring Schedule: All year round

Salary: $700-$900

Duration of Contract: 6-12 months

Colombia

Colombia is a gorgeous country rich in history and traditions. You can see the African influence everywhere, from the vibrant streets of Cartagena to the hills of Cali. In Old Town Cartagena, there are palenqueras, black women dressed in colorful dresses, swarming around and posing for photos. If this sounds like your kind of place, then consider teaching English in Colombia.

The Colombian government recently launched an initiative to make English education an integral part of the curriculum in public schools by 2020. Part of the initiative is to recruit native English speakers to classrooms across the country. The Colombian government covers the cost of your visa, assists with housing, and provides health insurance.

Program: Next Ministry of Education

Requirements: You must be a citizen of the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland, South Africa, Australia, or New Zealand. In addition, you must have a bachelor’s degree from a 4 year university. A TEFL certification is optional but can boost your candidacy.  

How To Apply: You can apply through the International TEFL Academy in Colombia or  ESL Starter in Colombia

Hiring Schedule: Programs start in January or February, but the deadline to apply is not specified. You would have to check to see when the application is open

Salary: $500 per month

Duration of Contract: 6-11 months

Mexico

If you’re looking to improve your Spanish while eating delicious tacos and drinking cheap tequila, look to Mexico. What makes Mexico so great as a destination to teach English is that the requirements are lax. You don’t need a bachelor’s degree, any experience abroad, or any previous teaching experience. Just having a TEFL certification will suffice. There are also thousands of teaching positions available across the country so you can easily land a position before you arrive. LanguageCorps offers a unique program in Oaxaca, where there is a high concentration of indigenous people. The program includes excursions of temples and ruins of the Aztec civilization.

Program: LanguageCorps in Mexico

Requirements: You must be a native English speaker and hold a Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL). This certificate is almost identical to the TEFL and serves the same purpose. Obtaining a TESOL certificate through LanguageCorps costs $1,995.

How To Apply: You can apply through the Language Corps website

Hiring Schedule: All year round. Apply six months before you intend to start.

Salary: $500 per month. Like Costa Rica, the pay in Mexico is not great, but you can supplement your salary by offering private classes.

Duration of Contract: varies

Panama

With a laid-back atmosphere, tropical beaches, and exciting nightlife, Panama is a hotspot for expats in Central America. There are lots of opportunities to teach English in private schools, language schools, and through private lessons. The salary in Panama is more competitive than in the above countries. Therefore, it may be a great choice if you’re looking to save money.

Program: Teachaway in Panama

Requirements: You must hold a bachelor’s degree and a TEFL certification.

How To Apply: You can apply through the Teachaway website

Hiring Schedule: All year round.

Salary: $1,000-$1,300 per month

Duration of Contract: 12 months

Peru

Home to Machu Picchu, one of the seven wonders of the world, Peru has some of the most breathtaking landscapes in South America. And don’t get me started about the food! Ceviche gives me life. Peru also happens to be a top job market for teaching English in South America. You can land teaching jobs in the country’s largest cities as well as its smaller villages.

Program: International TEFL Academy in Peru

Requirements: You must hold a TEFL certification but a bachelor’s degree is not necessary.

How To Apply: Download and review the brochure. Then schedule an appointment with an advisor to discuss your plans. Learn more about teaching English in Peru on their website.

Hiring Schedule: Hiring happens in February-March and July-August

Salary: $500-$1,000 per month

Duration of Contract: 3-12 months

Teach English in the Middle East & North Africa

United Arab Emirates (UAE)

Awash with oil money, the UAE has modernized its cities. It is building skyscrapers you won’t find anywhere else. With business booming, learning English has become a priority for the country’s elite. That’s why the UAE shells out cash to recruit English teachers. The opportunities to teach English in this Middle Eastern country are endless. You’ll find the most job opportunities in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Also, note that the requirements for teaching English here are stricter than normal. They are looking for experienced English teachers so only having a TEFL won’t cut it.  If you’re able to land a job, it comes with great perks, like flight reimbursement and accommodation assistance.

Program: International TEFL Academy in the UAE

Requirements: You must hold a TEFL certification and a bachelor’s degree. A master’s degree is even better.

How To Apply: Download and review the brochure. After, schedule an appointment with an advisor to discuss your plans. Learn more about teaching English in the United Arab Emirates on their website.

Hiring Schedule: All year round

Salary: $1,800-$5,000 per month

Duration of Contract: 12 months

Oman

Oman is not on most people’s radar as an English teaching destination, but don’t overlook irt! With miles of desert, a vibrant culture, and gorgeous beaches, this country is a great escape on the Arabian Peninsula. If you’re worried about safety or sticking out, don’t fret. Oman is one of the safest countries in the Middle East. The people are hospitable to foreigners and more liberal than their neighbors. As an English teacher, you get free housing and flight reimbursement in addition to a competitive salary.

Program: International TEFL Academy in Oman

Requirements: You must hold a TEFL certification and a bachelor’s degree. A master’s degree is even better.

How To Apply: Download and review the brochure. Next,  schedule an appointment with an advisor to discuss your plans. Learn more about teaching English in Oman on their website.

Hiring Schedule: All year round but most hiring happens in May-August.

Salary: $1,600-$3,000 per month

Duration of Contract: 12 months

Qatar

Qatar is the richest country in the world in terms of per capita income, even richer than the US, Luxembourg, and Saudi Arabia! The average income there is get this: $103,000! With that kind of money, Qatar is able to offer lucrative contracts to English teachers to increase English proficiency among its population. But there is also a lot of competition because people see Qatar as a better alternative to the deeply conservative Saudi Arabia.The more credentials you have, the better your chances of landing an English teaching job. A teaching gig comes with free housing and flight reimbursement.

Program: International TEFL Academy in Qatar

Requirements: You must hold a TEFL certification and a bachelor’s degree. A master’s degree is even better.

How To Apply: Download and review the brochure. After, schedule an appointment with an advisor to discuss your plans. Learn more about teaching English in Qatar on their website.

Hiring Schedule: All year round

Salary: $1,600-$4,000 per month

Duration of Contract: 12 months

Turkey

Turkey is the bridge between the east and west, a country rich in history and tradition. It’s arguably the most liberal country in the Middle East, having bid to join the EU for decades. Turkey offers salaries that as not as lucrative as it’s oil-exporting neighbors. But the salary is sufficient to live comfortably, and there is some free housing available. Turkey may be the right country for you if you’re looking to branch out of your comfort zone.

Program: International TEFL Academy in Turkey

Requirements: You must hold a TEFL certification and a bachelor’s degree.

How To Apply: Download and review the brochure. Then schedule an appointment with an advisor to discuss your plans. Learn more about teaching English in Turkey on their website.

Hiring Schedule: All year round

Salary: $800-$1,600 per month

Duration of Contract: 12 months

Morocco

Morocco needs no introduction. Just a one-hour ferry ride from Spain, it is one of the top tourist destinations on earth. I went there recently for the first time, and I can definitely understand the hype. Morocco is safe and is home to countless beautiful cities and towns. The food is delicious and the climate warm. Moroccans already speak a couple of languages – Arabic, French, and the Berber languages. But the government wants the future generation to compete in the global economy. That’s why there is a push for English proficiency. With that comes tons of opportunities for English teachers.

Program: International TEFL Academy in Morocco

Requirements: You must hold a TEFL certification and a bachelor’s degree.

How To Apply: Download and review the brochure. Then schedule an appointment with an advisor to discuss your plans. Learn more about teaching English in Morocco on their website.

Hiring Schedule: All year round

Salary: $500-$1,000 per month

Duration of Contract: 6-12 months

Somto Ugwueze

Hi! I'm Somto. Two years ago, I stopped making excuses, ditched my indecisive friends, and started booking flights. Today, I'm a full-time solo traveler on a mission to inspire young women to seek new adventures.