Life as a TEFL Teacher: Teacher Videos from Korea, China, Vietnam & Peru | ESLstarter
Watch videos of TEFL teaching
Life as a TEFL teacher: teacher videos
See what it's really like to teach English abroad. Watch teachers share their classrooms, cities and day-to-day lives in Korea, China, Vietnam and Peru, then find the job or internship that's right for you.
What teaching abroad really looks like
Deciding to teach English abroad is a big step, and the questions are always the same. What are the classrooms like? Will I cope without the language? Where will I live, and will I make friends? The best people to answer are the teachers who've already done it.
The videos on this page come from teachers living and working overseas, in Korea's public schools, classrooms across China, language centres in Vietnam and on our paid internship in Peru. You'll see the schools, the students, the apartments and the weekends, so you can picture yourself there before you apply.
Every teacher here started in the same place you are now. Most began by getting TEFL certified online, then applied for a job or internship with full support from our team, from preparing documents and interviews to visas and arrival. Many had never taught before.
Under each destination you'll find the key facts, the jobs we're recruiting for now and the TEFL course you'll need to apply.
Teaching English in Korea
Korea is one of the most popular first destinations for new teachers, with well-paid public school jobs through EPIK, free housing and year-round private academy roles in cities like Seoul and Busan.
- KRW 2.1–2.8M a month (EPIK)
- Free housing
- No teaching experience needed
Teaching English in China
China offers more teaching jobs than anywhere else, from kindergartens and public schools to universities. Programmes like English Program Sichuan include housing, flight allowances and a low cost of living, so salaries go a long way.
- RMB 7,000–18,000 a month in Sichuan
- Housing or allowance
- Visa sponsored
Teaching English in Vietnam
Vietnam combines a fast-growing demand for English teachers with a low cost of living, great food and easy travel around Southeast Asia. Most of our roles are in Ho Chi Minh City.
- Ho Chi Minh City
- Low cost of living
- Great for first-time teachers
TEFL internship in Peru
Teachers on our Peru internship live and work in Lima and Arequipa. The internship includes a 170-hour TEFL qualification, Spanish lessons and a paid placement, making it ideal if you want support for your first teaching experience.
- Up to US$600 a month
- 3–6 months
- TEFL and Spanish lessons included
Start your own story
Get TEFL certified
Take our 120-hour TEFL online from £63, or the Ofqual-regulated Level 5 TEFL from £239 for the best-paid roles.
Choose your destination
Browse jobs and internships in Asia, Europe and Latin America.
Apply with ESLstarter
We help with your application, interview and visa, free of charge for jobs.
Fly out and start teaching
Training, orientation and support on arrival.
Need a TEFL first? Most teaching jobs abroad ask for a 120-hour TEFL certificate. Our course is online, from just £63, and many people finish in 3–4 weeks.
Teaching abroad: your questions answered
What is it like to teach English abroad?
Most new teachers say the first few weeks are the biggest adjustment, with a new city, a new language and new routines, and that it quickly becomes one of the best decisions they've made. Schools and programmes provide training and a curriculum, and many teachers join a ready-made community of other foreign teachers.
Do I need a TEFL certificate to teach abroad?
For most jobs, yes. Schools in Korea, China, Vietnam and Japan usually ask for a TEFL certificate of at least 100 or 120 hours, and it's often needed for your work visa. Our 120-hour TEFL course is online and starts from £63.
Do I need teaching experience?
No. Many of the jobs and internships we recruit for welcome first-time teachers with a degree and a TEFL certificate, and include training before you start.
How much can I earn teaching English abroad?
It depends on the country. Public school teachers in Korea earn around KRW 2.1 to 2.8 million a month with free housing, teachers in Sichuan, China earn RMB 7,000 to 18,000 a month plus housing, and paid interns in Peru earn up to US$600 a month. Each job page has full salary and benefits details.
Can I share my own teaching video?
Yes, please! If you've taught abroad through ESLstarter, we'd love to feature your story. Email your video link to info@eslstarter.com.
Ready to teach abroad?
Get qualified, choose your destination and let us help you get there.
