Teach English Abroad: Countries, Pay & Requirements | ESLstarter
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Where could a TEFL certificate take you?
Compare pay, requirements and start dates for the teaching programmes we're recruiting for right now, from Japan and Korea to Colombia and online. Then get qualified and apply with our free placement support.
Teaching English abroad: countries compared
Every programme below is live and recruiting through ESLstarter, with no placement fee. Select a destination for the full job details.
Last updated September 2026| Destination | Monthly pay | Degree | TEFL | Other requirements and perks | Start dates |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| JapanShane English School | Up to ¥262,800 (approx. £1,530) + bonus | Required | Required | No Japanese needed; accommodation support | Intakes most months |
| South KoreaEPIK public schools | KRW 1.9–2.7 million + free housing | Required | Required (100+ hours) | Native English speaker; flight allowances | Feb/Mar or Aug/Sep |
| ChinaEnglish 1, major cities | Package up to RMB 20,000 | Required | Required (sponsorship available) | Passport from US, UK, Ireland, Canada, Australia or NZ | Ongoing |
| VietnamHo Chi Minh City schools | From US$1,500 | Preferred | Required (100+ hours) | Clean criminal record | October |
| ThailandPublic high schools | Up to 36,500 baht | Required | Preferred | Passport from UK, US, Canada, Ireland, NZ, South Africa, EU or Australia; under 55 | Two intakes a year |
| IndonesiaEnglish 1 | IDR 12–15 million after tax + housing | Required | Not required (course sponsored) | Sponsored work visa; flights reimbursed | Ongoing |
| UzbekistanMinistry of Education programme | US$2,000–3,500 tax-free + free housing | Required | Required if your degree isn’t in education | 2+ years’ school teaching experience | Academic-year intake |
| ColombiaEnglish Ambassadors | COP 3.7 million (gross) | Not required with a TEFL | TEFL or a degree | Fluent English | Start any time |
| OnlineNativeCamp | Per-lesson hourly rate + incentives | Not required | Not required | Excellent English, webcam and headset | Start right away |
Pay and requirements are set by each employer and can change. Always check the job page before you apply. Also recruiting in Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macau, Peru and Spain.
Which destination suits you?
The right place depends on your qualifications and what you want from the experience.
- You want to save as much as possible
- Uzbekistan or Korea
- You want to stay at home, or earn while you travel
- Teach online
Common questions about where you can teach
Can I teach abroad without a degree?
Yes, in some places. Our Colombia programme accepts a TEFL certificate instead of a degree, and online platforms like NativeCamp don't ask for one. Most of Asia requires a degree for the work visa. Read more in our guide to the best countries to teach without a degree.
Can I teach English online?
Yes. Online teaching lets you work from home or while travelling, on your own schedule. Most platforms need excellent English, a computer with a webcam and a stable connection, and a TEFL certificate helps you get hired and earn more.
Can non-native speakers teach abroad?
It depends on the country. China, Thailand and Korea's EPIK programme only accept certain passports because of visa rules. Colombia and online teaching ask for fluent English instead. Our team can tell you which programmes you qualify for.
How to go from zero to hired
- Get TEFL certifiedMost programmes above ask for at least 100 hours, so any of our courses qualifies you.
- Choose your destinationCompare the options above, or ask our team which programmes fit your background.
- Apply with our supportWe help with your application, interview preparation and visa documents, free of charge.
- Fly out and start teachingMost programmes include orientation and in-country support when you arrive.
Want the full step-by-step guide? Read How to Teach English Abroad in 2026.
Get the TEFL certificate employers ask for
Book through ESLstarter for a lower price, 100+ free lesson plans and free job placement support once you qualify.
Your digital certificate is free. A small postage charge applies if you'd like a printed copy.
"Phenomenal 120-hour TEFL course! Comprehensive, practical, and full of global opportunities. I now work online with flexible hours, and the future looks exciting. Highly recommended."
TEFL and teaching abroad: your questions answered
What is a TEFL course, and why should I take one?
TEFL stands for Teaching English as a Foreign Language. A TEFL course teaches you how to plan lessons, manage a class and teach grammar, vocabulary and the four language skills. Most schools and online platforms ask for a TEFL certificate before they'll hire you.
Is a TEFL certificate necessary to teach English abroad?
For most jobs, yes. Korea's EPIK programme and our Vietnam schools ask for at least 100 hours of TEFL, and Japan and China require a TEFL certificate too. A few employers, like English 1 in Indonesia, will sponsor your course, but having one already makes you a stronger candidate.
What are the benefits of earning a TEFL certificate?
It meets the requirement for most teaching jobs abroad and online, and it gives you the practical skills and confidence to run a class from day one. It also opens up better-paid roles and helps with work visa applications in many countries.
Can I take a TEFL course if I'm not a native English speaker?
Yes, anyone with a strong level of English can take a TEFL course. Where you can work afterwards depends on visa rules. Some countries, like China and Thailand, only issue teaching visas to certain passport holders, while programmes like our Colombia placements and online teaching ask for fluent English rather than a particular nationality.
How long does it take to complete a TEFL course?
Our courses are self-paced, so it depends on how much time you put in each week. You get lifetime access to the materials, so there's no deadline.
Are online TEFL courses as reputable as in-person ones?
Yes, an accredited online TEFL course is accepted by the employers we recruit for. What they usually check is the number of hours (often 100 or more) and that the course is accredited. If you want classroom experience too, the 170-hour course includes 20 hours of assessed teaching practice.
Do TEFL certificates have an expiration date?
No. Once you've earned your TEFL certificate, it's yours for life.
What jobs can I get with a TEFL certificate?
You can teach in public schools, private language schools and kindergartens abroad, or work from home as an online English teacher. See the destinations above for programmes we're recruiting for right now.
Your teaching adventure starts with a TEFL
Get certified from £63, then apply for jobs with our free placement support.
