Starting your TEFL journey is exciting. For English teachers, the opportunity to move abroad and dive into another country’s culture and language is a unique privilege. There are so many amazing countries to explore!
But with all these possibilities, it’s hard to choose just one. If you’re excited about beginning a career in TEFL, but haven’t quite figured out where you want to go, this article is for you. It’s a step-by-step decision-making process.
And even if you have an idea of your preferred destination, you may benefit from going through the process, either to confirm your original thoughts, or to help you avoid a costly mistake.
If you’re thinking of becoming a TEFL teacher, I really recommend you take a look at my article Big Guide to Starting Out in TEFL: All you need to know. It takes you step-by-step through the whole process, from deciding if it’s right for you, all the way to getting your first job.
So, we’ll start from the beginning, assuming every non-English speaking country in the world is on the list and each step will narrow things down. At the end, I’ll give you my personal top 5 recommendations.
1. Consider your TEFL qualifications and experience
First of all, we have to rule out those countries where becoming a TEFL teacher would be extremely difficult or even impossible. If you don’t fulfil the requirements, you won’t get a job.
Do you have a bachelor’s degree in any subject?
To apply for a visa and meet foreign worker standards, some countries require a bachelor’s degree in any subject.
This includes most of East Asia and the Middle East. European employers also favour a degree, as it expedites the visa process and shows some level of academic rigour.
For a more detailed look at the countries which need a degree, check out my article Do You Need a Degree to Work as a TEFL Teacher?
If you don’t have a bachelor’s degree, you can cross off the likes of Japan, China, Vietnam and Saudi Arabia.
What teaching qualifications and experience do you have?
A standard 120-hour TEFL certificate is a minimum requirement for most TEFL employers in the world, with the exception of a few government programs and volunteer schemes. Some countries in Latin America and Africa may not demand any qualifications at all.
There are employers which allow you to get your TEFL certificate on the job.
For Europe, the Middle East and some Asian countries (Japan and South Korea) you may want more than a standard TEFL to be competitive. A Level 5 TEFL or a CELTA could be useful.
And if you already have a degree in teaching, you open up the possibility of working in private and international schools in countries all over the world. You can even get into some public school systems.
Experience is key, too. Countries like Vietnam, Colombia and Spain are accessible for new TEFL teachers, but a few years of teaching will put you ahead of the pack when searching for jobs in northern Europe and the Middle East.
To learn more about the type of certificates you’ll need, read my in-depth guide: What is the Best TEFL Certificate? Guide to choosing right.
If you’re looking for great value TEFL certificates, I recommend International TEFL and TESOL Training. Click the link for 15% off all courses (I receive compensation, so you’re supporting me, too). Not convinced? Read why I’d choose ITTT over other TEFL course providers.
Now we’ve ruled out a few countries based on qualifications and experience, it’s time to think about your preferences.
2. Understand your motivation for being a TEFL teacher
Before continuing, think about why you’re becoming a TEFL teacher.
Is it to explore the world, learn a new language, immerse yourself in a culture and meet amazing new people? Are you treating it like a life experience?
Or are you in it for the money? While it isn’t the most lucrative job in the world, it can be a great opportunity to save up some cash for the future, especially if your prospects at home are slim.
Both perspectives are equally valid. And you may not fall completely into one camp, but be somewhere in the middle. In fact, that’s the case for most people. Alternatively, you may have your own personal reasons for joining the industry.
There’s a spectrum of attitudes, with a relaxed, rich lifestyle at one end and money at the other. Your preferences and intentions will place you somewhere on that spectrum, and there’ll be certain countries at that point which offer you what you’re seeking.
It’s worth noting the following information is extremely generalised and somewhat subjective. There will be exceptions in every country.
On the spectrum, you can see three broad categories.
- Low pay, relaxed lifestyle. These include the majority of Latin American countries, as well as some Asian nations, like Indonesia. Salaries are low, but you can have a great time there.
- High pay, stricter lifestyle countries. Without wanting to disparage any of these places, the likes of Saudi Arabia and other Middle Eastern countries have a conservative culture. However, they pay TEFL teachers well.
- Most European and Asian countries fit somewhere in the middle. Spain, Italy and Vietnam offer a relaxed way of life, but don’t pay huge amounts. Japan, Switzerland and Taiwan are slightly stricter but offer better salaries.
It’s not always the case that conservative societies pay TEFL teachers better. As I said before, a lot of this is generalised and subjective. People will disagree. I just hope it helps you find the kind of country you’re looking for.
To delve into motivations for starting a career in TEFL, check out Why Do People Do TEFL? 9 Reasons to get started now.
You’ll notice I haven’t mentioned African and Central Asian countries on this list. TEFL isn’t a strong industry in those places most since nations don’t have the infrastructure and wealth to pay for foreigners to come and teach English.
There are a few opportunities, but a lot are voluntary. You’d have a great community experience, but earnings would be miniscule or non-existent.
3. Narrow down which countries appeal to you
The next step is to go even deeper and think about which specific cultures appeal to you.
Are you intrigued by the clash of historical significance and modern technology in Japan and South Korea? Do you love Italian food and wine? Have you always wanted to explore the Amazon rainforest and enjoy the colourful parties in Brazil?
Conversely, are there places where you wouldn’t like to live?
Go through each country that you haven’t checked off your list and notice how it makes you feel – what’s your immediate reaction? Is it a warm, dreamy sensation? Or does it make you uncomfortable?
If you’re going to spend several months, a year or even longer in a country, make sure it gives you a positive feeling.
Searching for the perfect TEFL destination with the best earnings? Compare countries around the world with my free resource: How Much Do TEFL & TESL Teachers Make? Countries compared.
4. Browse potential jobs and opportunities
Your list should be a lot shorter now. In this step, we’re going to look at tangible possibilities which could turn into a reality.
That’s right, it’s the job search.
A simple Google search of “TEFL jobs in [country name here]” should bring up a bunch of results. Browse through them. What are they offering?
You could also search for government programs. Spain, France and Japan have established teaching programs which are great for getting into the country.
I worked on the Auxiliares de Conversación program in Spain for over three years and had a great time. Unfortunately, most countries don’t have a scheme like this.
Check out some TEFL internships, too. While some of them have an upfront fee, many don’t, and they provide the support to get set up in a new country with a decent wage. The TEFL Academy offers internships in a range of countries.
Look for contract lengths, accommodation provided, and the number of hours you’ll work per week.
The jobs available may tilt you towards certain countries. But don’t stop yet.
I have a whole article dedicated to explaining all the different TEFL jobs out there. Follow this link to read it now: What Type of TEFL Teaching is For You? Jobs explained.
5. Research, talk to people, read reviews
Before you decide on anything, make sure you’ve done your research. Read reviews, blogs, and social media. Find out what other people have experienced.
The language academy that caught your eye in the previous step might turn out to be a horrible place to work. Or you may find helpful information about how to get a visa.
The subreddit r/TEFL is great for floating ideas and getting feedback. Glassdoor is a good site for checking out major employers and language academies.
Get the full picture. Apply what you’ve learned to your specific situation and figure out the general feeling about working in certain places.
Avoid analysis-paralysis
So there we have it, the 5-step process. Are you getting closer to a decision?
Although I just told you to research everything and learn exactly what you’re getting into, I’d warn against spending too much time making your mind up.
There aren’t any bad TEFL destinations. Some will be better for you, but you can have success in pretty much any country.
So don’t spend days and weeks analysing every job advert or every blog post on the subject.
Your gut will tell you what you need to know. There will be countries which you have a feeling about, ones that, for some unknown reason, pull you towards them. Go with that feeling. As long as there aren’t any major barriers to you getting a good job there, it’ll be your best choice.
My top 5 TEFL destinations
If you’re still not sure where to go, maybe this totally subjective list of 5 destinations will give you some inspiration.
They’re based entirely on my preferences. In fact, the first one, Spain, is where I live and work, and the others are the places I would go if my situation changed and I could no longer stay here.
1. Spain
Spain is a great TEFL destination because the pay is reasonable, the lifestyle is fantastic, and there are plenty of opportunities for new and inexperienced teachers.
If you’re eligible, join the Auxiliares de Conversación program, like I did. Alternatively, work in one of the many language academies in cities like Barcelona, Madrid, Malaga and Bilbao.
To find out what you can earn in Spain, read my article How Much Money Do TEFL Teachers Make in Spain?
2. Vietnam
If you’re looking at Asia as a TEFL destination, Vietnam is one of the most attractive. The pay is pretty good. The culture is unique and fascinating, and the country has so much natural beauty.
It’s easy to get started, too, with most jobs just requiring a bachelor’s degree and a 120-hour TEFL certificate.
To learn how much you can make in Vietnam, check out How Much Money Do TEFL Teachers Make in Vietnam?
3. Italy
Most of what I said about Spain applies to Italy. It’s another Mediterranean country with amazing food and history.
Pay isn’t fantastic, and there isn’t a government program, but you can find work in language academies across the country.
To find out what you can earn in Italy, read my article How Much Money Do TEFL Teachers Make in Italy?
4. Singapore
Something about Singapore appeals to me. I think it’s a lot to do with the mixture of futuristic architecture and nature.
As a new TEFL teacher, it might prove a little tricky to start out, but with a few years of experience, there’s plenty of money to be made in language academies and from private classes.
To learn how much you can make in Singapore, check out How Much Money Do TEFL Teachers Make in Singapore?
5. Colombia
When I think of Colombia, I think of unbelievable natural beauty. Personally, that’s what would attract me to the country more than anything, although it does have its own vivid culture.
Pay is pretty terrible, to be honest, but living costs are low, too. There are very lower barriers to entry – many jobs won’t even require a bachelor’s degree.
To find out what you can earn in Colombia, take a look at How Much Money Do TEFL Teachers Make in Colombia?
Conclusion
Having followed the five steps in this article, I hope you have a good idea of which country would be best for you as a TEFL teacher.
There’s no wrong answer. Everyone is different. People will give you their opinions – family, friends, people online, career advisers… everyone thinks they know what’s best.
But you’re the person who decides. Accept and consider other people’s input, but don’t let them tell you where you should go and what you should do.
If in doubt, go with your gut. Sometimes your body can tell you what you need when your brain can’t figure it out.
Most of all, embrace the journey. Choose your destination and enjoy every moment of it, because it’ll be a wild ride full of wonderful people and amazing experiences.
To learn more about becoming a TEFL teacher, you should definitely read my other articles:
Big Guide to Starting Out in TEFL: All you need to know
Is TEFL Teaching Hard? A guide to whether TEFL is right for you
What Are EFL/ESL Classes Like For Teachers?
Is TEFL Legit? Guide to trustworthy certificates and jobs
Do You Need a Degree to Work as a TEFL Teacher?
How to Pick the Right TEFL Destination: 5 steps to success
What Type of TEFL Teaching is For You? Jobs explained
What is the Best TEFL Certificate? Guide to choosing right
TEFL vs. CELTA: What’s the difference? Which is best?
10 Steps to Passing Your TEFL: Study and assignment tips
Is There an Exam for TEFL Courses? What you need to pass
Which TEFL Course Provider to Choose? Why my pick is ITTT
Is it Hard to Get a TEFL Job? Tips on finding employment
