Go Overseas is here to take the guesswork out of finding teaching jobs abroad.
Teaching English abroad is one of the most accessible ways to live and work overseas — with paid and volunteer positions open every year across Asia, Europe, Latin America, and beyond. Whether you're a recent grad, a career changer, or just someone ready for a meaningful adventure, there's a program that fits. Here's everything you need to know to get started.
Requirements vary by destination and program type, but here's what most teach abroad programs look for:
No teaching experience? Don't sweat it — tutoring, coaching, or camp counseling all count, and many volunteer programs don't require any background at all.
Technically, yes as long as you’re at least 21 years old (though age requirements vary from country to country). Whether you’re a recent college grad, an established teacher looking for a change in scenery, or an older adult looking to teach and travel, you’re welcome to teach English abroad!
Whether you’re looking to assist a classroom in a small, rural village or gain experience teaching in a bustling city, there are opportunities everywhere!
Where you go affects everything — your salary, cost of living, lifestyle, and how much support you'll get. Here's how the most popular destinations compare.
| Country | Monthly pay (USD) | TEFL needed? | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| South Korea | $1,800–$2,500 | Yes | New grads, structured programs (EPIK) |
| Japan | $1,600–$2,500 | Yes | JET Programme, long-term commitment |
| China | $1,200–$2,200 | Yes | Private language schools, universities |
| Spain | $700–$1,100 | Yes | Language assistants (NALCAP) |
| Vietnam | $1,000–$1,800 | Recommended | English centers, private tutoring |
| Thailand | $800–$1,400 | Recommended | Lifestyle-first travelers, volunteer teaching |
| Mexico | $600–$1,000 | Recommended | Spanish immersion, private tutoring |
On average, ESL teachers can make $900-$2,500 USD per month around the world.
Your salary as an English teacher abroad can vary depending on location, type of school, your level of experience, the local cost of living, and job requirements. In addition to your salary, you may also receive benefits such as flight reimbursements or free housing from the organization.
While some countries pay their teachers more than others, you can count on Asia (the Middle East and East Asia, specifically) to be one of the most popular places to earn a high salary teaching overseas.
Keep in mind, a high salary shouldn’t be your only deciding factor when choosing where to teach abroad. The country's cost of living and your broader impact on the local community should also be considered!
There are several different types of jobs available worldwide for teachers, and thoughtful planning can help you find the right one for you.
Take a look at these common types of English teaching jobs abroad:
Whether you choose to help professionals excel in their field with business English classes, assist teachers at a language school, teach K-12 in public or private schools, or become an after-school English tutor, there are plenty of teaching opportunities out there!
Go Overseas is your go-to source for trusted travel programs. Explore thousands of vetted options and get the guidance you need to feel confident and excited about culturally-immersive experiences abroad.
Here’s how to use GO to plan your next adventure:
It varies based on the country and school, but you'll likely need a TEFL certificate and/or prior teaching experience. Some countries may also require a college degree.
The United Arab Emirates, Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan are the highest-paying countries for ESL teachers. You could earn $2,000-$6,000 per month teaching in these countries but they are often more competitive and require more experience than some of the lower-paying English teaching jobs.
First, decide where to teach! You'll also need to decide whether you'd like to apply through a program, recruiter, or even do it yourself independently. You can also consider getting TEFL certified to help you become a more competitive applicant.
Many countries welcome recent college grads and do not set a specific age minimum or limit for applicants. But if you're younger than 20 and need teaching experience, consider volunteer teaching abroad or working at summer camps prior to applying! For older adults, countries such as Costa Rica, Thailand, and Czech Republic will welcome your expertise!
Yes! Teaching abroad is an exciting opportunity to travel the world, gain valuable teaching experience, and earn money, all at the same time!
Many countries and schools hire teachers all year round, especially countries in Asia and the Middle East! However, peak hiring season is typically in the Fall, from late August through October.
Yes, in order to teach English abroad legally, you may need to obtain a work or business visa. The visa cost, length, and requirements will vary depending on where you decide to teach and your nationality.
