40+ Best Teach Abroad Programs: Get Paid to Live Abroad

This comprehensive list features the best teach abroad programs + ESL jobs from Asia to South America, and everywhere in between!

Teaching English abroad is an exciting opportunity to earn an income while living in a new country. And the right job provides a steady paycheck, health benefits, and unique professional experience. Not to mention the chance to travel to a new part of the world!

But once you decide you’re ready to move abroad, actually finding an ESL job abroad becomes the challenge. As an ex-ESL teacher, who’s taught in South Korea, Vietnam, and online, I’ve gone through the steps of researching all the best teach abroad opportunities. And now I’m here to share the love.

Check out these best teaching English abroad programs and start applying to teach English abroad now!

Note: Always do your due diligence to research and review every ESL job opportunity and program to make sure it’s a right fit for you and that you have appropriate expectations for what the job entails. Not all ESL jobs are created equal.

Requirements to Teach English Abroad

Before applying for ESL jobs, you must ensure you meet the requirements to teach abroad. Here are some general job requirements most schools require TEFL teachers to have:

Native-English speaking ability, sometimes citizenship from the U.S., U.K., Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, Australia, or South Africa, is also required.
A valid TEFL certificate with at least 120 hours: not always required, but often preferred.
A bachelor’s degree: not always required
A clean federal background check
Work authorization: not always but some jobs do not sponsor work visas
Previous experience: not always, but sometimes

Best TEFL Courses for New Teachers

If you need a quality TEFL certification from a trusted provider, here are some of the most respected and best-known names around the world, from cheapest to most expensive.

iTTT TEFL* is an excellent choice for those looking to get TEFL certified without breaking the bank (*save 20% with my unique link).
I-to-i is another affordable TEFL provider helping teachers get certified for decades.
The TEFL Academy offers a variety of online TEFL courses to aspiring teachers and features great reviews and teacher satisfaction.
CIEE TEFL* is a trustworthy, premier TEFL provider that offers teach abroad programs and job search assistance. I personally taught English in Korea with CIEE and recommend them! (*first-time applicants can save $200 with my unique link)
International TEFL Academy is another top-tier TEFL provider that is a top-rated and highly trusted name in the industry.

Teaching English Abroad: Government vs Private Programs

Most teach abroad programs are typically run by a governmental department, a TEFL provider, or a private agency/non-profit.

A government teach abroad program is when the government of a country hires native English teachers to work in public schools. They’re often one of the most reliable and trustworthy TEFL jobs.

A private program is run by a for-profit or non-profit company, helping connect aspiring teachers with schools abroad, often in private language academies, or assist with the application to government jobs.

Things to Know when Applying to a Government Program

Free or low application fee (usually at most $100).
You’re applying directly to teach with the public school system but can be placed anywhere in the country.
Government teach abroad jobs are trustworthy – there’s no need to worry if the program is legit.
These programs can be popular and have high competition.
There’s no hand holding. These programs are best for independent people who feel comfortable navigating the application and moving process alone.
As a government job, pay is not always all that high. But it depends on the country.

teach English online to Japanese students — Students in Japan

Things to Know when Applying to a Private Teach Abroad Program

Private companies usually charge a program fee.
A private agency likely has a direct connection to a network of schools, so you can apply to numerous positions and schools.
These programs specialize in helping you send off the best application and hold your hand through every step, which is excellent for first-time expats and travelers.
They often offer additional resources and tips for moving abroad, getting a visa, and getting started.
They typically offer TEFL courses so you can get your certification and immediately start the job hunt.

13 Best Teach English Abroad Government Programs

As mentioned above, government programs have a lot of pros! Here are some of the best government teaching jobs around the world.

Korea hosts one of the best teach abroad programs — Seoul, South Korea

1. English Program in Korea (EPIK): South Korea

Monthly salary: 2.0-2.2 million won ($1,800-$1,950/month)

The EPIK Program is one of the best ways to teach English in Korea, and the EPIK salary is one of the highest in the world of TEFL. Successful teachers are called NETs (native English teachers) and are placed in public elementary, middle, or high schools with a Korean co-teacher.

Applying to EPIK can be a process because you need to collect many required documents. There are two application periods (January and August). You can learn more on the official website.

EPIK Application Requirements

Citizens of the U.S., U.K, Canada, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, India
Bachelor’s degree in any field
TEFL certificate
Under 62 years old (retirement age), with clean criminal background check

2. Japan Exchange and Teaching Program (JET): Japan

Monthly salary: 280,000-300,000 yen ($2,400-$2,600/month)

JET is a government program that hires teachers to work in public schools and sometimes at local government offices across Japan. The application process is competitive, as Japan is one of the most desired places to teach English abroad.

The JET application period typically opens in September or November.

JET Application Requirements

Citizenship from JET participating countries
Bachelor’s degree in any field
Proof of high proficiency in English and/or Japanese (if non-native speaker)
No age limit
Clean criminal background check

Taipei, Taiwan: Best teach abroad programs — Taipei, Taiwan

3. Foreign English Teachers Program: Taiwan

Monthly salary: 57,801-72,800+ TWD ($1,900-$2,500+/month)

Taiwan’s Ministry of Education sponsors the Foreign English Teachers (FET) program, placing qualified English teachers in public schools nationwide. The program offers two positions, a full-fledged English teacher or a teaching assistant, and doesn’t always require teachers to have a TEFL certificate. However, a four-year degree and a teaching license are a must. You also must come from a native English-speaking country to be considered.

Teachers on the lower end of the pay scale receive a monthly paycheck of about $1,900, plus extra valuable benefits like a housing stipend, free flights to Taiwan, contract completion bonuses, and health insurance.

Foreign English Teachers Program Application Requirements

Native English speaker from the U.S., Canada, U.K, Australia, New Zealand, or Ireland
Bachelor’s degree
Teaching license
TEFL certificate with 20-hour practicum preferred

Hong Kong skyline: Teach English abroad — Hong Kong

4. Native English Teacher (NET) Scheme: Hong Kong

Monthly salary: HK$31,750 to HK$73,775 ($4,000- $9,450/month)

The NET Scheme in Hong Kong is a fantastic program that hires native English speakers to teach in primary or secondary schools on a two-year contract. The school year in Hong Kong runs from mid-August to mid-August, and if your work is satisfactory, you can receive a 15% contract completion bonus.

This program is open to teachers of various qualifications, but if you don’t have a PGDE/PGCE (Professional Graduate Diploma in Education) or a teaching license, you aren’t eligible for pay higher than HK$40,515 (approx. US$5,194*) per month. Applications are typically due before the end of January each year and must be sent by post, fax, or in person to Hong Kong’s Education Bureau.

Hong Kong’s NET Scheme Application Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in a related field preferred but not required
TEFL certificate
Native English or native-level ability
PGDE preferred
Teaching experience preferred

5. Ministry of Education (MOE): Singapore

Monthly salary: $2,600 to $3,300+ SGD ($2,000- $3,000+/month)

Singapore is a diverse country, and many schools operate in English. That means qualified teachers, as in those with a degree in education, a license, and usually previous experience, are eligible to apply for a full-time teaching position with Singapore’s MOE or Ministry of Education.

Teaching English is one of many job opportunities available through the MOE, and you can apply for various subjects as they’re available and fit your qualifications.

6. UAE Government Schools: United Arab Emirates

Monthly salary: 11,000-15,000 AED ($3,000-$4,000/month)

The UAE offers some of the highest-paid ESL teaching opportunities (tax free I might add) but has some of the strictest job requirements. Teaching in the UAE isn’t often possible for first-time teachers or those without a professional teaching license/qualification. The UAE Government Schools hire teachers not only to teach English but other subjects as well. You can check out current openings at the UAE Government Jobs official website.

UAE Government Schools Application Requirements

Bachelor’s degree minimum, Master’s typically preferred
Teaching license typically required
CELTA or TEFL certificate
Professional Teaching Experience
No age limit, but need a clean criminal background check

7. Teaching Assistant Program in France (TAPIF): France

Monthly salary: €785 per month ($890/month)

TAPIF is a fantastic program that places teaching assistants in French public schools. If hired with this program, you’ll assist a French teacher in the classroom rather than leading your class. TAPIF contracts are 7 months long and run during the regular school year.

The application due date changes every year but is typically in January. You can learn more over at the TAPIF official page.

TAPIF Application Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in any field
French proficiency of B1 of higher
TEFL certificate/experience not required but preferred
Open to 20-35-year-olds with clean criminal background check

8. Language Culture Assistants Program: Spain

Monthly salary: €700-€1000 per month ($790-$1,100/month)

The Culture Assistants program, in Spanish called Auxiliares de Conversación, is organized by Spain’s Ministry of Education. Teachers are placed in bilingual schools nationwide and are expected to work 15 hours a week as teaching assistants. Your monthly salary is based on placement but is typically just enough to cover the cost of living. Contracts usually run between October to May, and the application period is open from January to April on Spain’s PROFEX website.

Auxiliares de Conversacion Application Requirements

Citizens of English-speaking countries like the U.S., Canada, Australia, U.K., Ireland, and New Zealand.
Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in any field
Open to 18-60-year-olds with clean criminal background check

9. Meddeas Advanced Program: Spain

Monthly salary: €800-€1,120 per month ($900-$1,300/month)

The Meddeas Advanced Program is another opportunity to teach in Spain, much like the one listed above except for placement in private and charter schools. They require applicants to pay a €1,000 program deposit refunded at the end of their contract completion. The program is also open to native German and French speakers.

TIP: Spain actually has about eight government teaching programs in total! Check them out, so you know all of your options.

Meddeas Application Requirements

Recently graduated from university within past 4 years
Native English, German, or French speaker
Clean background check
Valid passport

10. Academic Information Agency (AIA): Czech Republic

Monthly salary: 30,000 – 35,000 CZK ($1,350-$1,600/month)

The Czech Republic’s AIA Program is publicly funded by the country’s department of education. They primarily help qualified English teachers get placement in public primary or secondary schools in small towns.

Most teaching positions require teachers to work between September 1st to June 30th (the normal school year) with language instruction geared towards 3rd-grade students up through secondary school. Teachers are expected to work 24 hours per week and earn enough to cover living costs in the Czech Republic.

AIA Application Requirements

Bachelor’s degree
TEFL certificate or teaching certification if your degree is in a non-related field
Teaching experience preferred
Eligibility for an “Employee Card” visa, obtained after receiving a contract of employment

11. Central European Teaching Program (CETP): Hungary

Monthly salary: 150,000-170,000 HUF ($500/month)

CETP is a unique teach abroad gig because it’s run by a private third party that places teachers in public school government positions. Teachers in CETP are contracted to work for the ten-month-long school year as full-fledged teachers, and it’s one of the few teaching opportunities in Europe open to non-EU teachers.

The salary isn’t extravagant but enough to cover your living expenses. Teachers are free to pick up private teaching gigs to earn extra income. Teachers also receive health insurance, free furnished housing, and free utilities, which helps with money significantly. Because this is a third-party program, there is a program fee.

CETP Application Requirements

Program fee: $2,500 to teach for a full year or $1,800 for one semester

Native English speaker from the U.S., Canada, U.K, or EU country
Bachelor’s degree
TEFL certificate with 20-hour practicum
Open to 21-70+-year-olds

things to do in Lisbon Portugal — Lisbon, Portugal

12. USA’s English Language Fellow Program: Worldwide

Fellowship stipend: $35,000 + cost of living allowance

The English Language Fellow Program, or EL Fellow, is a program that places experienced TESOL professionals in universities and other academic institutions around the world. The program is for a 10-month fellowship and offers a great benefits package on top of the fellowship stipend.

Fellows receive round-trip travel, health benefits, a pre-departure allowance of $1,000, and an extra $500 per month if traveling with dependents. Every year, the participating list of U.S. Embassies/countries changes, but historically EL Fellows have been placed in 80 different countries. You can learn more on the official website and start your EL Fellowship application here.

EL Fellow Application Requirements

U.S. citizen
Graduate-level degree in English language teaching, TESOL, applied linguistics, or a related field
Experience teaching ESL/EFL

minimal packing list for India for girls — Taj Mahal, India

13. USA’s Fulbright English Teaching Assistant Program (ETA): Worldwide

Fulbright ETA Program Grant: $1,000-$2,500/month

The Fulbright English Teaching Assistant is an incredible and highly competitive program sponsored by the U.S. government. The program aims to foster positive international relations abroad and provide U.S. citizens with opportunities to teach overseas.

The grant amount awarded depends on where you’re placed and is meant to cover the cost of living, round-trip transportation, and housing abroad. You can check where placements are currently available around the world. The application cycle typically opens in April.

Fulbright English Teaching Assistant Application Requirements

U.S. Citizen
Bachelor’s degree and strong academic or professional background
Meet specific country’s language requirement
Applicants with extensive experience living abroad are usually not considered

7 Best TEFL Provider Teach Abroad Programs + ESL Job Opportunities

Another way to teach English abroad is through private programs. By private, I mean non-government sponsored programs or those by for-profit companies like TEFL providers or third-party agencies and recruiters.

Many TEFL providers offer graduates job search assistance through private opportunities, public school programs, or partnerships with hiring schools and recruiters abroad.

1. CIEE Teach Abroad

CI E E, or the Council of International Education, is a non-profit that has been helping young people get abroad for decades through various programs. Most notably, they offer high-quality TEFL certification courses and teach abroad programs to exciting destinations like √= South Korea, China, Spain, and more.

I taught English in South Korea with CIEE Teach Abroad and recommend it for those looking to kill two birds with one stone: getting TEFL certified and having job placement help. It’s also great for first-timers who want to avoid planning, researching, or dealing with the stress of searching for jobs or applying for visas.

Save $200 off of any CIEE Teach Abroad program via my unique link. This offer is only available to first-time applicants.

2. Teach Abroad With International TEFL Academy

Much like CIEE, The International TEFL Academy is another premier TEFL provider dedicated to certifying teachers and helping them successfully secure teaching jobs. Graduates of their TEFL course are eligible for free lifetime job search assistance, which means taking advantage of their extensive network of schools.

Learn more about how the International TEFL Academy can help you achieve your teach abroad dreams.

3. Premier TEFL Internships

PremierTEFL is a more affordable TEFL certification option, with courses typically priced at a few hundred dollars.

As with most TEFL providers, Premier TEFL offers paid TEFL internships that place participants in places throughout Asia, Europe, and South America for anywhere between 3-12 months. Premier TEFL’s internships are open to young adults up to 60, and there’s no need to have a degree to be eligible and range in cost.

↠ Read More: A PremierTEFL Review

4. ITTT

ITTT TEFL is an accredited TEFL provider that offers online TEFL courses, in-class options, and combined certifications for TEFL/TESOL. With iTTT, you can take the courses solo or with a professional tutor, and you’ll gain access to their job boards once you graduate. They also offer countless valuable resources to help prospective teachers find a good job in a suitable place.

You can enjoy a 20% discount on any TEFL course at iTTT via my unique link.

5. i-to-i

i-to-i is a popular TEFL provider from the U.K. that’s been in the biz since 1994 and has helped over 200,000 aspiring EFL teachers get certified and follow their dreams. They have a TEFL job board and offer TEFL internships to those serious about finding an ESL job.

6. The TEFL Academy

The TEFL Academy offers a comprehensive accredited 168-hour course that you can take all online or a combined experience of online and in-class in most major cities around the U.S. Graduates can then take advantage of The TEFL Academy’s comprehensive job board and ESL internships, most of which don’t have a fee to apply to.

7. OnTESOL

OnTESOL is a company based in Canada that offers an accredited online 120-hour advanced TEFL course equivalent to CELTA and the Trinity CertTESOL. Graduates can access their free TEFL job board and inquire about their teach abroad programs.

cherry blossoms in daegu — Cherry blossoms in South Korea

7 Best Private Teach Abroad Programs

Here are even more places to find teach abroad programs through private companies, most of which do not offer TEFL certification programs and are country-specific, and require a fee to participate.

GeoVisions (China, Thailand, Peru, Taiwan): a private company that offers international work and travel opportunities.
EF English First (China, Indonesia, Online): An international education company offering placements in Asia and online.
Greenheart Travel: An org that offers cultural exchange programs, including teaching abroad.
Maximo Nivel (Costa Rica, Guatemala, & Peru): A travel, study, and teach abroad organization specialization in placements across Latin America.
Interac (Japan): A private company that recruits English teachers to work at schools in Japan, much like the JET program.
EMG Education (Vietnam): A private company that employs English teachers to work in Vietnam’s public schools.
BEDA Program (Spain): Hires language assistants to work in Spain’s private Catholic schools.

Other Ways to Teach English Abroad

This list is far from over! Here are even more opportunities to teach abroad!

Language Academies Around the World

Another option to find work teaching English abroad is by applying directly to language schools and academies. Private language academies aren’t known for exceptionally high pay and benefits, but there are thousands of companies worldwide, and they can be a good way to get your foot in the door.

Some of the biggest and best-known names with locations in various countries include:

Volunteer Teach Abroad Programs

Volunteer teach abroad programs don’t pay a salary, but typically provide teachers with a stipend to cover the cost of living. Some programs assist with housing and other small benefits to offset the cost of living.

English Opens Doors Program (Chile) is a government-sponsored program bringing native English speakers to Chile.
Fundación Marina Orth (Columbia) is a program that provides children access to English, coding, and technology instruction.
Teach and Learn with Georgia (Georgia), a government volunteer program bringing teachers to the Republic of Georgia.

teaching English in Vietnam — A summer camp I taught in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Summer Teach Abroad Programs

Summer teach abroad programs focus on teaching English via camp activities like theater, sports, etc. There are many scattered around Europe, some of which make the visa process easier for Americans than getting a full-time job in Europe for the year, although some require work authorization.

Summer camps typically prefer to hire 20–30-year-olds, and some are volunteer-based programs. It’s common for English camp counselors to receive free room and board and a weekly stipend to help cover the cost of living, which averages $150-$300 per week.

Summer ESL Jobs:

The English Camp Company (Italy, Austria)
Kids Camp America (Germany)
TECS (Spain)
ACLE (Italy)
EDUCO (Italy)
Camp Europe (Germany)
American Village (France)

teaching English online without a degree — Teaching English online is another option

Unique and Miscellaneous ESL Job Opportunities

There are many ways to find one-off ESL job listings online. Just be careful of scams and schools that are blacklisted (known to mistreat teachers).

Find work teaching on a U.S. Military Base abroad.
Teach at universities, international schools, or bilingual schools abroad and find job openings directly on school websites.
Join ESL/TEFL and country-specific Facebook groups to find job postings.
Online TEFL job boards like Dave’s ESL Cafe, GoAbroad, GoOverseas, etc.
Utilizer recruiters like Search Associates to find work at international schools
Teach English online with reputable providers like Cambly, Lingoda, and more.

There you have it! A comprehensive list of where to find ESL jobs and some of the best teach abroad programs. Know of an ESL job opportunity worth sharing? Please comment below!

Read More: Best Places to Teach English Abroad

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