Teach English Abroad: Jobs, Requirements and TEFL Courses

The Quick Answer

Many entry level English teaching positions ask for a recognised TEFL certificate. A bachelor degree is also a common work visa requirement, including for the legal route used by most foreign teachers in Thailand. Employers may also ask for a criminal background check, health documents and evidence that qualifications have been legalised.

Requirements differ between countries and employers. Check the official visa rules before accepting a position or paying for travel.

Why Teach English Abroad?

People choose teaching abroad for different reasons. Some want classroom experience before beginning a longer teaching career. Others want to live overseas, develop professional skills or make a carefully planned career change.

Teaching can provide a stable routine and a genuine connection to the local community. It also requires preparation, patience and the ability to adapt to a different school culture.

What Do You Need to Teach English Abroad?

• TEFL qualification: A 120 hour TEFL certificate is a common minimum requested by employers.
• Bachelor degree: Required for the standard legal work permit route in Thailand and many other teaching destinations.
• English ability: Schools assess communication, pronunciation and classroom suitability. Passport and language requirements differ by country.
• Background check: Commonly required when working with children and during visa processing.
• Legalised documents: Degrees and other documents may need authentication before they can be used for a visa or work permit.

Which TEFL Course Should You Choose?

Essential TEFL offers two in person course options in Bangkok. Our 120 hour TEFL certificate is delivered through Kidsangsan Language School, a licensed private language school in Thailand. Our TQUK Level 5 qualification is awarded by Training Qualifications UK, an Ofqual regulated awarding organisation.

Both options include practical classroom preparation and observed teaching practice with real students. The Level 5 route adds a regulated UK qualification for trainees who want that additional level of academic assessment.

Compare the course options on our TEFL courses page or read more about TEFL accreditation and certification.

Popular Places to Teach English Abroad

Job availability, salaries and visa rules vary considerably. These are some of the destinations commonly considered by new TEFL teachers:

• Thailand: Positions are available in private schools, government schools, language centres and some international school programmes. Many qualified teachers earn between 45,000 and 70,000 THB per month, depending on the school, subject and experience.
• China: Opportunities can be found in schools, universities and language centres. Legal requirements and employment packages differ by city and employer.
• South Korea and Japan: Government programmes and private employers offer structured routes, but applications can take several months and eligibility criteria are strict.
• Vietnam: Language centres and schools recruit foreign English teachers, subject to current qualification and work permit rules.
• Spain: Teaching assistant programmes and private academies are common routes. Visa eligibility depends heavily on nationality and the type of programme.

Our country comparison guide provides a broader introduction. Always confirm current requirements through official government sources.

Do You Need Previous Teaching Experience?

Many entry level TEFL jobs do not require previous teaching experience. Schools still expect new teachers to arrive prepared, communicate clearly and manage a classroom responsibly.

Observed teaching practice gives you the chance to plan lessons, teach real students and receive feedback before starting your first job. This is different from completing theory alone.

How to Find a TEFL Job Abroad

Teachers normally find work through school websites, established job boards, recognised government programmes or recruitment agencies. Before accepting a position, ask for the complete working hours, teaching load, salary, holiday entitlement, visa support and the name of the legal employer.

Essential Educational Staffing supports recruitment in Thailand. Eligible native English speaking Essential TEFL graduates who hold a bachelor degree receive guaranteed interviews for suitable positions. Employment is decided by the school and is never guaranteed. Job placement is not offered to non native speakers or applicants without a bachelor degree.

Read the complete Essential TEFL job placement policy.

Can You Teach English Abroad Without a Degree?

Some countries have routes that do not require a bachelor degree, but the options are more limited and local rules can change. A TEFL certificate does not replace a degree where immigration or work permit regulations require one.

In Thailand, a bachelor degree is required for the legal work permit route used by most foreign school teachers. Read our guide to teaching English in Thailand without a degree before making plans.

Visas and Work Permits

A teaching job and permission to work are separate matters. The school or legal employer normally supports the application, but the teacher must provide the required documents.

For Thailand, this commonly includes a passport, degree documents, a TEFL certificate, photographs, a medical certificate and other documents requested by the school or authorities. Read our Thai visa and work permit guide for more detail.

Preparing for a Different School Culture

Teaching methods and school expectations differ between countries. In Thailand, respect for seniority, professional conduct and positive classroom relationships are particularly important. New teachers also need to become comfortable with larger classes, mixed ability groups and school routines that may feel unfamiliar at first.

Practical preparation makes this adjustment easier. Read our guide to Thai school culture and our classroom management advice.

What Types of Teaching Jobs Are Available?

• Private and government schools: Usually provide daytime teaching schedules and structured school terms.
• Language centres: Often focus on speaking and communication, with evening or weekend classes.
• International schools: Usually require a formal teaching qualification and relevant experience.
• Universities: Requirements vary, but postgraduate qualifications or previous experience may be preferred.
• Online teaching: Can provide additional income, although platform requirements and available hours vary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a degree to teach English abroad?

Requirements differ by country. A bachelor degree is required for the legal work permit route used by most foreign teachers in Thailand and is common in other major teaching destinations.

Do I need teaching experience before taking a TEFL job?

Many entry level positions accept new teachers. Practical training and observed teaching practice can help you enter the classroom better prepared.

What TEFL qualification do I need?

A 120 hour TEFL certificate is a common starting point. A regulated Level 5 qualification may suit people who want a more academically assessed route. Employer and visa requirements still differ by country.

Does Essential TEFL guarantee a teaching job?

No. Eligible native English speaking graduates with a bachelor degree receive guaranteed interviews through Essential Educational Staffing. The school makes the final employment decision.