Schools actively recruiting multiple ESL teachers for upcoming terms.
Mass-hiring programs recruit large numbers of English teachers at once, usually on a fixed annual cycle. They're one of the best entry points into teaching abroad because they handle most of the logistics for you — visa sponsorship, housing arrangements, orientation, and sometimes even airfare. Unlike individual school positions where you're navigating everything on your own, these programs are designed to onboard teachers who may have zero prior teaching experience. The trade-off is that pay tends to be lower than private tutoring or premium schools, but the support structure and guaranteed placement make them ideal for first-time teachers.
These are funded or coordinated by national governments and tend to offer the most structured experience with the strongest support networks.
Positions per year: 2,000+
Monthly salary: $1,800 - $2,400 USD (varies by qualifications and experience)
Benefits: Free furnished housing (or housing allowance), round-trip airfare, severance pay equal to one month's salary, national health insurance, 10 paid vacation days plus national holidays
Start dates: February and August (two intake cycles per year)
How to apply: Through the Korean consulate or embassy in your home country. Applications typically open 5-6 months before each start date. You'll need a bachelor's degree in any field, be a citizen of an English-speaking country, and pass a criminal background check.
EPIK places you in public schools across South Korea, from major cities like Busan and Daegu to rural areas. City placements are more competitive. Most teachers co-teach with a Korean English teacher, which reduces the pressure of managing a classroom alone. The program has been running since 1995 and has a well-established support community of current and former teachers.
Positions per year: ~4,000
Monthly salary: ¥280,000 - ¥330,000 (approximately $1,900 - $2,250 USD)
Benefits: Round-trip airfare, health and pension insurance, paid vacation, contracted housing assistance (you pay rent but it's often subsidized)
Start date: Late July / early August (one intake per year)
How to apply: Through the Japanese embassy or consulate in your home country. The application cycle opens in October for the following summer. The process includes a written application and an in-person interview.
JET offers two main positions: ALT (Assistant Language Teacher), where you assist in English classes at public schools, and CIR (Coordinator for International Relations), which involves community engagement and requires Japanese language ability. ALT is the far more common position and requires no Japanese proficiency. JET is one of the most competitive government teaching programs — the selection process is rigorous, but the experience is well-regarded by future employers. Placements can be anywhere in Japan, including rural areas.
Positions per year: 2,000+
Monthly stipend: €700 - €1,000 (varies by region; Madrid and Barcelona tend to pay more)
Benefits: Student visa sponsorship, health insurance through the Spanish system. Housing and airfare are NOT included.
Start date: October (one main intake per year)
How to apply: Through the Spanish Ministry of Education's online portal. Applications open around January-February. You need a bachelor's degree (or be in the final year of one) and be a native or near-native English speaker.
This program places you as a language assistant in Spanish public schools, typically working 12-16 hours per week. The stipend alone isn't enough to live comfortably in major cities, but the part-time schedule means most participants supplement their income with private tutoring (at €15-€30/hour, this can meaningfully increase your earnings). The low weekly hours also give you time to learn Spanish and explore the country. Popular placements in Madrid and Barcelona fill up fast — apply on the day applications open.
Positions per year: 1,500+
Monthly stipend: €785 (net)
Benefits: Work visa, social security coverage. Housing and travel are NOT included.
Hours: 12 hours/week
Contract: October through May
How to apply: Through the French consulate or the Campus France website. Applications typically open in October and close in January. You need at least two years of university completed and basic French proficiency (B1 level recommended).
TAPIF places teaching assistants in public schools across France, from Paris to small towns. Like the Spain program, the stipend is modest and most participants supplement with private tutoring. The 12-hour work week leaves plenty of time for that, plus travel. The program is a strong choice if you want a structured entry into living in France without committing to a full-time teaching position.
Private education companies hire continuously throughout the year and often have positions across multiple countries. They tend to offer faster hiring processes than government programs, though benefits vary more widely.
Locations: 40+ countries including China, Indonesia, Russia, Mexico, and more
Monthly salary: $1,500 - $3,000 depending on location and qualifications
Hiring: Rolling applications year-round
Notes: EF provides initial teacher training, curriculum materials, and typically assists with visa and housing. Salaries vary enormously by country — positions in China and the Middle East pay the most, while Southeast Asian positions pay less but come with lower cost of living. EF is one of the largest private employers of English teachers globally, which means lots of positions but also variability in experience depending on your specific school and manager.
Location: Japan (200+ schools across the country)
Monthly salary: ¥270,000 (~$1,800 - $2,300 USD) plus bonuses
Hiring: Year-round, with peak hiring in spring and fall
Notes: AEON operates eikaiwa (English conversation school) classes for students of all ages, from children to adults. No Japanese language ability required. Benefits include airfare assistance, housing support, and contract completion bonuses. The teaching style is structured with set curricula, which is helpful for new teachers who don't want to create lesson plans from scratch.
Locations: Multiple countries across Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and Latin America
Monthly salary: Varies by country; generally competitive within each market
Hiring: Rolling applications
Notes: Wall Street English focuses primarily on adult learners, which means your students are motivated (they're paying for it) and your teaching hours tend to be evenings and weekends. The methodology is blended — a mix of digital self-study and small-group conversation classes with a teacher. If you prefer teaching adults over children, this is one of the better options.
Locations: 100+ countries
Monthly salary: Competitive; generally above market rate for each location
Hiring: Positions posted on their careers page; selection is competitive
Notes: The British Council is widely considered the premium employer in the ESL industry. Benefits are excellent, professional development support is strong, and having British Council on your CV carries weight. The selection process is more demanding than most — you'll typically need a CELTA or equivalent plus some teaching experience. If you qualify, it's one of the best organizations to work for in the field.
Most teaching programs and schools follow predictable hiring cycles. Knowing when to apply gives you a significant advantage: