Why Teach English Abroad?
Teaching English abroad means living in another country while working as a language teacher. Most teachers come from native English-speaking countries (US, Canada, UK, Ireland, Australia, NZ, South Africa), hold a bachelor's degree, and have a TEFL certificate. Non-native speakers also find opportunities, though the requirements may differ.
Checklist for Teaching Abroad
1. Get TEFL Certified — An accredited 120-hour TEFL is the minimum for most countries.
2. Choose Your Destination — Compare countries based on salary, visa requirements, and cost of living.
3. Gather Documents — Passport, degree notarization, background check, and health check take time to prepare.
4. Apply for Jobs — Most hiring happens 2-4 months before the start of a semester.
5. Apply for Your Visa — Your employer will typically guide you through this process.