Countries Where English Teachers Are In High Demand

Now that you’ve done a 120-hour internationally recognised TEFL course and you’re a TEFL teacher (congratulations!), you’re probably deciding what you’re going to do with your magical certificate. After all, a TEFL certificate opens doors, there’s no question about that – otherwise many of us wouldn’t be TEFL teachers, would we?!

There are quite a few things to consider when trying to decide where to jump into the TEFL working world, things that’ll affect your decision as to which ticket to put your hard-earned money towards. Salary, destination, working conditions, contract type – all of these things can make or break a TEFL destination for a TEFL teacher. And one more: job availability.

So, we’re going to take out one of the variables for you by looking at the countries where English teachers are in high demand, where TEFL jobs are plentiful and TEFL teachers are appreciated. You’re welcome.

Huge demand for teaching English as a second language in China, South Korea and Vietnam

• China
  English is the language of business and China is one of the world’s up-and-coming economic powerhouses, so it’s no surprise there’s a need for English teachers here. Considering the sheer number of Chinese Mandarin and Cantonese speakers, there are plenty of jobs for everyone! Teaching English in China ranges from kindergarten to high school to university to businessmen and –women so you are guaranteed to find the job that suits you.
• South Korea
  South Korea has been a top TEFL destination ever since, well, ever since TEFL became a thing. South Korea is known for its attractive salaries and generous packages, but also for its long working hours. Teaching English in Korea can mean teaching in a state school (through the EPIK programme, for example) or it can mean teaching English in a private academy, known as a hagwon. Wherever you end up, you’ll work hard but you’ll be compensated fairly.
• Vietnam
  Teaching English in Vietnam is a relatively new industry but it has grown hugely in the last few years, thanks to the large number of language schools that have opened in the country. Though TEFL jobs in Vietnam don’t pay very well (especially if you are trying to pay off debt back home) you will be able to live very comfortably in Vietnam and be able to explore this spectacularly beautiful country.

As you can see, at the moment, the market is still the best for TEFL teachers in Asia and finding a TEFL job in Asia is as easy as doing a Google search. This doesn’t mean that you won’t be able to find a job in other parts of the world. Quite the contrary. These are what we have found to have the highest demand for TEFL teachers currently, but to be quite honest, the world is your oyster with a TEFL certificate right now.

Russia, Saudi Arabia, Brazil and Spain are just a few more examples of countries who would love to offer you a TEFL job. Just have a look at our TEFL jobs board and see for yourself.