Is There Really A Demand For TEFL Teachers?

In short, YES!

Teaching English is more than a career option. It’s your gateway to the world.

Going nowhere slowly in your job? Get TEFL-certified and change course!

Want to escape the daily grind? Get a TEFL and shake things up!

Restless and ready for adventure? Do a TEFL course and travel the world!

And did you know?

• You can get TEFL-qualified without ever leaving your couch.
• 120 or 168 hours is all it takes!
• A TEFL course won’t make you go broke.
• You can work from anywhere you want – even your couch!

But that all sounds a bit too good to be true, doesn’t it?

Is there really a demand for TEFL teachers?

Let’s look at the facts to find out.

Read more: English Language Teaching Statistics

A 2025 ELT (English Language Training) global market report projects the industry to grow to $115.29 billion by 2029 – that’s a compound annual growth rate of 6.7%. 

The report notes that this is likely due to:

• globalisation,
• the need for cross-cultural communication,
• a boost in the popularity of English language courses,
• the rise of internet usage, and
• desire for a more skilled workforce.

Which is great news for us TEFL teachers!

How many people are learning English as a foreign language?

It was estimated that in 2020 there were approximately 2 billion people learning English as a foreign language. This number remains constant. The industry shows no signs of slowing down. 

With its massive population, China leads the way with around 300 million English learners. But other countries, like India and Brazil, also boast impressive numbers!

English has always been one of the major languages of international communication and business and people have woken up to its importance. Being bilingual increases job prospects and earning potential. 

Many countries continue implementing plans to increase English language instruction in schools. In other words, they are making it compulsory or incentivising learners to learn English at school.

The boom in online learning has led to an increase in English language learning. 

More learners = more classes = more teachers.

Many people think that English language learners are only in non-English speaking countries like China or Spain to teach English. That’s quite simply not true.

English-speaking countries like the US, Canada, and even the UK have populations who don’t speak English as a first language. They depend on English lessons to help them settle into their communities.

On the flip side, there are English language students who choose to travel to these countries to enjoy an immersive experience and to accelerate their  language learning. The UK and the US continue to attract international students with high-quality English learning programmes, but most English-speaking countries have opportunities to learn English as a foreign language.

So whether you’re looking to teach in English in London, Miami, Beijing or Taipei, the demand for English teachers remains strong worldwide. 

How many people are teaching English as a foreign language?

We all know someone who has taught English abroad or is thinking of ditching their nine to five for a taste of freedom to explore new cultures and satisfy the travel bug. 

There are currently an estimated 250,000 people teaching English as a foreign language around the world. That’s the population of a medium-sized city! 

Is it hard to find a TEFL job?

Not at all, provided you have the right qualification.

Because of the demand for English instruction, there are teaching jobs available for qualified teachers all over the world, and online.

TEFL teachers tend to lead a nomadic lifestyle, frequently switching jobs within the same country or between cities.

Schools are always welcoming new TEFL teachers, so there are endless opportunities for those eager to explore the world and embrace teaching in exciting new spots.

Can TEFL be a full-time job?

Absolutely.

Teaching English abroad generally involves teaching full-time, though what this looks like in terms of hours depends on the job itself. 

Some countries, like Japan, offer a wide range of opportunities for English teachers through dispatch companies providing diverse choices for those interested in teaching English.

Freelance TEFL teaching is another great option allowing you to set your own schedule. 

Is TEFL a good career choice?

Yes! A TEFL qualification offers flexibility to suit any career-related or personal goals you might have. 

You can work short-term.

You can work online.

You can work in the same school for decades.

You can switch schools each year and explore new countries.

You can change track and become a Director of Studies, blogger, school owner or recruiter.

A TEFL qualification opens multiple paths and you get to choose the one you want.

Teaching English online

And don’t forget about teaching English online!

The last few years has seen an astronomical increase in online learning, especially in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. Factors like technological advancements and the growing preference for remote work also play a huge role. 

The beauty of online teaching is that you can teach from anywhere – so you don’t have to go abroad to do it.

Read more: 11 Best Places To Teach English Online [+11 Questions Answered]

So while teaching English as a foreign language remains a popular career choice in 2025, there is plenty of space for you to make your mark. Keep your eye on online jobs boards so you don’t miss out.  

Sounds like your vibe? Check out our TEFL courses to see which one suits you – and sign up today to change your life!