Can You Teach English in an English-Speaking Country? Yes - Here’s How It Really Works

The “why” of it all is a question I get asked constantly by other teachers. Why choose the UK when there are jobs in Spain (favourable climate), Japan (rich cultural experiences), or the Middle East (attractive salary offers)?

It’s simple: the rewards of teaching in an English-speaking country are different, but every bit as worthwhile.

First, let’s talk about the classroom environment — the sheer diversity you find in UK EFL classrooms is unbeatable. 

On a single day, I might be teaching students from Brazil, China, Poland, Somalia, Spain, and Turkey, all sitting side by side and all sharing ideas, jokes, and cultural insights. It makes the classroom feel like a mini United Nations. Lessons are never dull because students bring unique perspectives that enrich the learning experience for everyone, myself included.

When I taught in Greece, my classes were almost entirely made up of Greek teenagers. Great students, of course, but their shared background meant lessons were often more predictable. 

In the UK, the cultural mix constantly challenges me to think creatively and adapt, which has made me a far better teacher.

Then there are practical reasons: 

• maintaining family ties
• avoiding the upheaval of moving abroad
• preferring a more familiar cultural backdrop

For me, being able to live and work in London meant staying close to friends and family, establishing long-term roots, and still doing work that was both meaningful and challenging.

For non-native teachers, teaching in an English-speaking country can be an incredible way to immerse themselves in the language. 

Read more: The Advantages Of Being A Non-Native English Teacher

I’ve met colleagues from across Europe, Asia, and Latin America who said working here boosted not only their professional confidence but also their fluency and cultural knowledge. 

Some stayed permanently, making the UK their home; others returned home with vastly improved English and stronger CVs, ready to take on senior roles.

Of course, life is just as vibrant outside the classroom. London, Brighton, Edinburgh, and Dublin are not only centres of learning, but lively cities full of cultural richness and opportunity — it’s a full, exciting lifestyle, not just a job.

Over the years, I’ve worked in pretty much every setting you can imagine, and each brought something different.

I’ve taught in private EFL colleges, more structured Further Education colleges, busy London classrooms, helped out with refugee programmes, taught Business English in corporate offices, and led summer camps in the countryside. It’s been a wonderfully varied and fulfilling journey. 

Read more: 7 Tips For Teaching Business English Like A Professional

Career highlights

Private EFL colleges

When I first worked in private EFL colleges, I found myself teaching full-time: Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. The classes were wonderfully multinational, and the pay was modest at the start, between £12–£15 ($16–$20) an hour, increasing as I gained experience. I stayed for six years, thriving on the lively and dynamic atmosphere.

Further education colleges

Later, I moved into Further Education colleges. These were more formal, often government-funded, paid better — £20–£30 ($27–$40) an hour — and offered more long-term stability, which was very welcome after years of juggling.

Summer programmes

These were short-term, but well-paid, sometimes up to £700 ($940) a week, often including accommodation and meals. They gave me the chance to meet students in a more relaxed setting — perfect for new teachers wanting a taste of the work.

Refugee and community programmes

Working in refugee and community programmes has been some of my most rewarding work, combining human connection with language learning.

Private tutoring 

Private tutoring brought total flexibility: I set my own rates, around £30–£40 ($40–$54) an hour, and focused on specialist areas. This side of my career gave me a wonderful sense of independence.

Was it always consistent? Not at all. I sometimes juggled different contracts, but with persistence, I built a financially sustainable and deeply rewarding career.

Read more: What Is English For Specific Purposes?

This is the part many aspiring teachers worry about, and understandably so. The good news is that the requirements for teaching in an English-speaking country are very clear. 

The standard entry point? A recognised Level 5 TEFL qualification. 

A Level 5 TEFL is a real door-opener: employers trust it, students benefit from it, and it gives teachers a foundation for everything, from lesson planning to classroom management. 

This qualification is highly respected internationally and equips you with the practical classroom skills needed to get started. Without it, you’ll be limited to informal tutoring or volunteering. With it, you’re instantly more employable.

Read more: What Do You Learn On A TEFL Course?

Once you’re qualified, the hiring process is refreshingly straightforward. 

Most jobs are advertised online, often through specialist sites like TEFL.com, Indeed, or directly on school websites. You submit your CV, plus a tailored cover letter, and if shortlisted, you’ll be invited for an interview. 

Interviews are often conducted online, which makes it easier to apply for roles, even before relocating.

Sometimes, schools ask for a short demonstration lesson, usually around 10–15 mins. Don’t let that put you off! It’s not about perfection; it’s about showing you can engage students, explain ideas clearly, and create a positive classroom atmosphere. 

I remember my first one vividly — I was terrified! Afterwards, I realised it was actually a great opportunity to showcase my personality and teaching style.

If you’re just starting out, you might face some competition, especially in big cities, but the demand is there. Once you’ve landed your first role, everything else gets easier.

Editor’s note: So, where can you teach English in the English-speaking world? Here’s a quick overview of the TEFL opportunities across the so-called Big 7 English-speaking countries:

• UK: Language schools, private colleges, universities, refugee programmes, in-company
• Ireland: Language schools, community centres, summer schools, and in-company
• Canada: Language schools, LINC (Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada) programme, in-company, especially in Toronto/Vancouver 
• Australia: Language schools, AMEP (Adult Migrant English Programme) courses for migrants, in-company in Melbourne/Sydney 
• New Zealand: Language schools, refugee English classes, summer camps, ELP (English Language Partners), in-company in Wellington
• USA: Language schools, community colleges (adult education for immigrants), in-company across major cities
• South Africa: Language schools, township/community programmes 

The variety of TEFL jobs in the UK is incredible.

Private EFL colleges offer lively classes and attract students from across the globe.

Further Education colleges typically provide better pay and government support.

Universities are another major employer, particularly for pre-sessional and in-sessional English courses for international students.

Community-based refugee programmes provide deeply rewarding work, combining language learning with human connection.

Corporate clients hire English teachers to deliver specialist training in areas such as finance, law, or business communication.

Schools employ EAL (English as an Additional Language) teachers to support children learning English alongside their mainstream studies.

It’s not one-size-fits-all — you can shape a career that reflects your interests and lifestyle.

Read more: How To Apply For TEFL Jobs Abroad

The short answer is — anyone. 

I’ve worked with newly qualified teachers looking to build confidence, non-native teachers wanting English immersion, and experienced tutors choosing to stay close to family. 

Some colleagues were passionate about supporting refugees, others enjoyed the academic side of teaching at universities or the professional challenge of corporate English. 

Motivations vary, but opportunities exist for every kind of teacher.

Let‘s clear up some of the most common misconceptions.

Myth #1: Nobody needs English lessons in an English-speaking country

This couldn’t be further from the truth. The UK is home to large immigrant populations, arriving with little or no English. Refugees, asylum seekers, and migrant workers all require language support to integrate, work, and thrive. 

On top of that, there are thousands of international students coming to universities each year, many of whom need pre-sessional English before starting their degrees. 

Even professionals such as lawyers, doctors, pilots, and bankers need specialist training to operate confidently in high-stakes environments.

Myth #2: You can only get a TEFL teaching job abroad

Again, false. 

London has dozens of EFL colleges. Oxford and Cambridge have thriving university language centres, and coastal cities like Brighton and Bournemouth run summer schools packed with international students. Opportunities are everywhere, often just a short train ride away.

Myth #3: Only native speakers get hired

This really frustrates me because it discourages brilliant teachers and underestimates the unique strengths of non-native teachers. Many of my best colleagues were non-native speakers who often had a better grasp of grammar than I did and could deeply empathise with students’ struggles. 

Their journeys into fluency became inspiring stories in the classroom. Far from being a disadvantage, being a non-native teacher can be a real asset.

Myth #4: Teaching isn’t a serious career

This isn’t true. I taught full-time for over 10 years before moving into management roles, and many colleagues have stayed in stable, fulfilling teaching positions for decades. It’s not just a stopgap or a summer job; for those who want it. It’s a long-term, sustainable, and deeply rewarding career.

Read more: 13 Different TEFL Jobs For TEFL Teachers

Teaching in an English-speaking country like the UK comes with ups and downs, but the positives easily outweigh the challenges.

Pros:

• Life is easier when you’re teaching in your own language and cultural context. You’re familiar with the healthcare system, transport networks, and cultural norms (small but important to reduce daily stress), freeing up energy to focus on your teaching.
• The professional environment is more equal. When I taught in Greece, I noticed native speakers were often given priority, sometimes regardless of ability. In the UK, however, I’ve seen non-native teachers flourish and be valued for their expertise, creating a more level playing field.
• Classroom diversity is a huge advantage. Teachers are exposed to different cultures and worldviews daily — I often joke that I’ve travelled the world without leaving London, because I’ve learnt so much from my students.
• Being closer to family and friends provides a strong support network. Teaching abroad can be an amazing adventure, but it can also be isolating. Working in the UK, I’ve always had support nearby — invaluable during both personal and professional challenges.

Of course, there are drawbacks as well. 

Cons:

• Competition for jobs can be intense, especially in big cities like London. 
• Pay, while fair and sustainable, doesn’t always match the lucrative packages abroad. Many overseas positions include free accommodation, flight reimbursement, insurance, or long-term benefits. In the UK, you often have to arrange these yourself.

For me, the trade-off has been worth it. The stability, diversity, cultural familiarity, and professional respect have outweighed the occasional challenge.

Looking back over 30+ years of teaching in the UK, I can honestly say it has been the right path for me. 

Yes, there were times when I wondered if I should’ve travelled more, but the opportunities I found here were rich, fulfilling, and sustainable.

If you’re considering a career in TEFL, don’t assume you have to head overseas. Teaching English in an English-speaking country can be stable, sustainable, professionally rewarding, personally fulfilling, and bursting with variety and cultural richness.

Ultimately, whether you stay local or travel the world depends on your personal goals. If you’re curious about teaching at home, go for it — you might just find (as I did) that the most exciting opportunities are right on your doorstep.

If teaching in an English-speaking country sounds good to you, an accredited Level 5 TEFL qualification is the easiest way to get going – and it’s precisely what most employers look for.