Comments on: Top 10 Places for Teaching English Abroad

By: chalon

chalon — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 10:58:17 +0000

craig i need to save money and i want to teach in europe….can u give me pointers? i was gonna default to japan with this jet program. its got a lot backing it up…

By: Treehouse

Treehouse — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 09:54:09 +0000

Great article, I wish I could teach English in another country, but it is not my first language, so I am scared. Does anyone know where I could teach Spanish? I just can’t find a good website with information about it.

By: Dani

Dani — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 17:07:31 +0000

I’m currently a Fulbright ETA in Indonesia and I must say, I love it. The pay is good, the program is decent, but it varies greatly from site to site. Some ETAs are in great locations with minimal expenses, some are in crappy ones with high expenses. My school is wonderful with great facilities and staff, but a very modest living situation (think: converting an office to a bedroom, no bathroom sink, and who needs a kitchen, anyway?) The other ETA in my city has a palace of a guest house with her own swimming pool and personal chef. Her school, however, doesn’t have electricity. It all evens out. Biggest downfall? Stupid in-country travel restrictions. Some people have a 5 bedroom house in a gated neighborhood all for one person.

For this country in particular, I’ve heard that EF’s benefits are very similar after all the bonuses come in. I highly recommend Fulbright ANYDAY, but EF’s prospects are looking pretty good for next year since I don’t have the option to renew for next year with my program.

Hope this helps!

By: Tesol Australia

Tesol Australia — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 13:19:41 +0000

This is cool list, but the only thing that require is TESOL certification.

By: Shogun Sam

Shogun Sam — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 16:03:59 +0000

I have been searching for an objective study upon this topic, one not susceptible to sensory overload.

By: Adam

Adam — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 15:19:39 +0000

I’m just beginining to research teaching English as a Second Language and this website has clarified much for me. Does anyone what opportunites there are for an English Literature Ph.D. with a CELTA in South Amerca, particularly Brazil? I’m in the writing up stage of my doctorate and I’m really looking to go abroad once I’m finished. I have quite a few years teaching experience at Adult Level, including two years in a university department and six months ESOL experience, but I don’t speak Spanish or Portuguese. I noticed above that there might be opportunities in Mexico, but what about generally? This is an initial enquiry but any information would be appreciated.

By: Hannah Welch

Hannah Welch — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 15:47:20 +0000

Thanks for writing this article it’s awesome and really helped me narrow down which places I am most interested in teaching abroad! Do you have any insight on people who get certified online versus people who get certified in classrooms? I have noticed that there is a major price difference so I was wondering if preference is given to teachers who have been certified through an official classroom course. Also, I was surprised to see Saudi Arabia on your list. I say that because I have family who live in Saudi Arabia and it doesn’t seem like an easy country to go and work in! I would like to find out more information on that. Again, thanks for the useful article!

By: Tyler

Tyler — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 17:37:18 +0000

JET and the Japan Exchange Teaching Program are the same thing, and you definitely didn’t give them enough of a writeup here. $40,000 a year tax free plus airfare and often accomodations is what you can expect from a job with JET.

By: Si Knight

Si Knight — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 01:18:59 +0000

I totally agree with doohdoohhead, the notion that ‘the world is your oyster’ for English speakers is a fallacy and getting a job is a lot harder these days – a white face just doesn’t cut it anymore.
Most of the countries listed, like Mexico, Russia, Brazil, pay a pittance and can be dangerous especially for women.
Jobs in the Czech Republic dont’ offer housing so negotiating won’t help so this will eat away half your salary. Jobs in Japan are scarce and now, with the economic crises, and are mostly offered to people in Japan.
Of the places listed, Korea and China stand out for the amount of opportunities and pay versus cost of living but both have pitfalls – namely dodgy employers.
Of the places not listed, Taiwan and Vietnam are good options but you will be teaching young kids, paying your own housing and will need start up capital.
Good luck for where ever you choose – oh and be ready to work hard!

By: Alaina

Alaina — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 20:46:05 +0000

Though it may be a more difficult application/selection process, applying for to Fulbright as an ETA is a really good option (if you are a US citizen). You don’t have to be certified to teach, you don’t teach full-time (but receive a great salary for the hours worked) and it’s a reputable program. They place assistants in many countries, so it’s definitely worth checking out.

By: Rebecca

Rebecca — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 19:16:41 +0000

Does anyone know if I need a TESOL certificate to teach in another country if I have a Master’s degree in ESL? I also have an SEI endorsement. I would assume that would be more than enough but with all the talk of a TESOL cert. I’m wondering if it’s required.

By: William Wallace

William Wallace — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 13:41:39 +0000

I think the main criteria for choosing where to teach, would be whichever country had the best looking girls.

By: doohdoohhead

doohdoohhead — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 05:52:05 +0000

This article presents teaching abroad in an overly simplistic manner.
The truth is that while there’s a lot of demand, doors aren’t just gonna be swinging open- and those that do, you may need to be weary of.
First, teaching in Europe is usually restricted to residents of the EU, so it’s hard for americans or canadians to get a job there (many other places as well- the writer mentions Brazil- I tried there).
Second, developing countries like China, Russia etc. should be approached cautiously. If you’re interested in teaching in places like that which offer all kinds of benefits, it’s extremely important to assure they are legit, because all types of abuse can occur (holding the teacher’s passport, return flight tickets, transferring the teacher to a different city etc). Furthermore, they pay in places like that is not great if you don’t have a specialized degree (the same applies to all Latin America). DOn’t expect to be living it up, unless you take money with you.
Next, places like Saudi Arabia and other wealthy Arab countries usually require a Master’s degree.
Last, places which are reliable for ESL work with decent pay: Japan, Korea, Taiwan-often have a slightly more demanding work ethic that many North Americans may consider overwork, employer abuse etc.
I highly recommend travelling and teaching, but first understand what you are getting into : )

By: Amanda

Amanda — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 22:29:27 +0000

I’m also interested in specific wage info like Tom mentioned. I wonder if there is an online resource that gives rough wages for each ESL employer. You could do the cost of living chart of your own and see what lines up.

By: Seth

Seth — Sun, 30 Aug 2009 13:04:47 +0000

I’ve been in South Korea for the past seven months, and would like add that while Korean ESL jobs are plentiful and well paying, travelers need to remember one thing:

If you work at a hagwon (private language school), you’re vacation is pretty much limited to 10 days per year, and good luck getting a full week.

Public schools and universities offer more vacation time, unis up to a couple months. Some public schools offer up to a month during winter break.

Korea makes an excellent base to explore Asia, but only if you have time off to do it.

By: Simone Marie

Simone Marie — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 19:46:35 +0000

Great post! I’ve been wading through books on the subject, and the time spent does not always feel so illuminating. This was short, sweet, and direct. Does anyone know of any south american countries (besides Brazil) that offer some kind of pay/living stipend? Most of what I have found on the continent are volunteer opportunities.

By: Christine

Christine — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 21:58:42 +0000

I’m leaving soon to teach in Vietnam for Teachers for Vietnam, its a great place to teach and the program in particular is amazing. They only send a handful of teachers so not only do you get a teacher’s salary but your flight, Tet travel, and housing is paid for!

By: tom

tom — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 02:15:08 +0000

i’d be interested in seeing more info on pay scale/ability to support oneself in each of these places…i’ve heard that it’s really, really hard to make a decent living doing esl in brazil and mexico…

By: Sherrlyn Borkgren Photography

Sherrlyn Borkgren Photography — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 23:21:42 +0000

Craig, I’d love to talk to you. I too have worked all over the world as a foreign correspondent but am going backwards now back to TE ! I have a lot of credentials and have been looking for companies to work for that would appreciate what I have to offer and who I would be an asset to.
sbjorkgren at yahoo.

By: Baluda Bladula

Baluda Bladula — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 12:06:08 +0000

Oh by the way, Anne, I just read your comment…
To teach in South Korea or Japan you need at least a B.A or B.S.
Most EFL teachers holding a TESOL/CELTA certificate, end up working in countries like the Czech Republic, Russia, Thailand, China (excluding Hong Kong), and Vietnam, as well as some Latin American countries (Mexico, Costa Rica, Equador etc..). These countries do not require teaching experience, but they do expect you to have either your CELTA or TESOL certification.
CELTA and TESOL are pretty much considered the same thing, and you can only obtain a DELTA certificate after completing a CELTA course. As the author of the article mentioned, there are some TESOL courses that guarentee placements in certain countries once you have completed the course.