Whether you’ve already made the decision to start an overseas adventure or are still only considering it – this article is your complete guide to landing that international teaching job you’ve always dreamt of. Let’s get into it!
Decide Where You’re Going
There are many factors involved in choosing the right destination for you. The first thing to consider is what type of lifestyle you want, big city living or a more local experience in a smaller town, often accompanied by gorgeous nature and scenery. Of course, if you have an interest in a certain country or culture then that will play a large factor too.
Secondly, you need to research what type of salaries are on offer. This often sways a lot of people from places such as Thailand, to China for example, where the money on offer is significantly greater. Cost of living should also be considered when making your decision and work life balance is important too. Although you’re getting paid more in somewhere like China, the work can be a lot more intense than other places.
Finding a balance between lifestyle and salary is the key but there are plenty of fantastic options on offer, here are our top three!
Get Qualified
With one or a several countries now in your sights, it’s time to see what qualifications are necessary to get you into the classroom. But actually, not much research is needed here, as most countries require the same set of qualifications. Check out our article for a deeper dive on that here, but I’ll summarise it for you below.
To teach abroad you generally need:
- A bachelor’s degree (any subject, from any accredited university)
- A TEFL certificate
- A clean background check
A university degree is by far the biggest stumbling block on the list as there are very few countries who accept teachers who haven’t yet graduated, it’s a visa issue as much as anything. However, you can apply in your final year of university. But if that’s you then you can still gain some experience and develop your skills working at a summer camp. The USA, China, and Romania are some of the best places you can go.
Although it sounds a little bit scary, getting your 120h TEFL certificate is nothing to worry about at all, and can set you up for teaching anywhere in the world. Studying usually takes far less than 120-hours and can be done from the comfort of your own home. Similarly, the test is done online, meaning you can have your notes by your side the whole time. I wish they did that back when I was at school! They aren’t too expensive but it’s important to find a reputable company, many agencies can help you do that and often have discounts as part of their programs.
Find a Job
Now you’re qualified and know where you want to go, it’s time to find a job – but this step is often where things get tricky. While there are plenty of opportunities out there online, securing one of them isn’t as simple as just sending out a few applications. The process requires persistence, patience, and a bit of strategy.
The first challenge is navigating the sheer number of job postings, especially as not every listing is as promising as it seems. Some roles come with unclear contracts, vague job descriptions, or unrealistic expectations – so you’ll need to be thorough in your research before committing to anything.
Another hurdle is competition. Popular destinations attract a high number of applicants which makes it harder to stand out. Schools often prioritize candidates with experience and advanced qualifications. And even after landing an interview, the hiring process can be slow, sometimes stretching over months.
One of the biggest challenges is also knowing who to trust. It can be difficult to tell which opportunities are legitimate and which might leave you stuck in a bad contract – or worse, without a job at all. Scams, misleading job offers, and disorganized employers are all part of the landscape. That’s why it’s crucial to thoroughly research schools, ask for teacher testimonials, and double-check contract details before signing anything. The entire process from applying to securing visas and finalizing travel plans can feel overwhelming, but staying cautious and well-informed will help you avoid potential pitfalls.
For peace of mind, many teachers often choose to use a trusted agencies based in their home country. These agencies have built strong relationships with reputable schools over many years and truly have your best interests at the forefront of their minds. They do not only help match you with reliable employers but also guide you through the entire process – assisting with contracts, visas, and even relocation support. They can ensure that you’re not just taking a job, but stepping into a well-supported and exciting new chapter of your life.
Get the Job
Once you’ve found the right opportunities it’s time to put together a strong application. Your resume should highlight your qualifications, teaching experience (if any), and any relevant skills that make you a great candidate. Keep it clear, professional, and tailored to the role you’re applying for. A well-written cover letter is just as important – it’s your chance to show enthusiasm for the position and demonstrate why you’d be a great fit for the school.
After submitting applications, be prepared for interviews, which will be conducted online. Schools may ask about your teaching style, classroom management strategies, and reasons for wanting to teach abroad. Some may even request a demo lesson. Confidence, 
preparation, and genuine enthusiasm go a long way in making a strong impression. Just remember, while you’re being interviewed, you should also assess whether the school is the right fit for you – after all, this is your adventure and you want to make sure it’s the right one!
But navigating applications and interviews can be daunting This is where a trusted agency can make all the difference. With expert guidance they can help refine your resume, craft compelling cover letters, and prepare you for interviews. More than just securing a job, a reputable agency streamlines the entire process, offering insider tips, school insights, and support every step of the way. This means you can focus on what really matters – starting your teaching journey with confidence.
Get Prepared
Congratulations – you’ve got the job! Let’s get ready to go, the next step is gathering all the necessary documents. This step involves lawyers, embassies, and occasionally translators, unfortunately it can be a more time-consuming process than expected but is by no
means impossible. Schools typically require copies of your documents, all of which may need to be notarized, apostilled, or even translated, depending on the country. On top of that, medical checks and additional paperwork might be required before you can even begin the visa application. A good school should guide you through the steps.
The visa process itself can be complex, with different rules, waiting times, and requirements depending on the country and your nationality. Some applications are straightforward while others involve navigating bureaucracy, endless forms, and frustrating delays. Missing a single document or misunderstanding a requirement can set you back weeks or even months.
This is where working with an experienced agency can be invaluable. They help ensure you have everything in order from the start, guiding you through the paperwork maze and keeping you on track with deadlines. With expert support, what could be an overwhelming and stressful process becomes far smoother rather than you drowning in red tape and confusion.
Get Started
But before you’re ready to go you find the best flights and get them booked. If your employer provides a relocation package, check whether they cover airfare or reimburse travel costs. Research local transportation options so you know how to get from the airport to your new home, or hopefully your new school can meet you at the airport.
Similarly, some schools offer free or subsidized housing while others may provide assistance in finding a place. If you need to find your own housing, consider renting temporary accommodation for the first few weeks while getting to know the area and searching for a permanent place. Look for teacher forums, expat groups, or local real estate websites to find housing recommendations that fit your budget and lifestyle.
Living in a new country means adapting to different customs, traditions, and social norms. Start by learning about the local etiquette, work culture, and classroom expectations to make your transition smoother. A great way to ease culture shock is to embrace the experience by trying local foods, participating in cultural events, and be open to meeting new people.
Language can also be a barrier, so learning some basic phrases can go a long way in daily life and help you connect with your students and community. Joining expat groups or teacher networks can provide valuable support and advice. Most importantly, be patient with yourself—adjusting to a new environment takes time, but with an open mind and a positive attitude, it can be an enriching and life-changing experience.
An agency can make the whole transition much smoother by handling many of the logistical challenges. They can assist with booking flights, securing accommodation, and even arranging airport pickups. Many agencies also provide cultural and teacher training, as well as orientation programs to help teachers adjust to their new environment, covering everything from workplace expectations to local customs. Additionally, they offer ongoing support and can act as a safety net in case any issues arise with housing, visas, or employment.
Conclusion
Teaching abroad is one of the best things you can do in your life. It’s a chance to reinvent yourself and grow as a person within a new culture and place full of excitement and adventure. But just as teaching has ups, downs, and struggles – the process of becoming a teacher abroad can be tough and overwhelming. Hopefully this article has been a guide to show you the path you need to take, but now it’s your turn to put in plenty of research and hard work to get yourself into the classroom.
Alternatively, an agency makes the whole process a lot easier. They offer support right from the get-go and take out all the stress of finding a school. Visa stress and worrying about if the school can be trusted goes out of the window, good agencies will have a network of top school across the world that they can ensure will be a good fit and look after you. Training is usually provided and you become part of a community of like minded people, new friends, with whom you can share the adventure.
Whichever path you choose, we wish you good luck and hope to see you in the classroom soon!
If you are interested in teaching in China, Thailand, Vietnam, Hungary, or Poland – then we’d be very happy to help. We have 20 years of experience assisting thousands of people start their overseas adventure, and you could be next, where will you make your impact this year?
