How to Become an EFL Teacher

If you’ve ever dreamed of living in another country, immersing yourself in a new culture, and making a genuine impact — teaching English as a foreign language might be your gateway. Becoming an EFL teacher is one of the most rewarding and flexible ways to experience life abroad while helping others open doors to global opportunity.

An EFL teacher — short for English as a Foreign Language teacher — works with students who are learning English in countries where English isn’t the primary language. That could mean teaching kids in a Thai classroom, training business professionals in Colombia, or tutoring university students in Vietnam. It’s a diverse and adaptable career path that suits anyone with curiosity, cultural openness, and a willingness to learn alongside their students.

Whether you’re a recent graduate, a career switcher, a digital nomad seeking a purposeful side gig, or someone with a passion for travel and language, EFL teaching offers a realistic and fulfilling way to start your journey abroad.

What Does an EFL Teacher Do?

At its core, an EFL teacher helps students build the skills to communicate in English — often in places where learners have limited real-world exposure to the language. That means lessons need to be practical, engaging, and tailored to learners who don’t use English outside the classroom.

Your day-to-day tasks typically include:

• Planning lessons that cover reading, writing, listening, speaking, grammar, and vocabulary
• Delivering interactive classes that might involve group work, games, role plays, or multimedia
• Assessing student progress through tests, projects, or informal evaluations
• Providing feedback and encouragement that helps learners grow in confidence
• Managing the classroom, especially if working with large or mixed-level groups

Where you teach can vary widely. Many EFL teachers work in public schools or private language academies, while others find roles with nonprofits, volunteer programs, or online platforms. Some teach children, others work with adults or business professionals. The common thread is helping people unlock the power of English in their own environment.

👉 Want a closer look at what the job actually involves?
Check out: What Does an EFL Teacher Do?

Do You Need a Degree?

The short answer? Sometimes. While having a bachelor’s degree opens more doors, it’s not always a dealbreaker — especially if you're flexible about where and how you teach.

Countries like Japan, South Korea, and the UAE typically require a degree for visa approval. These jobs often come with stable pay, good benefits, and strong institutional support, which makes the degree requirement part of the formal process.

But many other destinations are far more open. Cambodia, parts of Latin America, and some volunteer programs will hire or accept teachers without a university diploma, provided you’re certified, motivated, and professional. These roles might not offer the same pay or perks as more competitive regions, but they’re an excellent starting point — especially if your goal is real-world experience and cultural immersion.

You’ll also find growing flexibility online. Platforms like Cambly, Preply, and Palfish welcome teachers without degrees, especially if you have a TEFL certificate and solid communication skills. While the income might be modest at first, it’s a great way to gain confidence, get reviews, and start earning.

👉 Explore your options in more detail:
Teach English Abroad Without a Degree

Get TEFL Certified

If there’s one non-negotiable in the EFL world, it’s getting a TEFL certificate (Teaching English as a Foreign Language). Whether you're heading abroad or teaching online, this is the baseline qualification most schools and platforms expect — and in many countries, it’s required for a work visa.

A good TEFL course does more than check a box. It gives you the tools to plan lessons, manage a classroom, and understand how students learn English. It also boosts your job prospects and helps you walk into your first teaching gig with confidence — especially if you don’t have a degree or experience.

Look for courses that include:

• At least 120 hours of instruction
• Practical teaching tips (not just theory)
• Job support like CV help, interview prep, and guaranteed interviews (if possible)
• Reputation and credibility — ideally with positive reviews and a track record of success

You can choose between in-person and online options. In-person courses offer hands-on experience but are pricier and location-bound. Online TEFLs are more flexible and affordable — just make sure the provider is well-reviewed and the course is comprehensive.

👉 Need help finding the right course?
Check out: TEFL Certification

Choose Where and How You Want to Teach

Once you’re certified, it’s time to decide where — and how — you want to teach. The world is wide open, but your choice depends on your passport, goals, and flexibility.

If you're drawn to Asia, there’s no shortage of options. South Korea, Japan, and China are among the most established destinations, offering competitive salaries, flight reimbursement, and housing support — especially for teachers with degrees. For something more flexible, countries like Vietnam, Thailand, and Taiwan offer a balance of adventure, affordability, and high demand for teachers.

If Europe is more your style, programs in Spain, Czech Republic, or Hungary provide cultural immersion, though salaries can be modest. For those with a social impact focus, parts of Latin America and Africa have volunteer and grassroots opportunities — great for building experience while giving back.

Beyond geography, think about your teaching environment:

• Public schools: Structured schedule, government benefits, classroom teaching.
• Private academies: Evening/weekend hours, fast-paced, more student variety.
• Online platforms: Maximum flexibility, but income depends on student volume.
• Volunteer roles: Little or no pay, but rich in cultural exchange and résumé value.

Each has its trade-offs. Public schools offer stability; online gigs offer freedom; academies offer fast learning curves; and volunteering offers personal growth. Choose what fits your lifestyle, income needs, and long-term goals.

Build Experience (Even if You’re New)

You don’t need years of classroom time to land a job — but some kind of teaching experience goes a long way. The good news? There are low-barrier ways to get it, even if you’ve never taught before.

• Online tutoring on platforms like Cambly, Preply, or iTalki lets you teach from anywhere and build up your skills gradually. You’ll get used to explaining concepts, managing conversations, and adapting to student needs — all while earning a bit of cash.

• Volunteer teaching is another great option. Whether it's a short-term role abroad or a local community project, it shows initiative, builds your résumé, and often opens unexpected doors.

• Internships with TEFL providers or NGOs can give you classroom experience with mentorship — ideal for first-time teachers.

• Even language exchanges, tutoring friends, or leading conversation clubs count. Keep track of what you’ve done and what you’ve learned — and reflect on it in your job applications.

The goal is to practice, grow, and show that you’re committed — not to be perfect from day one.

Prepare Your Application Materials

Before you apply anywhere, make sure your teaching résumé and cover letter are polished and targeted. Even if you don’t have formal teaching experience yet, you can showcase skills and background that matter in the classroom.

Here’s what to include in your EFL résumé:

• Your TEFL/TESOL certification (provider, hours, date completed)
• Any teaching or tutoring experience, even if informal
• Soft skills like communication, adaptability, and cross-cultural awareness
• Relevant education or work (e.g. hospitality, childcare, coaching)

Tailor your resume depending on the region:

• Asia often favors structure and qualifications (add passport photo, degree, certificates)
• Europe may want more emphasis on methodology and cultural fit
• For teaching children, highlight patience, energy, and creative lesson ideas
• For teaching adults, focus on professionalism, business English, and real-world skills

Your cover letter should show your personality and motivation. Why do you want to teach? What can you bring to the classroom? Schools want teachers who are excited to be there — not just travelers looking for a stopgap job.

Optional but powerful:

• Introduction video: especially useful for online or Asian employers
• Demo lesson: for some jobs, a short sample lesson (live or recorded) is required

Apply for Jobs and Interviews

Now you’re ready to start applying — but where should you look?

Reliable places to find EFL jobs:

• Reputable job boards (like Teast)
• Recruitment agencies (especially for Korea, China, Japan, and Thailand)
• Direct school websites and education networks
• TEFL course providers that offer placement support
• Social media groups and alumni communities (be cautious but resourceful)

Watch out for red flags:

• Jobs that ask for money upfront
• Vague contracts or unpaid training periods
• No mention of visas, or requiring tourist visas
• Overpromising pay with no structure

Interview tips:

• Be friendly, flexible, and curious
• Show you’ve read about the school or program
• Be honest about your experience — highlight your willingness to learn
• Prepare a few questions to ask them (housing, schedule, training support)

Landing your first EFL job isn’t always instant — but with a strong application, smart targeting, and a bit of persistence, the right opportunity will come.

Understand the Visa Process

Once you’ve landed a job offer (or chosen a country to target), it’s time to navigate the visa process — one of the most important steps in becoming an EFL teacher abroad.

Common visa types for EFL teachers:

• Work permits: For full-time teaching jobs (e.g., Korea, Japan, Taiwan)
• Cultural exchange visas: Often for public school programs (e.g., JET in Japan, EPIK in Korea)
• Volunteer visas or NGO sponsorship: For unpaid or stipend-based roles
• Student or internship visas: Sometimes used to teach part-time while studying

Documents you may need:

• Valid passport (with at least 6–12 months before expiry)
• TEFL certificate
• Bachelor’s degree (if required by the country)
• Criminal background check (from your home country, possibly apostilled)
• Health check or medical clearance (especially in Asia)
• Resume, photos, and signed contract

Visa tips:

• Start early — some documents take weeks to process
• Double-check requirements with your employer and embassy
• Avoid working on a tourist visa — it’s illegal in most cases and risky
• Get your documents notarized or apostilled if required by local law

Tips for Success in Your First Year

Your first year as an EFL teacher can be thrilling — but also challenging. Whether you’re standing in front of a classroom in Vietnam or teaching online from your apartment in Lisbon, here’s how to start strong and stay grounded.

Classroom tips:

• Keep lessons simple and visual — especially for beginners
• Use routines and classroom management tools from day one
• Expect mixed levels — adjust activities to support both strong and struggling students
• Celebrate small wins — not every student will become fluent overnight

Lifestyle tips:

• Give yourself time to adjust — culture shock is real but temporary
• Join local or online teacher communities for support and ideas
• Explore your new home intentionally — take language classes, try local food, travel smart
• Set realistic goals — whether it’s saving money or just surviving your first semester

Avoiding burnout:

• Balance your schedule — don’t take every shift or private student at once
• Stay curious — every classroom and culture teaches you something new
• Reflect and grow — what’s working? what’s not?

Keep learning:

• Read TEFL blogs, join teaching forums, and take online professional development courses to sharpen your skills and stay motivated.

Teaching English abroad is more than just a job — it’s a lifestyle. Start with the right mindset, and the rest will follow.

Career Paths and Long-Term Growth

Many EFL teachers start out thinking they’ll teach for a year or two — and end up building entire careers around it. Once you have some classroom experience under your belt, there are plenty of directions to grow.

Advancement opportunities:

• Senior teacher or academic coordinator: Lead teams, train newcomers, or manage school operations.
• Teacher trainer: Work for TEFL providers or in-house programs, mentoring the next wave of educators.
• Curriculum designer: Create materials for language schools, publishers, or edtech companies.

Specializations that open new doors:

• Young learners: Especially valuable in Asia and Latin America.
• Business English: High-paying corporate training jobs around the world.
• Exam prep: IELTS, TOEFL, and Cambridge exam instructors are always in demand.

Beyond the classroom:

• EFL can launch you into international education, digital nomad life, or even freelance opportunities like content creation, education consulting, or travel writing.
• You can teach online, start your own course, or use your language experience to transition into global remote work.

In short: the path doesn’t end with teaching — it can be the beginning of a life that’s full of learning, exploration, and meaningful work.

Final Thoughts

Becoming an EFL teacher is one of the most accessible and rewarding ways to experience life abroad. You don’t need to be a native speaker, have years of experience, or even hold a degree in education. What matters most is your willingness to learn, adapt, and connect with people across cultures.

With a solid TEFL certification, a curious mindset, and a bit of courage, you can start teaching and traveling sooner than you think. It won’t always be easy — but it will be worth it.

If you’re ready to take the first step, start by exploring certification options and thinking about where in the world you’d love to go.