Best Government Programs For Teaching English Abroad

Dreaming of living abroad, immersing yourself in a new culture, and making a real impact — all while getting paid to teach English? You’re in the right place.

Whether you’re fresh out of university, looking for a meaningful gap year, or ready to shake up your career, teaching English abroad offers one of the most exciting ways to travel with purpose. But with so many countries and programs out there, it can be hard to know where to begin.

That’s where this guide comes in.

We’ve rounded up the best government teaching programs around the world — from government-backed initiatives like EPIK in Korea and JET in Japan, to volunteer placements and prestigious scholarships like the Fulbright ETA. These aren’t random job boards or unvetted recruiters — they’re established, trustworthy programs that help thousands of people every year teach, explore, and grow.

In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to compare your options — including salaries, requirements, perks, and destinations — across Asia, Europe, South America, and beyond.

Let’s help you find the perfect program to launch your global adventure.

Japan – JET Programme

JET (Japan Exchange and Teaching Programme)

The JET Programme is one of the most prestigious and well-established ways to teach English abroad. Sponsored by the Japanese government, it places native English speakers in public schools across Japan as Assistant Language Teachers (ALTs) — from bustling cities like Osaka to peaceful rural villages.

JET offers high salaries, comprehensive benefits, and the chance to experience Japan’s incredible culture, food, and natural beauty — all while gaining classroom experience and building global skills.

Highlights

• 💼 Job Type: Assistant Language Teacher (ALT)
• 💰 Salary: Approx. ¥3.36–3.96 million/year (~$23,000–27,000 USD)
• 🏠 Housing: Often subsidized or arranged
• ✈️ Flights: Paid round-trip airfare
• 🏥 Benefits: National health insurance, pension, paid holidays
• 🗓️ Duration: 1 year (renewable up to 5 years)
• 🌆 Placement: Anywhere in Japan — from Tokyo to tiny mountain towns

Why Choose JET?

• Government-funded & respected worldwide
• Great support and orientation on arrival
• Amazing for first-time teachers or travelers
• Deep cultural immersion (especially in rural placements)
• Join a network of thousands of JET alumni around the globe

💡 Note: The application process is competitive and starts almost a year before departure. Strong essays, patience, and flexibility with placement are key!

🔗 Read our full JET Programme guide

South Korea – EPIK, GEPIK, GOE, SMOE & HEC

South Korea is one of the most popular countries for teaching English — and for good reason. The country offers excellent salaries, free housing, paid vacation, and a high standard of living. If you're dreaming of vibrant cities, delicious food, fast internet, and rich culture, Korea should be on your list.

Here are the top public school programs:

✳️ EPIK (English Program in Korea)

The largest and most well-known government program. EPIK places teachers in public schools throughout Korea, including major cities and rural areas.

• 💰 Salary: 2.0–2.7 million KRW/month ($1,500–$2,000+ USD)
• 🏠 Free housing or stipend
• ✈️ Flight, bonus, severance, vacation, pension
• 📍 Nationwide placements

🔗 EPIK Program Guide

✳️ GEPIK (Gyeonggi English Program in Korea)

Focuses on the Gyeonggi-do province — the suburban ring around Seoul. Great for those who want access to the capital without city-center living.

• 🏙️ Suburban life with fast access to Seoul
• 🏫 Direct school placements
• 💼 Ideal for teachers who want to know their school before arrival

🔗 GEPIK Program Guide

✳️ GOE (Gyeongsangnamdo Office of Education)

Covers southern coastal Korea, including cities like Changwon, Jinju, and Geoje. Known for scenic beauty, great food, and a slower pace of life.

• 🌊 Coastal and rural placements
• 🧳 Year-round hiring (no strict deadlines)
• 💰 Higher starting salaries for qualified teachers

🔗 GOE Program Guide

✳️ SMOE (Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education)

For those who want to teach in Seoul, SMOE offers public school positions across the capital. Note: it now recruits through EPIK.

• 🏙️ Teach in one of Asia’s most dynamic cities
• 👶 Mostly elementary schools
• 📝 Apply early — very competitive

🔗 SMOE Program Guide

✳️ HEC (Hwacheon EduCare Program)

A smaller, unique program in Hwacheon-gun, Gangwon-do, focused on after-school education and community learning.

• 👧 Small class sizes (max 15 students)
• 🕓 Shorter teaching hours + creative curriculum
• 🏞️ Peaceful location in nature

🔗 HEC Program Guide

💡 All Korean public school programs require a Bachelor’s degree, TEFL/TESOL certification, and clean background check. Most offer strong support, paid housing, and generous vacation.

Taiwan – TFETP

TFETP (Taiwan Foreign English Teacher Program)

Taiwan is quickly becoming one of the top destinations for teaching English in Asia — and the TFETP is leading the way. Run by the Ministry of Education, this program places teachers into public elementary and junior high schools throughout the island.

You’ll enjoy competitive pay, tropical landscapes, and a friendly, safe environment with plenty of modern comforts and outdoor adventures.

Highlights

• 💰 Salary: 62,720 to 91,420 TWD/month (~$2,000–$2,900 USD)
• 🏠 Housing allowance: Up to 15,000 TWD/month
• ✈️ Flight reimbursement + settlement allowance
• 🏥 Insurance + paid leave
• 🌆 Placements: Cities, towns, and rural areas across Taiwan

Why Choose TFETP?

• Government-backed, well-organized, and expanding
• Balanced lifestyle: beaches, mountains, and city life
• Excellent support network + orientation
• Mandarin not required (but great to learn!)

🇹🇼 TFETP evolved from the earlier “FET Program” and is Taiwan’s flagship public school ESL initiative.

🔗 Read our full TFETP Taiwan guide

Hong Kong – NET Scheme

NET Scheme (Native-speaking English Teacher Scheme)

The NET Scheme is Hong Kong’s official government program for hiring qualified English teachers in public schools. If you have experience and credentials, it offers one of the highest-paying ESL opportunities in Asia, with generous allowances and top-tier support.

The program is managed by the Hong Kong Education Bureau (EDB) and places teachers in both primary and secondary schools.

Highlights

• 💰 Salary: HKD $32,000–$75,000/month (~$4,100–$9,600 USD)
• 🏠 Housing allowance: HKD $20,989/month (~$2,700 USD)
• 🧳 Gratuity, baggage & passage allowance
• 🏥 Full medical insurance
• 📚 Professional development subsidies

Primary vs. Secondary Positions

• Primary NETs teach English through activities and storytelling
• Secondary NETs may teach literature, writing, and exam prep

Why Choose the NET Scheme?

• Extremely competitive pay and benefits
• Prestigious, long-running government program
• Great for licensed or experienced teachers
• Live in one of Asia’s most dynamic global cities

💡 The cost of living in Hong Kong is high, but the NET Scheme salary more than offsets it — especially with housing allowances and bonuses.

🔗 Read our full NET Scheme Hong Kong guide

Spain – NALCAP

NALCAP (North American Language and Culture Assistants Program)

If you're dreaming of sipping coffee in a Spanish plaza after work or exploring Europe on weekends, NALCAP is your ticket. Sponsored by the Spanish Ministry of Education, NALCAP places North American citizens in public schools across Spain as English language and culture assistants.

With a light teaching schedule, government stipend, and placements in nearly every region, it’s one of the most accessible and rewarding programs in Europe.

Highlights

• 💰 Stipend: €700–€1,000/month (~$760–$1,080 USD)
• ⏱️ Hours: 12–16 hours/week (Mon–Thu)
• 📍 Placements: Across Spain, including Madrid, Andalusia, Galicia, and more
• 🏥 Health insurance provided
• 🗓️ Contract: October–May

Why Choose NALCAP?

• Amazing work-life balance — plenty of time to travel
• Get placed in real Spanish schools, working alongside local teachers
• No teaching degree or experience required
• Live like a local, not just a tourist

💡 Knowing Spanish is helpful but not required. Many assistants take language classes during their stay or even pick up freelance tutoring on the side.

🔗 Read our full NALCAP Spain guide

France – TAPIF

TAPIF (Teaching Assistant Program in France)

If you’ve ever dreamed of teaching in Paris, enjoying long lunches in Provence, or soaking in French art and culture, TAPIF might be the perfect fit. This government-run program places native English speakers in public schools across France as part-time language assistants.

TAPIF is ideal for recent grads, French learners, and anyone looking for a meaningful, structured way to live and work in France for a year.

Highlights

• 💰 Stipend: €1,010/month (~$1,090 USD)
• ⏱️ Hours: 12 hours/week
• 🏫 Placements: Elementary or secondary schools
• 📍 Locations: All over France, including DOM-TOM (overseas territories)
• 🏥 Health insurance included
• 🗓️ Contract: 7 months (October–April/May)

Why Choose TAPIF?

• Live and work in France — with official support
• Light workload = plenty of free time to travel and explore
• Great stepping stone for careers in teaching, international education, or foreign languages
• Strong alumni community and potential for renewal

💡 French proficiency (B1 level) is preferred, and spots fill up quickly — early, thoughtful applications are key.

🔗 Read our full TAPIF France guide

Hungary – CETP

CETP (Central European Teaching Program)

If you’re looking for a paid teaching job in Europe with solid support and less competition, the Central European Teaching Program (CETP) in Hungary is worth considering. While it’s not government-funded, CETP partners directly with public and private schools and offers placements in cities, towns, and villages across the country.

It’s a great option for U.S. citizens who want to live in Europe, make a difference in the classroom, and enjoy a lower cost of living.

Highlights

• 💰 Salary: Approx. 160,000–250,000 HUF/month (~$450–$700 USD), paid by the school
• 🏠 Housing provided
• 📍 Placements: Public and private schools across Hungary
• 🗓️ Contracts: 10 months (school year), with summer renewal options
• 🧳 Arrival support and orientation included

Why Choose CETP?

• Live and work in the heart of Europe
• Explore Budapest, lakes, castles, and cozy towns
• Small class sizes and a focus on cultural exchange
• Excellent for aspiring teachers who want hands-on experience

💡 CETP does require a placement fee (typically ~$1,900), but this funds the program’s visa sponsorship, housing setup, and in-country support — and you’ll earn it back quickly while living affordably in Hungary.

🔗 Read our full CETP Hungary guide

Czech Republic – AIA Program

AIA (Academic Information Agency)

The Academic Information Agency (AIA) is a Czech government-supported program that helps place English teachers in public schools and state institutions across the country. While it doesn’t directly employ teachers, AIA works as a trusted liaison between qualified candidates and schools seeking native-level speakers.

This is a great choice for EU citizens or teachers with TEFL certification who want to live affordably and explore Central Europe from a stable home base.

Highlights

• 💰 Salary: 20,000–35,000 CZK/month (~$870–$1,530 USD)
• 🏫 Job types: Public high schools, vocational schools, universities
• 📍 Placements: All over the Czech Republic, including Prague and smaller towns
• 🏥 Health insurance, paid holidays
• 🧳 Visa assistance (for non-EU) may be arranged by schools

Why Choose AIA?

• Authentic classroom teaching in a traditional European school system
• Low cost of living and high quality of life
• Great for teachers who value independence and immersion
• Strong demand for native English speakers

💡 AIA doesn’t provide direct financial benefits or housing, but it connects teachers to real school jobs, with better stability than most private language schools.

🔗 Read our full guide to teaching in the Czech Republic through AIA

Georgia – TLG Program

TLG (Teach and Learn with Georgia)

The Teach and Learn with Georgia (TLG) program was a government-backed initiative that placed native English speakers into public schools across Georgia — a country known for its warm hospitality, rich history, and mountain landscapes.

Participants taught English in rural schools, lived with host families, and contributed to cultural exchange at the grassroots level.

Highlights (when active)

• 💰 Stipend: 500–600 GEL/month ($190 USD)
• 🏠 Accommodation with host family
• 🩺 Health insurance included
• 🏫 Placements in small towns and villages
• 🗓️ Semester or year-long contracts
• ✈️ Arrival support and cultural orientation

Why It Was Unique

• Live in one of Europe’s most overlooked destinations
• Immersive community experience
• Ideal for first-time teachers and volunteers
• Experience traditional Georgian life and cuisine

⚠️ Note: As of 2025, the TLG Program is not currently active or accepting new applicants. The official website remains live, but there have been no recent program intakes.

🔗 Read our full TLG Program guide

Chile – English Opens Doors Program (EODP)

EODP (English Opens Doors Program)

The English Opens Doors Program (EODP), run by Chile’s Ministry of Education, formerly placed volunteers into public schools throughout Chile. It was known for its hands-on classroom experience, cultural immersion, and placement variety — from cities to remote Andean villages.

Highlights (when active)

• 💰 Modest stipend: CLP $70,000/month (~$80 USD)
• 🏠 Host family accommodation
• 🏥 Health insurance & support
• ✈️ Travel reimbursement for flights
• 🗓️ 1-semester contracts (renewable)

Why It Was Special

• Immersive cultural and language exchange
• Live with a Chilean family
• Perfect for travelers, new graduates, or aspiring ESL teachers
• Explore Chile’s diverse landscapes — desert, mountains, beaches, and glaciers

⚠️ Note: As of 2025, the EODP no longer offers in-person volunteer placements. However, they continue to run an online version where volunteers teach English via Zoom.

🔗 Read our full EODP Chile guide

Global – Fulbright English Teaching Assistant (ETA) Program

Fulbright ETA Program

The Fulbright English Teaching Assistant (ETA) Program offers one of the most prestigious opportunities for Americans to teach English abroad. Sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, the program places college graduates and young professionals in classrooms across 70+ countries, where they assist local teachers and engage in cultural exchange.

Whether you’re placed in rural Indonesia, a university in Germany, or a public school in South Korea, you’ll serve as a language assistant — and as a cultural ambassador representing the U.S.

Highlights

• 💰 Monthly stipend (varies by country — covers living costs)
• ✈️ Round-trip airfare
• 🏠 Housing assistance or allowance
• 🏥 Health benefits
• 🗓️ Contracts: Usually 8–12 months
• 🎓 Ideal for recent graduates (Bachelor’s required, no teaching license needed)

Countries You Can Teach In

• Asia: South Korea, Taiwan, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand
• Europe: Spain, Germany, Czech Republic, Hungary
• Latin America: Colombia, Mexico, Brazil
• Africa & Middle East: Rwanda, Jordan, Morocco, and more

💡 Tip: Applicants choose one country per cycle. Each country has unique eligibility criteria and placement types, so research is key.

Why Choose Fulbright ETA?

• Globally recognized and highly competitive
• Great pathway into international education, grad school, or foreign service
• Offers deep cultural immersion with strong institutional support
• Join a lifelong alumni network of global changemakers

🔗 Read our full Fulbright ETA Program guide

Final Thoughts: Which English Teaching Program Is Right for You?

Whether you’re looking to live in Tokyo, teach in a village in Hungary, or volunteer online with students in Chile, there’s a program out there for nearly every kind of teacher, traveler, and dreamer.

Each opportunity offers something different:

• JET, EPIK, GEPIK, SMOE, GOE, NET, and TFETP give you government support and great benefits.
• TAPIF and NALCAP let you immerse yourself in European culture.
• CETP, AIA, and HEC give you a taste of local life in Central and Eastern Europe or rural Korea.
• Fulbright ETA opens doors to prestigious careers in education, diplomacy, or international development.

🧭 Choosing Your Path

Ask yourself:

• Do you want a fully-funded, structured experience like Fulbright or JET?
• Or are you more interested in independent travel and cultural immersion, even if it means a lower stipend?
• Are you aiming for urban living, or would you love teaching in the countryside or small towns?

Whatever your goals, there's a program that fits your adventure.

👉 Next steps:

• Read our teach English abroad guide
• Compare TEFL/TESOL courses to get qualified
• Or explore current teaching job listings

If you’re ready to teach, travel, and grow — your journey starts here.