Teaching English opens more doors than most people realize. It’s not just about young grads heading to Asia for a gap year—though that’s one path. You could be running lessons in a bustling Korean high school, coaching business professionals in a Berlin office, or teaching kids online while living wherever the Wi-Fi reaches. The variety is part of the appeal.
Depending on your goals—whether you’re after cultural immersion, career development, or location independence—there’s a teaching job that fits. Here’s a look at the most common types of English teaching roles around the world, and what it’s like to do them.
Teaching in Public Schools Abroad
Public school placements are some of the most structured and stable TEFL roles available. These are often government-sponsored positions, especially in countries like Japan (JET), South Korea (EPIK), and Spain (NALCAP).
You'll typically work Monday through Friday, teaching large classes of students ranging from elementary to high school. Most of the time, you’ll co-teach alongside a local English teacher. You might be expected to lead warm-ups, assist with pronunciation, or run small group activities, but you’re rarely on your own for full lessons.
Public school jobs usually come with benefits like paid holidays, health insurance, and orientation programs. The workload tends to be manageable, leaving you time to travel or explore your host country. It’s a great option for first-time teachers who want a solid, supported way to get started.
Best For:
- First-time teachers
- Anyone looking for a structured and secure position
- Those interested in cultural exchange and government-backed programs
Expect:
- Set curriculum and limited lesson flexibility
- Large class sizes (30–40 students)
- Moderate but reliable pay with long holidays
Private Language Schools
Private language academies make up a large chunk of the TEFL job market. You’ll find them in cities all over the world—from Madrid to Hanoi—offering English classes to all ages, often after regular school or work hours.
These roles can range from teaching kids in the afternoons to running conversation classes for adults in the evenings. The class sizes are usually smaller than public schools, and there’s often more focus on speaking, games, and real-world communication. Some schools provide a set curriculum, while others expect you to bring your own materials.
Schedules tend to include evenings and weekends, and split shifts aren’t uncommon. But the variety in students, topics, and levels can keep things interesting.
Best For:
- Teachers who want flexibility and classroom variety
- Those looking for more interactive teaching environments
- People who enjoy working with different age groups
Expect:
- Unusual working hours (e.g., 1–9pm shifts)
- Fast-paced environments with rolling enrollment
- Opportunities to teach exam prep or business English
International Schools
If you’re a certified teacher with classroom experience, international schools are among the best-paying—and most competitive—TEFL jobs out there. These schools usually follow a British, American, or IB curriculum and cater to both local elites and expat families.
English is the medium of instruction, and you’ll be teaching academic subjects like English Literature, History, or even Science, not just language skills. You’ll be treated as a full teacher, not an assistant or conversation partner.
Most international schools require a teaching license (PGCE, state certification, etc.) in addition to a TEFL certificate. In return, they offer strong salaries, housing allowances, flight reimbursements, and other perks—especially in high-demand regions like the Middle East or Southeast Asia.
Best For:
- Qualified teachers looking for career-level jobs abroad
- Those seeking long-term contracts, benefits, and advancement
- Families or couples relocating together
Expect:
- High expectations and full teaching responsibilities
- Structured schedules and competitive hiring
- Exceptional pay and support in top-tier schools
Teaching Business English
Business English teaching is one of the most professional—and profitable—niches in the TEFL world. You’ll be working with adult learners: corporate teams, managers, or individual professionals who need English for work. The focus is usually on meetings, presentations, negotiations, and email communication.
These roles can be freelance (where you travel to client offices) or online (through platforms like Learnlight, Speexx, or your own clients). Some companies even have in-house trainers. You’ll need to project a professional image, be adaptable, and understand how to tailor lessons to business goals.
The pay is typically higher than general conversation classes, especially if you specialize in finance, law, tech, or executive training.
Best For:
- Teachers with a business background or professional demeanor
- Those looking to work with adults in a formal setting
- Freelancers building a high-end client base
Expect:
- Early morning or lunchtime lessons around office hours
- More prep time to tailor lessons to specific industries
- High expectations for language accuracy and formality
Teaching at Universities
University jobs are some of the most respected—and competitive—in the TEFL field. These roles can include teaching English majors, general academic English, writing and research skills, or conversational fluency for non-English departments.
You’ll typically work fewer classroom hours than in schools, but with more behind-the-scenes preparation, marking, and administrative responsibilities. Most universities require a Master’s degree (often in TESOL, Linguistics, or Education) or a DELTA qualification. Experience matters, too.
Perks include longer holidays, structured academic calendars, and opportunities for publishing or research, depending on the institution.
Best For:
- Teachers with advanced qualifications and long-term goals
- Those who want academic prestige or stable work conditions
- Professionals who enjoy older, motivated learners
Expect:
- More formal settings and academic expectations
- Competitive hiring—especially for overseas roles
- A great résumé boost if you want to pursue education long term
Summer Camps & Short-Term Programs
If you’re not ready to commit to a full teaching contract—or want to combine travel with a short burst of work—summer camps are a great option. These programs usually run between 2 to 8 weeks and involve teaching young learners through games, songs, sports, and themed activities.
You’ll often live on-site with students and fellow staff, with meals, accommodation, and excursions provided. Expect high energy days and lots of team spirit.
Europe is packed with English-language summer camps (Italy, Spain, France), while Southeast Asia and the US also offer immersive, short-term options.
Best For:
- Travelers wanting to dip their toes into TEFL
- University students or teachers on summer break
- High-energy teachers who love working with kids in informal settings
Expect:
- Long days, shared accommodation, and group meals
- Fun, activity-based lessons with minimal grammar drilling
- A great stepping stone into more formal teaching jobs
Volunteering or NGO-Based Roles
Teaching English with a non-profit or community organization isn’t about the money—it’s about the mission. These roles often involve working with refugees, migrants, rural schools, or under-resourced communities.
You might be part of a structured NGO placement or just volunteer with a grassroots group. Some programs cover housing and food; others ask for a contribution. Either way, you’ll gain hands-on experience in a challenging but deeply rewarding setting.
Latin America, Southeast Asia, and Africa have some of the most active volunteer teaching scenes, often with partnerships in education and community development.
Best For:
- Idealists, travelers, and those looking for meaningful impact
- New teachers building experience
- Anyone passionate about education as a force for good
Expect:
- Limited materials and improvisational teaching
- Deep cultural exchange and personal growth
- Great stories, gratitude, and a stronger teaching résumé
Teaching English in Your Home Country
Not everyone who teaches English does so abroad. Many TEFL-qualified teachers find rewarding opportunities right in their home countries—especially in multicultural cities. Jobs range from tutoring recent immigrants to working in language schools or adult education centers.
However, competition is often higher, especially in English-speaking countries. Employers typically look for candidates with experience, advanced qualifications, or a DELTA/MA TESOL. Volunteering with refugee or literacy programs can be a great entry point.
Private tutoring, IELTS prep, and evening ESOL classes are also common, especially in urban areas with diverse populations.
Best For:
- Teachers who’ve returned home after working abroad
- Those wanting a more stable or local lifestyle
- Experienced teachers ready to move into adult or test prep sectors
Expect:
- Evening or weekend hours in many roles
- High standards from employers and students
- A fulfilling way to support integration and education locally
Online Teaching Jobs
Online English teaching has exploded in the last decade—and it’s not slowing down. Whether you’re a full-time digital nomad or looking for a flexible side income, there’s a wide range of virtual jobs out there.
Teaching for an Online Company
These platforms take care of marketing, student bookings, and even curriculum—so you can just show up and teach. Most cater to young learners or adults in Asia and Latin America. You’ll often be assigned a schedule, with limited control over who you teach or what you teach.
Popular companies include Preply, Cambly, and AmazingTalker. Requirements vary—some hire complete beginners, while others prefer experience or degrees.
Best For:
- New teachers looking to gain experience
- Side income seekers with consistent availability
- Teachers who prefer not to handle marketing or materials
Expect:
- Lower pay (often $10–20/hour), but easier entry
- Set lesson formats and age groups
- Students mostly from Asia, Eastern Europe, or Latin America
Online Teaching Marketplaces
Marketplaces give you a middle ground between freelancing and working for a company. Platforms like Preply, italki, and AmazingTalker allow you to create a teacher profile, set your own hourly rate, and attract students looking for lessons that suit their goals.
You’ll have the freedom to choose your availability, lesson style, and pricing—but you’ll also be responsible for attracting and keeping students. Reviews matter, and so does your ability to stand out in a competitive marketplace.
Best For:
- Teachers who want more flexibility without starting from scratch
- Those looking to gradually increase their income and experience
- Teachers who enjoy working with motivated, self-paying students
Expect:
- A slow start as you build up reviews
- Commission taken from each booking
- Greater control over your time and income
Freelance or Independent Teaching
If you’re ready to go solo, freelancing gives you full control—and full responsibility. You’ll need to build your own website or social presence, find students (or clients), handle payments, create lesson plans, and manage all the logistics.
But the upside? You keep 100% of what you earn. You can tailor lessons to niche markets like business English, exam prep, or conversation coaching, and scale your services however you like.
Best For:
- Experienced or entrepreneurial teachers
- Digital nomads or full-time online educators
- Anyone looking to build a personal brand or business
Expect:
- Upfront work to find students and stay organized
- No platform fees—but no built-in support
- The highest income potential and creative freedom
Niche and Specialized TEFL Roles
Beyond the usual classroom and online settings, there’s a growing demand for teachers with niche expertise. Specializing can help you stand out and charge higher rates—especially if you enjoy a specific type of learner or context.
- IELTS/TOEFL Test Prep: High demand among students aiming to study or immigrate abroad. Lessons are structured, with clear goals and strong earning potential.
- English for Specific Industries: Aviation, hospitality, medicine, and customer service all require tailored language skills. Great for teachers with industry backgrounds or a knack for ESP (English for Specific Purposes).
- Age-Specific Roles: Some teachers specialize in young learners, seniors, or teenagers. Each group brings different challenges—and rewards.
These roles can lead to private clients, partnerships with training centers, or even consultancy-style work. They also tend to attract more serious students, making the teaching more focused and rewarding.
Best For:
- Teachers looking to specialize and stand out
- Those with interests or experience in specific fields
- Educators ready for higher-paying, lower-competition roles
Expect:
- Additional prep and subject knowledge
- Fewer jobs posted—but more room to market yourself
- Greater potential for long-term client retention
Final Thoughts
TEFL is not just a job—it’s a career path with endless possibilities. Whether you picture yourself in a school in Japan, running Zoom classes from a beach town, or helping doctors perfect their English, there’s a role that fits your lifestyle and goals.
You don’t need to figure it all out at once. Try a few different job types. See what energizes you. Over time, you’ll discover your own niche—and shape a teaching career that supports the life you want to live.
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