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So, you've just finished college and you're thinking about teaching English abroad when a thought strikes you:
You could go anywhere in the world.
In a few months, you could find yourself in a place you've never imagined. With people you don't even know exist right now. Teaching abroad opens up a world of opportunity that's as exciting as it is terrifying.

I mean, it's a big world out there - where to begin?

Well, a great place to start is through a paid teach abroad program.

Finding the best teaching English abroad program for you means getting the international adventure you're looking for, safe in the knowledge you'll have a paycheck at the end of every month and support on hand to help you navigate setting up your new life in a new land.

While the best teach abroad programs may provide a smoother transition than just turning up in your country of choice and hoping for the best, and they also require a little bit of admin on your part before you pack a bag and indulge your wanderlust.

Narrowing down a program that ticks all the right boxes for you and maximizing your chances of getting accepted before you apply can set you on track for an unforgettable adventure.

Getting accepted into a teach abroad program

First things first, before you apply for a teach abroad program, you'll want to check that you fulfill some basic entrance criteria. Not all programs are the same, but there are three things that most programs ask of their future English teachers:
1. A bachelor's degree
International schools may look for licensed teachers to teach specialist subjects, but the most common general request for English language teachers is for a bachelor's degree in any field.
2. A TEFL qualification
Many teach abroad programs ask for TEFL qualifications, and doing one is also a great way to gain confidence in your teaching skills, boost your CV and let future employers know that you're ready to share your knowledge with the world!

A good TEFL course should give you the teaching tips and techniques you'll need to organize your classroom and get the best out of your students as an English teacher.

There are thousands of TEFL courses out there to choose from, including intensive and part-time options, as well as face-to-face learning or gaining TEFL certification online. As a general guideline, it's best to pick a TEFL qualification that's at least 100 hours long, offered by an institution that's internationally recognized and within your budget - like Teach Away's very own TEFL course, offered in conjunction with the University of Toronto.

3. Great English language skills!

If you're a native speaker, you don't have to worry about proving your skills in this area, but non-native speakers shouldn't be put off either! Different countries and programs have different requirements. If you're a non-native speaker, doing a TEFL course can help show that, not only do you have top-notch teaching skills, but you're also fully at ease with teaching the English language.
Recommended reading: What qualifications do I need to teach English abroad?
Now you've got the admin out of the way, it's time to sign up for your perfect teach abroad program! Except, umm...

Which is the best teach abroad program for me?

The answer to this question really depends on what you want to get out of your experience, professionally and personally. Are you looking for a change in lifestyle, a cultural immersion, or an international adventure?

Here are a few questions to help you narrow down what your perfect overseas teaching job might look like, starting with the biggest question of all...

Where's the best place to teach English abroad for me?

When you picture yourself living overseas, what comes to mind?

Are you strolling down cobbled streets in Europe, powering through an Asian megacity, or basking in the Middle Eastern sun? Perhaps you've always wanted to improve your Spanish or try to get to grips with Mandarin? Do you love Vietnamese food, Spanish guitar music, or Korean movies?

These might sound like small things to base a big decision on, but when stepping out into the great unknown, following your heart a little means you're sure to enjoy the adventure.

Besides the country that you'll be living in, think about opportunities in the surrounding areas too. Teaching in Germany, for example, would put you in the perfect position to take weekend train trips all over Europe.

What kind of lifestyle do I want while I'm teaching abroad?

Beyond your teach abroad fantasy lifestyle, there are a few practical ways to make your decision too.

Thinking about small things like what kind of weather you prefer, whether you're better suited to working 9-5 than evenings and weekends and whether there are any favorite hobbies you'd like to keep up while you're away will make a big difference to your lifestyle once you arrive.

If your favorite way to unwind after work is going for a run in the fresh air, then maybe living in a rural setting rather than a super crowded high-rise city would be better for you!

You might not have a detailed idea of the lifestyle you want, but narrowing down a few preferences will help you pick out a program that truly suits you.

What kind of English teaching do I want to do?

Don't forget a lot of your time abroad is going to be spent teaching English!

Committing to a teach abroad program often means signing up for at least one school year, so make sure you take some time to think about what will make you happiest in your professional life while you're away.

For example, do you think you'd prefer the structure of working in the state school system or the flexibility of working for a private school? Can you see yourself teaching kids, teens, adults or a mix of all three?

Make sure you read up on the types of teaching different programs to find one that will make your time as an English teacher as fulfilling as possible.

What kind of salary could I make teaching abroad?

If you're looking for the highest salaries for English teachers, countries in Asia and the Middle East, like China, the UAE, South Korea, Japan and Vietnam, are at the top of the scale. English teachers in these destinations often earn enough to enjoy their time abroad and save money too.

While other destinations may pay less, one of the benefits of teaching English abroad through a program over going freelance is that you are guaranteed to make the same amount every month, making it easier to work out a budget and make sure you don't miss out on any once in a lifetime opportunities.

An added plus is that most programs also offer other perks like language lessons, free housing, or even flights to and from the country you travel to!
Recommended reading: est places to teach English abroad in 2020
When looking at potential salaries, don't forget to check out living expenses in your country of choice.

Where is the highest demand for English teachers?

There is a high demand for teachers in China, Japan, South Korea, Vietnam and The United Arab Emirates, to name just a few countries. These are some of the best countries to teach English and save. But don't worry if the destination you want to go to isn't on this list; great teaching programs are running in countries all over the world!

The good news is whatever kind of teach abroad program you're looking for, there's one to suit just about everyone! Here are some of our favorites:

Japan's government-funded JET program has been running for decades - a testament to how much demand there is among foreigners to experience this fascinating country like a local.

And who can blame them?! From Buddhist temples to manga, via ramen and cat cafes, Japan's unique culture is as intriguing as its people are infamously polite. Multiple positions available in public schools all over the country mean diverse experiences on offer.

A position in the countryside might mean a cultural and linguistic immersion, whereas urban positions could place you in one of Japan's world-class, 24-hour cities.

Benefits for JET program teachers include affordable accommodation, 5-6 weeks of holiday plus national holidays, round-trip flights and Japanese lessons.

Whether you head for world-famous Abu Dhabi or one of the lesser-known Emirates, working in the UAE will make you part of a large international community where you can meet people from all over the world. UAE Government Schools is also a great teaching program for couples, with or without kids.

Working within the national education system also means you'll get a local perspective on the futuristic cities, ancient culture and stunning natural beauty abundant in this sun-drenched corner of the world. Between exploring traditional souks, poolside brunching in luxury hotels and trekking through the desert, there will be plenty to keep you entertained outside of work hours too.

English teachers on the UAE Government Schools program are required to have a teaching license or CELTA and two years of teaching experience. Benefits for teachers typically include a tax-free salary, round-trip flights, health insurance and housing.

3. EPIK - South Korea

Whether it's kimchi, k-pop or cutting-edge cosmetics that piqued your interest, South Korea has all that and so much more to offer.

Rural and urban positions are available throughout the country. Wherever you work, South Korea's compact size means that a mountain ski trip, the dizzying lights of a vast metropolis or serene rice fields are never more than a train ride away.

Nestled between China and Japan, South Korea is also the perfect jumping-off point for exploring other destinations in Asia. Benefits for EPIK English teachers include a settlement allowance, housing, subsidized health insurance and completion bonuses.

An ancient culture steaming into the future without losing its rich artistic, culinary and national traditions. If you can picture yourself spending a year in China, then Teach Away's Explore program might be for you.

There are positions available all over the country and beyond world-famous Beijing and Shanghai, it's worth checking out lesser-known destinations for a unique cultural experience. Eastern city Suzhou, for example, is known as the Venice of China because of the pretty waterways that fill the city and southern Shenzhen is close to beautiful beaches and the bright lights of Hong Kong.

Depending on the program you choose, benefits on the Teach Away Explore program include health insurance, housing, return airfare and Mandarin lessons.

Note for teachers considering China: The country is currently facing impacts of COVID-19, so please refer to the World Health Organization for the most up-to-date information.

5. CIEE - All around the world

CIEE is one of the most flexible programs out there in that it offers teaching positions in almost every corner of the globe!

If you still haven't settled on a specific destination for your English teaching adventure then how about narrowing it down to Chile, China, Czech Republic, Dominican Republic, Morocco, Portugal, South Korea, Spain, Thailand or Vietnam?!

CIEE is also one of the most supportive programs - wherever in the world you go, you'll have 24/7 emergency assistance, iNext international insurance, pre-departure support and an in-country orientation when you arrive.

Depending on the CIEE program you choose, language classes may also be available.

So, which program are you signing up for? If you're torn between two (or three!), why not try starting the online application process and see where it takes you? The process will encourage you to think more deeply about your motivation for signing up and what each experience might have to offer you.

And if none of these options seem like the right fit, don't lose hope just yet! Try searching online by location or program type and see which other programs might match your interests. You never know, your perfect teach abroad program might be just a few clicks away!

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Teaching abroad programs: top 5 in 2020 | Teach Away

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So, you've just finished college and you're thinking about teaching English abroad when a thought strikes you: You could go anywhere in the world. In a few months, you could find yourself in a place you've never imagined. With people you don't even know exist right now.

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Daves ESL Cafe lists ESL open positions all over the world. Find your next teach abroad position today.

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Welcome to Dave's ESL Cafe, the leading destination for all things ESL. From job opportunities and teaching resources to grammar guides and community forums, we're here to help you navigate the world of ESL. Whether you're a teacher, learner, or employer, explore a universe of possibilities with us.

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South Korea is a popular teach aborad destination for its high salary, rich culture, and western amenties in its larger cities.

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Vietnam is a teach abroad location that is also often overlooked. This might be due to its low salary compared to other teach abroad desitnations. However, with low cost of living and plenty to do and see with-in Vietnam it might be worth considering.

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For passionate teachers, our agency offers career changing opportunities. From graduate to experienced teacher or school leader; we have the right job for you.

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If you are considering teaching abroad in China its important to note that the visa process can be time consuming and expensive. See the attached visa application form

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Bali may not have the highest salaries for teachers, but it certainly offers the opportunity to explore rich culture, food, and wildlife.

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Teach English in Bali, Indonesia | GoAbroad.com

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Learn all about teaching in Bali, Indonesia! Use our reviews, guides, articles, and program matching services to teach abroad in Bali.

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China is a great place if you are considering teaching English abroad. It has great salaries for teachers, rich culture, and large expat communities. It's also easy to get to a number of highly sought out travel destinations. Click the link to learn more.

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There are a variety of reasons why English teachers love teaching ESL abroad in China so much. The birthplace of one of the world's great civilizations, China boasts an unmatched combination of history, culture, and cuisine. With over 1.3 billion citizens and an estimated 400 million English language learners, China is the largest TEFL marketplace in the world. If you are considering teaching English in China, you will need to ensure you meet the following qualifications:

What Qualifications Do You Need to Become an English Teacher in China?
To teach English in China, most employers will require TEFL certification and at least a bachelor's degree. Native English language proficiency is preferred. The average salary for an English teacher in China is $1,250 - $2,850 USD per month.

Requirements for Teaching English in China

Now let's look at the following requirements to teach English in China in detail:

1. Have a TEFL certification

2. Have a Bachelor's degree in any field/major

3. Be a native-English speaker from the U.S., U.K., Ireland, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, or South Africa (preferred)

4. Own a valid passport and visa

5. Possess a clean criminal background check

6. Meet the age requirements

Let's expand on each of these China ESL teaching requirements and qualifications below:

1. Have a TEFL Certification

A TEFL ( Teach English as a Foreign Language) certification is required to teach English in China. Getting TEFL certified will provide you with the relevant training and qualifications you need to get hired by a reputable school in China and should leave you feeling confident in your abilities to provide ESL lessons to your students.

Which TEFL Course is Right for Me?

A majority of job interviews for China are conducted in advance from your home country, therefore it is common for students to take our 170-Hour Online TEFL Course which you can take online from home. This course is part-time, which means you can still work and save some extra money in anticipation of your departure to China, whenever that may be.

2. Have a Bachelor's Degree in Any Field/Major

Can You Teach English in China Without a Degree?

A bachelor's degree is required to teach English in China. Your bachelor's degree does not need to be in education, it can be in any field (i.e.: Marketing, Psychology, Arts, etc). Any four-year diploma or bachelor's degree from an accredited university will satisfy this requirement (or three years if you studied in the UK, Australia, or New Zealand).

Please note, up until 2018, it was possible to teach English in China without a bachelor's degree, but the Chinese Government started cracking down on teachers without one and the schools that employed them. As a result, we strongly advise against this and would be wary of any Chinese school that tells you otherwise.

Prior Teaching Experience

While prior teaching experience can help you stand out on your resume, you do not need it to teach English in China. Your TEFL certification training will provide you with the relevant qualifications you need to get hired by a school in China.

Any reputable TEFL certification course should include a mandatory practicum component to help gain firsthand experience practice teaching with real non-native English speakers. This will prepare you for the classroom and leave you feeling confident in your ability to deliver well-structured ESL lessons to your students. This practice teaching can count as teaching experience and should be highlighted on your resume.

3. Be a native-English Speaker from the U.S., U.K., Ireland, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, or South Africa (Preferred)

Native-English speakers with citizenship from the U.S., U.K., Ireland, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, or South Africa are highly preferred, especially if you want to teach English in one of China's major cities. If you are a qualified non-native English speaker, you may still be considered for ESL teaching jobs in China, however, you must be fluent in English and speak at a native level.

4. Own a Valid Passport and Visa

Z Visa for Teaching English in China

The most common type of visa for English teachers to obtain is the Z visa. This visa allows English teachers to legally work in China. The school that hires you should help you obtain this visa - you cannot obtain a Z visa if you do not have a job offer. If your school wants you to obtain any other type of visa, be sure to ask why and to understand what type of visa you will be getting. From time to time, schools will need a teacher to start working almost immediately and they don't have time to wait for the teacher to obtain a Z visa. If this happens, the teacher will typically go to China on an L visa (tourist visa) and then get a work visa once in China.

Documents required to process your Z visa for teaching English in China

TEFL teachers applying for teaching jobs in China should expect to have the following documents available to process their work visa.

Pre-job offer, you should start to gather:

Valid passport;

Passport-sized photos;

University Diploma and Transcripts;

Local Police Background Check/FBI Background Check (more on this below);

Get an apostille for your diploma and background check;

Resume;

TEFL Certificate - Your TEFL certificate may be required to be authenticated by your Chinese Consulate as a part of the visa application process. Review your consulate's guidelines for more information on this process.

Once you have a job offer, you will need to send all your documents to your school/employer. Send these through a private carrier so they can be tracked. The list of required documents may differ between schools, but here is what is typically required:

Copy of original degree with Apostille;

Two sets of sealed university transcripts;

Notarized FBI/local police criminal background check and appropriate authentication;

Copy of your resume;

A signed copy of your employment contract;

Two passport-sized photos.

After sending in all your documents to your school in China, you will wait to receive the following documents from your school:

Alien Employment License or Foreign Expert Work Permit;

Visa Notice or Visa Notification Letter or Invitation Letter;

Additional Reading: For a full list of required visa documents as well as a more in-depth explanation of the visa process, please read: How Do I Get a Visa to Work in China?

Once you receive your Visa Invitation Letter you can submit your application to the Chinese consulate. For most cities, you will not have to make an appointment as they have walk-in hours. The documents required to apply for your Z visa at the Chinese consulate include:

Original signed passport and a copy of the passport's data page and the photo page if it is separate;

One completed Visa Application Form with a recently-taken color passport photo;

Alien Employment License or Foreign Expert Work Permit Visa Notice and Visa Notification Letter or Invitation Letter;

Visa fee.

F Visa for Teaching English in China

Another type of visa available for teaching English in China is the F visa, also often referred to as a business visa. Depending on your qualifications, some schools may assist you in obtaining an F visa rather than a Z visa. It is also common to travel to China on an F visa and have it converted once in China to a Z visa as F visas are much quicker to obtain than Z visas. The bottom line is the school that hires you should be providing you with guidance and instructions.

5. Possess a Clean Criminal Background Check

A clean criminal background check must be provided to obtain your Chinese work visa. Some positions will only require a local background check, while others will require/request an FBI Background Check.

6. Meet the Age Requirements
Additional Reading: Will I Face Age Restrictions Teaching English Abroad in Asia?

In some countries, a teacher's age can be a factor in the hiring process. In certain teaching markets, especially in Asia where it is common to teach English to young learners, schools will typically look for younger teachers (21-35), and abide by certain age restrictions for hiring and qualifying for work visa sponsorship.

China is one of many countries in Asia that maintains an official retirement age of 55 for females and 60 for males. Because of this, schools in China typically look for teachers under the age of 40. Is it possible to get hired if you're 50? Yes, but it can be challenging. Technically, China enforces a strict retirement age for local teachers, which also applies to TEFL teaching positions, so if you're over the age of 60 or 65, schools won't be able to sponsor your work visa.

Additional Information

A health screening and/or drug test are not required to teach English in China.

Go Further:

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What Are the Requirements for Teaching English in China?

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There are a variety of reasons why English teachers love teaching ESL abroad in China so much. The birthplace of one of the world's great civilizations, China boasts an unmatched combination of history, culture, and cuisine. With over 1.3 billion citizens and an estimated 400 million English language learners, China is the largest TEFL marketplace in the world.