Summary of Job Prospects & Salaries in the Most Popular TEFL Destinations
 Overview
Job prospects for suitably qualified World TEFL School, TEFL teachers are excellent. There is a growing demand worldwide as English becomes our universal language. In every country of the world, both in business and tourism, English has become the global language used by people of every nationality to communicate. In short, everyone wants to speak English and governments around the world are positively encouraging their citizens to do so.
All World TEFL School approved TEFL certificates are accepted throughout the world by reputable organisations who employ English Language teachers. This means that you will most likely secure a teaching job before, or shortly after, you complete your TEFL course. In any case we provide you with an exclusive hot list of reputable employers in your chosen country who are recruiting newly qualified teachers. To date, we have not had one single course graduate who has failed to secure a teaching position by visiting one of these schools.
Job Club
All successful World TEFL School enrollees will receive a FREE lifetime membership to our Job Club. The WTS can offer assistance in finding suitable employment long after you have graduated. You will benefit from a comprehensive employment guidance service which includes advice on the current job market, how to best put together your CV/Resume, interview techniques and examples of the wrong way to apply for a job. You will receive advice and support during all stages of your job search.
Internationally Recognised TEFL Certificate
The internationally recognised TEFL qualification you will earn on a World TEFL School approved TEFL course will allow you to apply for a growing number of employment opportunities around the world. You will be eligible to teach English as a foreign language (TEFL) anywhere to anyone, irrespective of their nationality or level of education. You do not need to speak their language.
Teacher Shortage
Job prospects, wages and the red tape associated with visas and work permits vary according to location as well as the applicant's nationally. At present there is a shortage of suitably qualified English teachers in virtually all areas of the world - particularly in many parts of Asia, Latin America and Eastern/Central Europe.
Teaching & Volunteer Programs
World TEFL School Graduates will be given the opportunity to join any one of our special volunteer teaching programs in Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Costa Rica, or Sri Lanka at discounted rates of around 50%. We will arrange a placement for you in your chosen country, your visa, travel insurance, accommodation, airport pick up and introduce you to your school. We will also provide you with 24 hour emergency support and advice. You will have the opportunity to immerse yourself in a foreign culture along with a group of like minded people and also gain some valuable teaching experience.
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Western Europe: France, Italy, Germany, Spain, Portugal, Greece
France & Germany remain very good destinations for qualified EFL teachers. There are teaching positions available in most major cities but the vast majority of work can be found in the capitals Paris & Berlin. France & Germany also seems to be among the easier EU countries for non-EU passport/American holders.
The cost of living in Spain, Portugal and especially Greece is relatively low and the salaries reflect this. A university degree is often asked for (but not always required) any teacher who has a degree, a TEFL certificate and an EU passport will have no problem in finding work. Other nationalities may encounter more problems due to EU regulations.
There are countless jobs available in Italy. Many teachers enjoy the lifestyle that Italy offers even if the salaries are quite low in relation to the cost of living. As Italy is an EU country work prospects favour UK and Irish citizens, however there seems to be thousands of Americans teaching there too!
Typical Salaries:
France: €18 Euros per hour
Germany: €2,500 euros per month
Spain: €1,000 Euros per month
Italy: €1,200 Euros per month
Portugal: €1,200 Euros per month
Greece: €800 Euros per month
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Eastern Europe: Czech Republic, Russia, Ukraine, Poland
The Czech Republic is one of most popular countries in the region for qualified EFL teachers. Work is relatively easy to obtain and salaries, despite being low, offer a reasonably comfortable lifestyle. Teachers who hold a recognised TEFL certificate should have no problem finding work in Prague and the major cities in the republic.
Ukraine has a major shortage of teachers and the demand for the English language is still increasing in Russia. Qualified EFL teachers should have few problems in finding work. Again, salaries are low due to the economic problems but teachers can still enjoy a comfortable standard of living.
Prospects for English teachers in Poland remain more promising than anywhere else in the world. There are numerous possibilities in both state and private sectors. The salaries usually allow for a relatively comfortable standard of living but if you are looking to save money then Poland is probably not the place for you.
Typical Salaries:
Czech Republic: $300-500 USD per month
Russia: $700-900 USD per month
Ukraine: $400-500 USD per month
Poland: $500-600 USD per month
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Asia: China, Thailand, South Korea, Cambodia, Vietnam, Japan, Taiwan
The demand for ESL teachers in these Asian countries is huge. There seems to be far more jobs than teachers and teachers can pretty much pick and choose where they want to work! Teachers are highly respected in Asia despite the massive influx of unqualified traveller/teachers that have damaged the industry.
Thailand remains one of the most popular destinations in the world mainly due to the comfortable lifestyle teachers enjoy. The charm of the 'Thai people' and the buzz of Bangkok cause many teachers to stay in Thailand for good. Many ESL Teachers now choose Thailand over China, South Korea and Japan despite the lower salaries.
Jobs can be found in virtually every part of Thailand. Teachers are highly respected by Thai students are generally highly motivated and willing to learn. They are also great fun to teach! As Thailand is such an attractive country there will always be a string of unqualified teachers looking for work. A TEFL qualified teacher will find work very easily. Qualified teachers with at least 2 years experience, a degree and a recognised TEFL certificate can easily find work in one of the many international schools where they can receive a western salary, free luxury accommodation as well as many other perks
Typical Salaries:
China: $600-800 USD per month (Rates will vary in each region)
Thailand: $600-800 USD per month
South Korea: $1500-2000 USD per month
Cambodia: $7-12 USD per hour
Vietnam: $16 USD per hour
Japan: $2500 USD per month
Taiwan: $100-1500 USD per month
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The Americas: Costa Rica, Brazil, Argentina, Columbia
Central & South America offers a wide variety of teaching opportunities. The cultural diversity and Latin charm combine to make this region an attractive destination for EFL teachers. Generally speaking salaries are low but this is compensated by the low cost of living. Most schools in the region cannot afford to advertise vacancies internationally; so most hiring is done 'on the spot'. Qualified teachers can easily find work in Brazil.
Costa Rica offers the most promising environment in Latin America. Teachers typically find work in private universities or language schools, while opportunities do exist in private primary schools and high schools. A few teach adult courses offered by banks, travel agencies, and other organizations. The Central Valley, in and around San Joe, is where the majority of jobs are found.
Wages for Teachers in Costa Rica are normally between $250 and $400 per month. Since room and board for an individual generally run at more than $200 per month, it is not typical for Teachers to save much money.
While most schools and companies in San Jose pay salaries to Teachers, those in more rural locations frequently offer only accommodations and meals.
Language schools in Columbia find it difficult to attract native speaker teachers due to Colombia's reputation for crime and violence. In reality EFL teachers are unlikely to find themselves victims and for any teacher willing to work for the low salaries on offer, the prospects are good.
Typical Salaries:
Costa Rica: $250-400 USD per month
Brazil: $900 USD per month
Argentina: $10-15 USD per hour
Columbia: $500 USD per month
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Africa
Most African countries offer some ESL opportunities although volunteers fill most of the teaching positions. Many countries are turning away from the language of its former colonial master France. Many urban Africans are starting to learn English for study and work purposes and as a result there is a reasonable demand for native English teachers, particularly in the capitals and areas with a high level of employment in the tourism industry.
Middle East
The days of outrageously high tax-free salaries in the Middle East are probably over. However, the salaries offered are usually higher with most other countries. Teachers are usually required to have the highest qualifications and considerable experience. Few women are employed and some teachers find the rules and regulations of life in Saudi Arabia and other middle-eastern countries rather too restrictive.
Teaching at Home: USA, UK, Australia, NZ
Believe it or not, there is a huge demand for ESL teachers in the UK, USA & Australia. Language schools in the UK operate during the summer months of July and August catering to foreign students on intensive English language study programs.
In the USA, Australia and NZ the demand for ESL teachers is big, although it is extremely difficult or impossible for non-citizens to get a working visa. Therefore local citizens, usually on a part-time basis, fill nearly all positions. ESL teaching is not particularly well paid in comparison to the cost of living.
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