Gen Z Working Abroad: TEFL Jobs, Remote Careers & Salary Guide | The TEFL Institute

Published: 8th November 2025 · 6 min read

Surveys reveal that over 40% of Gen Z aspire to work abroad, drawn by the promise of flexibility, adventure, and career-building experiences; however, many remain uncertain about how to actually secure international remote jobs or navigate the global hiring scene. For readers of The TEFL Institute, understanding the spectrum of global work opportunities, including TEFL, as well as common barriers, salaries, and step-by-step job search strategies, could be a transformative first step.

Why Is Gen Z So Keen To Work Abroad?

Gen Z, born between the mid-1990’s and the early 2010’s, is expected to make up approximately 40% of the workforce by the end of the decade. This cohort prioritizes:

Flexibility and lifestyle: The 9-to-5 office grind rarely appeals; instead, wanderlust and location independence guide career choices.
Work with purpose: The chance to make a measurable impact (often through meaningful work like education, sustainability, or tech).
Professional growth and community: International work offers the potential for personal development, networking, and lifelong skills.

TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) stands out as one of the most accessible routes for both short-term adventure and long-term careers.

Top Work Abroad Opportunities for Gen Z

TEFL and English Language Teaching

TEFL roles are thriving worldwide:

Demand: Countries like Spain, Brazil, Japan, South Korea, and Thailand are perennial favourites for Gen Zers pursuing in-person teaching placements.
Online teaching: Digital nomad culture is booming. Online platforms allow you to teach students globally from anywhere with Wi-Fi, a popular option among Gen Z.
Entry requirements: Most TEFL jobs require a bachelor’s degree and TEFL certification. No need to speak the local language for most placements, as classes are taught in English.

Other International Opportunities

Gen Z job seekers are exploring:

Tech and remote freelance work: Software developers, designers, and digital marketers can now secure fully remote contracts with international firms.
Global internships or volunteering: Many NGOs and startups offer short-term placements in fields like development, conservation, and entrepreneurship.
Language exchange and au pair positions: Those seeking cultural immersion may opt for childcare or exchange programs, which often include accommodation.

Average TEFL Salaries Worldwide

Salary ranges vary by country, experience, and institution type, but here’s a snapshot for 2025:

Country	Average Monthly Salary (USD)	Cost of Living (USD/month)	Entry Requirements
UAE	$3,500–$5,500	$1,200–$1,900	BA + TEFL, sometimes teaching license
Qatar	$2,400–$4,500	$1,000	BA + TEFL, language skills helpful
Oman	$2,000–$3,500	$800	TEFL certificate
Taiwan	$2,000–$3,000	$1,000	BA
South Korea	$1,800–$2,400	$900	BA + TEFL; airfare/housing often included
Vietnam	$1,200–$2,100	$700	BA + TEFL
Spain/Italy	$1,000–$1,800	$900–$1,200	BA + TEFL; lower salaries but higher lifestyle scores

Teaching online can yield anywhere from $10 to $30 per hour, depending on the platform and country. Most countries offer full-time jobs (20-30 hours weekly), often with housing or travel reimbursements, an excellent perk for budget-conscious Gen Z.

Barriers to Working Abroad

Gen Z faces very real challenges when pursuing work abroad:

Visa and Immigration Restrictions

Visa issues are among the top roadblocks: 35% of Gen Z cite immigration requirements as a significant concern, particularly for non-EU destinations such as Japan or the UAE. Always check visa conditions for teachers, freelancers, and students before accepting platforms or jobs abroad.

Language and Cultural Adjustment

Language barriers frustrate 44% of international workers from Gen Z, but most TEFL roles don’t require local language fluency. Still, learning basic phrases and understanding cultural etiquette dramatically improves both career success and personal well-being abroad.

Financial Literacy and Cost Planning

Managing budgets, currency exchange, and taxes overseas can be tricky. Many Gen Zers worry about how to transfer earnings, handle multiple currencies, and file tax returns from abroad. Seeking guidance from expat communities or working with an employer who understands these logistics can smooth the process.

Safety and Social Inclusion

Some Gen Z individuals report facing discrimination, cultural shocks, or even workplace conflicts while overseas. Being mindful of local norms, joining community groups, and researching health/safety resources are essential.

Step-by-Step Guide: Finding Jobs Abroad

1. Choose Your Destination

Research where you want to go, factoring in:

TEFL job demand, salary range, and lifestyle perks.
Visa requirements (is your nationality eligible?).
Language and cultural fit.

2. Get Qualified

Obtain a recognised TEFL certification, even beginner courses open doors to high-demand jobs.
Some destinations require a bachelor’s degree; others may waive this for online teaching or volunteering.

3. Target Open-Minded Employers

Focus energy on companies and schools ready to hire international talent. LinkedIn, specialist job boards, and The TEFL Institute’s placement services are prime resources.
Look for institutions that offer clear support on visas, relocation, and housing.

4. Connect and Network

Join online communities of expat teachers or remote workers for tips, job leads, and local support groups. Building contacts increases visibility to potential employers.
Attend education fairs, social media groups, and expat meetups to grow your professional network.

5. Polish Your Skills

Brush up on digital skills, soft skills (like adaptability and public speaking), and basic language capabilities. Employers value resourceful, culturally aware teachers who thrive in global teams.

6. Prepare For Relocation

Sort practicalities early: health insurance, accommodation, visa paperwork, and travel arrangements.
Document your journey, sharing success stories inspires other Gen Zers and boosts your own employability.

FAQs Gen Z Ask About Working Abroad

Which countries offer the best salaries and working conditions for TEFL? Refer to our table above, UAE, Qatar, and South Korea are recognised for providing generous pay and comprehensive benefits.
Can I teach English abroad without knowing the local language? Yes! TEFL roles rely on your English skills; many employers prefer candidates who can provide complete immersion in English for their students.
What support is available for remote TEFL teachers? Many platforms (VIPKid, Preply, and The TEFL Institute’s job board) provide tech, training, and global community support.
How do I navigate visas and legal requirements? Apply for jobs that offer visa assistance, consult with embassies, and join expat groups for expert advice.
How do salaries compare to the cost of living? Most TEFL jobs pay above the median wage, and in many countries, your TEFL salary covers rent, local expenses, and travel.
What challenges should I expect when living abroad? Be prepared for cultural differences, potential language barriers, and occasional unexpected challenges. Seek support and remain open-minded.

Why TEFL Is A Smart Gateway For Gen Z

TEFL isn’t just a “job” it’s a passport to global living, community, and career development for Gen Z:

Affordable entry point: TEFL certification is significantly less expensive than graduate school, allowing you to build international work experience and earn while travelling.
Transferable skills, including communication, cultural awareness, and resilience, are highly valued across all fields. TEFL enhances your CV, whether you stay in education or transition to tech, business, or other fields.
Purpose-driven work: You’ll make a genuine difference for students, support global education, and broaden your worldview.

Call to Adventure

Whether you’re dreaming of the beaches of Thailand, buzzing cities like Seoul, or the digital freedom of working online from anywhere, Gen Z’s appetite for adventure and global experience is shaping the future of work. TEFL remains one of the quickest and most accessible stepping stones into an international career, offering a balance of pay, perks, and purpose.

Explore accredited TEFL courses, connect with global communities, and begin your journey with expert support from The TEFL Institute. The world is waiting, and your opportunity is closer than you think.