How to Find a Teaching Job Abroad After Your TEFL Course

Finishing your TEFL course is a big milestone – but it’s just the beginning of your teaching journey. Now comes the exciting (and slightly nerve-wracking) part: finding your first TEFL job abroad. 

At this stage, it’s totally normal to feel a mix of anticipation and uncertainty. You’ve got the training, the certificate, and the motivation to start teaching, but the job hunt itself can feel like uncharted territory. With so many countries, schools, and recruiters out there, where do you even begin?

The good news is, you’re not alone – thousands of new TEFL teachers go through this exact transition every year. And the process doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With a little structure, the right resources, and a sense of adventure, you can land a teaching job that fits your goals, personality, and lifestyle. Whether you’re dreaming of city lights in Seoul or quiet beach towns in Mexico, the path from course to classroom is more accessible than it might seem.

Prepare Your Teaching Documents

Before applying anywhere, take time to get your documents in order. This might feel tedious, but it’s one of the easiest ways to stand out from other applicants and move quickly when the right job appears.

Start with your resume. It should be simple, professional, and tailored for TEFL roles. Highlight any teaching, training, or childcare experience – even if informal – and make sure your formatting is clean and consistent. Avoid long paragraphs and focus on clear, relevant experience.

You’ll also need your TEFL certificate in both digital and hard copy form. Some countries require notarization or apostille verification, so it’s a good idea to keep your original certificate safe. If you have a degree, scan it and have it ready to send – especially if you’re applying to countries like South Korea or Japan, where it’s a visa requirement.

A valid passport is essential. Many employers will ask for a scan of the ID page during the application process. You may also need a recent criminal background check, depending on the country. In some cases, this needs to be official, translated, or authenticated.

These days, many schools request a professional photo and a short self-introduction video. The photo should be clear and friendly, something you’d feel confident sending to a future employer. Your video doesn’t need to be fancy, but it should show energy, clarity, and a bit of personality. Keep it under two minutes and focus on who you are, your background, and why you want to teach.

Having all of these materials organized and ready will not only speed up your job search, it shows schools that you’re serious, prepared, and professional – even if it’s your first time teaching.

Decide Where You Want to Teach

Figuring out where to teach is both exciting and overwhelming. There’s no single best destination – it really comes down to what kind of experience you’re looking for and what fits your qualifications.

Start by checking visa requirements. Some countries are strict and only accept native English speakers with degrees, while others are more flexible and open to a wider range of applicants. Make sure your background lines up with what’s legally required before narrowing your focus too much.

Next, think about the balance between salary and cost of living. South Korea and Taiwan might offer high pay and free housing, while countries like Thailand or Mexico provide lower wages but a more relaxed, affordable lifestyle. It’s not just about the paycheck – it’s about what kind of life you can build while you’re there.

Lifestyle and culture are huge factors too. Teaching in a megacity like Seoul or Tokyo is completely different from working in a rural village or laid-back beach town. Consider your comfort level with language barriers, available expat support, climate, and day-to-day rhythm. Do you want structure and stability, or flexibility and adventure?

Some of the easiest places to start include Thailand, South Korea, and Vietnam in Asia; Spain and the Czech Republic in Europe; and Mexico and Colombia in Latin America. These regions offer relatively smooth entry points, especially for first-time teachers.

If you’re unsure, spend some time browsing job listings or reading country-specific guides. That will give you a clearer sense of what matches your goals and what feels like the right next step.

Where to Look for Jobs

Once you know where you’d like to teach, the next step is finding the right opportunities – and knowing where to look can save you a lot of time and frustration.

One of the easiest ways to start your job search is by checking online job boards focused on teaching abroad, like Teast. These sites let you browse openings in multiple countries all in one place, which saves a lot of time. Stick to platforms that update their listings regularly and have a solid reputation – and yes, this is a great spot to include your own site naturally as part of the mix.

Recruitment agencies are another common route, especially for structured programs in countries like South Korea, China, and Japan. Many of them help with paperwork, interviews, and placement, which can be a huge relief if it’s your first time teaching abroad. Just be sure to vet the agency beforehand.

Some teachers prefer to apply directly to schools, especially in countries with more flexible hiring. This is often done through school websites or by sending an email directly with your CV and documents attached.

Facebook groups and local expat communities can also be goldmines for job leads, especially in Latin America or Southeast Asia. You’ll often see real-time job posts from schools or teachers looking for replacements. Just be cautious and do your research before committing.

LinkedIn and international forums can work too, particularly if you’re aiming for higher-end jobs or international schools. These platforms are more competitive, but they’re worth exploring if you’ve got the qualifications.

Wherever you apply, stay alert for red flags – anything that sounds too good to be true, demands upfront payments, or offers vague contracts is worth questioning. Trust your gut and do a little background digging before moving forward with any offer.

Ace the Interview

Once you’ve applied and caught a school’s interest, the next step is usually an interview – often done over Zoom or Skype if you’re applying from abroad. These interviews tend to be casual but focused. Most employers just want to get a feel for your personality, communication skills, and enthusiasm for teaching.

Expect questions like why you want to teach in that particular country, how you’d handle a noisy classroom, or what you’d do if a student didn’t understand your instructions. You don’t need perfect answers or years of experience. What matters more is how you think on your feet and whether you come across as someone who’s friendly, flexible, and ready to learn.

If it’s a video interview, your setup matters. Choose a quiet, well-lit space and make sure your internet connection is solid. Dress professionally, speak clearly, and smile – especially during the first minute. After the interview, it’s a good idea to send a brief thank-you message. It shows professionalism and keeps you fresh in the interviewer’s mind.

Review and Negotiate the Contract

If you pass the interview, you’ll receive a contract. This is where things get real – and where you need to slow down and read the fine print. Look closely at the salary, teaching hours, overtime policies, vacation days, housing arrangements, and any mention of health insurance or travel reimbursement.

Some contracts are non-negotiable, especially for government programs or public schools. But in private institutions, there’s often some wiggle room. If something feels off or unclear, don’t be afraid to ask questions. You can also try negotiating better housing, fewer working hours, or a small pay bump – but always stay respectful and realistic.

Pay attention to termination clauses, probation periods, and penalties for breaking the contract early. It’s better to clarify expectations now than to be surprised later on. If you’re unsure about any part of the offer, it’s okay to ask for a day or two to think it over.

Get Ready to Move

Once your contract is signed, it’s time to shift gears and prepare for your move. Start by checking what documents you’ll need for your visa and begin the process early – delays are common. Some schools will guide you through it, while others will expect you to manage it on your own.

If your housing isn’t provided, start researching accommodation options and neighbourhoods. Join local expat groups for advice and leads. You may also need to book flights, sort out travel insurance, and look into vaccinations depending on where you’re headed.

Pack smart – bring teaching clothes, a few comforts from home, and anything you might not find easily abroad. At the same time, try to pack light. Most things can be bought after you arrive.

Finally, prepare yourself mentally. Life abroad won’t always be easy, but it will stretch you, challenge you, and change you. Keep an open mind, stay curious, and remember that the adventure really begins once you land.

How to Stay Competitive in the Job Market

Even after you’ve landed your first job, there are simple ways to boost your future opportunities. Consider getting additional TEFL certificates in areas like teaching young learners, business English, or IELTS prep. These add-ons can make you more attractive to better-paying schools or specialized programs.

Building an online portfolio or teacher intro video can also help. A short demo lesson or intro clip makes it easy for schools to see your style and personality, and it can give you a major edge over applicants who don’t include one.

Finally, stay up to date on the hiring seasons and trends in your target countries. Knowing when schools usually start hiring helps you plan ahead – and helps you avoid that last-minute scramble. The more informed and proactive you are, the more likely you’ll be to find a teaching job that aligns with your goals and sense of adventure.