Top Destinations to TEFL as a Non-Native English Speakers

Within the TEFL world, a non-native English speaker is a little more strict than you think. As of 2019, there were 59 sovereign states and 27 non-sovereign entities where English was an official language. However, in the world of TEFL, there are mainly only 7 countries recognized as  best TEFL destinations for non-native English speakers. They would be the USA, Canada, UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa. 

We know that this is difficult to take in and seems a little unfair, but generally, these are work permit requirements for teachers to get visas and there’s not much we can do. However, it’s not all doom and gloom. There are plenty of options out there and you just need to know where to look. Here we’ll go through the top TEFL destinations for non-native English speakers for 2022.

Also Read: Best TEFL Destinations for 2022 for Native English Speakers

Your TEFL Preparation

Before we do, as a non-native English speaker, you’re CV/resume will need to be top-notch. This will help you stand in front of the crowd and get the TEFL job of your dreams. Here are some of the top tips before we get into our top recommended countries. 

Gain the 180-hour Level 5 TEFL Certification. This will assure future employers that you have studied, know your stuff and have a high level of English. Getting a government-regulated course means that you have met certain requirements to get the certificate, and potential employers know this. 

List all of qualifications and achievements. Even if your Bachelor’s Degree or Master’s Degree is not within the education field, still let them know you have one. This shows employers that you have stuck out 3 or 4 years of education and have a good head on your shoulders. 

You’ll need experience. If you don’t have experience, there are plenty of ways to get some. This includes the 10-hour teaching practice course, volunteer work, or online teaching. The more experience you have, the better your chances of getting employment. Your application is being compared to native English speakers most of the time, so the experience will help you compete. 

The majority of countries that require a certain passport are in Asia. For 2022, as a non-native English speaker, the top destinations for TEFL teaching are in Europe and South America. Here are some of our top recommendations. 

Spain

Spain is a great place to work. It is primarily for young learners and there are lots of camps and volunteer opportunities here, as well as full-time employment. If you are looking for a short-term stint and to gain some experience, Spain is the place to be! 

Spain is ideal for teachers in their 20’s looking for a fun location and traveling solo. If you have an EU passport, they will absolutely love this! For full-time TEFL jobs, the EU visas can be extensive for the companies, so if you are from the EU and can work legally in Spain, you’ll be a shoo-in.

An amazing volunteering opportunity in Spain is from a program provider called Vaughan. They have training available once you arrive and is a great way to start your new TEFL journey. 

Chile

Latin America is one region where, generally speaking, citizenship from a native English-speaking country is not a major factor in determining whether you can get hired to teach English. Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Mexico, Panama, and Peru are some of the best places to start in Latin America.

Most English teachers in Chile will need a bachelor’s degree, and many schools will need a TEFL certification. In Chile, the average monthly compensation for teachers is from $500 to $800. If you’re wanting to teach English in a foreign country, Chile is one of the top choices in South America. Chile is a stable democracy with a sophisticated infrastructure that is rapidly developing.

The peak hiring times in Chile are in March and July. Many TEFL teachers choose to wait until they have arrived in the country to find a job. Schools prefer doing face-to-face interviews and can hire on the spot, so be sure to shop around and don’t just accept the first job you’re offered. Jobs aren’t usually offered before you’re in the country.

Argentina

It’s no surprise that Argentina has become one of the most popular destinations for TEFL teachers. Beautiful scenery and a diversified landscape are enough to entice you to relocate to this wonderful country. English teachers and vacationers alike frequently find themselves drinking their way through Argentina’s famous Malbec wine region, which is located in the province of Mendoza. Climb glaciers and ski through the Andes Mountains to the south. Many visitors to Argentina have the problem of never wanting to leave since there is so much to see and adore; for these folks, teaching English has become a means to stay.

In order to teach English in Argentina, most teachers will require prior teaching experience, a degree in teaching, or TEFL/TESOL/CELTA certification. The average salary for teaching in Argentina is $600 – $1,200 per month.

Cambodia

If you have your heart set on Asia and are finding it difficult to find a TEFL opportunity, that’s no problem! There are some places where visa requirements are a little less strict. These include countries such as Cambodia, Laos, and even sometimes Taiwan and China. 

Although Taiwan and China are normally native English speakers only, the visa requirements are a little more relaxed. It might be difficult, but there are some success stories. Make sure to have a good resume before jetting off. 

Cambodia is our top choice here for Asia as the visa requirements do not require a native English-speaking passport. Cambodia is the most accessible country in Southeast Asia for finding work as an English teacher. Cambodia’s regulations are far less stringent than those of its neighbors. To get a job with the government, you don’t need a TEFL certificate, a four-year college education, or confirmation of native-speaker status.

FAQs

Q: Is there a high demand for TEFL teachers?

There has always been a huge demand for TEFL teachers in recent years, but now more than ever the industry is in dire need of teachers. During the pandemic, lots of teachers with a TEFL certification moved home from where they were working. As the world opens up again, the demand gets higher and higher. If this has been a dream of yours for a while, strike now while the iron’s hot!

Q: Which countries are in high demand for Native English Speakers?

You’ll be able to find a job in any country in the world as this job is widespread. Some of the top TEFL destinations of 2022 for non-native English speakers are Chile, Argentina, Spain and Cambodia. These are all explained in detail above. 

Q: Which Countries Pay the Most When Teaching English Abroad?

There are many reasons to pick a destination, such as work-life balance, benefits, weather, but one thing to consider that’s always number one for TEFL teachers is the salary. The top-paying TEFL destinations or countries are ultimately all in Asia. In places like Cambodia and Laos, you’ll find that you’ll never be living week to week. 

Q: Which English teaching certificate is the best?

There are two main choices; the 120-hour TEFL certificate and the 180-hour Level 5 TEFL certificate. The one you choose can be based on a lot of factors. Generally speaking, level 5 is the higher qualification and the best one on the market. However, depending on your situation, the 120 hour TEFL course might be the one for you. For instance, you may already be a qualified teacher at home and only looking for the minimum requirement. More times than not though, the level 5 certificate is the one to go for. 

Q: Where can I save the most money teaching English?

Saving the most money will depend on your lifestyle and living arrangements more than the country you reside in. This factor is not all about the highest wage either as the cost of living will come into play. A great site to check this out is numbeo.com. It’s a lovely feature! You’ll also need to see if you are going to be based in a rural, suburban or urban area as this will definitely have a difference. Generally speaking, Asia is again the place to be. TEFL teachers are high in demand and your salary will be well above minimum wage. It’s also inexpensive to live there in comparison to the western world. 

Q: How do I know if a TEFL course is accredited?

Being accredited is very important as it will show employers that you have been taught the right information and met the requirements to gain a certificate. Every TEFL provider should have their accreditation with their accreditation number on their website. You can simply check this up with the accreditor and they’d be happy to confirm.