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Teach English Abroad: ESL Jobs, TEFL & Salaries by Country

A country-by-country, independently written guide for anyone who wants to teach English overseas — real salaries, real visa rules, and the TEFL course that's actually worth paying for.

  • 12countries covered
  • 2026-09-27salary data last checked
  • 32guides published
The plan

The way through the maze

Get certified

Pick a TEFL course by hours and real accreditation, not marketing.

Start here →

Choose a country

Compare salary, visa rules and hiring season before you commit.

Compare countries →

Land the job

Find real listings, spot contract red flags, and negotiate.

Find a job →

Sort the visa

Apostilles, background checks and the paperwork maze, explained.

See the checklist →
Data, not guesswork

What you'll earn

South Korea 2,100,000–2,800,000 KRW/month EPIK (NIIED) — Salary & Benefits Checked 2026-05-04
Japan 4,020,000–4,320,000 JPY/year JET Programme — FAQ (gross, before Japanese tax) Checked 2026-09-27
Spain 800 EUR/month Ministerio de Educación, FP y Deportes — Auxiliares de conversación 2026-2027 Checked 2026-09-27
Data bank 12 countries with a published guide Refreshed 2026-09-27

Open the savings calculator

Teacher at a whiteboard with young students in an overseas classroom

"Every course promises a job. Almost none tell you which visas actually require the certificate you're paying for. That gap is the whole reason this site exists."

Sam Reyes Ex-ESL teacher, South Korea (2016-2022) — EPIK, hagwons & Asia visas
  • 12countries covered
  • 32guides published

Meet the whole team →

Free, two-minute match

Get matched with an accredited TEFL course

Answer a few questions about your goal, your country and your timeline. We'll match you with a course or job option that fits — no spam, no pressure.

TEFL trainees practising a lesson together
TEFL trainee practising a lesson in a training room
Before you go

Not sure which TEFL course is worth the money?

  • Compare accredited 120h+ courses, not marketing pages
  • See which countries actually require it — and which don't
  • Get matched with a course that fits your budget and timeline