How to Start Teaching English Abroad: A Step-by-Step Guide for Aspiring Nomad Teachers

Have you ever dreamed of traveling the world and earning money while doing it? Teaching English abroad is one of the most rewarding and accessible ways to live and work overseas. Whether you're taking a gap year, transitioning careers, or seeking a lifestyle change, the path to becoming a TEFL-certified teacher is more achievable than ever. In this post, we'll walk you through everything you need to know to get started—and help you avoid the most common mistakes along the way. ## 1. Understand What TEFL Actually Means TEFL stands for Teaching English as a Foreign Language. It's a certification that qualifies you to teach English to non-native speakers in countries around the world—from Thailand and Spain to South Korea and Chile. 💡 Pro Tip: Not all TEFL courses are created equal. Make sure yours is internationally recognized, ideally with at least 120 hours of coursework and practical teaching components. ## 2. Choose the Right TEFL Course There are hundreds of TEFL programs out there—some cheap and fast, others intensive and highly reputable. Choosing the right course depends on your goals. _Ask yourself:_ Do I want to teach online, in-person, or both? Am I aiming for a specific country? #### Do I prefer a self-paced course or live instruction? We’ve reviewed several top-rated TEFL providers on our TEFL Course Reviews page. Some of the most popular options include: The TEFL Academy – UK-accredited, with online and in-person options. Great value for money. Premier TEFL – Flexible, government-regulated courses with job support. International TEFL Academy – Highly respected, especially if you want help landing a job abroad. 🎓 Compare Top TEFL Courses Here → ### 3. Decide Where You Want to Teach Different countries have different requirements, salaries, and lifestyles. Here’s a quick comparison: Country Average Salary Degree Required? Popular Cities South Korea $1,800–$2,400/mo ✅ Usually Seoul, Busan Spain $900–$1,500/mo ❌ Often optional Madrid, Barcelona Thailand $1,000–$1,500/mo ✅ Usually Bangkok, Chiang Mai Costa Rica $600–$1,200/mo ❌ Often optional San José, Heredia Some countries offer housing, airfare, and bonuses, especially in Asia. Latin America and parts of Europe are great for lifestyle, though the pay is generally lower. **4. Prepare Your Documents** Once certified, you’ll typically need: Your TEFL certificate A bachelor’s degree (for most countries) A passport with at least 12 months validity A clean background check A professional CV and cover letter tailored for teaching roles Some employers may request a video introduction or teaching demo. We’ve created a free guide to help you craft your teaching resume here. 5. Start Applying for Jobs There are 3 main ways to land a job: Apply to jobs via TEFL course providers (some include job placement assistance) Use trusted TEFL job boards like: Teach Away ESL Café TEFL.org Jobs Go abroad first and search locally (common in Latin America and Europe) 6. Think About the Lifestyle, Not Just the Job Teaching abroad is more than a paycheck—it's a cultural exchange, a learning experience, and a way to grow. Consider: Are you ready to live far from home? Are you open to new customs, foods, and languages? Can you handle uncertainty or last-minute changes? Teaching abroad can be life-changing, but it’s not for everyone. The more research you do now, the smoother your transition will be. Ready to Get Started? If you're feeling inspired, the best next step is to enroll in a TEFL course. Most providers offer discounts throughout the year, and completing your certification is often faster than you think. 👉 Explore Recommended TEFL Courses →