How Americans Can Move Abroad to Teach English in 2025: The Ultimate Guide

Introduction: My Journey Teaching English Abroad

When I made the decision to leave the U.S. and teach English abroad, I had no idea where to start. I knew I wanted a change of scenery, an adventure, and a way to save money while seeing the world. It was 2006, and I was fresh off a journalism degree and a trip to South America. Long story short: I had a breakup and moved to China.

How did I get there? Well, I studied Chinese as a kid and I met a girl in my hostel in Bolivia at the pancake breakfast who had taught English in South Korea. I was in awe. It had never occured to me you could even do that I had no earthly idea how people worked abroad in other countries back in 2006. Plus, I wasn’t a teacher. She told me that in some places, you just need a bachelor’s degree and a TEFL degree...

So, I did what many others have done before me: I got my TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) certification and looked for jobs in China. I found my job in Zhuji, China through Dave's ESL Cafe (which is still a solid go-to resource today!), and I started teaching at a private school in China in Zhejiang Province. The school provided room and board, a decent salary, and I saved a ton of money while traveling. It was a transformative experience.

That first step—getting my TEFL certification—was a pivotal moment. If you’re reading this and wondering how to make the leap, don’t worry; I’ve got you covered. Let’s dive into everything you need to know about moving abroad to teach English, starting with how to get certified.

Step 1: How to Get a TEFL Certification (Online & In-Person)

Before you can start teaching English abroad in 2025, you’ll need a TEFL certification. It’s an essential qualification that most countries require, and it opens up many doors. The good news is, getting a TEFL is relatively easy and affordable (some are 275 EUR), whether you choose an online or in-person course. TEFL Academy has a lot of information on teaching specifically in Europe in 2025.

Online TEFL Certification

Online TEFL courses are the most popular option for most people. You can do them at your own pace, from anywhere, and they’re usually more affordable than in-person options. A typical online course is 120 hours, which is the minimum requirement for most employers.

Cost: Usually between $200–$500, depending on the provider.

Duration: 1 to 3 months, depending on how much time you can commit.

Accreditation: Make sure the course is accredited by a reputable organization like the International TEFL (https://www.iteflac.com/) /TESOL Accreditation Council (IATC) (https://accreditationteflcouncil.com/) or similar.

Recommended Online Providers:

Bridge: I completed my 120-hour course through them, and it cost around $300–$400. They have a great reputation and offer a solid curriculum.

International TEFL Academy: One of the top-rated providers offering courses with job placement assistance. Prices range from $169 for 170 hours.

TEFL.org: Offers 120-hour courses, and they often have discounts.

In-Person TEFL Certification

If you want a more immersive experience and a bit more guidance, in-person courses are a great choice. They offer the benefit of hands-on training and the opportunity to connect with others who are also planning to teach abroad.

Cost: Typically $1,000–$2,000 depending on the location and course provider.

Duration: Usually lasts 4–6 weeks and many have weekend programs available.

Advantages: More interactive, often includes teaching practice, and you may get help with finding local job opportunities.

Recommended In-Person Providers:

• International TEFL Academy: Offers in-person courses in cities around the world. They provide great support and job placement assistance.
• TEFL Worldwide: Offers in-person courses in Prague, and they also have great job support after certification. They have specific programs for people who want to become a digital nomad, which is a super popular option at the moment if you don’t know where you want to move yet and you’re ok with not having a lot of possessions.

Pro Tip: When choosing your TEFL certification provider, check for reviews from former students and make sure they offer job support or connections to employers abroad. Check blacklists for schools or programs that aren’t good. Here’s one specifically for China.

Step 2: Top 10 Countries to Teach English with a TEFL Certification by Continent

Now that you’re certified, the next step is to figure out where you want to teach. Let’s break it down by continent, starting with the easiest countries to teach in with just a TEFL certification.

Central and South America

These regions are not only culturally rich but also have a growing demand for English teachers, especially in major cities and tourist hubs.

1. Mexico 🇲🇽

Mexico is one of the most accessible countries for teaching English, especially given its proximity to the U.S. English is in high demand for business, tourism, and education. Check here for International Living’s exhaustive breakdown of prices in Mexico.

Requirements: While a degree is not always mandatory, a TEFL certification is required. Many schools prefer a degree, but many hiring positions will only ask for a TEFL certification.

Salary: $500–$1,500/month, which can cover living expenses, especially if you’re in smaller towns.

Cost of Living: Rent is affordable, with prices typically around $600/month depending on the region (Mexico City being pricier than rural areas). Meals are inexpensive at about $2 USD at local eateries.

Job Opportunities: Language schools, private tutoring, and international schools.

Pro Tip: While teaching in Mexico City and Cancún are popular, smaller cities like Queretaro or Merida often have more opportunities and less competition.

2. Costa Rica 🇨🇷

Costa Rica, with its incredible biodiversity, laid-back lifestyle, and high demand for English teachers, is a great destination for ESL teachers. It also has a growing number of international schools and businesses looking for English speakers. Check here for International Living’s exhaustive breakdown of prices in Costa Rica.

Requirements: A TEFL certification is essential. Some employers may ask for a degree, but many don’t.

Salary: $600–$1,200/month depending on the region and school.

Cost of Living: The cost of living is moderate, with rent ranging from $300–$600/month. Costa Rica is a bit more expensive than some of its Central American neighbors, but it's still quite affordable compared to the U.S.

Job Opportunities: Language schools, international schools, and businesses offering English language services.

Pro Tip: Consider applying in smaller towns or rural areas like Jaco,  Herida (where you can also get TEFL certified) where there may be less competition than in San José, the capital.

3. Colombia 🇨🇴

Colombia is gaining popularity as a teaching destination. It offers rich cultural experiences, great food, and a vibrant arts scene, along with a growing demand for English teachers. Check here for International Living’s exhaustive breakdown of prices in Colombia.

Requirements: A TEFL certification is required, and many schools also require a degree.

Salary: $800–$1,200/month. While not as high as other destinations, the cost of living makes it easy to save money.

Cost of Living: Rent is affordable, often ranging from $200–$600/month. Local food is very affordable at $2–$5 USD per meal.

Job Opportunities: English schools, bilingual programs, and private tutoring.

Pro Tip: Look for positions in cities like Medellín or Bogotá. These cities have more job opportunities, though competition can be high.

4. Chile 🇨🇱

Chile offers a high quality of life, great food, and a solid education system, making it an excellent option for English teachers. The demand for English is particularly high in business settings. Check here for International Living’s exhaustive breakdown of prices in Chile.

Requirements: TEFL certification is essential. A degree is preferred but not always required.

Salary: $800–$1,500/month. The cost of living is higher than in other South American countries, but so is the quality of life.

Cost of Living: Rent typically ranges from $400–$800/month. Dining out is relatively inexpensive at around $5–$10 USD per meal.

Job Opportunities: Private language schools, universities, and business English programs.

Pro Tip: Santiago is the largest city and the most competitive, so if you’re looking for something quieter and less competitive, consider Valparaíso or Concepción.

Europe

Europe offers some of the best opportunities for English teachers due to the high demand and relatively high salaries, especially in countries like Spain and Poland. However, salaries can vary depending on the country and city. More in depth information on teaching in Europe in 2025 here.

5. Spain 🇪🇸

Spain remains one of the most popular destinations for teaching English, and it’s easy to see why: warm weather, vibrant culture, delicious food, and great job opportunities in both large and small cities. Check International Living’s for an exhaustive cost of living breakdown in Spain.

Requirements: Bachelor’s degree and TEFL certification are usually required. A degree is essential for most positions.

Salary: $1,000–$1,600/month. While the salary isn’t as high as in some other European countries, Spain’s cost of living is lower than many Western European countries.

Cost of Living: Rent can range from $400–$800/month in cities like Madrid or Barcelona, but much cheaper in smaller towns. Meals are affordable, typically costing $5–$10 USD at local restaurants.

Job Opportunities: Private language schools, summer camps, universities, and business English.

Pro Tip: The Auxiliares de Conversación program is an excellent way to get started in Spain. It’s a government-backed program that places English speakers in public schools, offering a decent salary, benefits, and paid vacations. Also, check out GoAbroad or GoOverseas for private school and language school job listings. Madrid remains one of the best places to teach English in Spain but Valencia, Barcelona as well as some smaller towns also have job opportunities.

6. Czech Republic 🇨🇿

Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic, is becoming increasingly popular with English teachers due to its high quality of life, relatively low cost of living, and abundance of job opportunities. Check International Living for an exhaustive cost breakdown for the Czech Republic.

Requirements: TEFL certification is necessary, and a degree is often required for the most competitive positions.

Salary: $1,000–$1,500/month.

Cost of Living: Very affordable—rent is typically $400–$600/month, and meals are cheap at around $3–$6 USD.

Job Opportunities: Private language schools, international schools, and corporate English programs.

Pro Tip: Prague is a bustling hub with many opportunities, but competition is high. Look for teaching opportunities in smaller cities like Brno or Plzeň if you want to avoid the crowds.

7. Poland 🇵🇱

Poland is quickly becoming a great destination for teaching English. Known for its rich history and vibrant cities like Warsaw and Krakow, Poland offers both great teaching jobs and a reasonable cost of living. Check Foyer Global Health for an exhaustive cost breakdown of Poland.

Requirements: TEFL certification required; a degree is often preferred.

Salary: $1,200–$2,000/month, with decent benefits.

Cost of Living: Reasonable; rent is typically around $600–$800/month.

Job Opportunities: Language schools, international schools, and private tutoring.

Pro Tip: The demand for English teachers is growing, so apply early, especially before the school year starts in September. Check Krakow, Warsaw, and coastal Gdansk.  

Balkans & Baltics: Hidden Gems for ESL Teachers

Countries in the Balkans and Baltics (e.g., Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Estonia, Lithuania) are excellent hidden gems for teaching English. While salaries are generally lower than in Western Europe, the cost of living is much cheaper, and you’ll get to experience a unique cultural environment.

8. Balkans 🇧🇦🇷🇸🇲🇰

Requirements: A TEFL certification is typically required, but experience is not always a must.

Salary: Teachers earn $600–$1,200/month, and the cost of living is low.

Cost of Living: Rent is very affordable, with prices starting around $200–$400/month. Check popular countries like Bulgaria, Serbia, Albania, Romania.

9. Baltics 🇪🇪🇱🇻🇱🇹

Requirements: A TEFL certification and sometimes a degree are needed.

Salary: Teachers can expect to earn $900–$1,500/month.

Cost of Living: Relatively affordable—rent can be around $400–$600/month depending on the city. Check Latvia, Lithuania.

10. China 🇨🇳

China has long been one of the most popular destinations for English teachers, thanks to its vast market and the demand for English education. Many schools will hire you with just a TEFL certification and a degree. Check here for a cost of living breakdown in China. See my old article on things to watch for.

Requirements: A TEFL certification is required for most teaching positions, and a degree is also required.

Salary: $1,700–$2,600/month, depending on the school and city.

Cost of Living: Low—accommodation and food are very affordable.

Job Opportunities: Private language schools, public schools, and tutoring services.

Pro Tip: Be cautious about job offers that seem “too good to be true.” Research the school, check reviews, and make sure the work contract is clear. Check here to know your rights ( older article but still relevant). Check out some of the best places to teach here.

What to Look for When Searching for a Job Abroad

1. Job Security

• Make sure the job is legitimate and that the school or company is reputable. Always check for reviews and feedback from current or past teachers.

2. Salary and Benefits

• Consider not just the salary but also the benefits. Does the employer provide housing? Health insurance? Flights or travel allowances? These can make a huge difference in your quality of life abroad.

3. Legal Work Permits and Visas

• Ensure the employer helps with visa applications. In many countries, getting the correct visa to teach English is essential, and it’s always best if your employer is helping you with that process.

4. Support for Teachers

• Does the school provide a teacher’s orientation or ongoing support? Are there professional development opportunities? Can you talk to anyone who taught there in the past?

5. School Environment

• A good reputation often translates to a better experience. Look for schools with solid teaching methodologies and a supportive work environment.

Conclusion: Take the Leap!

Teaching abroad changed my life in ways I never imagined. If you’re ready to take the leap, there are endless opportunities out there. Whether you have a degree, a TEFL certification, or just the drive to make a change, the opportunities are there for you.

If I can do it, you can too. So, take that first step, get your TEFL certification, and start exploring the world—one classroom at a time.