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Table of Contents

Part I: TEFL/TESOL Course Guide

6 The Organization
7 The TEFL/TESOL Certificate
8 Price Promise/Satisfaction Guarantee
9 - 10 Our Course Options
11 Special Offers
12 In-class Course Features
13 In-class Course Content
14 In-class Course Materials
15 Our Online Courses
16 Online Certificate Course Features
17 Online Certificate Course Content
18 Online Specialized Courses
19 Online Diploma Courses
20 Combined Course
21 Assessment
22 Certificate of Teaching Practice
23 Trainers and Trainees
24 TEFL/TESOL Course + Language Course
25 Accreditation/Affiliations
26 Job Guidance
27 Recommended Reading

Part II: TEFL/TESOL Guide to Teaching English Abroad

1.General Information
29 Introduction
29 What is TEFL/TESOL?
30 Who can teach English
30 Where can I teach English?
30 Students, schools and timetables
31 What experience/qualifications
are required?
2.TEFL/TESOL Qualifications
32 In-class courses
33 Online courses
33 Combined courses
34 Specialized/advanced courses

3.Finding a Job
35 Jobs overview
35 Types of employer
36 Internet search
37 Recruitment agencies
37 Mail/email shot
38 On the spot
38 Freelancing
39 Curriculum Vitae/Resumé
39 Job Interviews
40 Contracts

4.Preparing to go
41 Gaining extra experience
41 Research
42 What to take
42 Useful resources/bibliography
44 Learning the language

5.Job Prospects - Country by Country Guide


45 Western Europe
49 Eastern Europe
52 Asia
57 Latin America
61 Middle East
65 Africa
67 North America
67 Australasia
67 United Kingdom

Part III: TEFL Budget Guides - The Most Popular TEFL Destinations

69 ​Teaching English In China - The Salary and Budget Guide


73 ​Teaching English In South Korea - The Salary and Budget Guide
77 ​Teaching English In Russia - The Salary and Budget Guide
81 ​Teaching English In Japan - The Salary and Budget Guide
85 ​Teaching English In Thailand - The Salary and Budget Guide
89 ​Teaching English In Mexico - The Salary and Budget Guide
93 ​Teaching English In Taiwan - The Salary and Budget Guide
97 ​Teaching English in Hong Kong - The Salary and Budget Guide
101 ​Teaching English In the Czech Republic - The Salary and Budget Guide
105 ​Teaching English In Italy - The Salary and Budget Guide
109 ​Teaching English In France - The Salary and Budget Guide
113 ​Teaching English In Spain - The Salary and Budget Guide
Part I

TEFL
TESOL
Course Guide

©
International TEFL and TESOL Training
Where the world is your classroom

courses@tesol-tefl.com www.teflcourse.net
TEFL
TESOL
Course Guide

The Organization
International TEFL and TESOL Training works with some of
the world's largest TESOL/TEFL certificate course providers
(including TEFL International and The International TEFL
Corporation) to of fer the oppor tunity to take an
internationally recognized certificate program in an
interesting and exotic location abroad or online.

We understand that choosing a TEFL/TESOL training course


can be quite a daunting prospect. In our quest to raise the
standards of TEFL/TESOL teaching world-wide, we offer
several components unique to ITTT and TEFL International
(our in-class course provider). As you will see in more detail
on the following pages, the hours of observed teaching
practice to local, non-native English speakers during our in-
class courses is exceptionally high.

Also included in your training will be comprehensive


language awareness (grammar) and phonology training.
This prepares teachers for many grammatical and linguistic
issues that students will face in the classroom. These features, along with the various options available to complete your
certificate, guaranteed job placement guidance upon graduation, and accommodation provided for all in-class courses,
make International TEFL and TESOL Training one of the most modern, exciting and comprehensive choices available for
TEFL/TESOL certification.

ITTT online courses are accredited by OTTSA (the Online TESOL and TEFL Standards Agency), a professional educational
organization specializing in maintaining standards for online TEFL and TESOL courses.

Our in-class courses are externally validated and moderated by a Board of Academic Advisors. This board includes
several internationally recognized experts in the field of English Language Teaching as well as dozens of regional
language experts in language teaching and teacher training.

We also voluntarily comply with the standards of the British Association of TESOL Qualifying Institutions (BATQI).

The principal aims of the organization are:

n Increasing international understanding through education.


n Providing the most up-to-date, modern courses available.
n Producing well-trained TESOL/TEFL teachers with the necessary skills and confidence to take up a teaching position
anywhere in the world.
n Providing professional guidance throughout our graduates' teaching careers.

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TEFL
TESOL
Course Guide

The TEFL/TESOL Certificate


TEFL is Teaching English as a Foreign Language; TESOL is
Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages. The two
terms are generally interchangeable. A TEFL/TESOL
certificate is the major qualification required to teach
English abroad. There is a huge demand for teachers around
the world with opportunities in almost every country.

Taking a TEFL/TESOL certificate course provides the


opportunity to travel and work around the world, to gain
knowledge and experience of foreign cultures and
languages and to embark upon a career in teaching. No
previous teaching experience or specialist qualifications are
required. The only requirement is fluency in English.

TEFL/TESOL employment prospects for graduates of our


courses are excellent. You will find teaching job
opportunities throughout the world, from Spain to South
Korea, Thailand to Turkey, there are literally thousands of
jobs abroad for certified TEFL/TESOL teachers.

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TEFL
TESOL
Course Guide
Price Promise
Satisfaction Guarantee
Price Promise

We feel that our courses offer the best value for money on
the market and our prices cannot be beaten. However, if you
find a fully equivalent course offered at a lower price, then
we will refund you the difference in price.

Satisfaction Guarantee

So confident are we in the quality of our courses, that if you


are not fully satisfied with the service or product that you
receive, then we will refund your payment with no questions
asked. Please note that this applies to online courses only,
and any refund request must be made within 72 hours of
purchasing the course.

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TEFL
TESOL
Course Guide

Our Course Options


International TEFL and TESOL Training opens the door to a
wide range of options for completing your TEFL certificate –
you can literally adapt your TEFL/TESOL teacher-training to
suit your lifestyle and expectations.

In-class courses

I T T T w o r k s w i t h T E F L I n te r n a t i o n a l to p rov i d e
comprehensive, intensive four-week in-class training
courses.

n As the cost of living can be considerably lower abroad than


in many western countries, the centers at many of our
locations are able to offer their training courses at very
competitive prices. Savings made on items such as
accommodation, food, drink and entertainment during
the four weeks are additional benefits of attending the
course overseas.

n Trainees studying with ITTT have the opportunity to experience the feeling and atmosphere of living and working
abroad. As the centers are housed in the same buildings as language schools, trainees have a good opportunity to
see the way a language school operates and to meet and talk with experienced teachers actually working in the
industry.

n Trainees are 'on the spot' for any job vacancies (of which there are usually many) at language schools in the
country.

n The center provides a comprehensive career advice service and help with finding that crucial first teaching
position.

n The training center provides accommodation at a very low price to trainees who require this service. The
accommodation will usually be in a hotel, an apartment or pension shared with other teacher trainees or teachers
close to the training center.

n The course has a practical, 'hands-on' format, and provides the trainees with the actual skills that are necessary in
the classroom.

n International TEFL and TESOL Training has training centers in a number of attractive locations on every continent,
including Thailand, Spain, Italy, China, France, Australia, Egypt, Costa Rica, Vietnam…

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TEFL
TESOL
Course Guide

Online courses

ITTT offers a number of options for TEFL/TESOL courses that can be completed online via a series of tests. Trainees can
choose a course either with an online tutor who can answer any questions they may have and guide them through the
learning process, or can they study independently.

The ITTT online courses are open to anyone who has a native-level English ability, and include job guidance on
completion. They allow course participants to study at their own pace, in the comfort of their own home or even while
travelling. A TEFL or TESOL certification can be completed with little disruption to daily life, preparing graduates for
their future teaching career. A range of courses from 60 hours to 470 hours are available.

Combined course

For those looking for a more functional, hands-on approach to the online certification course, we offer a combined course
option. This is, in essence, the best of both worlds for those who cannot immediately make the jump from their daily life
into a full-time intensive in-class course but who wish to have more practical teaching practice time.

The combined course allows students to study the theoretical aspects of teaching and grammar, etc. followed by in-class
attendance for between seven days and two weeks at one of our training centers.

The online component allows participants time to absorb the information of the course content and gives them time to
prepare for the move abroad. Attendance at our training centers after completion of the online material then gives them
the opportunity to put this knowledge into practice.

Specialized courses

International TEFL and TESOL Training has two specialized courses designed for teachers who are already TEFL/TESOL
certified:
n Certificate in Teaching Business English (CTBE)
n Certificate in Teaching English to Young Learners (CTEYL)

TESOL Diploma Course

The ITTT online TESOL Diploma course is the most advanced online qualification that we offer. The course is for practising
teachers or those who wish to achieve a higher level qualification having already completed a certificate-level TEFL or
TESOL course.

Certificate of Teaching Practice

The CTP course consists of two phases, the first being our 120-hour online certificate and the second is the practical
phase of the course, the teaching practice. The practical phase can be completed in a school or language center of
your choice, without the need to travel elsewhere. Participants complete a total of 6 hours of teaching practice to gain
the overall 150-hour CTP certificate.

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Course Guide

Special Offers
In-class and combined course special offers:

Sign up for a four-week in-class course with us before


the end of certain months and receive an additional
online certificate course or diploma course free of charge.
These additional, advanced level courses can be
taken upon completion of one of our four-week in-class
courses or the in-class component of a combined course:

Diploma: This 250-hour, research based course, is


designed for those wishing to gain an advanced
qualification that will enhance and improve their teaching
knowledge.

Certificate in Teaching Business English: This 50-hour certificate course covers the major areas involved in the teaching
of business English and is designed for any teacher wishing to specialize in teaching adults and business people.

Certificate in Teaching English to Young Learners: This 50-hour certificate course would prove useful to any teacher
wishing to specialize in teaching English to children and teenagers.

Online certificate course special offers:

Sign up for our 120-hour online certificate course with tutor support before the end of certain months and receive an
additional, advanced level certificate course free of charge. Applicants have the option to choose one of the following
courses:

n Certificate in Teaching Business English


n Certificate in Teaching English to Young Learners

The additional qualification will improve your resume and in addition to upgrading your teaching skills will inevitably
impress potential employers.

In addition to one of the free courses, 120-hour course graduates receive free access to our online database of lesson
plans and teaching materials. All of the lesson plans and materials can be downloaded and/or printed and come
complete with guidance notes for teachers.

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TEFL
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Course Guide

In-class Course Features


The main features of the in-class TEFL/TESOL course
include:

n Internationally recognized certificate


n Four week intensive course, 120+ hours
n Extensive teaching practice with different levels of
genuine local English language students (six to eight
hours minimum)
n Comprehensive course materials that will prove a useful
resource throughout your TEFL career
n Fully-equipped resource center
n Experienced trainers
n Extensive guided lesson preparation
n Lifelong job guidance assistance
n Accommodation which can be provided at competitive
rates
n Airport greeting and transfer for certain locations
n Optional social program
n Introductory seminars to local culture, traditions and
customs
n Hundreds of course dates per year – full dates available at
www.teflcourse.net/tefl-courses-dates-fees/

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Course Guide

In-class Course Content


The course is essentially practical and is assessed
continuously.

This is a typical course schedule (note that this is an example


and timetables will vary from location to location): In the
morning, there are input sessions on the skills and methods
of teaching. The afternoon /evening consists of teaching
practice (in small groups), lesson observation and lesson
preparation. The course is, by nature, very intensive.

The course is divided into six areas:

1. Classroom Management
This topic includes classroom arrangement, resource
materials, maintaining discipline, giving instructions, the
role of the student and teacher etc.

2. Teaching skills
This is a very practical element of the course aimed at
building the candidates skills in areas such as teaching grammar, vocabulary, business English, creating own materials,
correction skills etc.

3. Grammar/Language awareness
This section of the course aims to consolidate the trainees' knowledge of grammar and provide practical ideas as to how
it can be taught.

4. Phonology/Pronunciation
Focuses on areas such as stress, intonation, rhythm and the International Phonetic Alphabet.

5. Unknown Language
Trainees are put in the position of language students and will be taught an unknown foreign language. This gives
candidates a chance to view lessons as a student and note techniques used by the teacher when teaching beginners.

6. Teaching Practice
This is the most practical element of the course. The trainees teach real students of English and put into practice the
skills learnt on the course. Through continuous assessment, thorough feedback and evaluation, trainees are kept up to
date on their progress.

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Course Guide

In-class Course Materials


Trainees will be given detailed handbooks for the following
areas of the course:

n Teaching Skills
n Language Awareness
n Phonetics
n Classroom Management

These high quality materials are the basis for the input
sessions and will provide the trainees with valuable
reference resources.

Although the center provides course handbooks and


materials for the course you will need two A4 folders
which should be organised as follows:

The course log

n Teaching Practice – for each lesson, full lesson plan, materials used, self assessment and the tutors assessment
n Unknown Language Journal – for each lesson file a report
n Lesson Observation Journal – for each lesson file a report

These logs form a record of the course and will be checked during moderation.

Your own notes file

During input sessions you will receive numerous handouts and may want to take your own notes as well. We suggest
dividing the file under the following headings:

n Timetable
n Classroom management
n Teaching skills
n Grammar
n Phonology

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TEFL
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Course Guide

Our Online Courses


International TEFL and TESOL Training provides a variety of
practical, high-quality online TEFL/TESOL courses, both with
and without a course tutor.

ITTT also offers certification courses in business English


(CTBE) and teaching English to young learners (CTEYL), and
an advanced Diploma in TESOL.

We also combine course options together to form package


courses. More details below.

60 and 120-hour Online TEFL/TESOL Certification Courses


The 120-hour online TEFL/TESOL course covers all the main
aspects of English teaching while the 60-hour course covers
teaching skills only. Both come with the option of a tutor who
is available to guide you and answer any questions you may
have throughout the course, along with videos to accompany
the units. The 60-hour and 120-hour courses are also
available without videos or a tutor at a reduced cost.

250-hour Online TESOL Diploma Course: DipTESOL


This is an advanced course intended for teachers who already have a TEFL/TESOL certification. This research-based
course comes with or without tutor support.

50-hour Certificate in Teaching Business English: CTBE


The demand for teachers who are qualified to teach business English is expanding. Our CTBE course comes with or
without tutor support, and is available to those who already have a TEFL or TESOL (or equivalent) certification.

50-hour Certificate in Teaching Young learners: CTEYL


Teaching English to young learners is also a growing area. Our online certification course in teaching English to young
learners can also be completed in addition to a TEFL/TESOL certification course, and is available with or without tutor.

220-hour Master Package Courses


Available with or without tutor support, the Master package course offers three courses in one. Course participants start
with the 120-hour TEFL/TESOL course, followed by the 50-hour course in teaching business English (CTBE) and the 50-
hour course in teaching English to young learners (CTEYL), in either order. They have the option of either receiving three
individual certificates as they finish each part, or a single 220-hour certificate on completion of all course components.

470-hour Professional Package Course


The premier course option from ITTT is the 470-hour Professional package course, with or without tutor support. It offers
a broad spectrum of skills that teachers of English as a foreign language can use in a variety of classroom situations. The
470-hour Professional package course also prepares course graduates for any future management roles they may take
on. This comprehensive course consists of four course components: Part 1 is the 120-hour TEFL course . Parts 2, 3 and 4
consist of the following, in any order: 50-hour course in business English (CTBE), 50-hour course in teaching English to
young learners (CTEYL) and the 250-hour TESOL diploma course.

Details and current pricing at www.teflcourse.net/online-tefl-courses.

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TEFL
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120-hour Online
Certificate Course Features
Once the payment for your ITTT online course has been
received, you will be sent a username and password that will
allow you to log in to your course control panel. Here you will
find all the information you need to start the course,
including full instructions.

Initially, the course introduction and unit 1 will be available


to you, with a task sheet at the end of the unit. You read and
absorb the material in the first unit and then complete the
task sheet independently. Once you’re happy that you’ve
understood the unit contents, you would then complete the
online test.

As soon as you’ve submitted the test, the results for unit 1


will be displayed, and unit 2 will then become available to
you. This is how you proceed through the course, with your
overall score given throughout.

Technical assistance is available to all course participants,


and those that have chosen a course that includes tutor
support are able to contact their tutor at any time regarding
any aspect of the course they would like extra guidance with, or any TEFL/TESOL-related questions. Once all course units
have been completed with an overall score of 75% or above, you will be asked to complete a summative task. We will offer
you a number of TEFL-related alternatives for the task subject, or you can write about something of your choice, subject to
approval. Once submitted, it will be reviewed by ITTT staff within one working day.
.
After successfully completing all course units and the summative task, you will be asked to confirm your postal address,
where you will receive your embossed TEFL or TESOL certificate and a letter of recommendation.

The course has been designed to allow for maximum flexibility. As long as you complete the course within six months of
first logging in, you can work at a pace that suits you. The maximum number of units you can work on per day is three, so
you could theoretically complete the course within a week to ten days. You should probably allow for about five or six
hours per unit (on average) to allow you to read and absorb the material, complete the task sheet and submit the test.

In order to get the maximum benefit from the course we recommend working on just a single unit per day. This will allow
you to complete the course in under four weeks and will give you time to understand the lesson fully and digest the
contents. However, if you wish to work through the course more quickly, or slowly, the choice is of course yours.

The ITTT course is unique for an online TEFL/TESOL course as it enables graduates to receive ongoing career support
and teacher development after completion and provides an opportunity to see 'real' lessons through our videos.

This course aims to provide a solid introduction to the world of teaching English as a foreign language. Upon completion
of the course graduates should have a good working knowledge of the English grammatical system (120-hour course
only) and an awareness of the skills and techniques required for successful language teaching.

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120-hour Online Certificate
Course Content
The course is divided into two main areas – teaching skills
and language awareness. The teaching skills component
provides details of the techniques and skills required by
teachers in the classroom while the language awareness
component gives a solid foundation course in English
grammar.

The course consists of either 20 units, covering teaching


skills, language awareness (grammar) and phonology, or 10
units covering teaching skills only. Course components are
carefully chosen and organized to ensure a gradual build up
of knowledge whilst not overloading students with too much
information at any one time. These units allow you to work
through the course at a pace that suits your requirements.

In addition, you will receive several post-course units with


supplementary information including general classroom
tips and TEFL/TESOL employment opportunities.

Post course job guidance:

ITTT will provide all possible assistance in finding a teaching position after you have completed the course. This includes
the following support services:

n Resume/CV preparation
n Information on likely sources of TEFL/TESOL vacancies
n Job guidance counseling
n Job search and application
n Interview preparation

We are happy to provide this assistance after the course for as long as required.

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TEFL
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Course Guide

Online Specialized Courses


The practice of Teaching English as a Foreign Language
often branches into specialized areas focusing on teaching
specific groups of learners. Worldwide demand for EFL
teachers qualified in these fields is increasing and ITTT is at
the forefront in preparing teachers with the necessary skills
to teach English to Young Learners (TEYL) and to Teach
Business English (TBE).

The benefits of becoming certified to teach business or


young learners are many and you will find that holding such
qualifications not only improves your teaching ability but of
course your employability.

Each of our specialized courses consists of modular units


and each course necessitates approximately 50 hours of
study.

The TEYL and TBE courses are designed for TEFL/TESOL and
equivalent certified teachers, and prior experience or
training in either field is not required to complete either
course.

Certificate in Teaching Business English course


Upon completion of the CTBE online certification course, graduates will be able to:

n Consider and discuss, using terminology that is standard within the industry, the role of Business English teaching.
n Create a teaching syllabus based on the assessment of a clients needs.
n Have realistic ideas for the creation of individual lessons which are tailored to the client's requirements and also have
clear ideas on how to deliver the lessons to a wide range of target groups.Locate and create materials for teaching
business English.
n To create and apply assessment procedures pre-course, course and post course.
n Understand the role of a teacher of business English in a wide variety of situations.

Certificate in Teaching English to Young Learners


Completing the CTEYL online certification course trains graduates to:

n Evaluate and discuss, using industry standard terminology, the function of teaching English to young learners.
n Construct a syllabus based on your students' needs assessment.
n Create realistic individual lesson plans tailored to the young learners' needs and have clear ideas for delivering those
lessons to a many different kinds of students. Source and construct materials for creating English for young learners
lessons.
n Construct and implement assessment methodologies for before, during and after a course.
n Comprehend the role of teaching English to young learners in many different situations.

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TEFL
TESOL
Course Guide

Online Diploma Courses


The Online TESOL Diploma is our most advanced course.
This is a course for current TEFL or TESOL-qualified teachers
who want to further their training and gain a higher
qualification.

Benefits of completing our TESOL Diploma course include:

n deepening your teacher development and education


n more potential income due to a higher level of training
n potential for obtaining a more prestigious teaching
position
n greater consideration for management positions

Online TESOL Diploma Course (DipTESOL) Content

We organize our course into 12 modules. All modules with


the exception of the last require approximately 16 hours of
study – 175 hours overall. The last module is a research
based thesis, which generally requires 75 hours to finish. At
least 250 hours are therefore required to complete the
course.

The course requires a large amount of research, utilizing the internet and other resources to examine and develop your
own understanding of a variety of relevant topics. The modules cover a range of subjects including the historical
development of English language teaching, different approaches to course syllabus design, designing classroom
materials, student assessment strategies, and classroom management.

The ITTT TESOL Diploma course can be taken either with or without the support and guidance of a highly experienced
online tutor. The choice is entirely yours, although we recommend the tutored option for anyone who is unfamiliar with
independent distance learning. Whichever option you choose, we are confident that you will find the course interesting,
stimulating, and importantly, a valuable addition to your CV/résumé.

Online TESOL Diploma Course pre-requisites

To take this advanced level course applicants must fulfill the following criteria:

n have completed a TEFL/TESOL or equivalent certificate course


n be or have been a practicing teacher
n be able to finish all the course content and projects within 12 months

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Course Guide

Combined Course
Traditionally, TEFL/TESOL certificate courses have been
offered either as four-week, intensive courses in a
classroom setting or as 100% distance learning. ITTT can
see benefits to both forms of study and has combined the
best of both methods into a new and exciting course.

The online element of the course (outlined earlier in this


document) can take between two weeks and six months to
complete (depending how quickly you want/are able to work
through the course) and comes with full online tutor support.
Attendance at the training center is for seven or ten days.

This course is ideal for those students who don't work to their
best potential in intensive learning programs or for students
who don't have four weeks to commit to an intensive course.

Completion of this combined course results in full


certification. Please note that this course is only available at
certain training centers.

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Assessment
In-class courses

The in-class TESOL course is assessed as follows:

n Teaching practice
n Material compilation
n Unknown language journal
n Lesson observation journal
n Grammar and phonology test

The teaching practice grade is the most important and


constitutes the majority of the overall grade.

Successful trainees receive an official certificate showing


completion of the course. They will also be issued with a
recommendation letter from TEFL International, reflecting
upon their performance during the course.

The individual centers are always prepared to issue a


reference and further information if requested.

Online courses

The International TEFL and TESOL Training online courses are completed via a series of tests undertaken progressively,
one at a time via an online control panel. ITTT online courses can be completed with or without tutor support, and the 60
and 120-hour courses with tutor also come with a series of videos to accompany the units.

Most people require approximately six to eight hours to complete each unit.

After submitting the final unit test, assuming they’ve achieved an overall score of 75% or more, course participants need
to complete a summative task to conclude the course, which is assessed by ITTT staff.

Upon successful completion of the course, an embossed TEFL or TESOL certificate and a letter of recommendation are
sent in the post to any address worldwide, with postal delivery included in the course fees.

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Course Guide
Certificate of Teaching
Practice
The ITTT CTP course has two phases.

For phase 1, you will complete the ITTT online


certificate course, with a short multiple choice test for
each unit. In order to progress to the second phase you
will need to score an average of at least 75% overall on
the unit tests.

The second phase of the course is your teaching


practice, which you need to complete within six months
of finishing the online course.

You must arrange where and when you are going to


complete your minimum six hours of teaching practice.

For each of your lessons you will need to complete and


later submit the documentation listed below,

1. A full lesson plan written on the ITTT lesson plan form provided. You need to create a new document for each
lesson.
2. A full list and examples of any material used in the lesson, e.g. any worksheets given to the students, any
pictures or written material given to the students etc.
You will need to create these documents independently, and they will need to be clearly marked so that we can
identify which lesson they should be used with.
3. A completed self-evaluation form written on the ITTT form provided. You need to create a new document for
each lesson.
4. A completed verification form with all lessons listed, signed by your supervisor and stamped by the school or
training center.

Note this course is ‘pass’ or ‘fail’ and no grade will be issued.

There is a time limit of twelve months in which to complete the two components of the course: phase 1 and phase 2.
Your certificate will show that you have completed a 150-hour TEFL/TESOL certificate which included at least six hours
of teaching practice.

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TEFL
TESOL
Course Guide

Trainers and Trainees


The Teacher Trainers

All of our teacher trainers have been involved in teaching


and teacher training for a number of years. They are all still
active teachers and therefore are fully aware of the
classroom situations facing EFL teachers today.

Each in-class group will have input from a number of trainers


during the course. Trainees will also have the opportunity to
observe the trainers teaching classes of native students
during the course.

For our online students, should you choose to have a


personal online tutor assigned, he or she is available
throughout the course to answer any questions that you may
have, as well as providing any help that you may require. You
are welcome to contact your tutor by email at any time and
you should receive a reply within one working day.

All online tutors are also experienced teacher trainers and English teachers.

If, for any reason, you would like to change your online tutor, simply send us an email and we will arrange it for you.

The Trainees

Due to the flexibility of all the options you have through International TEFL and TESOL Training, our programs are ideal for
people from all walks of life; from university students abroad on their year overseas, students on summer or winter break,
professionals looking for a career change, working and stay-at-home parents, etc.

Applications are welcomed from all interested parties, regardless of nationality. The only requirements are a proficient
level of English and a willingness to adapt to the intensive nature of the course, should you chose to attend one of our in-
class courses. A degree isn't necessary to attend, but some further education experience is an advantage. ITTT has
trained teachers from many backgrounds and ages with great success. We consider it our responsibility to guide trainees
to successful completion of the course.

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TEFL
TESOL
Course Guide
TEFL/TESOL Course
+ Language Course
Our six or eight-week programs unite our four-week in-class
TEFL/TESOL course with a two or four-week language
course. This combined language and TEFL/TESOL
certification program offers a unique opportunity to become
qualified with an internationally recognized TEFL/TESOL
certificate and at the same time to immerse yourself in the
local culture while improving your language skills.

A TEFL certificate will enable you to teach English throughout


the world, and knowing some of the local language will make
living wherever you choose that much easier.

For further information relating to our language course


options please visit our language course web site:
www.languagesinaction.com

Currently, the TEFL/TESOL course + language course option


is available at centers in Spain, Italy, China and Egypt,
though this list is subject to change.

For more details and current pricing, please visit our website at www.teflcourse.net/tefl-courses-languages/.

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TEFL
TESOL
Course Guide

Accreditation/Affiliations
Online courses:
The ITTT online TEFL/TESOL courses are fully accredited by
the Online TESOL and TEFL Standards Agency. OTTSA is a
professional educational organization dedicated to raising
teacher-training industry standards, specifically online
courses in the teaching of English as a Foreign Language.

In-class courses:
TEFL International in-class courses are externally validated
and moderated by a Board of Academic Advisors. This board
includes several internationally recognized experts in the
field of English Language Teaching as well as dozens of
regional language experts in language teaching and teacher
training. Both international and regional members advise
TEFL International staff on our teacher training centers
worldwide.

International board members visit training center regions


worldwide. Members participate as keynote speakers at free
national teacher training conferences, and workshops sponsored and hosted by TEFL International. They also provide us
with advice on the quality of our training programs in the region they visit, on how our programs can adapt and change
with growing trends in teacher training. International board members are not TEFL International moderators, but industry
experts that advise our centers and participate in teacher training initiatives.

A full description of the moderation process, as well as any credentials of regional moderators, can be provided on
request by emailing us.

IATEFL
ITTT is an institutional member of IATEFL (the International Association of Teachers of English as a Foreign Language).
See www.iatefl.org for more details of this organization.

UK College of Teachers
TITC is an Institutional Member of the UK College of Teachers.

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TEFL
TESOL
Course Guide

Job Guidance
Once you have completed your TEFL/TESOL course and
gained certification to teach English as a foreign language
you will be eligible for TEFL/TESOL jobs in countries all over
the world. With our reputation as a world leading English
teacher training institute, you could be teaching English as a
foreign language in the location of your choice in no time at
all.

Many graduates of our courses worldwide have secured


English teaching positions before completing their training
program. The highly regarded training you receive during the
course gives you a head start when applying for TEFL or
TESOL positions worldwide.

Our teachers are required all over the world, so it's never
difficult to find a job that will suit you perfectly. There is a
continued growing demand for qualified English teachers
across the globe, as English is rapidly becoming the world's
foremost international language.

For examples of TEFL jobs in a range of diverse locations, please view our extensive list of postings at
www.teflcourse.net/tefl-jobs/. Bear in mind that teaching jobs listed on our web site are only an example of TEFL/TESOL
jobs currently available. You will be given comprehensive job seeking advice and tips during the TEFL course itself and for
the duration of your teaching career. This advice includes; finding advertised jobs, what to look for in a job advertisement,
questions to ask schools, questions schools may ask you, benchmarking pay and conditions, how to prepare for an
interview and more.

All trainees will be given expert assistance in finding that vital first teaching position, both during and after completion of
the course.

The company has contacts with many language schools throughout the world that are always keen to hire graduates of
our courses. We maintain an extensive database of TEFL/TESOL employers worldwide, the contents of which are
available to our graduates throughout their teaching careers.

Anyone holding one of our TEFL or TESOL certificates should have little trouble in finding a teaching position. There are
literally thousands of options available for public and private sector TEFL/TESOL teachers.

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TEFL
TESOL
Course Guide

Recommended Reading
The following books have been found useful by many
teachers, during both their TEFL course and teaching
careers:

The Practice of English Language Teaching, by Jeremy


Harmer (Longman)

How to Teach English, by Jeremy Harmer (Longman)

English Grammar in Use, by Raymond Murphy (CUP)

Practical English Usage, by M. Swan (OUP)

Practical English Grammar, by A.J. Thomson and A.V.


Martinet (OUP,1990)

Collins, Cobuild English Dictionary (Collins)

How English Works, by Swan/Walter (OUP)

More Grammar Games, by Rinvolucri and Davis (CUP)

Grammar Practice Activities, by Penny Ur (CUP)

Grammar Games and Activities, by Peter Watcyn-Jones (Penguin)

The Resourceful English Teacher, by Chandler/Stone (Delta)

Teaching English Abroad, by Susan Griffith (Crimson Publishing)

It is certainly not essential to have all (or any) of the above. However we would particularly recommend books by Harmer
and Murphy.

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Part II

TEFL/TESOL
Guide
to
Teaching English Abroad

©
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Where the world is your classroom

courses@tesol-tefl.com www.teflcourse.net
TEFL/TESOL
Guide
Teaching English Abroad
Part 1
General Information
Introduction

For various historical and economic reasons, English has


become the dominant language of the world in the twenty-
first century. English is the language of science, air traffic
control, tourism, the internet and to a very large extent of
trade and export. According to the British Council at least
one billion people speak or are trying to speak English at the
present time and of those about 300 million people are
actively studying the English language. These statistics help
to explain the emergence and explosion of the TEFL industry.
This is bad news for those without a command of the English
language but very good news for English speakers who find
themselves in possession of a commodity that is in much
demand throughout most of the world.

This guide will hopefully provide you with an insight into the
world of teaching English abroad, the qualifications required
as well as an overview of countries and regions where job
opportunities are most commonly found. We hope that this information will be of use to you and answer most of your
questions regarding this exciting and rewarding opportunity. However, if you have any questions not answered here or on
our website www.teflcourse.net , please contact us at courses@tesol-tefl.com.

What is TEFL/TESOL?

The above question is probably the one we find ourselves answering the most. The use of these acronyms (amongst
others) can be rather confusing, especially as they are frequently used interchangeably. In effect both of these terms
refer to the industry of teaching the English language to people whose native language is not English. Below is a list of
definitions which, hopefully, should clarify their meanings:

n TEFL - Teaching English as a Foreign Language. This term is predominantly used when English is being taught in a
country where it isn't the native language (for example teaching English to Spanish people in Spain).
n TESL - Teaching English as a Second Language. This is where English is being taught to non-native speakers of English
in a country where it is the native language (for example teaching immigrants to the UK/USA).
n TESOL - Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages. This term theoretically encompasses both of the above.
n ELT - This stands for English Language Teaching and is mainly used by institutions in the UK.

Whilst there were slight differences in theory, these terms are nowadays used interchangeably and it should not make
any difference to your future career and job prospects whether you study a TEFL or a TESOL course.

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Teaching English Abroad

Who can teach English abroad?

Jobs teaching English are pretty much open to all native or fluent English speakers. However, the vast majority of jobs will
require you to have a TEFL/TESOL certificate, which can be gained by following a fairly short course (typically of around
four weeks duration). No previous teaching experience or additional qualifications are usually required and there is
usually also no strict age limit, though individual employers may have personal preferences.

Where can I teach English?

There are tens of thousands of TEFL/TESOL jobs all around the world. There are jobs in virtually every town and city of
every country. Salaries and working conditions for teachers vary tremendously from country to country, city to city and
even from school to school but generally speaking you can expect to enjoy a comfortable and interesting lifestyle.

Some teachers have a definite location in mind, whereas others prefer traveling from country to country teaching as they
go. Some decide to teach on a short-term basis while others make a career of it but however long and wherever you
teach, you will get the opportunity to experience the culture and treasures of that country as a resident and not as a
tourist. The world really is your oyster!

You can get a general idea of job prospects around the world by visiting our country profiles pages in part 5 of this guide.

Students, schools and timetables

A huge range of people from kindergarten aged children through to adult business people are studying English, so you
can expect to teach a wide variety of students. Some schools specialize in teaching children, while others are more
geared towards teaching adult learners. There are teaching positions in state schools, universities and large multi-
national companies but probably the majority of jobs are teaching in private language schools which specialize in
providing English tuition to students of all ages and backgrounds.

When teaching English abroad it is useful to do some research into the culture of the country before commencing work.
You will find that students in certain countries are notorious for being quiet and studious and less willing to join in
communicative activities in the classroom, whereas students of other nationalities are known as being quite boisterous
and vocal. Knowing a bit about your students can help you be prepared for all eventualities. Obviously you will learn
about how to deal with different types of students during your TEFL/TESOL training.

English language teachers typically can expect around 25 classroom hours per week plus a few additional hours for
testing, marking homework, writing reports and other administrative duties. These hours could be within a normal 9 to 5
timetable or they could be early in the morning and then again late afternoon to fit around your students' work/school
times. Some schools only operate from Monday to Friday, whereas others also open over the weekend as the students
have more free time for study on those days. However, a teacher should expect two days free work per week plus national
holidays.

Most schools will close for major holidays such as Christmas, New Year and Easter (though holidays may vary depending
on the culture of that country) which gives the teacher an opportunity to visit family and friends at home or to explore
more of the country where they are working.

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Teaching English Abroad

The English language ability level of your students can also vary widely. You may find yourself teaching a group of
beginner students, a group of very advanced students or anything in between.

The type of English that is taught can also differ. Younger learners are probably going to be learning more basic English
through games and activities, while business people may wish to learn specific English for their industry. Some adults
may wish to learn English for traveling purposes, some might just want conversation to brush up on their language skills,
while others want a deeper understanding of the grammar and structure. Fortunately most employers will provide a
curriculum and have a library of text books and resource materials that you can utilize in your classes.

You could be teaching individual students, small groups or large groups and so you have to be prepared to teach at all
ability levels, age ranges, group sizes and from a variety of materials. This is why some form of training is essential for all
responsible teachers.

What experience/qualifications are required?

As mentioned previously most jobs will require you to have some form of teaching certification to be a teacher. This
certification can be quickly (and relatively inexpensively) obtained through taking a TEFL or TESOL course. These
courses will certify you to teach English overseas as well as equipping you with all the knowledge and skills that you need
to start teaching English. TEFL courses can be taken as an intensive course in a classroom setting, as a distance learning
or online course or a combination of the two. Other than that no additional teaching qualifications or experience are
usually required.

If you wish to specialize in teaching children or teaching business English, then there are additional specialist
qualifications that you can obtain.

Further information on these qualifications can be found in part 2 of this guide or on our website www.teflcourse.net

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TEFL/TESOL
Guide
Teaching English Abroad
Part 2
TEFL/TESOL Qualifications
The most common and useful qualification required to teach
English abroad is a TEFL/TESOL certificate. There is a wide
range of such courses offered that vary in duration, study
method and price but most courses are based around the
same principle, which is to provide high quality, practical
training. Some courses offered have a greater degree of
international recognition than others and quality can vary
from company to company, so it is extremely important to
make sure that you choose an internationally recognized
course that is externally accredited.

In-class courses

In-class TEFL courses are 100% based in the classroom and


as a result you get the opportunity to practice teaching real
students of English during the course. In-class TEFL courses
are intensive and the course duration is usually 4 weeks,
Monday through to Friday with the weekends for free time
and revision.

As in-class courses are classroom based they require 4-week attendance at a training centre. These centres can be
located throughout the world. The most popular locations for taking a course are Thailand, France, Spain, Italy, USA,
Australia, England, Costa Rica, Argentina, China, Vietnam, the Philippines, India, Egypt, Brazil, Greece, Japan and the
Czech Republic. These are locations seem to be the most popular either because there is a wide variety of teaching jobs
available in that country or for ease of access.

In-class TEFL certification is ideally suited to people that wish to learn the theories, principles and methodologies of TEFL
but also wish to gain practical teaching experience in a supervised environment. This teaching practice is an important
aspect of the course and is what separates in-class courses from distance learning options. During the teaching practice
part of the course you will have the opportunity to teach real students of English. During these classes you will be
observed by a qualified trainer and you will therefore get constructive feedback on your strengths and weaknesses as a
teacher. As a result in-class courses tend to be a bit more expensive than the distance learning option but are generally
more highly valued by employers.

You can find more detailed information on in-class courses at www.teflcourse.net

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TEFL/TESOL
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Teaching English Abroad

Online courses

Online TEFL courses are offered 100% by distance learning and can be taken with or without the support of a personal
online tutor. Some courses offer the option of downloading the course materials so you can work offline, while other
courses you need to be online in order to access the materials. Courses can vary in duration but you should really be
looking for a minimum of a 50-hour course, though most employers would prefer you to have a 100-hour course.

As it is an online course there is no classroom time and no teaching practice component. You will however, usually have
the opportunity to see actual lessons taking place through CD-ROM and some courses are now offering the option to
study almost completely by DVD so it is even more like being in the classroom.
Online TEFL courses are primarily designed for those people who wish to train to be an English teacher but have time
and/or budget constraints which don't allow them to attend an in-class or combined course.

The advantages of online courses are that you are able to study at your own pace and in the comfort of your own
home/office or anywhere else you have access to the internet. You can literally take the course from anywhere in the
world and online courses are usually priced very reasonably.

You can find out more information about online courses at www.teflonline.net.

Combined courses

Combined TEFL courses are named as such because they combine the best of the online and in-class TEFL courses. You
study the principles and theories of TEFL online at your own pace and then go on to attend a training center (usually for
one or two weeks) to gain classroom teaching practice. These courses are ideal for those people that wouldn't enjoy the
intensive nature of an in class TEFL course but would like to gain some teaching practice.

As the combined TEFL course only usually requires one or two weeks of attendance at a training centre, it is also more
suited to those who aren't able to attend an in-class TEFL course for 4 weeks. The cost also tends to be slightly lower than
an in-class course so it can be the best of both worlds. The only downside is that combined courses aren't as common
and so the number of locations available for teaching practice is more limited.

The combined course features all the same components as an in-class course and therefore results in equivalent TEFL
certification.

More information on combined TEFL courses can be found at www.teflcourse.net.

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TEFL/TESOL
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Teaching English Abroad

Specialized/advanced courses

A range of more specialized or advanced qualifications is available for teachers that already have, or are studying for,
TEFL certification. Most popular in specialized courses are certifications in teaching business English and specialist
certification in teaching English to young learners. Both of these are usually 50-hour online courses and therefore no
classroom attendance is required. These are useful qualifications for anyone who wishes to specialize in either of these
areas as well as providing additional useful qualifications to a teacher that has just completed a TEFL/TESOL course.

The most advanced TEFL/TESOL qualification is the diploma in TEFL. This course is a very high level, 250-hour course
that builds upon knowledge gained from the TEFL certificate course. The TEFL diploma course again is a 100% online
course without any requirement for classroom attendance but you must already possess an internationally recognized
TEFL certificate in order to be accepted onto a TEFL diploma course. Beware of courses claiming to be diploma courses
but which offer less than 200 hours of study. These qualifications are not true diploma courses and most employers will
not recognize them as such.

You can see more information on specialized and advanced courses at www.teflcourse.net.

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TEFL/TESOL
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Teaching English Abroad
Part 3
Finding a Job
Jobs overview

While we help all graduates of our courses find employment,


you may find the following information useful if you wish to
conduct your own job search.

Job prospects for TEFL qualified teachers are excellent


worldwide. The pay and conditions offered will vary from
country to country and will be influenced by your TEFL
training and qualifications. You can find a brief overview of
job prospects from continent to continent below. For more
detailed on prospects in individual countries please see part
5 of this guide.

On successful completion of your TEFL course, and


equipped with your new knowledge and skills, you will find
that you will be offered jobs in all corners of the globe. Many
teaching jobs are available worldwide but some regions,
such as Asia, Latin America and Europe, have a higher
demand for English language teachers. In some countries you will be able to teach in public schools, community colleges
and institutes of further and/or higher education, while in others you'll be able to teach at private language schools and
within local and multi-national companies.

Types of employer

Language schools

As the name suggests language schools are private companies set up for the purpose of providing paid language tuition
to the general public. They will usually have a number of classrooms, offices and a teaching resource library. Language
schools provide tuition to students of all ages, backgrounds and ability levels. Some schools focus on 'in house' courses,
while others will sub-contract teachers to teach in businesses and/or state schools. Most teachers can expect some in
school teaching as well as some traveling to provide lessons to companies.

Language schools will usually offer a higher salary than government sector schools but the holidays are almost always
less generous. Language school timetables frequently involve some early morning teaching plus late afternoon/early
evening hours (even weekends at some schools) as the students are working or studying during normal school hours.

State schools

State schools are government controlled/funded institutions that provide general education to the public. Most state
schools provide language tuition as part of the curriculum and therefore need language teachers. In some countries
these schools will use local teachers with a good knowledge of the English language but in other countries there are
some opportunities for TEFL qualified, native English speaking teachers. Salaries usually aren't as high as in the private
sector but timetables are more convenient and holidays are longer.

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TEFL/TESOL
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Teaching English Abroad

Private companies

In the past many local and multinational companies contracted language schools to provide their employees with English
language tuition to enable them to be able to perform their jobs more effectively. Nowadays many of these companies
are seeing the benefits of directly employing the teachers themselves. Working for a private company will often involve
some proof reading of letters/faxes/emails as well as English teaching. Salaries are usually quite high in comparison to
schools and the timetable is usually Monday to Friday, 9-5 and therefore most teachers find it more convenient than the
hours on offer at language schools. As a result competition for these jobs can be very high.

Universities

Universities that offer language courses will frequently employ native English speaker teachers. Hours are usually quite
low, working conditions good and salaries reasonable. Demand for such positions is therefore high and universities are
able to be more selective and choose teachers with the highest qualifications and most experience. Universities are not
normally a good source of jobs for the inexperienced/newly graduated teacher.

Internet search

There are thousands of jobs offered through various TEFL job websites and forums yet these jobs still only represent a
small percentage of the number of jobs available at any one time. Some of these websites focus on a particular city,
country or region, while others are more international. Most of these sites will also give you the opportunity to post your
CV/resume for potential employers to view and contact you directly with vacancies.

If you are searching for a job using the internet, it is also useful to check out the online English language press of the
country/area where you plan on working as their classified sections will often list local teaching vacancies. Regional
expat discussion forums may also list TEFL jobs from time to time and can be a good source of the latest information of
working conditions and work/residence visas etc.

While the advent of the internet has made this information freely available, the downside is that everyone else also
looking for a job can access the same details and as such internet listings can result in hundreds of applications and
higher competition for those vacancies.

We provide all graduates of our courses with an extensive list of the most popular websites that offer both regional
vacancies and job listings from around the world.

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Teaching English Abroad

Recruitment agencies

The use of recruitment agencies to assist in the job search is perhaps lower now than previously as now many employers
can simply list their vacancies on the internet for a much lower cost than the agencies charge, however some major
employers still use these placement organizations to help them fill their teaching vacancies.

The quality of recruitment organizations can vary widely. The better ones will have visited the employers they recruit for
and will know them inside out and therefore will be very careful with who they recruit. Sadly other organizations are
happy just to take the recruiter's fee without any real knowledge of who they are recruiting for and this has led to some
unfortunate experiences for teachers.

Agencies make their money by charging the employer and therefore the service to teachers is usually without charge.

Some of these agencies specialize in a particular country or region and others offer a more international range of job
opportunities. Often local recruiters are a bit more reliable than the international ones as they are usually have greater
first-hand knowledge of the schools and companies that they are recruiting for.

We can provide details of some of the major recruitment agencies to graduates of our courses.

Mail/email shot

A mail shot (or more frequently these days email shot) is where a job seeker gets a list of schools in a certain town/city
and sends a letter of application, together with an attached CV/resume, to all the schools on the list. This is a speculative
approach as many of the schools will not have any vacancies at that time but such an approach does offer many
advantages:

n It allows the teacher to target all the schools in a specific town/city/region quickly and efficiently.
n It reduces competition for any jobs if you can get your application in before the school has the opportunity to advertise a
recent vacancy.
n Many schools rely on speculative applications as they don't incur the costs of international advertising or recruitment
agencies.
n Most schools will keep your application on file even if there aren't any vacancies at the present time.
n If the teacher targets enough schools it is likely that some of them will have a number of vacancies at any given time
and you can expect to receive a variety of job offers/interview invitations within a fairly short space of time.

We have an database of language schools throughout the world that we make available to graduates of our courses but
you can also get lists of schools from the Yellow Pages (or other directory) of the city you are interested in. If there is a
British Council office in that area, they will also often be able to supply you with a list of schools.

This is perhaps the experienced teacher's favorite method of conducting a job search but should work equally well for a
newly qualified teacher.

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Teaching English Abroad

On the spot

Many schools prefer to recruit their teachers on the spot, as they get to meet them face to face and as the teacher is
present at that location he/she is usually available to start work immediately to fill any urgent vacancies. It can also be
advantageous for the teacher as he/she gets the opportunity to see the school, meet and speak to some of the school's
current teaching staff and generally get a feel for the place.

Teachers will usually get a list of schools in a particular area (typically from the Yellow Pages or equivalent) and visit those
of interest with a copy of their CV/resume. This approach can often result in an immediate interview or at least a face to
face meeting with the director of studies.

Other sources of information for 'on the spot' jobs could be in the local English language press and
bars/hostels/hangouts of the local expat community. Teachers frequently also advertise their availability for local
teaching positions by placing a classified ad in the local press.

This is perhaps the most effective way of finding teaching jobs but the downside is that it may take a week or two (and
occasionally longer) to find a suitable position and therefore it can be expensive while you are hanging around waiting for
an offer.

Freelancing/self-employed

An alternative to working for a school or other employer could be to set yourself up as a freelance teacher and give private
lessons to the general public. This can often be more lucrative than fixed contract teaching as there is no middle man.

Teachers simply advertise their services in the local press or put posters or notices up around the area in which they wish
to teach and then wait to be contacted by prospective students. This can be quite attractive to students as the teacher is
usually able to undercut the prices offered by large language schools as these schools have much bigger overheads.
Classes usually take place in either the teacher's or student's home/office, though some enterprising teachers have
started teaching by Skype or similar.

Although this can seem an attractive prospect, there are downsides to this approach. There may be legal loops that have
to be jumped through to register as a freelance teacher (and tax implications etc), with no employer it can be more
difficult to get the necessary work/residence documentation, it can be quite tough to build up a sufficient number of
students initially to make it financially viable, students are notorious for canceling their classes at short notice and expect
not to have to pay for any missed lessons and if the teacher is sick and has to cancel the classes he/she will have no
income for that period. Therefore most teachers choose to have the steady income and security offered by a school but
will often freelance for a few hours per week to supplement their salaries.

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Curriculum Vitae/Resumé

Whichever approach you take to finding a job, you will need to prepare a CV/resume. This document should give some
basic personal information (name, date of birth, contact details etc), details of your education and qualifications and also
some information about any work experience (particularly related to teaching or training). Employers will often receive
dozens of CVs/resumes so it should be clearly presented and structured so that a prospective employer can quickly and
easily find all relevant information. Obviously your CV/resume should be focused as much as possible on any experience
and qualifications that you have had related to teaching and training, even if it isn't related to languages.

We provide all graduates of our courses with detailed guidance on CV/resume preparation.

Job interviews

Unless teachers are applying for jobs 'on the spot', it is often difficult to arrange for a face-to-face interview. Consequently,
the majority of TEFL job interviews are carried out over the telephone or by email/messenger/Skype. Schools that require
a greater number of teachers may arrange for an interview day/week in the UK or USA so that they can see prospective
employees in person but this is becoming less frequent. Some schools may task a recruitment agency with the
responsibility of handling interviews on their behalf but again this is perhaps less common than it used to be.

Obviously it is beneficial if you can arrange a face-to-face interview at the school itself as this gives you the opportunity to
get a feel for the school and the location and also will allow you to meet other employees and gain a bit more knowledge
about what you can expect. However most schools understand that it is unlikely that teachers would be willing to fly half
way around the world (at their own expense) in order to attend a job interview, therefore most employers are prepared to
conduct interviews over the phone or by other means.

Bear in mind that the purpose of an interview isn't solely for employers to decide if they want to offer you a job, but also for
you to decide if that school is a good fit for you. You therefore need to be prepared to ask questions as well as answer
them. Most of the employers questions will revolve around your experience, qualifications and suitability for the job,
whereas the teacher's questions are more likely to be related to teaching conditions (ages of students, class sizes,
available teaching resources etc), contract terms (working hours, duration of contract, salary and other benefits etc) and
general information about the school and location. It is often useful to ask to speak to one or two of their current
employees to find out about the realities of living and working in that location or for that employer. It also helps to check
just how reliable the information the school has given you really is.

Some schools that are in urgent need of teachers may skip the interview process and offer a teacher a position based
purely on the strength of his/her CV/resume. However, it is still in the teacher's best interests to speak to the school
directly and clarify any unanswered questions before accepting such an offer.

We provide all graduates of our courses with lists of questions that you are likely to be asked at interview and also some
ideas of questions that you should be asking before committing to a job.

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Contracts

Once the teacher accepts a job offer, he or she will usually be presented with a contract which details the terms and
conditions of employment and the responsibilities of both parties. Obviously the content of the contract will vary from job
to job but it should reflect the information provided during the interview.

Items that should usually be included in a contract include:

n Employment duration
n Location of employment
n Working days/hours per week (both teaching and administrative)
n Teaching conditions
n Teaching support/further training options
n Salary and other benefits (health insurance, travel expenses, assistance with accommodation etc)
n Residence and work visas
n Holiday/vacation time
n Dispute resolution
n Notice period

Any questions or uncertainties about the contract should be clarified with the employer before signing.

Please note that some employers and teachers treat contracts as more of a guideline than a strict legal document but it is
important to have one nonetheless.

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Part 4
Preparing to go
Leaving your family, friends and home country behind and
moving to a new, location can be a very exciting but nerve-
wracking experience and it is recommended that you
prepare as much as possible for the move. Below are a
number of suggestions to help you make this transition a
little bit easier.

Gaining extra experience

A teacher can never have too much classroom experience


and if you have a reasonable amount of time available
before taking up a full-time teaching position it might be a
good idea to try and gain some extra teaching experience.
This can be achieved by offering your services to any local
language schools that provide English language tuition or
offering private lessons to non-native English speakers
resident in your area.

In some countries there are also summer camps or summer


schools that offer short, intensive language tuition programs and require hundreds of English language teachers for the
Summer months. These summer programs usually provide accommodation for teachers and reasonably good salaries
compared to the cost of living.

Research

In order to reduce culture shock as much as possible when moving to a new country, it is important to do as much
research as possible on the country/city where you will be living, the school where you will be working and the students
that you will be teaching. The amount of information available on the internet makes it easier than ever to find out details
about life in a different country. There are expat chat forums, country information websites, tourist information sites as
well as websites dedicated to providing information about teaching abroad. You may also wish to speak to some of the
teachers currently working for your employer to find out about living and working in that location.

It is a good idea to get as much information as you can about where you will be living, transport options in that area, where
you can go to meet other teachers/English speakers living there, popular bars/restaurants, location of supermarkets
etc. This information will hopefully prevent you feeling a bit lost when you first arrive.

In addition to the internet there are many excellent books (such as the Culture Shock series) which provide a wealth of
information about the country, the people and the culture as well as giving advice on how to avoid some of the negative
aspects of life there.

It is also useful to conduct some research on problems that people from that country typically have with the English
language as this can help you know what to expect in your first classes.

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What to take

When you do your research on the city/country where you will be living, you will no doubt gain a fair idea of the climate and
therefore also the type of clothing you will need to take with you. However, depending on the country, it may be better to
take the minimum and buy the rest while you are there. Make sure you find out from your employer about any dress code
for your teaching, so that you can take appropriate clothing for your workplace. Even if your employer doesn't require it, it
is always useful to have some smart clothing for visits to government offices for visas and work permits etc.

It is very important to make sure you take enough money with you. Salaries are usually paid one month in arrears, so you
need to make sure you have sufficient funds to keep you going until your first pay check. Also be aware that you may need
extra amounts for security deposits on your accommodation and so on.

In order to obtain your work permit and/or residence visa you will probably need to produce a copy of your birth certificate
and documents verifying your qualifications (degree/TEFL certificate), therefore it is essential to make sure you take
such documentation with you.

It is also essential to ensure that you have an adequate supply of any necessary medication as it may not be quite so
readily available where you are going.

Other useful items to pack may include, English language novels/magazines (if not readily available locally), laptop,
short wave radio, dictionary/phrasebook, favorite cosmetics and anything else that you might feel you need in order to
help you feel comfortable when you first get there. If you are not sure exactly what you need to bring with you, you can
always ask your employer for advice.

Of course taking along some of your favorite teaching resources/materials (see the bibliography below) is a good idea.

Useful resources/bibliography

The following books have been found useful by many teachers, during both their TEFL course and teaching careers.
Obviously you won't want to have all of them but having a few favourites with you is a good idea, especially if teaching
resources are a bit thin on the ground in the location where you will be teaching. Of course there are literally thousands of
other resources out there and over time you will develop your own favorites but these are the ones we have found to be
especially helpful to the new teacher:

Practical English Grammar, by A.J. Thomson and A.V. Martinet (OUP).


As the title suggests, this is an English grammar reference book and perhaps the most widely used book of its kind.

English Grammar in Use, by Raymond Murphy (CUP).


A worksheet-based self study grammar guide for Intermediate level students.

Practical English Usage, by Michael Swan (OUP).


Regarded by many TEFL teachers as the grammar reference bible.

Collins Cobuild English Dictionary (Collins).


The patterns of English language usage explained and probably the most popular dictionary in the TEFL industry.

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How English Works, by Swan/Walter (OUP).


Descriptive explanations of grammar (though with somewhat dated worksheets).

How to Teach English, by Jeremy Harmer (Longman).


A practical guide to a whole range of teaching techniques.

Grammar Games, by Mario Rinvolucri and Davis (CUP).


Cognitive, practical classroom games and drama activities for effective communication.

More Grammar Games, by Rinvolucri and Davis (CUP).


More cognitive games and drama activities for effective communication.

Grammar Practice Activities, by Penny Ur (CUP).


Grammar points explained, with activities to reinforce a wide range of grammar areas.

Grammar Games and Activities, by Peter Watcyn-Jones (Penguin).


Activity sheets for practicing grammar points that can be photocopied.

The Resourceful English Teacher, by Chandler/Stone (Delta).


15 varied activities for a wide range of skills.

1000 Pictures for Teachers to Copy, by Andrew Wright (Nelson).


Pictures for all uses such as elicitation and worksheets.

Grammar Games: Cognitive, Affective and Drama Activities for EFL Students, by Mario Rinvolucri
A range of fun activities to practice grammar and get students talking.

Beginners' Communication Games, by Jill Hadfield


Around 40 communicative game based activities for Starter level students.

Elementary Communication Games (Teachers resource materials), by Jill Hadfield


Around 40 communicative game based activities for Elementary level students.

Intermediate Communication Games, by Jill Hadfield


Around 40 communicative game based activities for Intermediate level students.

Keep Talking: Communicative Fluency Activities for Language Teaching, by Friederike Klippel
Over 120 communicative activities to keep students interacting.

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Learning the language

As English is usually the only language allowed in the classroom, teachers are seldom required to have any knowledge of
the local language. Having said that, it is always useful to have mastered at least a few essential phrases to help you get
by when you first arrive.

Obviously if you have taken the job at fairly short notice, you will not have had much time to put into studying the language
but if you do find yourself with a bit of spare time, it would certainly be a good idea to learn the basics.

There are many excellent free online resources that can help you get started with the language and there are many
effective self-study courses for those that want to study it in more depth. The most frequently recommended self-study
courses are Rosetta Stone, Linguaphone and the Colloquial series, although not all of them are available in all languages
and they can be a little expensive.

If you have sufficient time before departing, you may also with to look at any classroom based courses offered locally.

Of course it is much easier to effectively learn a language when you are there and many employers will offer you the
option to join a local language class but if not, you should be able to find some classes at language schools that run at
times when you are not teaching. Language exchanges (where you provide some English tuition in exchange for the
student providing you with some tuition in their language) are quite a popular way of improving your conversational skills
as well as helping to get to know more people.

Having at least a basic knowledge of your students' language can also allow you to see the differences between that
language and English and this can help you to understand why your students are having difficulties with certain areas of
the English language.

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Part 5 Prospects -
Country by Country Guide
For an EFL teacher with an internationally recognized TEFL
certificate job prospects are excellent. The huge desire to
learn English in all corners of the globe has resulted in
teaching possibilities in almost every country imaginable.
There are openings in private language institutes, public
schools, universities, business corporations, kindergartens
as well as private tutoring and voluntary work.

We will help you at every step of the way to find a suitable


teaching position. Our service extends, but is not limited, to:

n Contact information and details of schools for the


location/s of your choice.
n Details of selected vacancies available worldwide.
n Details of the most popular web sites of TEFL vacancies
and information.
n Network access for job searches and online applications.
n Weekly sessions covering CV/resume preparation, advice
about applications and interviews and all available
information about teaching conditions around the world.
n Free job placement assistance.

For basic details of teaching conditions around the world, see the country factfiles below. Please note that political and
economic circumstances change frequently and this information is intended as a guide only.

Western Europe

A lot of teachers initially gravitate to Europe as it provides less culture-shock and offers reasonable salaries and working
conditions. Europe is fairly diverse when it comes to job prospects and teaching experiences. With the advent of the EU
labor law it is now difficult (and is some cases impossible) for teachers who don't hold an EU passport to get working visas
in some countries. This doesn't mean that it's difficult or impossible to find work, just to get your official papers in order.
However, with the ridiculous bureaucratic requirements, still in place in some EU countries, even EU passport holders
give up on getting work visas! It will certainly be easier if you are a citizen of an EU member state but it is not an
insurmountable problem if you aren't.

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Austria
Capital city Vienna
Language German
Currency Euro
Typical TEFL teacher salary 25 euros per hour
Major TEFL locations Vienna

Austria TEFL job prospects


Most teaching in Austria is done by freelancers, working on a self-employed basis, who are already resident in
the country. Most of this teaching is to the business community. A speculative job search may produce results
but certainly isn't guaranteed to do so. Most work is in the capital and salaries are quite high but then again
Vienna is a very expensive city.

Belgium
Capital city Brussels
Language French and Flemish
Currency Euro
Typical TEFL teacher salary 22 euros per hour
Major TEFL locations Brussels and other major cities

Belgium TEFL job prospects


As with Austria most teachers are employed on a freelance basis and the work is primarily geared towards
business English. There are many private language schools in the major cities and qualified EFL teachers
should be able to find suitable work. Salaries are sufficient to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle, providing you can
get enough hours.

France
Capital city Paris
Language French
Currency Euro
Typical TEFL teacher salary 1500 euros per month
Major TEFL locations Paris and other major cities

France TEFL job prospects


France is a very promising destination for a qualified EFL teacher. There are positions available in most major
cities but the vast majority of work is in Paris. Language schools in Paris cater primarily to teaching business
people and any previous knowledge/experience of business is useful. France also seems to be one of the
easier EU countries for non-EU passport holders.

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Germany
Capital city Berlin
Language German
Currency Euro
Typical TEFL teacher salary 2000 euros per month
Major TEFL locations Berlin and other major cities

Germany TEFL job prospects


As in many other European countries teaching business people is one of the major options. There are many
jobs available throughout the country and a teacher with a TEFL certificate would have few problems in sorting
out employment. Salaries are high and so is the cost of living. Germans tend to have a preference for American
English and so opportunities also exist for North Americans despite Germany being a major player in the EU.

Greece
Capital city Athens
Language Greek
Currency Euro
Typical TEFL teacher salary 900 euros per month
Major TEFL locations All large cities

Greece TEFL job prospects


There is a huge demand for English in Greece and a vast amount of private language schools to cater to that
demand. Most teachers will find themselves working for one of these language schools. Teaching is more
geared towards younger learners but there are teaching possibilities in all areas. The cost of living in Greece is
low and the salaries reflect this. A university degree is essential and any teacher who has a degree, TEFL
certificate and an EU passport will have no problem in finding work. Other nationalities may encounter more
problems due to EU regulations.

Italy
Capital city Rome
Language Italian
Currency Euro
Typical TEFL teacher salary 1500 euros per month
Major TEFL locations All cities

Italy TEFL job prospects


The current job opportunities in Italy for TEFL teachers are numerous. In some cities there are more jobs than
teachers, while in other parts of the country the prospects are still good. In virtually every city in Italy a qualified
TEFL teacher will be able to find a teaching position. Many teachers really enjoy the lifestyle that Italy offers
even if the salaries are fairly low in relation to the cost of living. As Italy is an EU country work prospects favor
British and Irish citizens, though there are literally thousands of Americans teaching there too.

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Portugal
Capital city Lisbon
Language Portuguese
Currency Euro
Typical TEFL teacher salary 1300 euros per month
Major TEFL locations All large cities

Portugal TEFL job prospects


Most teachers seem to agree that Portugal is a very pleasant place to work. Salaries are good in relation to
living costs and the lifestyle appeals to many. Plenty of work is available to EU passport holders and the
situation here is also easier for non-EU passport holders. Most work is with younger learners in the larger
cities.

Scandinavia
Countries Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Norway
Language Various
Currency Various
Typical TEFL teacher salary Mixed but quite high
Major TEFL locations Capital cities

Scandinavia TEFL job prospects


One thing that all Scandinavian countries have in common is a very good standard of English. The state school
system in these countries is very good and so there is little demand for EFL teachers. Finland is possibly the
exception as there are significant numbers of language schools looking to hire native speakers. Some limited
opportunities may exist elsewhere but they are few and far between. Salaries are quite high for Europe but so
are expenses.

Spain
Capital city Madrid
Language Spanish
Currency Euro
Typical TEFL teacher salary 1500 euros per month
Major TEFL locations All major cities

Spain TEFL job prospects


Spain is a very popular location for English teachers. Its lifestyle and climate are probably the main reasons for
this. Another reason may be the easy availability of work for qualified EFL teachers. Teaching is often to
younger learners but also adult and business English teaching form a significant proportion. There are literally
thousands of language schools in the larger cities all of which employ native speaker teachers. Unfortunately
Spain is one of the more difficult countries for non-EU passport holders.

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Others
Countries Andorra, Cyprus, Malta, former Yugoslavia
Language Various
Currency Various
Typical TEFL teacher salary Varies but usually below average for Europe
Major TEFL locations Larger cities

TEFL job prospects


There are limited work possibilities in these countries. States of former Yugoslavia offer perhaps the greatest
range of possibilities.

Eastern Europe

The transition to a market economy in many parts of Central and Eastern Europe has resulted in a huge demand for
English language teachers, particularly in the business sector. There is plenty of scope for working in almost every
country and employment possibilities are numerous and equally open to every native speaker of English (though this may
change when some of the nations in this region become full members of the EU). Finding work in some of the ex-USSR
republics can be more problematic for political and economic reasons. The one drawback is the level of salary. These are
mainly developing countries and salaries are very low in international terms. However, the cost of living is also very low
and most teachers are able to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle but saving money is not very likely. The countries in which the
majority of EFL opportunities exist are detailed below:

Bulgaria
Capital city Sofia
Language Bulgarian
Currency Lev
Typical TEFL teacher salary 900 euros per month
Major TEFL locations Sofia

Bulgaria TEFL job prospects


Political change in Bulgaria has perhaps been less dramatic than elsewhere in the region and as such the
private sector is still relatively undeveloped. This means that the vast majority of teaching positions are in state
schools and native speaking teachers are employed through the Bulgarian Ministry of Education and Science.
Salaries, as elsewhere in the region, are low as is the cost of living.

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Czech Republic
Capital city Prague
Language Czech
Currency Koruna
Typical TEFL teacher salary 20,000 crowns per month
Major TEFL locations Prague, Brno

Czech Republic TEFL job prospects


The Czech Republic is probably the most popular country in the region for qualified EFL teachers. Work is quite
easy to obtain and salaries, while not being of a high level in international terms, offer a reasonably
comfortable lifestyle. Any teacher with a TEFL certificate should have little problem in finding work. The
beautiful city of Prague is particularly popular.

Hungary
Capital city Budapest
Language Hungarian
Currency Forint
Typical TEFL teacher salary 250,000 forints per month
Major TEFL locations Budapest

Hungary TEFL job prospects


Like other countries in the region there is a strong demand for qualified TEFL teachers in Hungary, particularly
in the capital city. It is estimated that there are over 100 private language schools in Budapest and over 300 in
the whole country. Anybody with a TEFL certificate should be able to find employment quite easily.

Poland
Capital city Warsaw
Language Polish
Currency Zloty
Typical TEFL teacher salary 2,500 Zloty per month
Major TEFL locations Warsaw, Wroclaw, Krakow

Poland TEFL job prospects


Prospects for English teachers in Poland remain probably more promising than anywhere else in the world.
There are numerous possibilities in both state and private sectors. There is also a high demand for business
English in the major cities. The salaries usually allow for a relatively comfortable standard of living but if you are
aiming to save money this (or anywhere else in the region) is probably not the place for you.

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Romania
Capital city Bucharest
Language Romanian
Currency Leu
Typical TEFL teacher salary $10 per hour
Major TEFL locations Bucharest, Timisoara

Romania TEFL job prospects


Due to the weak state of the economy, many Romanian schools are unable to afford the wages of a native
speaker teacher. As a result most English language teaching is done by Romanians or native speakers on
voluntary work placements. A number of private language institutions have started to appear and they would
most likely be willing to hire native speaker teachers for local salaries.

Baltic States
Countries Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia
Language Various
Currency
Typical TEFL teacher salary Various
Major TEFL locations Riga, Vilnius, Tallinn

Baltic States TEFL job prospects


These states were the most westernized part of the old Russian Empire and are presently looking towards EU
membership. This has created a strong demand for native speaker teachers, particularly in Lithuania and
Estonia (probably the most progressive of the three). There are numerous openings in both the state and
private sectors. Salaries again are low by international standards but high in regard to the cost of living.
Qualified teachers who are prepared to travel to the region and look for work should have little difficulty.

Ukraine
Capital city Kiev
Language Ukrainian
Currency Hryvnya
Typical TEFL teacher salary $1000 per month
Major TEFL locations Kiev, Odessa

Ukraine TEFL job prospects


The huge republic of the Ukraine has a chronic shortage of English teachers. Many placement organizations
are able to send voluntary teachers on a local salary and a few private language schools have now opened. The
EFL market is still very much in its infancy so prospects for motivated teachers are high.

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Slovakia
Capital city Bratislava
Language Slovak
Currency Crown
Typical TEFL teacher salary 600 euros per month
Major TEFL locations Bratislava, Kosice, Banska, Bystrica

Slovakia TEFL job prospects


The Slovak Republic has often been overlooked as a teaching destination in favor of the neighboring Czech
Republic. However, Slovakia is in its own right a promising destination for EFL teachers. Opportunities exist
predominantly in private language schools, of which there are many in the larger cities.

Russia
Capital city Moscow
Language Russian
Currency Roubles
Typical TEFL teacher salary $1500 per month
Major TEFL locations Moscow, St Petersburg

Russia TEFL job prospects


The demand for the English language is still increasing in Russia and qualified EFL teachers should have few
problems in finding work. Salaries have decreased a little due to economic problems but still allow the teacher
a comfortable standard of living in most cases.

Asia

The Asian continent offers a remarkably diverse range of experiences and opportunities to a qualified EFL teacher. In
many Asian countries there is a huge demand for English native speakers and some of the highest paying employment in
the industry.

Anybody with a university degree and a TEFL certificate should find a wide range of opportunities. Industrialized nations
such as Japan, Korea and Taiwan have western-style economies and a high standard of living, while developing nations
like China, Vietnam and Thailand offer lower salaries but perhaps a greater variety of cultural experience. Asia certainly
has something for everyone and your time there is likely to be unforgettable. Students in most Asian countries are very
respectful to teachers, further enhancing your experience.

In some of the poorer countries of the region (particularly the Indian subcontinent) paid employment is very difficult to
find and most teachers in those locations are there on voluntary placements (a local wage may be available).
Details of major EFL destinations are given below:

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China
Capital city Beijing
Language Cantonese/Mandarin
Currency Renminbi
Typical TEFL teacher salary 8,000 RMB per month
Major TEFL locations Nationwide

China TEFL job prospects


The demand in China for TEFL teachers is huge. There seems to be far more jobs than teachers and teachers
are needed in all parts of the country, from Beijing to Hong Kong to Mongolia. Any qualified EFL teacher should
be able to pick and choose from a wide variety of opportunities throughout the country in both state and
private sectors. Salaries (and costs) can vary tremendously between regions.

Indonesia
Capital city Jakarta
Language Indonesian
Currency Rupiah
Typical TEFL teacher salary 10 million Rupiah per month
Major TEFL locations Jakarta, Surabaya, Bandung, Yogyakarta +++

Indonesia TEFL job prospects


Indonesia is the fifth most populous nation on earth and at times is can seem as if all of them are learning
English! As a result there is a great demand for English language teachers throughout the nation.
Opportunities can range from state to private sector. Most teachers are employed on the island of Java, though
there are many possibilities on other islands too.

Japan
Capital city Tokyo
Language Japanese
Currency Yen
Typical TEFL teacher salary 250,000 yen per month
Major TEFL locations Tokyo, Osaka +++

Japan TEFL job prospects


There are countless job opportunities in Japan for TEFL qualified teachers. In Tokyo and Osaka there can be
more jobs than teachers, while in other parts of the country the prospects are still good. Teachers are usually
highly respected by Japanese students, and they are generally highly motivated and willing to learn. Salaries
don't seemed to have changed much in recent years and so it is not as attractive a location as it once was but
most teachers are still able to save considerable amounts without having to live too frugal a lifestyle. A
university degree is essential for obtaining a work permit.

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South Korea
Capital city Seoul
Language Korean
Currency Won
Typical TEFL teacher salary 2.2 million won per month
Major TEFL locations Seoul, Pusan +++

South Korea TEFL job prospects


South Korea has a huge demand for EFL teachers and offers some of the highest paid EFL employment.
Opportunities exist in the state sector but most teachers find themselves working in one of the thousands of
hogwons (private language institutes) throughout the country. A large percentage of teachers are employed in
Seoul or Pusan but there are employment possibilities in smaller cities and towns also. Many teachers
complain of the working conditions but others feel that the high salaries counterbalance this. Teachers willing
to work overtime can be earning up to $US 6,000 per month. Any qualified teacher who has a university degree
and a TEFL certificate should have no problem whatsoever in finding employment.

Taiwan
Capital city Taipei
Language Chinese
Currency NT Dollar
Typical TEFL teacher salary $2000 per month
Major TEFL locations Taipei

Taiwan TEFL job prospects


The EFL industry in Taiwan is booming and job opportunities for native speakers with a degree and TEFL
qualification abound. Salaries are quite high and working conditions are reasonable. Teaching positions are
normally found in the hundreds of bushibans (private schools) throughout the country. There does seem to be
a preference for American English but other native speakers will encounter little difficulty in finding work.

Thailand
Capital city Bangkok
Language Thai
Currency Baht
Typical TEFL teacher salary 35,000 baht per month
Major TEFL locations Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Hat Yai, +++

Thailand TEFL job prospects


The current job opportunities in Thailand for TEFL teachers are numerous. In Bangkok there are far more jobs
than teachers, while in other parts of the country the prospects are still good. In virtually every city in Thailand,
if a qualified TEFL teacher decides they want to live there, they will be able to find a teaching position. Teachers
are highly respected by Thai students, and they are generally highly motivated and willing to learn. They are
also great fun! As Thailand is such an attractive country in which to work, there many unqualified teachers
looking for a job. A TEFL qualified teacher will find work very easily.

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Singapore
Capital city Singapore
Language Mandarin Chinese, Malay, Tamil, English
Currency Singapore dollar
Typical TEFL teacher salary S$3000 per month
Major TEFL locations Throughout the state

Singapore TEFL job prospects


Singapore is a very wealthy and westernized city-state in which there is a considerable demand for qualified
EFL teachers. While salaries are reasonably high, Singapore certainly isn't the cheapest place to live and work.
Work is not quite so easy to find as elsewhere in Asia but a qualified teacher with a university degree should be
able to find a few openings.

Malaysia
Capital city Kuala Lumpur
Language Bahasa Malaysia
Currency Ringgit
Typical TEFL teacher salary $1200 per month
Major TEFL locations Kuala Lumpur

Malaysia TEFL job prospects


The current situation for English language teachers in Malaysia is similar to that in Singapore. There is a
reasonable demand and qualified teachers should (with a little patience) be able to find a suitable position.
Salaries are about $1,000 per month and while this is lower than Singapore the cost of living is much lower.

Vietnam
Capital city Hanoi
Language Vietnamese
Currency Dong
Typical TEFL teacher salary $20 per hour
Major TEFL locations Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi

Vietnam TEFL job prospects


Following a fairly turbulent recent past, Vietnam has now stabilized and as a result the demand for English has
exploded. Well-paid employment is quite easy to find in the major cities and qualified teachers shouldn't have
any problems. Compared to the cost of living salaries are high. Outside the two largest cities (Ho Chi Minh City
and Hanoi) work is mainly on a voluntary basis and there are numerous organizations who can help arrange
this.

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Laos
Capital city Vientiane
Language Laotian
Currency Kip
Typical TEFL teacher salary $1500 per month
Major TEFL locations Vientiane

Laos TEFL job prospects


The situation in Laos is very similar to that in Vietnam. Quite well-paid (in comparison to the low cost of living)
work is available in the capital and mainly voluntary work elsewhere. The demand for native speaker teachers
of English is very high.

Cambodia
Capital city Phnom Penh
Language Khmer
Currency Riel
Typical TEFL teacher salary $1800 per month
Major TEFL locations Phnom Penh

Cambodia TEFL job prospects


See Laos and Vietnam.

Indian Subcontinent
Countries India, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka
Language Various
Currency Various
Typical TEFL teacher salary Mainly voluntary teaching positions in this region
Major TEFL locations

Indian Subcontinent TEFL job prospects


Job opportunities in this region are almost always on a voluntary basis. There are various voluntary placement
agencies who can arrange unpaid (or sometimes local salary) employment for qualified EFL teachers.

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Latin America

The continent of South America, together with Central America, offers a wide range and variety of teaching opportunities.
The cultural diversity and Latin charm combine to make this region an attractive destination for EFL teachers. On the
whole salaries are low but this is compensated for by the low cost of living. Most schools in the region cannot afford to
advertise vacancies internationally, so most hiring is done 'on the spot'.

Argentina
Capital city Buenos Aires
Language Spanish
Currency Peso
Typical TEFL teacher salary 35 pesos per hour
Major TEFL locations Buenos Aires

Argentina TEFL job prospects


Argentina has always had a substantial English speaking population and as a result EFL jobs were never easy
to come by. Recent economic and political problems can only serve to decrease demand for native speakers.
Some opportunities may still exist teaching business English on a freelance basis but there are many more
promising destinations for the EFL teacher than Argentina.

Bolivia
Capital city La Paz
Language Spanish
Currency Boliviano
Typical TEFL teacher salary $4 per hour
Major TEFL locations La Paz

Bolivia TEFL job prospects


As with most countries in the region, jobs are quite easy to find but salaries are very low. Most jobs seem to be
in La Paz but there are certainly opportunities elsewhere in the country for those prepared to accept a local
wage. The cost of living is low which means that despite the low salaries teachers can enjoy a reasonable
standard of living.

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Brazil
Capital city Brasilia
Language Portuguese
Currency Real
Typical TEFL teacher salary $1200 per month
Major TEFL locations Sao Paulo, Rio de Janeiro +++

Brazil TEFL job prospects


Brazil is the fifth largest country in the world and there are good job prospects in all of the larger cities (as well
as some smaller ones). Qualified teachers in Brazil can usually find work easily. Trying to arrange employment
from outside Brazil can be considerably more 'hit or miss'. Salaries usually afford teachers a comfortable
lifestyle.

Chile
Capital city Santiago
Language Spanish
Currency Peso
Typical TEFL teacher salary 500,000 pesos per month
Major TEFL locations Santiago, Punta Arenas

Chile TEFL job prospects


Chile has one of the stronger economies in Latin America and the growth in demand for the English language
has matched the economic growth. There is a booming market for business English and an increasing demand
for teachers of children. There are many private language schools, particularly in the capital, and certified EFL
teachers should have little problem in finding suitable employment.

Colombia
Capital city Bogota
Language Spanish
Currency Peso
Typical TEFL teacher salary 16,000 pesos per hour
Major TEFL locations Bogota, Medellin, Cali, Barranquilla

Colombia TEFL job prospects


Despite the increasing demand, Colombian language schools find it difficult to attract native speaker teachers
due to Colombia's reputation for crime and violence. In reality EFL teachers are unlikely to find themselves
victims and for any teacher willing to work for the low salaries on offer the prospects are good.

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Ecuador
Capital city Quito
Language Spanish
Currency US Dollar
Typical TEFL teacher salary $8 per hour
Major TEFL locations Quito, Guayaquil, Cuenca

Ecuador TEFL job prospects


Ecuador is one of the most attractive and most stable countries in the region. Salaries are low but so is the cost
of living and teachers can afford a reasonably comfortable lifestyle. Jobs are plentiful in the major cities and
there is a particular demand for American English. Voluntary work is also possible.

Mexico
Capital city Mexico City
Language Spanish
Currency Peso
Typical TEFL teacher salary $10 per hour
Major TEFL locations All large cities

Mexico TEFL job prospects


Due to its close proximity to the USA there is a huge demand for the English language in Mexico. The demand
for native speaker teachers is enormous almost everywhere and any qualified EFL teachers should be able to
find work in the location of their choice. There is also significant demand for business English in the major
cities.

Peru
Capital city Lima
Language Spanish
Currency New Sol
Typical TEFL teacher salary $9 per hour
Major TEFL locations Lima

Peru job prospects


There is an enormous demand for English and native speaker teachers. However, the low salaries, difficulty in
obtaining working papers and bad reputation of the country in safety terms generally mean that it is often
ignored by English teachers. Yet the range of opportunities in Lima is enormous for those willing to overlook the
downside.

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Venezuela
Capital city Caracas
Language Spanish
Currency Bolivar Fuerte
Typical TEFL teacher salary $650 per month
Major TEFL locations Caracas, Merida, Puerto La Cruz

Venezuela TEFL job prospects


The current political and economic situation is rather turbulent and as a result Venezuela (once an appealing
TEFL location) is perhaps best avoided. Hopefully this situation will change in the near future.

Others
Countries Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras etc
Language Spanish and others
Currency
Typical TEFL teacher salary (various)
Major TEFL locations Capital cities

Others TEFL job prospects


If you happened to be in the area, it would probably be fairly simple to arrange work in Central America.
However, with the exception of Costa Rica salaries are likely to be impossibly low. Very few positions are ever
advertised and you would probably need the refer to the yellow pages and present yourself to language
schools listed there. Costa Rica is somewhat more promising and there is a reasonably high demand for native
speaker teachers at reasonable salary levels.

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Middle East

Oil wealth has meant that many of the countries of the Middle East have been able to pay high salaries to attract the 'best'
and most qualified teachers. As a result there are not many opportunities for the recently qualified teacher. Turkey is the
exception where thousands of newly qualified teachers find employment. The lifestyle and strict conditions found in
some of the oil rich nations may not appeal to all. Recent political events in the region may ultimately create more
demand or reduce it. Time will tell.

Bahrain
Capital city Manama
Language Arabic
Currency Bahraini Dinar
Typical TEFL teacher salary $1,500 tax free
Major TEFL locations Nationwide

Bahrain TEFL job prospects


Bahrain is among the more liberal of the oil states, and one which attracts foreigners, including women,
because of its tolerance to women in the workplace. Opportunities mainly exist in companies, colleges or
private language schools.

Israel
Capital city Jerusalem
Language Hebrew
Currency Shekel
Typical TEFL teacher salary
Major TEFL locations

Israel TEFL job prospects


Due to the large number of native speaking Jews who have settled in Israel, almost all positions are filled from
the local population and there is no active recruitment of foreign teachers.

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Kuwait
Capital city Kuwait City
Language Arabic
Currency Kuwait Dinar
Typical TEFL teacher salary US$30,000 per year
Major TEFL locations Nationwide

Kuwait job prospects


The general consensus seems to be that the glory years of extremely high, tax-free salaries are over in Kuwait.
While that may be true the salaries offered are still higher than most other countries. Opportunities usually
only exist for the highly qualified and experienced.

Lebanon
Capital city Beirut
Language Arabic
Currency Lebanese pound
Typical TEFL teacher salary $1000 and up
Major TEFL locations Beirut

Lebanon TEFL job prospects


Lebanon is only just emerging from its turbulent past, and job opportunities are presently limited to
placements through voluntary agencies. A teacher 'on the spot' may well be able to arrange work for a local
salary. Hopefully the future will bring with it a greater variety of possibilities in this tiny but fascinating country.

Oman
Capital city Muscat
Language Arabic
Currency Rial
Typical TEFL teacher salary $20,000 per annum tax-free
Major TEFL locations Muscat

Oman TEFL job prospects


Despite a fast-expanding EFL market there is no room here for the 'casual traveling teacher' as a tight control of
tourist visas is maintained. It is essential to have an MA in a related subject plus three years of experience to
even be considered. Jobs are well-paid and not to difficult to find if you meet the above criteria.

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Saudi Arabia
Capital city Riyadh
Language Arabic
Currency Riyal
Typical TEFL teacher salary $3,000 per month tax-free + other perks
Major TEFL locations Various

Saudi Arabia job prospects


Like Kuwait the days of wonderfully high salaries are probably over. However, the salary package usually
compares favorably with almost every other country. Teachers are usually required to have the highest
qualifications and substantial experience. Not many women are employed and some teachers find the rules
and regulations of life in Saudi Arabia rather too restrictive.

Syria
Capital city Damascus
Language Arabic
Currency Syrian pound
Typical TEFL teacher salary US$400 per month
Major TEFL locations Damascus

Syria TEFL job prospects


Syria is not a wealthy country and salaries are considerably lower than those offered in oil rich countries. There
are a limited number of opportunities in the private language schools in Damascus. Teachers should arrange
teaching positions and contracts before arrival.

Turkey
Capital city Ankara
Language Turkish
Currency Turkish Lira
Typical TEFL teacher salary $1500 per month
Major TEFL locations Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir +++

Turkey TEFL job prospects


There is an enormous demand for English teachers in Turkey, particularly in the larger cities. Salaries are
reasonable and most teachers are able to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle. Opportunities primarily exist within the
private educational sector. Most teachers seem to find teaching and living in Turkey an enjoyable experience. A
university degree is essential for working in Turkey.

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United Arab Emirates


Capital city Abu Dhabi
Language Arabic
Currency UAE Dirham
Typical TEFL teacher salary $3500 per month plus benefits
Major TEFL locations Dubai, Abu Dhabi

United Arab Emirates job prospects


As in Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, reasonably well-paid jobs exist for those with prior teaching experience.
Salaries are a bit lower but so are the educational requirements. Many teachers find the UAE less restrictive
than some of the other gulf states.

Qatar
Capital city Doha
Language Arabic
Currency Riyal
Typical TEFL teacher salary $3500 per month
Major TEFL locations Doha, Al Wakrah and elsewhere

Qatar TEFL job prospects


In 2010, Qatar had the world's highest GDP per capita, and their recent strives forward financially show no
signs of slowing down. There's a huge need for qualified TEFL teachers in Qatar, from language academies to
call center training and teaching English in banks.

Others
Countries Iraq, Iran, Afghanistan, Jordan etc
Language Arabic
Currency Various
Typical TEFL teacher salary
Major TEFL locations Capital cities

Others TEFL job prospects


At present there are no real teaching opportunities in other Middle Eastern nations. However, in the light of
recent events it is possible that some voluntary positions may arise in the future.

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Africa

The English language teaching situation in Africa is at best rather confusing. Many ex-colonies of Britain use English as
the medium of instruction in state schools and so most teachers are locals. Some advanced level positions may be
available in universities in such locations. In other African countries English is much in demand but few schools are able
to afford a native speaker teacher and so positions are largely filled by voluntary workers (though sometimes paying a
'local' salary). There are many placement organizations that can arrange voluntary work in Africa should that be your aim.

There is some work available in South Africa but as many of their citizens speak English as a native language,
opportunities for non-South Africans are somewhat limited. Zimbabwe used to offer a number of possibilities but recent
political events have curtailed most EFL activity.

Some opportunities exist in almost all countries but the only African nations where there is any significant scope for
working in private language schools, or institutes, are detailed below:

Egypt
Capital city Cairo
Language Arabic
Currency Egyptian pound
Typical TEFL teacher salary 3000 Egyptian pounds per month
Major TEFL locations Cairo, Alexandria

Egypt TEFL job prospects


The current demand for TEFL teachers in Egypt is quite high. In locations such as Cairo, Alexandria, Heliopolis,
Maadi and Zamalek there are opportunities for qualified EFL teachers, while in other parts of the country the
prospects are still good. There is work in the business and tourism sectors, as well as in private language
schools which are numerous in the major cities. Qualified teachers should also have little trouble in arranging
private tutoring work.

Kenya
Capital city Nairobi
Language Swahili
Currency Kenyan schilling
Typical TEFL teacher salary $10 per hour
Major TEFL locations Nairobi

Kenya TEFL job prospects


Some work is available in Kenya at government sponsored schools and institutes and also at a few private
language and full-curriculum schools. Salaries are not high by international standards but are sufficient to
lead a relatively comfortable life. Many more opportunities exist through voluntary placement schemes that
may provide a basic 'local' salary.

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Morocco
Capital city Rabat
Language Arabic (French also widely spoken)
Currency Moroccan Dirham
Typical TEFL teacher salary $20 per hour
Major TEFL locations Rabat, Tangier, Agadir, Casablanca, Fez

Morocco job prospects


Despite being a Francophone country, English is increasingly a requirement for entrance to universities and
high ranking jobs. As a result there is a steady demand for English language teachers. Almost all state sector
positions are filled by Moroccans but there is a continuing demand for native speakers in private language
schools and in the business community. A degree is necessary to be eligible for a work permit. Qualified EFL
teachers shouldn't have any great problem in finding employment in the major cities.

Tunisia
Capital city Tunis
Language Arabic (French also widely spoken)
Currency Tunisian Dinar
Typical TEFL teacher salary $14 hour
Major TEFL locations Tunis + tourist destinations

Tunisia TEFL job prospects


Like its neighbor Morocco, Tunisia is turning away from the language of its former colonial master France.
Many Tunisians are starting to learn English for study and work purposes and as a result there is a reasonable
demand for native speaker teachers, particularly in the capital and areas with a high level of employment in
the tourism industry.

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North America

There is a huge demand for teaching English in the USA and Canada. While in most countries of the world business and
'academy' type English is most common, in North America the emphasis is more on ESL (English as a Second Language).
Just about every university and college in major cities has an ESL program, as do a variety of government and charitable
organizations.

Although the demand for ESL teachers is enormous, it is extremely difficult for non-US citizens who do not have a 'green
card' to get a working visa. Therefore the majority of positions are filled by local citizens, usually on a part-time basis. ESL
teaching is not particularly well-paid in comparison to the cost of living and hourly rates of $30 dollars are the norm.

Australasia

The EFL industry in Australia has changed considerably in recent years. Previously many Asian students of English would
go there for intensive English courses but the economic problems in Asia in the 90's led to a marked decline in the
number of fee-paying students. This has resulted in a loss of job opportunities for both Australian and foreign English
language teachers.

The outlook is not totally bleak and some opportunities still do exist but as competition for positions is tough, schools are
able to demand higher qualifications and more experience from teachers.
The profession is strictly regulated in Australia and standards are high in both public and private sectors. There is a
nationally agreed pay scale for EFL teachers of A$18,000 - A$30,000 per year. However, highly trained Australian EFL
teachers cannot always find jobs. As in the USA, a large proportion of local EFL/ESL teaching is done by volunteers.

One option that may be appealing for Britons, Irish and Canadians less than 30 years of age, is the possibility of a working
holiday visa. This is a 12-month non-renewable visa that allows you to work in any one job for a maximum of three months.
This can be quite convenient for the 'teacher traveler' who would like short-term contracts while traveling around the
country.

United Kingdom

The demand for English language teaching in the UK can be divided into two categories, permanent and summer school.
Permanent positions are hard to come by as every year many very experienced and qualified EFL teachers return to the
UK in search of employment. This creates fierce competition for available jobs. This is perhaps surprising considering
that these jobs are not usually on competitive salaries when compared to the cost of living in the UK.

Summer school work is a different story. It is estimated that there are over 800 language schools in operation during July
and August catering to foreign students on intensive English language learning 'holidays'. This creates a huge number of
opportunities for a qualified EFL teacher. Such positions are often well-paid and sometimes (in the case of residential
schools) even come with free accommodation and meals.

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Part III

TEFL BUDGET
Guides
The Most Popular
TEFL Destinations

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Where the world is your classroom

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TEFL
Budget Guides
Teaching English In China
The Salary and Budget Guide

This guide will help you answer the question:


How much can I earn (and save) teaching English in
China?

You’ll also find information on the local cost of living in order to


figure out how much to budget for when making the move to
China.

The Typical Salary for English Teachers in China

Throughout the country, there are a large variety of jobs


available but the salary depends on which schools and
institutions you work for as well as your own qualifications and
experience. ​

English teachers in China​ can expect to make between 6,000 - 16,000 RMB (currently $890 - $2,400 USD).
Those teaching at an international school, however, can make up to 30,000 RMB ($4,400 USD). Ifyou are a first-time
teacher, you can expect to earn between 6,000 RMB and 12,000 RMB per month which equates to around $890 to
$1,800 US dollars.

Page 69
Here is more information on the ​average salaries​
per school type:

The salary also depends on where you are based. The “big three”, ​Beijing​ (107,000 expats),
Shanghai (209,000 expats) and Guangzhou (over 200,000 expats), pay ​the highest salaries​ but also
have a higher cost of living compared to ​other cities around China.

Other benefits to Expect When Teaching English in China

Besides the salary, most teachers receive free housing or a housing allowance from their employer.
On top of that, most schools also pay for the roundtrip airfare for their teachers.

How to Earn Extra Cash While Teaching English in China

Many teachers in the country take advantage of the high demand for ​private language tutors​.
The growing middle class in particular routinely hire tutors for extra English study for their children
outside of school hours. In doing so, it’s not uncommon for teachers to double their income by taking
on a couple of students in their free time. Most of these private tutoring lessons are paid by the hour
with prices ranging from 180 to 250 RMB per hour ($26-$36).

The Cost of Living in China

While prices are on the rise, the cost of ​living in China​ is still favorable compared to most
industrialized nations. So much so that in some parts of the country the cost of living is half of that in
the USA. That’s why teachers in China can live very comfortably and have a strong purchasing
power. Many teachers can afford a lifestyle they wouldn’t be able to enjoy back home. This includes
luxuries like hiring a housekeeper, travel every month, regularly eating out at restaurants, relaxing
spa sessions and enjoying nights out with friends and colleagues. Let’s break down the cost of living
in China for individual areas below.

Page 70
Cost of Living in China: Food

Eating out at local restaurants and purchasing


produce and ingredients at Chinese supermarkets not
only gives you an amazing insight into the Chinese
way of life but also leaves you with money in your
pockets for fun and adventure.

● Milk (1L) : 7 RMB


● Eggs (12) : 7 RMB
● Carrots (1kg) : 5 RMB
● Chicken breast (1kg) : 15 RMB
● Rice (1kg) : 8 RMB
● Bottle of water (1.5L) : 3 RMB
● Bottle of Chinese beer (.5L) : 4 RMB

Cost of Living in China: Leisure Activities

Leisure activities in China are very affordable and Chinese people love spending time out. This
starts with frequent meals out with colleagues, friends, and family. Try your way through the wide
range of regional dishes China has to offer. Then, you can hang out with friends at clubs and
karaoke bars, work out at the gym or get a massage and relax. China’s leisure activities have
something for everyone.

● Three-course mid-range restaurant dinner: 80 RMB


● Quick restaurant meal of rice or noodles: 25 RMB
● Large dumplings, a common street food : 3 RMB
● Housekeeper (2 hours): 30 RMB
● Massage (30 min) : 40 RMB
● 1-month fitness club membership: 150 RMB
● Movie ticket, international release: 65 RMB

Cost of Living in China: Transportation

The public transit network in China has gotten a lot of attention from the government in recent years
who have constantly expanded and improved it. Today, it’s one of the most advanced and vast in the
world. Taxi prices are very affordable and buses and subway rides are also inexpensive.

● Metro Ride : 3 RMB


Page 71
● Taxi rate per km : 2.2 RMB (start fare ~ 10RMB)
● 20-min taxi ride across town : 25 RMB
● City bus : 2 RMB
● 3-hour bicycle rental : 8 RMB (plus 100RMB deposit, returned)
● Ferry crossing : 2 RMB

Cost of Living in China: Travel in China and Beyond

Travelers on a budget love China. The trains are fast and numerous and ticket prices are very
affordable. Domestic flights are usually inexpensive, except for price rises during national holidays
like Chinese New Year or the Mid-Autumn Festival.

● 1 night in a mid-range hotel: 350 RMB


● High-speed train, Shenzhen to Wuhan (3 hours): 490 RMB
● Slow train, Guangzhou to Wuhan (10 hours): 120 RMB
● Flight, Shenzhen to Beijing (2 hours): 800 RMB
● Flight, Shenzhen to Bangkok (3 hours): 1300 RMB

Sample Monthly Teacher Budget

To give you an example of how an English teacher in China spends their salary, here is a sample
monthly budget:

● Gross income (salary) : Up to 13,500 RMB


● Rent: 3000 RMB
● Utilities (electricity, gas, water): 200 RMB
● Phone & Internet : 300 RMB
● Food: 1500 RMB
● Insurance: 295 RMB
● Remaining disposable income: 8,205 RMB

How Much You Can Save When Teaching English in China

As you can see from the sample budget above, the added benefits and high salaries in China allow
you to save substantial sums of money during the length of your contract. Depending on lifestyle, an
ESL teacher in China is able to save anything from $500 to $1,500 per month.

Page 72
TEFL
Budget Guides
Teaching English In South Korea
The Salary and Budget Guide

The following guide will help you answer the question: How
much can I earn (and save) teaching English in South Korea?

You will also find information on the local cost of living in order
to figure out how much to budget for when moving to South
Korea.

The Typical Salary for English Teachers in South Korea

There are many different teaching positions available all across


South Korea. The salary usually depends on the type of school
you work at and your qualifications. English teachers in South
Korea can expect to make between 1.8 and 3 million Korean
Won per month (currently $1,600 to $2,675).

Those teaching at a university or international school, however, can make up to 3.5 million KRW
($3,120 USD). If you are a first-time teacher, you can expect to earn between 1.8 to 2.0 million KRW
per month, which equates to around $1,600 to $1,780 US dollars. Here is more information on the
average salaries​ per school type:

Page 73
The salary also depends on where you are based. Seoul traditionally pays ​the highest salaries​ but
also has a higher cost of living compared to other cities around South Korea.

Other Benefits to Expect When Teaching English in South Korea

Besides the salary, most teachers in South Korea also receive free housing or a housing allowance
from their employer. Additionally, most schools pay for the roundtrip airfare for their teachers.
Healthcare is also very affordable in South Korea and there is also a pension scheme in place for a
lot of foreign nationals.

How to Earn Extra Cash While Teaching English in South Korea

A lot of teachers top up their salaries by taking on private students for tutoring. You can easily make
a couple of hundred dollars a month when ​tutoring students in your free time​, or more when you
have the time. Most parents pay between 30,000 and 50,000 KRW per tutoring hour ($26 - $45
USD).

The Cost of Living in South Korea

The cost of living in South Korea is on the rise and amongst one of the highest in Asia. However, it is
still lower than in most Western nations. The high salary and attractive benefits as an EFL teacher
allow you to live a comfortable lifestyle during your time in Korea. Many teachers can even afford a
lifestyle they wouldn’t be able to enjoy back home, such as traveling every month, eating out on a
regular basis and going out to bars and clubs regularly. Below, we break down the cost of living in
South Korea for individual aspects.

Cost of Living in South Korea: Food

When you eat out at local restaurants and buy your produce and ingredients at local supermarkets,
you will not only gain an amazing insight into the Korean way of life but also have more money in
your pocket for fun and adventure.

● Milk (1L): 2,400 KRW


● Eggs (12): 3,200 KRW

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● Apples (1kg): 7,000 KRW
● Chicken breast (1kg): 9,800 KRW
● Rice (1kg): 3,900 KRW
● Bottle of water (1.5L): 1,200 KRW
● Bottle of Korean beer (.5L): 2,200 KRW

Cost of Living in South Korea: Leisure Activities

Koreans love spending time out with friends and family and there is a lot to do around the country.
Most people enjoy frequent meals out so be sure to try your way through the wide range of Korean
cuisine while you’re there. You can also hang out with friends at clubs and karaoke bars, work out at
the gym or get a massage and relax. South Korea’s leisure activities have something for everyone.

● Three-course mid-range restaurant dinner: 40,000 KRW


● Quick restaurant meal of rice or noodles: 7,000 KRW
● Spicy rice cakes, a common street food: 2,000 KRW
● Massage (30 min): 25,000 KRW
● 1-month fitness club membership: 30,000 KRW
● Movie ticket, international release: 8,000 KRW

Cost of Living in South Korea: Transportation

When coming to Korea, you might be surprised by the modern and efficient public transit network in
the country. In fact, it is one of the most advanced in the world. Taxi prices are also affordable and
buses and subways are inexpensive allowing you to explore your city and beyond.

● Metro Ride: 1,200 KRW


● Taxi rate per km: 900 KRW (start fare ~ 3,000 KRW)
● 20-min taxi ride across town: 18,000 KRW
● City bus: 1,200 KRW
● Monthly bus and subway pass: 55,000 KRW
● Intercity express bus (Seoul to Jeonju): 15,000 KRW

Cost of Living in South Korea: Travel in Korea and Beyond

While South Korea isn’t that big of a country, ​there is a lot to see and do​, plus countless beautiful
islands to head to. The express trains are incredibly fast and affordable and domestic flights out to

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Jeju Island, the largest island in Korea, are also quite cheap.
Plus, you can visit neighboring Asian countries like Japan and
China in just a couple of hours.

● 1 night in a mid-range hotel: 60,000 KRW


● High-speed train, Seoul to Busan (2.5 hours): 59,800 KRW
● Slow train, Seoul to Busan (5.5 hours): 28,600 KRW
● Flight, Seoul to Jeju Island (1 hour): 80,000 KRW
● Flight, Seoul to Tokyo (2 hours): 150,000 KRW

Sample Monthly Teacher Budget

To give you an example of how an English teacher in South Korea spends their salary, here is a
sample monthly budget:

● Gross income (salary): average salary 2.5 million KRW


● Rent: 0, paid for by employer
● Utilities (electricity, gas, water): 80,000 KRW
● Phone & Internet: 70,000 KRW
● Food: 300,000 KRW
● Insurance: 30,000 KRW
● Remaining disposable income: 2 million KRW

How Much You Can Save When Teaching English in South Korea

As you can see from the sample budget above, the high salaries in South Korea allow you to save
substantial sums of money during the length of your contract. Because rent is usually paid for by the
employer, you will save a lot of money that would otherwise go on housing. Depending on your
lifestyle, ​ESL teachers in South Korea​ are easily able to save anything from $500 to $1,500 per
month.

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TEFL
Budget Guides
Teaching English In Russia
The Salary and Budget Guide

The following guide will help you answer the question: How
much can I earn (and save) while teaching English in Russia​?
You will also find information on the local cost of living in order to
figure out how much to budget for when moving to Russia.

The Typical Salary for English Teachers in Russia

Russia is an emerging star on the EFL market today. Teaching


English in Russia can, therefore, be both a challenging yet
rewarding undertaking. Unlike some other TEFL destinations,
teachers in Russia don’t have much choice in terms of what type of
school they work for.

Public schools don’t hire foreign teachers, which makes private language institutes the most
common workplace for TEFL qualified teachers in Russia. Depending on your work experience and
qualifications, ​English teachers in Russia​ can expect to make between US$1,000 and US$1,200 per
month. Those teaching at a university or international school, however, usually earn higher salaries
of between US$1,500 and US$2,000 a month. Here is more information on the average salaries per
school type:

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The salary also depends on where you are based.
Most teachers settle in one of the two big cities
Moscow or St. Petersburg, where teachers are
traditionally paid the highest salaries but they also
have a higher cost of living compared to smaller towns
and cities around Russia.

How to Earn Extra Cash While Teaching English in Russia

Although most Russians study English during their senior school years, the level of instruction is
often poor. This leads to many people wanting to improve their language skills once they join the
workforce as a way of moving up the employment ladder. Therefore, private language instruction is
in very high demand all over the country and many teachers top up their salaries by taking on private
students for tutoring.

Typically, you can easily find students by word of mouth. However, many schools have policies
against tutoring students in your free time, so you should be informed and discreet.

The Cost of Living in Russia

While the cost of living in Russia is on the rise, it is still considerably lower than in most Western
nations. Outside of the major cities, the cost of living is even cheaper and food and transportation
costs are only a fraction of a teacher’s monthly salary. Many school contracts also include
accommodation. Failing that, many people without housing benefit choose to share an apartment
with fellow teachers. The comparably high salary as an EFL teacher allows you to live a comfortable
lifestyle during your time in Russia. Many teachers can enjoy a lifestyle they wouldn’t be able to
afford back home, such as traveling every month, eating out on a regular basis and going out to bars
and clubs regularly. Below, we breakdown the cost of living in Russia for individual aspects.

Cost of Living in Russia: Food

Eating out at local restaurants and buying your produce and ingredients at local markets and shops
will allow you to gain an amazing insight into the Russian way of life and also have more money in
your pocket for fun and adventure.

● Milk (1L): RUB 65.75

● Eggs (12): RUB 76


● Apples (1kg): RUB 93
● Chicken breast (1kg): RUB 282
● Rice (1kg): RUB 68
● Bottle of water (1.5L): RUB 43
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● Bottle of Russian beer (.5L): RUB 100
Cost of Living in Russia: Leisure Activities

Russians are very social and like hanging out with friends and family and there is also a lot to do for
visitors in Russia. Most people enjoy frequent meals out so be sure to try your way through the wide
range of Russian cuisine while you’re there. You can explore local attractions in your free time, sign
up for a gym membership or go out with friends. Russia’s leisure activities have something for
everyone.

● Three-course mid-range restaurant dinner: RUB 2,500


● Quick restaurant meal: RUB 600
● McMeal at McDonald's (or equivalent Combo Meal): RUB 350
● 1-month fitness club membership: RUB 2,838
● Movie ticket, international release: RUB 400

Cost of Living in Russia: Transportation

Russia has a convenient public transit network that links cities throughout this vast nation. Taxi
prices are extremely affordable and buses and subways are inexpensive allowing you to explore
your city and beyond.

● Metro ride: RUB 55


● Taxi rate per km: RUB 11 (start fare ~ RUB 100)
● City bus: RUB 55
● Monthly bus and subway pass: RUB 2,000

Cost of Living in Russia: Travel in Russia and Beyond

Russia is the largest country in the world, allowing you to explore a variety of landscapes and
attractions without having to leave the borders. The local express trains are incredibly fast
and affordable and domestic flights are also very cheap.

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● 1 night in a mid-range hotel: RUB 6,000
● High-speed train, Moscow to St. Petersburg (3.5 hours): RUB 4,000
● Slow train, Moscow to St. Petersburg (9 hours): RUB 5,800
● Flight, Moscow to St. Petersburg (1 hour): RUB 1,500
● Flight, Moscow to Vladivostok (8 hours): RUB 15,000

Sample Monthly Teacher Budget

To give you an example of how an English teacher in Russia spends their salary, here is a sample
monthly budget:

● Gross income (salary): average salary RUB 82,000 (US$ 1,200)


● Rent: 0, paid for by employer
● Utilities (electricity, gas, water): RUB 7,840
● Phone & Internet: RUB 680
● Food: RUB 10,000
● Insurance: RUB 2,000
● Remaining disposable income: RUB 61,480 (US$ 905)

How Much You Can Save When Teaching English in Russia

As you can see from the sample budget above, the salaries in Russia allow you to save substantial
sums of money during the length of your contract. Because rent is usually paid for by the employer,
you will save a lot of money that would otherwise go on housing. Depending on your lifestyle, ESL
teachers in Russia are easily able to save in the region of US $500 a month.

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TEFL
Budget Guides
Teaching English In Japan
The Salary and Budget Guide

The following guide will help you answer the question:


How much can I earn (and save) while
teaching English in Japan​?

You will also find information on the local cost of living in


order to figure out how much to budget for when moving
to Japan.

The Typical Salary for English Teachers in Japan


Japan has been a popular destination for teaching English
as a foreign language for decades. With the government-
funded ​teacher placement program called JET​, there are
a lot of options for English teachers to find a suitable
position all over the country.

The cost of living in Japan has increased significantly in recent years which means it is no longer the
top destination for saving large amounts of money in Asia. However, Japan still has plenty to offer
both new and experienced teachers. As a guide, you should expect to earn somewhere between

200,000 and 600,000 yen (currently $2,000 to $6,000 US) per month. If the job pays by the hour
then a figure of around 2,500 yen ($25 US) per hour would be typical. Here is more information on
the average salaries per school type:

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The salary also depends on where you are located in Japan. The highest salaries are paid in the big
cities, especially Tokyo, but the cost of living there is also the highest. There are many smaller cities
and towns all across Japan looking for TEFL qualified teachers, where the salary is competitive and
the cost of living not as high as in the capital.

Other Benefits to Expect When Teaching English in Japan

Besides the salary, most teachers in Japan also receive free housing or a housing allowance from
their employer. Additionally, most schools pay for the roundtrip airfare for their teachers and
healthcare is also very affordable. There is also usually a contract completion bonus offered.

How to Earn Extra Cash While Teaching English in Japan

One popular option for teachers looking to top up their earnings is to take on private students in their
free time. Most private lessons are around 3,000 yen ($30) per hour, which can go a long way to
making your stay in Japan even more comfortable.

The Cost of Living in Japan

According to the latest statistics from Expatistan, Tokyo is the third most expensive city to live in
Asia, after Hong Kong and Singapore. However, the competitive salary and attractive benefits as an
EFL teacher in Japan still allow you to live comfortably. Below, we break down the cost of living in
Japan for individual aspects.

Cost of Living in Japan: Food

Shopping at local markets and eating at local restaurants drastically reduces your expenses and
also gives you a deeper insight into local culture and the Japanese way of life.

● Milk (1L): 186.53 ¥

● Eggs (12): 226.87 ¥


● Apples (1kg): 814.00 ¥
● Chicken breast (1kg): 797.50 ¥
● Rice (1kg): 558.33 ¥
● Bottle of water (1.5L): 122.58 ¥
● Bottle of Japanese beer (.5L): 301.29 ¥
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Cost of Living in Japan: Leisure Activities

Japanese people love going out with friends and family to have a good
time. Whether it’s eating out at a good restaurant, singing their soul out
at karaoke or going to a club in the city, Japan’s leisure activities have
something for everyone.

● Three-course mid-range restaurant dinner: 5,000.00 ¥


● Quick restaurant meal of rice or ramen: 1,000.00 ¥
● 1-month fitness club membership: 9,842.11 ¥
● Tennis court rent (1 hour on weekend): 2,421.43 ¥
● Movie ticket, international release: 1,800.00 ¥

Cost of Living in Japan: Transportation

Japan is known all over the world for its modern and efficient public transit network. The buses and
subways in the cities are fast and reliable and the bullet trains are among the fastest in the whole
world, connecting the cities of the country with one another.

● Metro ride: 200.00 ¥


● Taxi rate per km: 410.00 ¥ (start fare ~ 475.00 ¥)
● City bus: 200.00 ¥
● Monthly bus and subway pass: 10,000.00 ¥

Cost of Living in Japan: Travel in Japan and Beyond

Japan is an incredible island nation with lots of things to see and do in your free time. The bullet
trains are incredibly fast and affordable and domestic flights to other parts of the country are also
quite cheap. Plus, you can visit neighboring Asian countries like ​South Korea​ and ​China​ in just a
couple of hours.

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● 1 night in a mid-range hotel: 15,000.00 ¥
● High-speed train, Tokyo to Osaka (2.5 hours): 18,000.00 ¥
● Slow train, Tokyo to Osaka (3.5 hours): 15,000.00 ¥
● Flight, Tokyo to Okinawa (2.5 hours): 12,700.00 ¥
● Flight, Tokyo to Seoul (2 hours): 7,200.00 ¥

Sample Monthly Teacher Budget

To give you an example of how an English teacher in Japan spends their salary, here is a sample
monthly budget:

● Gross income (salary): average salary 280,000 ¥


● Rent: 0, paid for by employer
● Utilities (electricity, gas, water): 22,500 ¥
● Phone & Internet: 4,700 ¥
● Food: 25,000 ¥
● Insurance: 3,000 ¥
● Remaining disposable income: 224,800 ¥ (approx. $2,000 USD)

How Much You Can Save When Teaching English in Japan

As you can see from the sample budget above, the competitive salaries in Japan allow you to save
quite a lot of money during the length of your contract. Because rent is often paid for by the
employer, you will be able to save money that would otherwise go on housing. Depending on your
lifestyle, ​ESL teachers in Japan​ are easily able to save anything from $500 to $1,000 per month.

Page 84
TEFL
Budget Guides
Teaching English In Thailand
The Salary and Budget Guide

The following guide will help you answer the


question: How much can I earn (and save) teaching
English in Thailand?

You will also find information on the local cost of living


in order to figure out how much to budget for when
moving to Thailand.

The Typical Salary for English Teachers in Thailand

Thailand offers a variety of opportunities to English teachers. While a TEFL certification is not an
official requirement, it certainly increases your chances of landing a teaching position at a reputable
school and gets you a higher salary. English teachers in ​Thailand​ can either work at government-run
public schools or private language institutes. If you want to work for a public school in Thailand, you
will have to be a native English speaker and possess a 4-year degree. Salaries typically range from
about $800 to $1,000 per month.

Pay rates at private language institutes are often higher than public schools but will depend on the
location and your classroom experience.

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Also consider that the majority of private academies pay
bythe hour, with an hourly rate ranging from $8 to $20.
Depending on your hours and pay rate, the monthly
teacher salary could be anywhere from $600 to $2,000.

A third and potentially lucrative option is a private international school. Competition for these
positions is very fierce as salaries and extra benefits are often way above those offered by other
schools. Salaries at international schools in Thailand range anywhere from $2,000 to $3,000 per
month or even more. Most positions in international schools will require extensive teaching
experience and qualifications.

Here is more information on the ​average salaries​ per school type:

Other Benefits to Expect When Teaching English in Thailand

Unlike other Asian countries, such as ​China​, ​South Korea​, and ​Japan​, teaching positions in Thailand
rarely come with extra benefits such as paid airfare and housing. Positions at international schools
are an exception as they often offer paid housing and roundtrip airfare to their teachers.

How to Earn Extra Cash While Teaching English in Thailand

A lot of teachers top up their salaries by taking on private students for tutoring. You can easily make
a couple of hundred dollars a month when ​tutoring students in your free time​, or more when you
have the time. In Thailand, the typical hourly charge for private English lessons is anywhere between
$15 and $30 depending on the location, your experience, and the level of competition in your area.

The Cost of Living in Thailand

The cost of living in Thailand is low when compared to countries in the West. You can live a basis and
going out to bars comfortable lifestyle on a teacher's salary and enjoy your stay in Southeast Asia to the fullest.
Some for individual aspects. teachers can even afford a lifestyle they would otherwise not be able to enjoy
back home. This includes luxuries such as traveling every month, eating out on a regular
and clubs regularly. Below, we break down the cost of living in Thailand.

Page 86
Cost of Living in Thailand: Food

Avoiding places specifically targeted at foreigners and


instead eating out at local restaurants and shopping at
local markets will save you a lot of money.

It also allows you to get to know Thai culture and the local
way of life a lot better.

● Milk (1L): 52 ฿
● Eggs (12): 54 ฿
● Apples (1kg): 104 ฿
● Chicken breast (1kg): 120 ฿
● Rice (1kg): 48 ฿
● Bottle of water (1.5L): 16.50 ฿
● Bottle of Thai beer (.5L): 58 ฿

Cost of Living in Thailand: Leisure Activities

Thai people are very active and social, which is why there is a lot to do in your free time in Thailand.
Be sure to try your way through the fascinating and vibrant local cuisine and take advantage of the
affordable massages offered all over the country.

● Three-course mid-range restaurant dinner: 900 ฿

● Quick restaurant meal of rice or noodles: 80 ฿


● Banana pancake, a common street food: 30 ฿
● Massage (60 min): 250 ฿
● 1-month fitness club membership: 2,352.48 ฿
● Movie ticket, international release: 200 ฿

Cost of Living in Thailand: Transportation

Navigating your way through ​Thailand​ isn’t as hard as it might seem in the beginning. Large cities
are equipped with modern public transportation systems, including buses and subways. Taxi prices
are also affordable and tuk-tuk rides are an integral part of daily life in Thailand and should definitely
be on your list of things to do!

● Metro Ride: 35 ฿
● Taxi rate per km: 6 ฿ (start fare ~ 35 ฿)
● 20-min taxi ride across town: 100 ฿
● City bus: 35 ฿
Page 87
● Monthly bus and subway pass: 1,080 ฿
● Intercity express bus (Bangkok to Pattaya): 130 ฿

Cost of Living in Thailand: Travel in Thailand and Beyond

Thailand is a beautiful country with incredible national parks and stunning beaches. Trains are
incredibly affordable and domestic flights out to the different islands are also quite cheap. Plus, you
can visit neighboring Asian countries like Vietnam or Cambodia in just a couple of hours. Thailand is
also currently working with Japan to establish a high-speed railway system (similar to the Japanese
Shinkansen) scheduled to be operational between 2018 and 2019.

● 1 night in a mid-range hotel: 1,200 ฿


● Train, Bangkok to Kanchanaburi (2.5 hours): 100 ฿
● Flight, Bangkok to ​Phuket Island​ (1.5 hours): 650 ฿
● Flight, Bangkok to Phnom Penh, Cambodia (1 hour): 2,600 ฿

Sample Monthly Teacher Budget

To give you an example of how an English teacher in Thailand spends their salary, here is a sample
monthly budget:

● Gross income (salary): average salary 58,680 ฿ ($1,800 USD)


● Rent: 20,000 ฿ ($610 USD)
● Utilities (electricity, gas, water): 2,700 ฿ ($83 USD)
● Phone & Internet: 750 ฿ ($23 USD)
● Food: 4,890 ฿ ($150 USD)
● Insurance: 980 ฿ ($30 USD)
● Remaining disposable income: 29,360 ฿ ($904 USD)

How Much You Can Save When Teaching English in Thailand

As you can see from the sample budget above, the low cost of living in Thailand can allow you to
save some money during the length of your contract and enjoy your stay in Thailand to the fullest.
Sometimes, the rent is paid for by the employer, allowing you to save even more money per month.
Depending on your lifestyle, ​ESL teachers in Thailand​ are able to save anything from $500 to $800
per month.

Page 88
TEFL
Budget Guides
Teaching English In Mexico
The Salary and Budget Guide

The following guide will help you answer the question: How much
can I earn (and save) teaching English in Mexico?

You will also find information on the local cost of living in order to
figure out how much to budget for when moving to Mexico.

The Typical Salary for English Teachers in Mexico


Mexico is one of the most attractive ​EFL destinations in Latin
America​. This is mostly because of the country’s close
relationship with the United States and the professional
opportunities for English teachers resulting from that. While a
TEFL certification is not an official requirement, it increases your
chances of landing a teaching position at a reputable school and
gets you a higher salary.

English teachers in Mexico mostly work at private language schools or universities but some also
find positions at primary or secondary schools or in a business setting. It's also worth noting that
Mexico makes it quite easy for people to obtain a ​work visa to teach English​.

The salary for English teachers in Mexico varies greatly depending on the size of the school, the
location and the experience of the teacher. The highest paying positions, however, can be found at

Page 89
Mexican post-secondary schools.
University jobs in Mexico not only pay higher salaries,
they also offer better job security compared to private
language schools.

Teaching business English is another popular part of


the English education scene in Mexico.

Many Mexican companies hire English teachers to


improve their employees’ language skills.

The pay rate is often better than at language schools but the working hours
can be unpredictable and holidays often aren’t paid.

Here is more information on the average salary per school type:

Other Benefits to Expect When Teaching English in Mexico

While schools in Mexico don’t provide the lucrative benefits that teachers are used to when teaching
English in Asia, for example, you aren’t completely left out either. Accommodation is often provided
by the employer, and healthcare is sometimes included. Unfortunately, schools in Mexico don’t
usually pay for the airfare of their teachers.

How to Earn Extra Cash While Teaching English in Mexico

Because Mexico isn’t known for paying the highest EFL teacher salaries in the world, a lot of
teachers top up their salaries by taking on private students for tutoring. ​Tutoring students in your free
time​ allows you to make some extra money when in Mexico. Teachers typically make between $100
and $400 pesos ($5.30 and $21 USD) an hour for private language instruction.

The Cost of Living in Mexico

The cost of living in Mexico is very low compared to most countries in the West. You can live a very
comfortable lifestyle on a teacher's salary and enjoy your stay in Latin America to the fullest. Even
living in Mexico
though the salaries for teachers in Mexico aren’t incredibly high, you can still enjoy the laid-back
atmosphere in the country and live comfortably. Below, we break down the cost of
for individual aspects.

Cost of Living in Mexico: Food


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Eating out in Mexico isn’t expensive and is something you’ll be
able to enjoy frequently because of the low prices. If you want
to save even more, you can cook your own meals using local
ingredients from Mexican markets and avoid places specifically
catered to foreigners.

● Milk (1L): 16.60 MXN


● Eggs (12): 25.50 MXN
● Apples (1kg): 35.80 MXN
● Chicken breast (1kg): 83.40 MXN
● Rice (1kg): 17.60 MXN
● Bottle of water (1.5L): 14 MXN
● Bottle of Mexican beer (.5L): 30 MXN

Cost of Living in Mexico: Leisure Activities

The Mexican people are very welcoming and love making friends. That’s why there is a lot to do in
your free time in Mexico. Be sure to try your way through the fascinating and vibrant local cuisine
and take advantage of all the beautiful natural scenery and go out and explore as much as you can!

● Three-course mid-range restaurant dinner: 430 MXN


● Quick restaurant meal of tacos or enchiladas: 95 MXN
● Two tamales with beans and salsa: 40 MXN
● 1-month fitness club membership: 560 MXN
● Movie ticket, international release: 70 MXN

Cost of Living in Mexico: Transportation

Navigating your way through ​Mexico​ isn’t as hard as it might seem in the beginning. Large cities are
equipped with modern public transportation systems, including buses and subways and taxi prices
are also affordable.

● Metro ride: 8 MXN


● Taxi rate per km: 9.30 MXN (start fare ~ 30 MXN)
● City bus: 8 MXN
● Monthly bus and subway pass: 325.00 MXN

Page 91
Cost of Living in Mexico: Travel in Mexico and Beyond

Mexico is a large country with a variety of landscapes and sceneries to choose from. Whether it’s
dusty deserts, ancient Mayan pyramids or tropical beaches and islands, Mexico has got it all!
Intercity buses are incredibly affordable and domestic flights out to the different islands are also quite
cheap. Plus, you can visit neighboring countries like Guatemala, Belize or the entire Caribbean in
just a couple of hours.

● 1 night in a mid-range hotel: 1,300 MXN


● Intercity express bus, Mexico City to Oaxaca (6 hours): 600 MXN
● Flight, Mexico City to Cancun (2 hours): 1,100 MXN
● Flight, Mexico City to Los Angeles (4.5 hours): 2,200 MXN

Sample Monthly Teacher Budget

To give you an example of how an English teacher in Mexico spends their salary, here is a sample
monthly budget:

● Gross income (salary): average salary 18,900 MXN ($1,000 USD)


● Rent: 0, paid for by employer
● Utilities (electricity, gas, water): 700 MXN ($37 USD)
● Phone & Internet: 470 MXN ($25 USD)
● Food: 2,880 MXN ($150 USD)
● Insurance: 560 MXN ($30 USD)
● Remaining disposable income: 14,290 MXN ($758 USD)

How Much You Can Save When Teaching English in Mexico

As you can see from the sample budget above, the low cost of living in Mexico allows you to save
some money during the length of your contract and enjoy your stay in Mexico at the same time. If
housing isn’t provided by the employer, a lot of teachers in Mexico rent shared apartments with other
teachers and save more money that way. Depending on your lifestyle, ESL teachers in Mexico are
easily able to save anywhere from $200 to $500 per month.

Page 92
TEFL
Budget Guides
Teaching English In Taiwan
The Salary and Budget Guide

This guide will help you answer the question: How much can I earn
(and save) teaching English in Taiwan?

You’ll also find information on the local cost of living in order to


figure out how much to budget for when making the move to
Taiwan.

The Typical Salary for English Teachers in Taiwan

English teachers in Taiwan can find positions at public schools, private cram schools, and
international schools. The salary is typically paid by the hour with working hours ranging anywhere
from 4 to 8 hours a day. In the private school sector, you can choose between private language
schools and kindergartens. Private language academies usually pay $20 USD per hour, while
kindergartens pay a similar rate of between $18 and $20 USD.

Public schools and so-called “bushibans”, or after-school study centers, pay an hourly rate of
between $30 and $40 USD. These jobs are highly competitive and a ​TEFL certification​, ​specialized
TEFL certificates​, and teaching experience will be a huge plus.

Page 93
International schools pay the highest salaries of up to $6,000
USD per month - but jobs are highly
competitive. You will need to possess a degree in education,
work experience and be a native English speaker.

Here is more information on the ​average salaries​ per school type:

Other benefits to Expect When Teaching English in Taiwan

Teachers working in Taiwan can expect to receive added benefits such as return airfare, paid
accommodation, health insurance, as well as a bonus on completion of the contract. This, however,
varies from school to school and should be discussed when signing your contract.

How to Earn Extra Cash While Teaching English in Taiwan

A lot of teachers take on private students in their free time to top up their salary. You can usually find
students through word-of-mouth or via online forums. The typical rate for an hour of private tutoring
can range between $20 and $40 US.

The Cost of Living in Taiwan

Taiwan’s cost of living is very low in comparison to many Western countries. Combined with high
salaries, this allows foreign teachers to live a very comfortable lifestyle during their stay in Taiwan.
Eating out at local restaurants and markets is very cheap, as is transportation around the country.

Let’s break down the cost of living in Taiwan for individual areas below.

Cost of Living in Taiwan: Food

Eating out at local restaurants and purchasing produce and ingredients at Taiwanese supermarkets
not only gives you a great insight into the Taiwanese way of life, but also leaves you with money in
your pockets for fun and adventure.

● Milk (1L) : 85 NT$


● Eggs (12) : 60 NT$
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● Apples (1kg) : 130 NT$
● Chicken breast (1kg) : 210 NT$
● Rice (1kg) : 98 NT$
● Bottle of water (1.5L) : 35 NT$
● Bottle of domestic beer (.5L) : 50 NT$

Cost of Living in Taiwan: Leisure Activities

Living in Taiwan is anything but boring! The island has a lot to offer in terms of natural beauty and
outdoor fun. At the same time, its many bustling cities are nothing short of exciting urban
wonderlands where you can enjoy yourself to no end!

● Three-course mid-range restaurant dinner: 700 NT$


● Quick restaurant meal of rice or noodles: 100 NT$
● Large dumplings, a common street food : 20 NT$
● 1-month fitness club membership: 1,400 NT$
● Movie ticket, international release: 300 NT$

Cost of Living in Taiwan: Transportation

The public transportation system in Taiwan is incredibly advanced and the entire island is very well
connected. The big cities feature extensive networks of buses and subway lines and high-speed
trains connect them across the island. Taxi rides are also very inexpensive but often take longer
than the subway because of traffic.

● Metro ride : 20 NT$


● Monthly pass (regular price): 1,280 NT$
● Taxi rate per km : 25 NT$ (start fare ~ 75 NT$)
● City bus : 20 NT$

Cost of Living in Taiwan: Travel in Taiwan and Beyond

As mentioned above, Taiwan has a lot of exciting attractions and tourist destinations to offer.
Whether it’s national parks, sandy beaches, remote monasteries or traditional hot springs, you will
always find something to do in your free time and during holidays. On top of that, flights to

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neighboring destinations, such as Hong Kong, mainland
China, South Korea or Japan are also very inexpensive.
Being based in Taiwan allows you to explore all parts of Asia
on a budget.

● 1 night in a mid-range hotel: 1,800 NT$


● High-speed train, Taipei to Kaohsiung (2.5 hours): 1,490 NT$
● Slow train, Taipei to Hualien (3 hours): 340 NT$
● Flight, Taipei to Hong Kong (2 hours): 3,000 NT$

Sample Monthly Teacher Budget

To give you an example of how an English teacher in Taiwan spends their salary, here is a sample
monthly budget:

● Gross income (salary) : 60,000 NT$ (approx. $2,000 USD)


● Rent: 0, paid for by the employer
● Utilities (electricity, gas, water): 2,100 NT$
● Phone & Internet : 800 NT$
● Food: 5,000 NT$
● Insurance: 900 NT$
● Remaining disposable income: 51,200 NT$ (around $1,600 USD).

How Much You Can Save When Teaching English in Taiwan

As you can see from the sample budget above, the added benefits and high salaries in Taiwan make
it possible to save a substantial amount of money from your monthly paycheck. Teachers in Taiwan
can save up to $1,000 USD per month depending on their lifestyle.

Page 96
TEFL
Budget Guides
Teaching English In Hong Kong
The Salary and Budget Guide

This guide will help you answer the question: How much can I earn
(and save) teaching English in Hong Kong? You’ll also find
information on the local cost of living in order to figure out how
much to budget for when making the move to Hong Kong.

The Typical Salary for English Teachers in Hong Kong

Most teachers in Hong Kong either work for private language schools or state-run, public schools
under ​the NET scheme​. Under this program, teachers work in either primary or secondary level
schools across the entire territory. The goal of the NET scheme is to promote innovation in teaching
practice and to provide an authentic classroom environment for local students. The salary and
benefit packages under the NET scheme are very generous and slightly higher compared to private
language schools. This scheme is also very competitive and the requirements don’t allow everyone
to apply.

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Besides private and public schools, English teachers are also
hired to teach at universities and international schools in
Hong Kong - but positions aren’t as plentiful.

Due to the high salaries and excellent benefits that these


positions offer, requirements are high and competition is
fierce.

Here is more information on the average salaries per school type:

Other Benefits to Expect When Teaching English in Hong Kong

Teachers who are recruited through the NET scheme will receive several extra benefits such as
assistance finding suitable accommodation, a housing allowance of around HKD 20,000 per month,
paid round-trip airfare from your home country (including up to four family members), a relocation
allowance to assist with the transport costs of personal belongings, and a stipend for medical
insurance coverage. If you don’t work through ​the NET scheme​, a lot of employers still provide
roundtrip airfare, and housing allowing.

How to Earn Extra Cash While Teaching English in Hong Kong

Many teachers working in Hong Kong top up their income by taking on private students in their free
time. Rates can range from about HK$150 to HK$200 per hour, with each class lasting for 60 to 75
minutes. Students typically attend at least one extra class per subject each week.

The Cost of Living in Hong Kong comfortable lifestyle. Eating

According to Forbes, Hong Kong has the fourth highest cost of living in the world. However, foreign
teachers working in Hong Kong make a high enough salary to still live a
out at local restaurants and markets is quite affordable, as is transportation around the territory.

Let’s break down the cost of living in Hong Kong for individual areas below.

Cost of Living in Hong Kong: Food

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If you avoid high-end restaurants and places that
specifically cater to foreigners, eating out and purchasing
food in Hong Kong doesn’t eat a large hole in your pockets.

● Milk (1L) : 23 HK$


● Eggs (12) : 27 HK$
● Apples (1kg) : 27 HK$
● Chicken breast (1kg) : 79 HK$
● Rice (1kg) : 17 HK$
● Bottle of water (1.5L) : 7.50 HK$
● Bottle of domestic beer (.5L) : 15 HK$

Cost of Living in Hong Kong: Leisure Activities

Despite its rather small size, there is a lot to do in Hong Kong. Made up of several bigger and
smaller islands, you can explore each and every territory via the convenient metro system. On top of
that, Hong Kong Disneyland is another great destination for young and old alike!

● Three-course mid-range restaurant dinner: 360 HK$


● Quick restaurant meal of rice or noodles: 35 HK$
● Steamed buns, a common street food: 15 HK$
● 1-month fitness club membership: 625 HK$
● Movie ticket, international release: 100 HK$
● Day pass for Hong Kong Disneyland: 619 HK$

Cost of Living in Hong Kong: Transportation

The metro system in Hong Kong is one of the most advanced and best connected in the world.

● Metro ride: 10 HK$


● Monthly pass (regular price): 500 HK$
● Taxi rate per km: 8.50 HK$ (start fare ~ 24 HK$)
● City bus: 10 HK$

Page 99
Cost of Living in Hong Kong:
Travel in Hong Kong and Beyond

As mentioned, Hong Kong is filled with lots of exciting attractions, both modern and traditional.
Whether you like to stay within the territory or cross the border and head to mainland China,
neighboring Macau or other places in the vicinity, Hong Kong is a great place to be based.

● 1 night in a mid-range hotel: 600 HK$


● High-speed train, Hong Kong to Guangzhou (50 mins): 390 HK$
● Flight, Hong Kong to Taipei, ​Taiwan​ (2 hours): 800 HK$
● Ferry to Macau (1 hour): 411 HK$

Sample Monthly Teacher Budget

To give you an example of how an English teacher in Hong Kong spends their salary, here is a
sample monthly budget:

● Gross income (salary) : 25,000 HK$ (approx. $3,200 USD) + 20,000 HK$ housing allowance
● Rent (1-bedroom apartment in city center): 18,800 HK$
● Utilities (electricity, gas, water): 1,400 HK$
● Phone & Internet : 300 HK$
● Food: 3,000 HK$
● Insurance: 400 HK$
● Remaining disposable income: 19,000 HK$ (around $2,400 USD).

How Much You Can Save When Teaching English in Hong Kong

As you can see from the sample budget above, the added benefits and high salaries in Hong Kong
make it possible to save a substantial amount of money from your monthly paycheck. Teachers in
Hong Kong can typically save between $500 and $1,500 USD per month depending on their
lifestyle.

Page 100
TEFL
Budget Guides
Teaching English In Czech
Republic
The Salary and Budget Guide

This guide will help you answer the question: How much can I
earn (and save) teaching English in the Czech Republic?
You’ll also find information on the local cost of living in order to
figure out how much to budget for when making the move to
the Czech Republic.

The Typical Salary for English Teachers in the Czech Republic

Because of the huge demand for TEFL qualified teachers across the Czech Republic, the average
salary can be anywhere from 18,000 to 30,000 CZK (currently US$700 to $1,200) per month.
However, a lot of private language centers prefer to pay by the hour and it is common practice for
teachers to work at more than one institute in order to make up a full-time schedule. English
teachers in the Czech Republic working on an hourly rate make around 200 to 300 CZK ($8 to $12)
per hour.

Here is more information on the ​average salaries​ per school type:

Page 101
How to Earn Extra Cash While Teaching
English in the Czech Republic
Many teachers in the country take advantage of the high demand for
private language tutors​. By taking on private students in their free time, teachers can earn extra
money outside of normal working hours. The rate for private lessons will usually depend on your
experience, but is typically from 300 to 500 CZK ($12 to $20) per hour.

Getting a Work Visa in the Czech Republic

The Czech Republic is a popular teaching destination in Europe for teachers from outside the EU as
it is possible for non-EU citizens to obtain a long-term work visa to teach legally in the country. For
more information on how to get a work visa for the Czech Republic, read ​our guide​.

The Cost of Living in the Czech Republic

Besides the strong demand for TEFL qualified teachers, the Czech Republic also attracts English
teachers because of the relatively low cost of living. Routine expenses such as groceries and public
transport are a lot cheaper than you will find in Western European countries, such as France, Italy or
Spain.

Cost of Living in the Czech Republic: Food


If you eat out at local restaurants and buy your produce at local markets, you will be able to eat very
cheaply in the Czech Republic.

● Milk (1L) : 19 CZK


● Eggs (12) : 50 CZK
● Apples (1kg) : 35 CZK
● Chicken breast (1kg) : 145 CZK
● Rice (1kg) : 35 CZK

Page 102
● Bottle of water (1.5L) : 24 CZK
● Bottle of Czech beer (.5L) : 36 CZK

Cost of Living in the Czech Republic: Leisure Activities

Czechs like to hang out with friends and enjoy their free time. When teaching English in the Czech
Republic, you can be sure to have a great time outside of the classroom, while exploring this
wonderful country and culture to the fullest.

● Three-course mid-range restaurant dinner: 750 CZK


● Quick restaurant meal: 140 CZK
● 1-month fitness club membership: 770 CZK
● Movie ticket, international release: 180 CZK

Cost of Living in the Czech Republic: Transportation

Large cities have a fast subway network and the whole country is very well connected via trains and
buses. Taxi rides are also not as expensive as in Western European countries.

● Metro ride: 24 CZK


● Monthly pass (regular price): 550 CZK
● Taxi rate per km: 26 CZK (start fare ~ 40 CZK)
● City bus: 24 CZK

Cost of Living in the Czech Republic: Travel in the Czech Republic and Beyond

The Czech Republic is world-famous for its beautiful landscape and scenery and you should
definitely take advantage of the low price of train tickets to explore the country.

● 1 night in a mid-range hotel: 1,000 CZK


● Train from Prague to Brno (2.5 hours): 109 CZK
● Train from Prague to Vienna (4 hours): 750 CZK

Page 103
Sample Monthly Teacher Budget

To give you an example of how an English teacher in


the Czech Republic spends their salary, here is a
sample monthly budget:

● Gross income (salary) : 25,000 CZK (average)


● Rent (shared or one-bedroom): 8,500 CZK
● Utilities (electricity, gas, water): 4,200 CZK
● Phone & Internet: 480 CZK
● Food: 3,000 CZK
● Insurance: 500 CZK
● Remaining disposable income: 8,320 CZK (currently $370 USD)

How Much You Can Save When Teaching English in the Czech Republic

As you can see from the sample budget above, you will be left with approximately $370 USD after
the average expenses. This amount varies, of course, depending on your salary and location.
However, it is true that you won’t be able to save as much while teaching English in the Czech
Republic, compared to places in Asia, for example, where the salaries are generally higher and the
cost of living even lower. However, you will still have the time of your life when teaching English in
the Czech Republic because of its welcoming culture and exciting things to see and do.

Page 104
TEFL
Budget Guides
Teaching English In Italy
The Salary and Budget Guide

This guide will help you answer the question: How much can I
earn (and save) teaching English in Italy?

You’ll also find information on the local cost of living in order to


figure out how much to budget for when making the move to
Italy.

The Typical Salary for English Teachers in Italy

The typical salary for English language teachers in Italy varies considerably depending on the
employer and the location. Therefore, you can expect to earn in the region of 1,000 to 1,500 EUR
per month. It’s also important to note that salaries in the northern cities, such as Rome and Milan,
pay the most, while you may earn less in the south of the country. Teachers with a TEFL
qualification and experience have a good chance of earning the higher end of the scale, while those
without a TEFL certification are likely to earn less.

Here is more information on the ​average salaries in Italy​ per school type:

Page 105
How to Earn Extra Cash While Teaching English in Italy

Many teachers living and working in Italy take advantage of the


high demand for p
​ rivate language tutors​. By taking on private
students in their free time, teachers can earn extra money outside of
normal working hours. Rates for private tutoring range from 15 to 30 EUR per hour.

Getting a Work Visa in Italy

While it is often quite difficult for teachers from outside the EU to obtain a long-term work visa to
teach legally in the country, there is a relatively easy way to teach legally in Italy. For more
information on how to get a work visa for Italy, ​read our guide​.

The Cost of Living in Italy


While there is a strong demand for T
​ EFL certified​ teachers in Italy, the cost of living often keeps
people from moving there. Expenses for groceries and transportation are higher in Italy than
destinations in Eastern Europe, such as the Czech Republic. However, you can still make a
comfortable living teaching English in Italy.

Cost of Living in Italy: Food

The local cost of living in Italy is higher compared to locations in Eastern Europe but if you purchase
your groceries at local markets and avoid eating out at touristy areas, you can save on your monthly
expenses.

● Milk (1L) : 1.16 €


● Eggs (12) : 2.92 €
● Apples (1kg) : 1.77 €
● Chicken breast (1kg) : 8.63 €
● Rice (1kg) : 1.90 €
● Bottle of water (1.5L) : 0.40 €
● Bottle of domestic beer (.5L) : 1 €

Cost of Living in Italy: Leisure Activities

Italians love to spend time outside. Eating out with friends, sitting in cafes or bar hopping are
amongst the most popular leisure activities in Italy.

● Three-course mid-range restaurant dinner: 55 € Page 106


● Quick restaurant meal: 15 €
● 1-month fitness club membership: 50 €
● Movie ticket, international release: 8 €

Cost of Living in Italy: Transportation

Large cities have a fast subway network and the whole country is very well connected via trains and
buses. Taxi rates are quite high in large cities.

● Metro ride: 1.50 €


● Monthly pass (regular price): 35 €
● Taxi rate per km: 1.30 € (start fare ~ 4 €)
● City bus: 1.50 €

Cost of Living in Italy: Travel in Italy and Beyond

Italy is home to some of Europe's most famous places of interest, including Rome, the Vatican, Pisa,
Milan, Venice, and Florence, just to name a few. You can easily travel around the country via train.
You can also easily travel to other European cities by train or plane from Italy.

● 1 night in a mid-range hotel: 50 €


● Train from Rome to Venice (3.5 hours): 35 €
● Flight from Rome to Paris, roundtrip (2 hours): 80 €

Sample Monthly Teacher Budget

To give you an example of how an English teacher in Italy spends their salary, here is a sample
monthly budget:

● Gross income (salary) : 1,600 € (average)


● Rent (shared or one-bedroom): 670 €
● Utilities (electricity, gas, water): 120 €
● Phone & Internet: 27 €
● Food: 150 €
● Insurance: 30 €
● Remaining disposable income: 603 € (currently $684 USD)

Page 107
How Much You Can Save When Teaching English in Italy

As you can see from the sample budget above, you will be left
with approximately $684 USD after the average expenses.
This amount varies, of course, depending on your salary and location.
However, it is true that you won’t be able to save as much while teaching English in Italy,
compared to places in Asia, for example, where the salaries are generally higher and the cost of
living considerably lower. However, you will still have the time of your life when teaching English in
Italy because of its vibrant culture and exciting things to see and do.

Page 108
TEFL
Budget Guides
Teaching English In France
The Salary and Budget Guide

This guide will help you answer the question: How much can I earn
(and save) teaching English in France?

You’ll also find information on the local cost of living in order to


figure out how much to budget for when making the move to
France.

The Typical Salary for English Teachers in France

The figure you can expect to earn as an ESL teacher in France


will vary considerably depending on your qualifications and
experience, the location, and the type of employer. For most
teachers, a figure between 1,000 and 2,000 EUR per month would
be typical. Unfortunately, teaching contracts in France don’t
usually include any additional benefits and teachers will have to
pay for their airfares and accommodation out of their own pocket.
However, teachers do receive health insurance and some paid
holiday.

Page 109
Here is more information on the ​average salaries in
France​ per school type:

How to Earn Extra Cash While Teaching English in France

A great way to supplement your income when teaching English in France is to take on private
students in your spare time. Rates for ​private tutoring​ range from 15 to 25 EUR per hour.

Getting a Work Visa in France

While it is often quite difficult for teachers from outside the EU to obtain a long-term work visa to
teach legally in the country, there is a relatively easy way to teach legally in France. For more
information on how to get a work visa for France, ​read our guide​.

The Cost of Living in France

France is an incredibly popular destination for teaching English abroad and there is a strong demand
for ​TEFL certified​teachers. However, the high cost of living often deters teachers from moving to
France as expenses for food, rent and transportation are considerably higher in Western Europe
than destinations in the eastern part of the continent, such as the Czech Republic, for instance.
Nevertheless, if you budget right and take on a couple of private students in your free time, you can
still make a comfortable living.

Cost of Living in France: Food

The local cost of living in France is higher compared to locations in Eastern Europe, but if you do
your shopping at local markets and avoid eating out at touristy areas, you can save on your monthly
expenses.

● Milk (1L) : 1.30 €


● Eggs (12) : 3.20 €
● Apples (1kg) : 2.80 €
● Chicken breast (1kg) : 11 €
● Rice (1kg) : 2 €
● Bottle of water (1.5L) : 0.90 €

● Bottle of domestic beer (.5L) : 6 €


Page 110
Cost of Living in France: Leisure Activities

The people of France love spending time outside and hanging out with friends. Considering the
world-famous savoir-vivre culture in France, there are most certainly limitless ways to enjoy yourself
and have a good time while teaching English in France.

● Three-course mid-range restaurant dinner: 55 €


● Quick restaurant meal: 15 €
● 1-month fitness club membership: 47 €
● Movie ticket, international release: 11 €

Cost of Living in France: Transportation

Large cities have a fast subway network and the whole country is very well connected via trains and
buses. Taxi rates are quite high in large cities.

● Metro ride: 1.90 €


● Monthly pass (regular price): 75 €
● Taxi rate per km: 1.30 € (start fare ~ 5 €)
● City bus: 1.90 €

Cost of Living in France: Travel around France and Beyond

France is home to some of the most exciting tourist destinations in Europe and the whole world.
From the capital Paris with its world-famous museums to Nice on the French Riveria and the wine
capital of the world Bordeaux - France is full of amazing places to see!

● 1 night in a mid-range hotel: 70 €


● Train from Paris to Nice (5.5 hours): 55 €
● Flight from Paris to London, roundtrip (1 hour): 80 €

Page 111
Sample Monthly Teacher Budget

To give you an example of how an English teacher in France spends their salary, here is a sample
monthly budget:

● Gross income (salary) : 1,500 € (average)


● Rent (shared or one-bedroom): 870 €
● Utilities (electricity, gas, water): 150 €
● Phone & Internet: 28 €
● Food: 250 €
● Insurance: 30 €
● Remaining disposable income: 172€ (currently $193 USD)

How Much You Can Save When Teaching English in France

As you can see from the sample budget above, you will be left with approximately $193 USD after
the average expenses. This amount varies, of course, depending on your salary, location and
personal lifestyle. However, it is true that you won’t be able to save as much while teaching English
in France, compared to places in Asia, for example, where the salaries are generally higher and the
cost of living considerably lower. However, you will still have the time of your life when teaching
English in France because of its vibrant culture and exciting things to see and do.

Page 112
TEFL
Budget Guides
Teaching English In Spain
The Salary and Budget Guide

This guide will help you answer the question: How much can
I earn (and save) teaching English in Spain?

You’ll also find information on the local cost of living in order


to figure out how much to budget for when making the move
to Spain.

The Typical Salary for English Teachers in Spain

Spain is one of the most visited countries in the world and has a large tourism industry. Because of
this, the demand for TEFL qualified English language teachers is very high all across the nation.
Most teachers find jobs in private language schools but positions can also be found in public schools
through government-sponsored programs. You will find most available positions in large cities, such
as Madrid, Barcelona, and Valencia, but opportunities can be found all over the country. The typical
salary for English teachers in Spain starts at around 700 EUR per month, rising to 1,800 EUR for
higher-end positions.

Here is more information on the ​average salaries in Spain​ per school type:

Page 113
How to Earn Extra Cash While Teaching English in Spain

Since teacher salaries in Spain aren’t among the highest in the world, many teachers supplement
their income by taking on private students in their free time. Rates for ​private tutoring​ range between
18 and 22 EUR per hour.

Getting a Work Visa in Spain

While it can often be a challenge for teachers from outside the EU to obtain a long-term work visa to
teach legally in the country, there is a relatively easy way to teach legally in Spain. For more
information on how to get a work visa for Spain, ​read our guide​.

The Cost of Living in Spain

Spain is an incredibly popular destination for teaching English abroad and there is a strong demand
for ​TEFL certified​teachers. However, salaries aren’t high, which often deters teachers from moving
there. On the plus side, living expenses are usually lower than in some other European destinations,
such as Italy or France. Therefore, you can still live comfortably when teaching English in Spain.

Cost of Living in Spain: Food

If you avoid eating in areas catered to foreigners and tourists, you will be able to save a lot of money
on food while living in Spain. Shopping at local markets will also help your budget.

● Milk (1L) : 0.80 €


● Eggs (12) : 1.60 €
● Apples (1kg) : 1.60 €
● Chicken breast (1kg) : 5.70 €
● Rice (1kg) : 1 €
● Bottle of water (1.5L) : 0.60 €
● Bottle of domestic beer (.5L) : 2.20 €

Page 114
Cost of Living in Spain: Leisure Activities

Spain is a country rich in natural scenery. You can go skiing,


hiking, swimming in the ocean, surfing or sampling your way
through the country's rich wine culture! There is so much to
see and do and people love to enjoy life to the fullest.

● Three-course mid-range restaurant dinner: 35 €


● Quick restaurant meal: 10 €
● 1-month fitness club membership: 35 €
● Movie ticket, international release: 8 €

Cost of Living in Spain: Transportation

Most large cities in Spain are equipped with a well-connected subway system. Trains and buses also
connect the country's large and smaller towns with one another.

● Metro ride: 1.40 €


● Monthly pass (regular price): 45 €
● Taxi rate per km: 1.05 € (start fare ~ 3 €)
● City bus: 1.40 €

Cost of Living in Spain: Travel around Spain and Beyond

Every region in Spain is unique and offers its own cultural heritage. From food, architecture, and art,
you will never run out of things to see and do while teaching English in Spain.

● 1 night in a mid-range hotel: 50 €


● Train from Madrid to Barcelona (3 hours): 65 €
● Flight from Madrid to Paris, roundtrip (2 hours): 55 €

Sample Monthly Teacher Budget

To give you an example of how an English teacher in Spain spends their salary, here is a sample
monthly budget:

● Gross income (salary) : 1,300 € (average)


● Rent (shared or one-bedroom): 500 €

Page 115
● Utilities (electricity, gas, water): 115 €
● Phone & Internet: 40 €
● Food: 150 €
● Insurance: 20 €
● Remaining disposable income: 475 € (currently $540 USD)

How Much You Can Save When Teaching English in Spain

As you can see from the sample budget above, you will be left with approximately $540 USD after
the average expenses when teaching English in Spain. Of course, this amount varies depending on
your salary, location and personal lifestyle. While it’s true that you won’t be able to save as much
compared to places in Asia, for example, where the salaries are generally higher and the cost of
living considerably lower, you will still have the time of your life when teaching English in Spain!

Page 116
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