Job applications for the 2025 spring term are well underway, and as always we in Job Placement have been busy researching TEFL hot spots for teaching positions in the new year. Read on to explore our top 10 choices for where you should be applying to teach English abroad.
China
As the supply of teachers has remained relatively low, as compared to years past, schools in China are still offering very attractive benefits to attract educators, with salaries still at the highest levels they’ve ever been for English teachers. For this reason, China remains the number one choice we recommend for teachers looking to save money while working abroad. The free apartments, low cost of living, and positions available in every imaginable type of school across the country are all attractive factors to consider.
Positions are available at public and private elementary and secondary schools, English training centers for adults and all ages, and post-secondary institutions. As the application and visa process can be lengthy in the best of times, it is recommended to be applying about 4-6 months before your desired departure date. Many jobs typically begin after Chinese New Year, and employers will likely start considering candidates in April for potential fall term (August/September 2025) starting employment.
Quick Facts for China
China
Monthly Salary: 12,000-30,000 CNY
Accommodations: Usually included or allowance given
Airfare: Reimbursement (full or partial) usually given
Healthcare: Supplementary healthcare recommended
Holidays: Usually paid
For more information on teaching in China visit the Where You Can Teach section of our website.
South Korea
Despite being located directly south of the hermit kingdom, and experiencing some occasional political turmoil, the Republic of Korea holds it’s place near the top of the list for best TEFL markets in 2025. Wages for teachers new to Korea have held steady following the increases in 2023-2024, with some schools paying up to 2.7 million KRW/month for newcomers to Korea, and as high as 3 million KRW for those staying on in future contracts. Free apartments and at least one-way airfare remain standard benefits for English instructors and the savings potential is steady, especially considering the pension contributions refund and severance pay schools are required to offer when teachers leave the country after completing a full year contract (or several, for that matter).
Private language schools are currently conducting interviews for year-long contracts starting in the first term (February/March) of the 2025-2026 school year. Those interested in departing in the first quarter of 2025 should begin applying soon. The government’s flagship EPIK public school program is now interviewing for the February intake, while various provincial public school offices of education will continue interviewing for April, May, and June start dates in the coming months through designated recruiting agencies. The Job Placement Service has connections with employers hiring for the Chungcheongnam-do and Gyeongsangnam-do provincial offices of education and can assist Oxford Seminars TESOL/TESL/TEFL certificate graduates with questions about these public school programs. Those wishing to go to Korea for the start of the second term (August/September) should plan on interviewing between April and June.
Korea
Quick Facts for South Korea
Monthly Salary: 2,000,000-3,000,000 KRW
Accommodations: Usually included or allowance given
Airfare: Reimbursement (full or partial) usually given
Healthcare: Included
Holidays: Paid
For more information on teaching in South Korea visit the Where You Can Teach section of our website.
Vietnam
Vietnam continues to be one of the top destinations for English teachers looking to maximize their savings. From private language schools and preschools to public and international schools in cities like Dong Nai, Ha Noi, and Saigon, there’s a strong demand for qualified educators. Many employers offer highly competitive salaries—sometimes up to five times the average local wage—making it easy to save, especially with the country’s affordable cost of living. On top of that, schools often provide valuable benefits such as visa and work permit assistance, paid vacation, and even help with finding accommodation, sometimes rent-free.
To secure a position, we recommend applying 2-3 months in advance for private language schools, which offer yearlong contracts throughout the year. For those interested in teaching at elementary or secondary schools, contracts typically range from 9 to 12 months, beginning in August with the start of the Vietnamese school year. This is the perfect opportunity to live, teach, and save in one of Southeast Asia’s most vibrant and affordable countries.
Quick Facts for Vietnam
Vietnam
Monthly Salary: 28,000,000-68,000,000 VND
Accommodations: Sometimes included or allowance may be given
Airfare: Rarely included
Healthcare: Rarely included
Holidays: Paid
For more information on teaching in Vietnam visit the Where You Can Teach section of our website.
Japan
Japan remains one of the top destinations for English teachers in 2025, offering a wealth of opportunities across the country. With a consistently high demand for English educators, the private language school sector attracts students of all ages, from young children to business professionals and retirees eager to master the language. Many employers offer rent-subsidized apartments, making it easier to navigate Japan’s complex rental system, and often assist with enrolling in the country’s healthcare system. On top of that, you’ll enjoy paid vacation and contract completion bonuses—great perks to help you settle into life in Japan.
While the application and visa process can take some time, it’s best to start applying 4-6 months ahead of your ideal departure date. The Job Placement Service partners with respected private language schools and international schools in Japan, offering excellent opportunities for those with the right qualifications and experience. Don’t miss your chance to live and work in one of the most dynamic and rewarding TEFL markets in the world!
Quick Facts for Japan
Japan
Monthly Salary: 225,000-300,000 JPY
Accommodations: Sometimes included or allowance may be given
Airfare: Rarely included
Healthcare: Usually included
Holidays: Paid
For more information on teaching in Japan visit the Where You Can Teach section of our website.
Taiwan
Possibly one of the most overlooked teaching destinations in Asia, Taiwan offers a low cost of living and salaries comparable with South Korea, allowing this island nation to break into the Top 10 for 2025. Private language schools (buxibans) have been employing foreign English teachers for many decades, and the solid job numbers remain steady year over year. While public schools require teachers to have the state teaching license from their home country, the Oxford Seminars Job Placement Service also works with a very well-regarded K-12 private elementary and secondary school program that is able to consider candidates without a B.Ed who do have at least two years of relevant teaching experience and a degree in any field. Buxibans will typically consider those with at least a two-year college diploma or associate’s degree and TEFL certification, making it one of the most lucrative teaching markets, globally, for college diploma holders.
Applicants are encouraged to begin applying between 2-3 months before they’d like to depart for their new job at a private language school, or up to 6 months ahead for the private elementary/secondary school positions.
Quick Facts for Taiwan
Taiwan
Monthly Salary: 40,000-70,000 TWD
Accommodations: Sometimes included or allowance may be given
Airfare: Rarely included
Healthcare: Included
Holidays: Usually paid
For more information on teaching in Taiwan visit the Where You Can Teach section of our website.
Thailand
Thailand remains a top destination for teacher travelers seeking adventure, with its stunning tropical beaches, ancient temples, exotic wildlife, and world-renowned cuisine. The added bonus of shorter 1-term contracts (4-5 months) makes it an even more attractive option. Most English teaching roles are available in public and private elementary and secondary schools, where teachers enjoy paid vacation and assistance in finding nearby apartments—sometimes rent-free.
Those with a degree majoring in, and who are willing to teach, math and science in English can expect a salary boost. Currently, schools and recruiters in Thailand are interviewing for first-term 2025 positions starting in May, with recruitment for second-term (October) roles kicking off around mid-year. It’s the perfect time to start planning your next exciting teaching adventure in this vibrant, welcoming country!
Quick Facts for Thailand
Thailand
Monthly Salary: 30,000-50,000 THB
Accommodations: Sometimes included or allowance may be given
Airfare: Rarely included
Healthcare: Supplementary healthcare recommended
Holidays: Paid
For more information on teaching in Thailand visit the Where You Can Teach section of our website.
Italy
Since Brexit, there’s been growing speculation about whether non-European citizens will find it easier to enter the highly sought-after Western European teaching market. While change has been gradual, private language schools in Italy are increasingly hiring teachers without an EU passport due to a growing demand for ESL educators and a shortage of teachers with legal working rights in the EU. Though those with EU working rights still have a clear advantage, schools are now sponsoring work visas for UK nationals and hiring teachers with (or willing to obtain) a Working Holiday Visa for Italy. This gives young Canadians, along with EU passport holders, a strong edge in securing teaching positions. What’s even better for Canadians is that they can participate in the Working Holiday Visa program twice, allowing them to work in Italy for up to two years!
The majority of English teaching opportunities in Italy are found in the private language school sector, with dozens of schools posting job ads daily on popular TEFL job boards. Many schools hire throughout the year, with September and October being the peak hiring months. If you’re looking to teach in Italy, now is the perfect time to explore the opportunities available in this exciting and culturally rich country.
Quick Facts for Italy
Italy
Monthly Salary: 900 – 1,600 EUR
Accommodations: Rarely included
Airfare: Rarely included
Healthcare: Rarely included
Holidays: Sometimes paid
For more information on teaching in Italy visit the Where You Can Teach section of our website.
Colombia
The demand for English teachers in Colombia is booming as we head into 2025, with job opportunities available across a wide range of institutions. From early childhood education centers to elementary, middle, and high schools, as well as language training centers and businesses offering English courses to professionals, there’s no shortage of teaching positions. Highly qualified teachers specializing in subjects like math and science may even be offered perks like free housing, airfare, and exceptionally high salaries by Colombian standards—benefits that are rare in much of Latin America.
To secure a position, it’s recommended to apply 2-3 months in advance of your preferred start date. For those interested in teaching in K-12 settings, January/February or August/September are the prime start times. Colombia offers an exciting opportunity for teachers seeking adventure, competitive compensation, and a vibrant cultural experience. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this constantly growing teaching market.
Quick Facts for Colombia
Colombia
Monthly Salary: 2,000,000-12,600,000 COP
Accommodations: Sometimes included
Airfare: Sometimes included
Healthcare: Included
Holidays: Usually paid
For more information on teaching in Colombia visit the Where You Can Teach section of our website.
Costa Rica
Costa Rica’s reputation as a green nation, full of astounding rain forests, volcanoes, flora, and fauna, make it a popular place to explore. The abundance hybrid online/classroom teaching roles remains high, especially in the teaching business English sector. Salaries on offer are typically a bit higher than what’s available in other countries in the region, and schools usually assist with finding suitable accommodations.
Wages have remained high, by Costa Rican standards, since the increase seen in recent years. Most paying positions are with language schools focusing on business English for adult students, or general English for all ages, which hire as openings arise throughout the year. Teachers should plan to start applying about 2-3 months before they hope to arrive in the country.
Costa Rica
Quick Facts for Costa Rica
Monthly Salary: 370,000-750,000 CRC
Accommodations: Sometimes included or allowance may be given
Airfare: Rarely included
Healthcare: Supplementary healthcare recommended
Holidays: Usually paid
For more information on teaching in Costa Rica visit the Where You Can Teach section of our website.
Mexico
Mexico rounds out the top TEFL opportunities for 2025. Salaries do not typically compare to what’s on offer in many Asian nations, but the educational requirements are also lower, making Mexico a prime target for high school graduates or those looking to gain experience on shorter-term contracts. And with Mexico being just across the border, it’s a quick and relatively easy target for relocation, while visits home during the holidays are also affordable.
Language programs that hire foreign teachers typically assist with finding a suitable apartment, in line with their teachers’ wages, or provide free accommodations in some cases. Private language schools tend to hire new staff throughout the year, as positions open up, whereas elementary, secondary and post-secondary institutions typically bring in new teachers for the start of the school year in August.
Quick Facts for Mexico
Mexico
Monthly Salary: 5,000-20,000 MXN
Accommodations: Sometimes included or allowance may be given
Airfare: Rarely included
Healthcare: Rarely included
Holidays: Sometimes paid
For more information on teaching in Mexico visit the Where You Can Teach section of our website.
The Oxford Seminars Job Placement Service has numerous contacts in all of the listed locations, and specializes in assisting our graduates in submitting competitive applications. Get in touch with a Course Advisor at 1-888-225-2480 to learn more about TESOL/TESL/TEFL certification and Job Placement!
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