If you’re wondering where you can teach English with a TESOL certificate, you’ve come to the right place! TESOL jobs are versatile and can be found in a variety of different countries, including those that are predominantly English speaking. And the great thing about TESOL is that it prepares you for a career teaching at home or abroad!
You’ll feel confident in front of any classroom!
There are also many program and course options to choose from, although most likely you’ll want to choose a course over 100 hours in length (like the 120-hour course offered by the International Open Academy!). TESOL certificate programs of 100+ hours will set you well on your way to achieving your teaching goals!
How to get TESOL certification
The most popular—and, in many cases, easiest—way to get TESOL certification is through an online program, but there are in-person courses available as well.
When researching how to get TESOL qualification, you’ll probably find that most prerequisites include a bachelor’s degree, but you can check with the provider you choose in terms of their unique eligibility requirements. Plus, depending on your goals, it may help to do additional research to find out whether TEFL, TESL, or TESOL is the right certification for you.
On that note, it’s important to know the differences between TESOL and TEFL certifications before you sign up for either one. A TEFL certificate is primarily for teaching English in non-native English speaking countries, while a TESOL certificate is a better choice for those who may want to teach English in both non-native AND/OR native English speaking countries.
If you’re thinking of pursuing a longer career teaching English, and may want to teach in your home country before or after teaching abroad, a TESOL certificate is the best option for you. Consider a TESOL certification course with experienced instructors, great reviews, and resources available to help you secure a teaching position after your course is completed.
Where is TESOL accepted?
Where in the world will your TESOL qualification take you?
The good news? Countries that accept TESOL certification can be found all around the world! The even better news? TESOL certification doesn’t expire, and you’ll be able to explore the world as an English language teacher for as long as you have a sense of adventure and a passion for teaching! Here are 11 countries where you can teach with a TESOL certificate:
1. Canada
With a TESOL certificate you’ll be able to teach English in many countries, including those where English is natively spoken. Canada is one such country, offering opportunities ranging from teaching assistants to private tutors. Most positions prefer to see some teaching experience on your resume, but it is not always required.
The second official language of Canada is French, so there may be unique opportunities to teach both languages in places as fascinating and inspiring as Quebec City and Montreal! From Toronto to Vancouver, Canada is not only an incredible place to teach, but a wonderful place to live.
2. China
TESOL and TEFL certificate holders alike have long been drawn to China, compelled by the plethora of teaching jobs that usually pay quite well, unique culture and lifestyle, and low cost of living. You could be teaching in the exciting cities of Beijing or Shanghai, or choose the more low key countryside and rural towns.
The thing is, you’ll have your pick of teaching jobs, as English language teachers are so sought after! Take your time applying and choosing the position that is the best fit for you.
3. United States
Qualified ESL teachers are in demand in the United States, and TESOL jobs are on the rise, especially in public schools and adult language classes. Requirements vary by state, but most require a bachelors, and sometimes masters, degree in addition to a TESOL certificate.
Areas with larger immigrant and refugee populations have a greater need for ESL teachers. If you’re currently in the U.S., this may be a great option to explore, but it’s also an option for TESOL certificate holders who may wish to teach abroad, and then continue their teaching career after returning stateside.
4. Japan
Don’t let the language barrier scare you—teaching in Japan is 100% worth it.
TESOL certification provides classroom experience and confidence, which you’ll be sure to put to good use in Japan! Like China, there are a multitude of teaching opportunities for TESOL certificate holders. Native English speaking teachers are in high demand, and often teachers are provided with free Japanese lessons as well!
5. South Korea
If you’re worried about the size of your paycheck as a TESOL certified educator, fear not! South Korea is one of the countries that accept TESOL certification that also offer competitive compensation. Salaries often include other benefits like free accommodation. Learn more about the benefits of accepting a TESOL job in South Korea!
6. Costa Rica
Pura Vida! This Costa Rican saying meaning “pure life” defines the culture and people you can expect to encounter during your TESOL teaching experience in this stunningly beautiful country. If you’re looking for a more laid back (but still exciting), tropical adventure, look no further than Costa Rica.
You’ll also be making a real difference in a still-developing country that relies on tourism (and therefore English) to maintain a stable economy. Passionate about the environment and conservation? Costa Rica has pioneered eco-tourism and is a hub for environmental research; volunteer in your free time or incorporate it into your lesson plans!
7. Spain
Spain is one of the most attractive countries that accept TESOL certification! TESOL jobs are easy to come by in Spain, either in the large cities of Madrid and Barcelona, or the smaller towns of Salamanca or Andalucia.
While you may not need a degree in addition to your TESOL certification to land a position, you may need to be eligible to work in the European Union. You’ll also need to embrace the Spanish lifestyle, complete with tapas and mid-afternoon siestas!
8. Czech Republic
The Czech Republic has become incredibly popular for foreign teachers. (Can you see why?)
If you’re looking for a TESOL job in a country with a large expat community, Prague, capital of the Czech Republic, may be the place for you! From good beer to a picturesque background, this is a great choice for teaching English abroad. Find out what else to know before you teach abroad in the Czech Republic!
9. United Arab Emirates
The United Arab Emirates may not be the first country you think of when dreaming of teaching abroad, but the substantial pay and career-making positions available make it worth considering. Although eligibility requirements for teachers may be strict, teaching English in Dubai and Abu Dhabi is one of the top paying jobs in the UAE.
10. Thailand
The stunning natural wonders, exotic and delicious food, and welcoming culture make Thailand an excellent choice for TESOL job seekers! Cost of living is low, and there is a great exchange rate, which makes living and teaching in Thailand worth the potentially long flight to get there!
For those just starting their teaching career, qualifications are more easily attainable in Thailand, and you should be able to find a job quickly and quite easily. If you want to see more of the world while using your TESOL certification, Thailand (and the next country we’ll cover) would be an excellent place to start.
11. Taiwan
Taiwan will soon be THE destination for teachers of English as a second language. There is a high standard of living, great public transportation, plenty of jobs (which you are pretty much guaranteed as long as you have a degree and a TESOL certification), and plenty of accessible things to do with your free time! It’s also a great place to study the Chinese language and pursue your future career goals.
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Get out there, see the world...and maybe make some money too!
You’re passionate, inspired, and ready to start your teaching journey. Opportunities abound—TESOL jobs are many and global, allowing you the freedom to teach close to home, or a world away!
Whether you’ve already achieved a TESOL certification, or were still on the fence regarding which certification to choose, you now know how many doors (and borders) a TESOL certificate can open for you.
Whichever country, continent, or school you choose, know you are making a difference in creating a more connected, and therefore peaceful, world.
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This article was written with help from International Open Academy. International Open Academy offers accessible online TESOL courses, but their catalogue had expanded to include dozens of other topics and foci. To date, they have educated more than 400,000 people across 140 countries.
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