Other Asia

The Asian region as a whole is certainly one of the biggest markets for EFL teachers due to the vast numbers of available jobs, as well as the variety of cultures and lifestyles it provides. Countries such as Japan and South Korea have been popular for many years, while China is now one of the fastest growing markets in the industry. The South East Asian region is also very popular, with countries such as Thailand, Indonesia and Vietnam offering a wide variety of job opportunities. However, there are also many other parts of Asia that are less well known in the industry but still offer plenty of options.

The South Asia region is often overlooked but it offers plenty of good opportunities due to the vast populations that live there. Countries such as India, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh have a great deal to offer and are certainly worth considering. Other areas that have plenty of opportunities for paid and volunteer EFL jobs are Mongolia, Armenia and several of the former Soviet states such as Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan.

How to Find a TEFL Job in Asia

One common way to secure a TEFL job in the Asian region is through a recruiting firm that can arrange employment for teachers from all over the world. This is a particularly popular method as it means you can have everything arranged for you, without having to be in the area. While this can often be a smooth process, it is certainly advisable to thoroughly research the recruitment company that you deal with, as well as any potential employers that you are offered. It is not uncommon for these companies to simply hire teachers without actually knowing what specific jobs they will be given until they arrive in the country. To avoid this scenario, you should make sure you receive an actual contract from a specific school before you agree to anything.

The other common method of finding TEFL jobs in Asia is to simply travel to your country of choice and start your job search once you arrive. This is often the best approach as you will have a wider choice of positions and you also get to meet your employer and visit the work place before you have to commit to anything.

Job Expectations in Asia

EFL teacher’s salaries and working conditions do vary considerably across the Asian region. Factors such as the country you are working in, the individual employer, the type of work, as well as your own qualifications and experience will all play a part in determining the overall package on offer. However, if you are looking for the freedom to choose your own working hours you will find plenty of scope for freelance work in Asia, while universities are often the best employers if you are looking for a higher salary and assistance with work permits and other official paperwork.

In some countries you might find that the demand for EFL teachers is so high that simply being a native English speaker is all the qualification you will need to secure a teaching position. However, it is normally the case that the better paid jobs will require an internationally recognized TEFL certificate.