Start planning your international teaching career today: our guide will help you take your first steps confidently and without unnecessary stress. Find out which countries will need teachers the most in 2025, what requirements and certification are needed, what visa routes exist, and what salary you can realistically expect to earn

Order a consultation with a migration specialist to avoid unpleasant situations during the move

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2025 has brought new prospects and at the same time new challenges for teachers who want to work abroad. After a wave of changes related to the pandemic and the transition of many courses online, the job market for teachers and tutors has revived again: traditional areas maintain demand, emerging markets appear, and online platforms remain an important source of income and opportunities.

This article is a practical guide for those looking for a teaching job abroad in 2025: an overview of the markets, the most popular countries and formats, requirements and certification, visa nuances, real salary figures, as well as a step-by-step checklist for applying and moving.

Job market overview for international teachers in 2025

In 2025, the job market for teachers abroad demonstrates a combination of stability and new opportunities. The demand for English teachers (especially native speakers or those with a high level of English proficiency) remains high in traditional destinations – Asia, the Middle East, as well as in countries that are developing English-language education as part of international standards.

At the same time, emerging markets are emerging – countries that were not previously the first choice, but now attract teachers due to lower living costs, more liberal visa conditions and more flexible work formats. These are Latin America, where private schools and language centers are looking for teachers, often with the possibility of combining with private lessons; Southeast Asia – Thailand, Vietnam, Taiwan; Europe – countries that accept international teachers to international schools or English language programs.

Another important trend is the growing role of online learning and hybrid formats. In 2025, many teachers are combining offline contracts with online lessons, which allows them to increase their income and expand their student audience.

Which countries have the highest demand for international teachers in 2025-2026?

If you are considering a career as an international teacher, we recommend that you pay attention to the following countries:

Traditional leaders

- South Korea - private language schools (hagwon) and public schools continue to hire foreigners to teach English.

Requirements: Bachelor's degree, TEFL/TESOL certificate, clean criminal record, work permit (E-2 visa or other).

Advantages: Schools often provide housing or provide compensation for housing expenses.

- Japan - teachers are sought through JET programs, international schools and private centers. There is a growing demand for teachers who can work with children preparing for international exams or use CLIL methodologies. It is important to be able to work in a multicultural environment.

- China - After regulatory changes that limited private tutoring, the market is adapting. Some provinces have strict conditions for private language centers, but international and public schools are still actively looking for teachers. Conditions may vary depending on the region.

Promising and emerging markets

- Latin America - Colombia, Mexico, Argentina: English teachers in international schools or private centers; less bureaucracy and more flexibility in requirements, especially if you work privately or in a combined setting.

- Southeast Asia - Vietnam, Thailand, Taiwan: Living costs are lower, cultures are welcoming, and teachers of English for younger students or business English are often needed. This is a great option for those who want to gain experience.

- Middle East - UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia: high salaries, wide range of opportunities in international schools. Benefits often include housing, health insurance, airfare. But competition is high, requirements are serious.

What requirements must a teacher meet to get a job abroad?

In order to be eligible to teach abroad, an international teacher must meet the following requirements:

1. Bachelor's degree (bachelor's degree) - most offline contracts and international schools require this level of education.

2. TEFL/TESOL/CELTA (100-120+ hours with practice) - certification confirms that you know the methodology, have worked with a class, can plan lessons.

3. Teaching experience - not always required, but such specialists will have an advantage. Young teachers can start in centers or online.

4. Criminal check, apostille/notarized translation of documents - many countries require a security check, official recognition of the diploma.

Visas, Work Permits and Immigration Considerations for Teaching in 2025

Before applying for a job, be sure to check the visa requirements of a specific country – they change more often than job profiles. Key tips:

1. Start with a contract: many schools issue a work visa based on a signed contract – demand that the contract clearly states who pays for visa fees, transportation, and medical examination.

2. Certificate of no criminal record and apostille: standard requirements in most countries (often an apostille/notarized translation of the diploma is required).

3. Medical examination and insurance: in some countries (UAE) a medical examination is required to obtain a work visa; check if the school provides medical insurance.

Examples of Visa Pathways for International Teachers

Many countries offer separate visa paths for international professionals:

- South Korea: E-2 (for foreign language teachers) is the classic option; other types of visas exist. You can check the current requirements on the embassy/ministry website.

- UAE: School contracts often include sponsorship and a work visa; the application process may include a medical examination and background checks.

The Golden Visa for Teachers in Dubai is a long-term residence permit that allows qualified teachers to live and work in the country. We have already told you who is eligible for the visa and what is the procedure for obtaining the permit.

- United Kingdom: The government encourages international recruitment to address the teacher shortage. If you are a foreigner and want to teach in England, you usually need a Skilled Worker Visa.

Planning to teach abroad in 2025?

Visa procedures, apostille of diplomas, medical examinations and contract terms may vary from country to country. To avoid visa refusal or unnecessary expenses, it is worth contacting specialists.

Our migration lawyers will help:

- check your contract and visa requirements;

- prepare a complete package of documents;

- accompany you when applying for a visa or work permit;

- give individual advice taking into account the country you are going to.

Get professional advice and make your move as safe and comfortable as possible.

Salaries and working conditions of international teachers in 2025
What salary can teachers expect abroad?

- UAE - one of the highest compensation levels: from ~1,800 to 5,000 USD/month or more, depending on the school, experience and qualifications. Accommodation, flights, medical insurance are often included in the package.

- Asia (South Korea, Japan) – average or above average salary with good conditions (housing / housing allowance).

- Vietnam / Thailand – salaries are lower, but the cost of living is correspondingly lower; teachers often have the opportunity to give private lessons after their main job.

- Latin America – schools or language centers offer more modest pay, but also the opportunity to live in comfort, especially if living expenses are low.

Conditions that international teachers should check before employment

1. Does the school provide housing and does it compensate for expenses.

2. Is health insurance provided, possibly - air tickets for relocation.

3. Duration of the contract, vacation conditions, overtime fees.

4. Conditions for terminating the contract, who covers the costs if the contract is terminated early.

Online learning and hybrid formats

Online platforms will remain an important way to earn and enter the profession in 2025. Popular services (Preply, Italki, Cambly, VIPKid/similar) have different payment models: marketplace platforms (private tutors set their own prices) and companies with fixed fees and bonuses.

Rates vary greatly: basic hours start at ~7–10 USD with some companies and can increase to 20+ USD for experienced tutors with high ratings and specialization. Online is a great option for part-time work or combining with an offline contract.

Tips for online success for international teachers:

1. Invest in a quality camera/headphones + stable internet.

2. Clear profile with video demonstration of the lesson and reviews.

3. The right niche (business English, exam preparation, young learners) increases the price of lessons.

Where can international teachers look for work?

- Job boards/portals: international resources (TeachAway, GoAbroad, GoOverseas), local language centers, teacher forums.

- LinkedIn and other professional networks: it is important to have an up-to-date profile, the opportunity to demonstrate experience, contact schools directly.

- Official government programs/international schools: check the websites of embassies, ministries of education, international schools.

- Job fairs/education exhibitions: personal contact can speed up the process.

What to pay attention to before signing a contract?

Before signing a contract, check:

1. Payment terms and parts of the package: salary, benefits (housing, airfare, insurance).

2. Vacation and sick leave.

3. Conditions for terminating the contract, who bears the costs in case of early dismissal-for-relocation

4. Schedule and workload: is there a requirement to work overtime, are there additional activities (educational work, clubs, tutoring)

Practical advice for different categories of teachers

1. If you are a beginner:

- Start with online platforms or language centers.

- Take a TEFL/TESOL course with practice.

- Collect a portfolio, demo lesson.

2. If you are experienced

- Look for international schools with higher requirements and better conditions.

- Specialize in a certain niche (exam prep, international programs, business English).

- Develop professional skills, certification.

3. For Digital Nomads

- Check visa restrictions for remote work

- Take out separate travel/medical insurance

- Consider combining short-term contracts with remote teaching practice.

Want to work remotely and travel the world? Our guide will help you easily apply for a digital nomad visa to any country. Inside you will find:

- Step-by-step instructions for applying

- Rules for filling out the application form

- Requirements and criteria for obtaining a visa

- A complete list of required documents

- Information on visa fees and processing times

An explanation of the main advantages of living and working as a digital nomad

Take your first step towards freedom and working without borders!

In 2025, there will be more opportunities for teachers looking for work abroad than it seemed a few years ago. If you prepare properly, choose a good country, get certified, and be prepared for the working conditions, you can not only get a stable income, but also interesting life and professional experiences.

Photo – Freepik

Reminder! In 2025, countries around the world offer new opportunities for qualified specialists. Read here about the basic requirements for work visas and the 10 best destinations for employment abroad, including the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Germany, and others.