How to Choose the Right TESOL Program for You

With so many TESOL courses out there, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Which one helps you start teaching English? Which TESOL certificate is recognised in the countries you’re targeting? And how do you make sure the program fits your goals, schedule, and budget?

This guide is designed to give you clear answers before you enrol. You’ll learn how to compare course providers, explore real teaching opportunities, and find a path that helps you build your teaching skills and real classroom confidence.

We’ll also talk about how to gain teaching experience, where to find job opportunities, and what kind of work and lifestyle to expect from teaching English abroad or online.

Ready to figure it out? Let’s get started.

What to look for in a TESOL course

Look for a TESOL course that’s accredited, includes teaching practice, and offers job support. These are the basics that help you build real skills and feel ready to teach. The course should also match your time and learning style so you can complete it without stress.

Here’s more on what to look for in a TESOL program:

  • Global accreditation: Make sure a trusted educational institution or accrediting body like the British Council or TESL Canada recognises the program. Accreditation shows that the course meets set standards and is respected in many countries, especially where English teaching jobs are competitive.
  • Real teaching practice: A solid program includes teaching practice with real students. This might mean peer-teaching, virtual practice sessions, or a practicum at a local school. It helps you apply theory in real life and builds practical skills fast.
  • Job support and flexibility: Good course providers often include resume help, job interview training, and links to job boards. If you’re balancing work or family, check for part-time or online course formats you can complete in your own time.
  • Course length and format: Standard TESOL certification programs offer 120 hours of training, which is the baseline requirement for most English teaching jobs abroad. Some offer short-term intensives, while others stretch across several months. Choose what matches your pace and goals.
TESOL courses

Selecting a teaching course with these elements sets you up for success. Our findings show that teachers who start with well-rounded training adapt faster and find better job placements.

Next, let’s walk through how to build your confidence with real classroom experience.

Get real teaching experience with a TESOL program

Getting certified is an important step, but real confidence comes from practice. That’s why the best TESOL courses include structured teaching experience.

You’ll teach real or simulated classes, observe other teachers, and get feedback that helps you improve. These sessions give you a space to experiment, learn how to handle common classroom issues, and sharpen your instincts before stepping into a paid role.

Teaching practice might include:

  • Peer-led lessons
  • Live sessions with volunteer students
  • In-person practicum hours through partnered schools or programs

These activities help you understand student needs, correct misunderstandings, and manage a class with ease. You also gain practical experience working with learners of different levels, ages, and backgrounds.

Based on our firsthand experience, we’ve seen new teachers go from hesitant to prepared within 10–20 hours of teaching practice. That early exposure often leads to smoother job interviews and stronger classroom performance.

Programs that provide structured teaching practice produce teachers who stay in the job longer and feel more confident from day one.

How to find teaching opportunities after TESOL

Once you’ve completed your training, it’s time to find teaching opportunities that align with your goals and schedule. You can start by exploring job boards, online platforms, school recruitment programs, or direct referrals from your course provider.

How to find teaching opportunities after TESOL

Where can you teach?

  • Online Platform: Platforms like Cambly, Preply, and iTalki let you start teaching online from your own home. They’re flexible, low-barrier entry points. They’re perfect for you if you want to build experience or work part-time.
  • Language schools: Schools in South Korea, Japan, Spain, and Germany often offer full-time roles with perks like free housing, airfare, and structured support. These are ideal if you’re seeking stability and full immersion.
  • NGOs and volunteer programs: While these roles may not offer high pay, they provide cultural exposure, classroom hours, and a chance to make a social impact. Some programs lead to longer-term English teaching jobs abroad after the placement.

What age group suits you?

  • Children: They benefit from energetic, game-based teaching. If you enjoy creativity and movement, this might be your best fit. It’s a common entry point in many overseas schools.
  • Adults: Most adults are often career-focused or learning for migration. These classes require clear communication and real-world lesson topics like job interviews or travel.

Think about what suits your personality and schedule. Our investigation demonstrated that teachers who align their job type with their strengths tend to grow faster and stay longer in the field.

Now, let’s look at how to start teaching overseas, even if it’s your first time navigating the visa process.

How to start teaching English overseas

Starting your journey to teach English overseas involves a few clear steps. You’ll need to complete your TESOL certification, apply to teaching programs or schools, and work through the visa process. The more prepared you are, the smoother it will go.

Begin by choosing a destination. Countries like South Korea, Japan, and Vietnam usually require a bachelor’s degree, a TESOL certificate, and sometimes a clean background check. Others, like Cambodia or Latin America, have fewer requirements but still value well-trained teachers.

Next, apply to schools directly or through trusted programs. Public school schemes, private language centres, and international school chains are all options. Some recruiters specialise in placing new teachers. Use them if you’re unsure where to begin.

Then it’s paperwork time. Gather passport copies, health checks, references, and any forms your host country requires. Some schools also ask for demo lessons or short interviews via video.

Getting these steps right can help you start sooner, avoid avoidable delays, and secure a role that truly matches your goals. Teachers who take the time to prepare their documents and research school expectations are often offered stronger contracts and better support on arrival.

What you get with a TESOL certificate

A TESOL certificate is your entry point into the world of English teaching. It shows you’ve been trained, assessed, and prepared to teach in real classrooms or online settings. Also, it gives you a toolkit of practical skills and a launchpad for your teaching career.

  • Employer recognition and global access: Most schools in English-speaking countries, Latin America, Asia, and the Middle East expect a recognised TESOL certificate. It’s the baseline for getting shortlisted and the first thing recruiters check when reviewing your application.
  • Practical teaching tools and strategies: You’ll learn how to plan lessons, manage behaviour, and adapt your approach to suit different student levels. Courses also cover how to use storytelling, tech, and group activities to keep lessons effective and engaging. These methods are valued in both in-person and teaching English online roles.
  • Increased classroom confidence: With a mix of theory and practical experience, TESOL training gets you comfortable leading a room, even if you’re new. Teachers who go through hands-on practice report feeling more prepared during their first week on the job.
  • Access to both in-person and remote jobs: Once certified, you’ll qualify for roles at language centres, schools, or tutoring platforms. Many teachers start teaching English online first, then take their skills abroad. This flexibility makes it easier to test your strengths and build a stable income.

Our findings show that teachers who complete TESOL with live practice and job support often find work faster and stay in their roles longer.

How TESOL courses teach English grammar

TESOL courses teach English grammar in a way that’s simple to understand and easy to explain. You don’t have to be a grammar nerd. You only need to know how to break it down for your students and help them use it in real situations.

Step-by-step structure makes it easier to teach

TESOL courses don’t throw grammar rules at you all at once. They show you how to introduce topics in stages (like teaching verb tenses in context before focusing on exceptions). You’ll practise walking learners through examples, guiding them from simple sentences to more natural use.

You’ll also learn how to use scaffolding. Starting with model sentences, then guided practice, and finally letting students create their own examples.

How TESOL courses teach English grammar

Practical tools replace boring grammar lectures

Instead of lengthy grammar definitions, TESOL training teaches you how to use real-life materials like timelines, diagrams, videos, or simple dialogues. These help visual and auditory learners understand complex rules faster.

You’ll also cover how to deal with common errors and how to correct mistakes in a way that keeps learners motivated instead of embarrassed.

One new teacher said that after finishing his TESOL practicum, he taught a live lesson on “past continuous.” He was nervous at first, but the students understood. The class went better than expected. That moment helped him realise that clear, simple teaching works better than trying to be perfect.

Teaching grammar well is about making language useful for your learners. Next, we’ll explore what kind of pay and career paths you can expect once you’re certified.

What is the average salary for TESOL teachers?

TESOL salaries vary by country, contract type, and teaching format. However, there is consistent demand and strong earning potential for those with the right training.

  • Middle East: Countries like the UAE and Saudi Arabia offer some of the highest packages. Teachers can earn between AUD $3,000–$7,000 per month, often tax-free, with added perks like free housing, flights, and healthcare. These roles usually require a degree and a recognised TESOL certificate.
  • Asia: South Korea and Japan are popular due to competitive pay, structured support, and work stability. Expect salaries between AUD $2,500–$4,000 per month, often with housing included. Public school programs and private academies both recruit English teachers abroad year-round.
  • Latin America: Jobs in Latin America, like Mexico, Colombia, and Chile, tend to pay less, around AUD $800–$1,800 monthly. But lower living costs and rich cultural experiences make them attractive for newer teachers or travellers looking for balance.
  • Online teaching: For teaching English online, pay varies depending on the platform and experience. Hourly rates usually range from AUD $20 to $55. Some teachers build a full-time income. Others use it to supplement travel or freelance work.

After putting it to the test, many TESOL graduates report that their first job isn’t their highest-paying one. But, it leads to better contracts and long-term career path growth within 12–24 months.

If relocating isn’t your thing, the next best step might be building a flexible teaching schedule from your living room.

Can TESOL help you work from home?

Can TESOL help you work from home?

Yes, you can teach English from home with a TESOL certificate, and it’s one of the fastest-growing teaching options right now. Once certified, you can apply to platforms like Preply, Cambly, and iTalki. These sites connect you with students from around the world, offering work that fits around your own schedule, even if you’re balancing other jobs or family.

All you need is a reliable internet connection, a headset, and a quiet space. Most platforms supply the lesson materials. Others let you build your own approach as a private tutor, giving you the freedom to run your own sessions and grow your client base over time.

Pro Tip: Keep a few structured lesson plans ready for trial classes. It shows you’re organised and helps convert new learners into long-term students.

After conducting experiments with it, several TESOL graduates reported earning a full-time income by starting part-time online. Some began with trial lessons and, within a few months, were teaching 20–30 hours a week, all from their own home.

Online work also helps build teaching experience before you head overseas or shift to classroom teaching. It’s a flexible way to grow, get comfortable, and stay in control of your schedule.

Let’s wrap it up by helping you choose the right course to match your goals.

Ready to take the first step?

You’ve seen what a TESOL certificate can do. It can give you real teaching skills, open global teaching opportunities, and help you work online from your own home. Plus, you’ve learned how to compare TESOL courses, choose the right course for your goals, and build teaching experience before stepping into your first role.

Now it’s time to act. Pick a course that’s accredited, flexible, and aligned with your teaching goals. You might plan to explore English-speaking countries, teach remotely, or grow into a long-term teaching career. No matter the goal, the best place to start is with the right training.

At Biography Shelf, we’re here to guide you every step, from researching programs to understanding where your certification can take you.

Take that first step today. Your teaching journey starts now.

Spotlight on Our Top Teaching Destinations

Spotlight on Our Top Teaching Destinations

Ever thought about trading your usual routine for life in a different country? How about finishing class and stepping into the lively streets of Seoul? Or just enjoying a quiet coffee break in a sunny Barcelona plaza? Teaching English abroad is a great way to experience a new culture, live an exciting life, and earn good money in another country.

Of course, choosing where to go isn’t always simple. Between visa rules, local customs, and figuring out where you’ll feel most comfortable, it’s easy to feel unsure about the next step.

That’s where this guide comes in. We’ll walk you through a few of the best countries to teach in and what makes each one stand out. If you’re ready to explore what’s possible, let’s get started.

Why Consider Teaching Abroad?

Teaching abroad can help you change your life for the better. You get the chance to grow professionally and get a competitive salary on top of having the opportunity to experience different cultures, just like Jason did.

When Jason packed his bags for South Korea, he thought he would be gone for six months. That turned into three years, a new wardrobe of tailored suits from Seoul’s markets, weekend hikes in the mountains, and a bank account that finally stopped gasping for air.

Why Consider Teaching Abroad?

So, what are the advantages of following Jason’s path?

  • Cultural experiences: One of the biggest perks of teaching English abroad is how quickly you get dropped into the culture. You are not watching from the sidelines. You are part of it. You will learn to find your way around morning markets, pick up bits of the language, and celebrate local holidays with new friends who feel like family.
  • Professional development: Teaching abroad is also a strategic move for your career. You will get experience speaking in front of groups, managing classrooms, and solving problems on your feet. Employers value those skills, and they stay with you no matter where you go next.
  • Travel opportunities: Living in Prague? A train can take you to five different countries in a weekend. Based in Vietnam? Thailand and Cambodia are just a hop away. Travel becomes routine, and so does making memories worth writing home about.

More and more people are turning to teaching as a first career or a midlife reset. The benefits of teaching abroad include the opportunity to grow your skills, meet diverse communities, and take in new experiences you could never get back home.

Teaching Adventures Across Asia

Asia remains one of the most popular regions for aspiring educators looking to teach English abroad. With high demand for native English speakers, competitive salaries, and immersive cultural experiences, Asia offers some of the best countries to teach English in.

Now let’s find out what makes these countries suitable.

Top Pay with High Benefits

South Korea continues to top the list of teaching destinations for its strong government-backed programmes, like EPIK. Teachers often enjoy high salaries, usually ranging from $1,800 to $2,200 per month. Many employers provide free accommodation, reimbursed airfare, and sometimes even bonuses.

The average working hours in South Korea are 30 to 40 hours per week, which includes teaching and some office hours. The visa process is straightforward, but you have to fulfil some conditions. You’ll need a TEFL certificate, a degree, and a clean background check to qualify.

While the contract typically lasts for one year, there are opportunities to extend. Living permanently in South Korea is possible but requires a long-term visa and residency options after a few years.

City Jobs or Small Town Opportunities

Vietnam has rapidly grown in popularity thanks to its low cost of living and friendly expat communities. Teaching jobs are readily available in cities like Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, with growing opportunities in smaller towns as well.

Salaries typically range from $1,200 to $1,800 per month, depending on experience and location. The cost of living is low, which allows teachers to save or enjoy the rich cultural offerings. Most jobs require a TEFL certificate, but you may qualify even without teaching experience.

Teachers work about 20 to 25 hours per week. The visa process is relatively simple as schools often sponsor teachers for a work visa. The idea of permanent residency here is complex, but it’s certainly possible after living in Vietnam for several years and meeting local requirements.

Culture Meets Modernity

Japan is a top destination for those seeking a structured teaching experience. Programmes like JET (Japan Exchange and Teaching) provide comprehensive support and a good salary range of $2,200 to $3,000 per month.

The cost of living in Japan is higher compared to other Asian countries, but the cultural depth, safety, and professionalism in the classroom make it a rewarding experience. Teachers typically work 30–35 hours per week, and the visa process is comparatively strict. It requires a university degree and a TEFL certification.

While teachers can stay in Japan on a one-year contract, they can apply for extensions or eventually pursue permanent residency after a number of years. They also often appreciate Japan’s blend of innovation, like bullet trains and tradition, such as tea ceremonies.

To teach English in Asia is to step into a world of opportunity and personal growth. Each country offers distinct advantages. Understanding what you value most among salary, culture, or community will help you choose the best fit for your journey.

Explore and Educate in Europe

The combination of historical richness, modern living, and diverse cultural backdrop has made Europe one of the most appealing regions for English teachers. Opportunities for qualified educators exist in both the public and private sectors, and the demand is equally high in urban and rural communities.

Explore and Educate in Europe

Spain

Spain’s government-supported Auxiliares de Conversación programme places native English speakers in public schools as language assistants. These roles pay around €700 to €1,000 per month, depending on the region. The salary is similar in big cities, but the free time allows for private tutoring to supplement income.

Teaching hours are typically 12 to 16 hours per week. The visa process for this programme is smooth and automatic for EU citizens. However, non-EU citizens have to go through manual checks.

Teachers must have a clean background and health insurance. Placements usually allow you to stay one year with the possibility of renewal. The programme itself does not lead directly to permanent residency, but long-term living in Spain is possible with continued employment and consistent visa renewals.

Czech Republic

With its low cost of living and healthy demand for English teachers, the Czech Republic is a popular entry point into Europe’s teaching market. Teachers in the capital city, Prague, earn between €900 and €1,300 per month and generally work 20 to 25 hours per week. It may not sound high, but living expenses are low, which makes it easy to live comfortably or save a bit.

Many schools help with visa sponsorships, and the country has a fairly accessible work visa process. It is common for teachers to stay multiple years. With the right visa path and steady work history, you can obtain permanent residency after five years.

Italy

Italy’s demand is highest in private language schools and business English settings. Salaries usually range from €1,000 to €1,500 per month, and teachers work between 20 and 30 hours per week.

Cities like Milan and Rome offer strong job opportunities, but smaller towns provide a deeper cultural experience. The visa process can be tricky for non-EU teachers if you are not sponsored by a school. However, those who stay long-term by renewing contracts or shifting into other visa types may apply for residency after legally living here for five years.

Compared to Asia, teaching in Europe may offer slightly lower salaries. But the trade-off often comes in the form of shorter working hours, greater freedom for travel within the Schengen Zone, and a slower pace of life. Visa processes can be more complex for non-EU citizens, but many countries like the Czech Republic and Spain provide viable pathways.

Teaching English in Europe presents a rewarding blend of professional fulfilment and cultural exploration. It is ideal for those seeking both purpose and adventure.

How to Choose the Right Teaching Destination

Selecting the right teaching destination is primarily about aligning your goals, values, and lifestyle with your teaching environment. Here’s what you need to know.

  • Language barrier and local support: If you are new to international travel or teaching, countries with strong expat communities and accessible language support, like South Korea or the Czech Republic, can ease the transition. Local support networks help with housing, paperwork, and integration.
  • Cost of living versus salary: A high salary may not stretch far if daily expenses are equally steep. Japan offers competitive pay, but it also comes with a higher cost of living. Contrarily, Vietnam and the Czech Republic offer more savings potential due to their affordable lifestyle.
  • Work culture and expectations: In some countries, teaching jobs demand strict adherence to hierarchy and formality, while others offer more relaxed classroom environments. Understanding these norms helps avoid culture shock and improves job satisfaction.

If you are unsure about committing long-term, consider a short-term contract. This gives you a chance to test the waters, build confidence, and gather experience teaching abroad without a full-year obligation.

Choosing the best country to teach English ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and career aspirations. Taking into account practical factors and being honest about what you want, you will be well-prepared to find the perfect fit.

Requirements and Tips for Success

Before you start packing your bags, it is important to understand the basics that will help you secure a teaching position and thrive abroad.

Requirements and Tips for Success
  • TEFL certification: A Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) certificate is a core requirement in most countries. It proves you have the necessary skills to teach English effectively. Some destinations like Vietnam and Spain accept certificates with as few as 120 hours of coursework. But in the UAE or Japan, they may expect more advanced qualifications.
  • Application materials: Customise your resume for the international teaching market. Highlight any teaching, tutoring, or volunteer experience. Be clear, concise, and professional. For interviews, prepare to discuss your teaching style, adaptability, and cultural awareness. Have key documents on hand, including your passport, degree certificate, and criminal background check.
  • Adaptability and engagement: Success abroad depends on your willingness to adapt. Be open-minded, participate in local events, and build community ties. Teachers who embrace their new environment often enjoy a richer and more fulfilling experience.

Platforms like Biography Shelf can connect you to schools that match your goals by helping streamline your job search and paperwork. These services often provide placement support, training resources, and ongoing assistance.

Understanding TEFL requirements by country and investing time in preparation will set you apart. If you are wondering how to get started teaching English abroad, focus first on certification, customised applications, and don’t forget to maintain an open heart and mind.

Take the First Step Toward Your Teaching Adventure

The world is full of classrooms waiting for passionate educators like you. Through this guide, we have covered what to think about, where to go, and how to prepare for teaching overseas.

Now it is your turn to take action. If you are looking for adventure, a meaningful career move, or just a change of pace, there is a teaching destination out there that is right for you.

Biography Shelf is here to help. With expert advice, school connections, and ongoing support, you do not have to figure it all out alone. Visit our website to get started.

Your next chapter could begin in a classroom across the globe. We would love to help you write it.