Top TEFL destinations in 2024

Every year, we’re faced with similar questions from our beautiful, beautiful students (that’s you). What’s the best TEFL qualification? What’s the difference between TEFL and CELTA? Where has the highest demand for teachers? What about new technology in the classroom? Where are the top TEFL destinations for the year ahead?

We endeavour, always, to answer these questions. If you want to know the best TEFL qualification for you, you can take our TEFL course quiz. You want to know the difference between TEFL and CELTA ? We’ve got an article for that. New technology in the classroom? That’s ever-evolving, but we did cover the role of AI in the classroom on our blog earlier in the year. Top destinations for the year ahead, and demand for teachers, though? Well, that changes every year.

It’s easy to get reflective when a new year is on its way, but there’s never a bad time to think about a career in teaching English. Thinking about the future can be scary, but it can also push you to achieve your career and travel dreams. Does the idea of getting out into the world and experiencing an entirely new culture sound good to you? Want to test yourself in the toughest, but most rewarding environments? Or do you simply desire a change of scene, work-wise?

TEFL is for you, then. Again, though: where? Well, let’s tackle that question with this, our guide to the top TEFL destinations for 2024.

Where are TEFL teachers in demand?

Let’s answer this question first though: where are TEFL teachers the most in-demand?

The simple answer: everywhere. English  is the world’s most popular language, with around 1.5 billion speakers worldwide , at an array of different proficiencies. With English being the lingua franca of business, and so English pop culture spreading itself far and wide, the demand to learn the language is enormous.

This isn’t to say it’s a free-for-all, job bonanza around the world; some countries have more programmes and initiatives than others. South Korea , for example, has a bigger TEFL market than the US Virgin Islands. There are nations that specifically hire TEFL teachers through government programmes, including South Korea, Japan and others. In many other cases, you’ll need to find jobs yourself. The TEFL Org Jobs Centre makes that much easier!

What do you need to TEFL?

What do you actually need to TEFL in 2024? 

For starters, you’ll need a TEFL certificate . Whether it’s a New Year’s Resolution, a summer project or a Christmas present, a TEFL certificate of at least 120 hours training will be the bedrock of any English teaching you go on to do.

To work in a number of countries, you’ll need a degree. However, you can TEFL without a degree in a huge number of countries, especially if you have some teaching experience, a TEFL certificate, and bags of passion and enthusiasm. 

Wondering about experience? Well, good news: you can definitely find TEFL work abroad without experience , and you can also teach English online without experience ! There are entry level jobs everywhere ; that’s why so many people change careers and start TEFLing!

Finally, you’ll need personality and the “soft skills” that teachers talk about. These are things like empathy, patience, kindness and organisational skills.

Best Destinations to TEFL in 2024

So, where have we chosen as our top TEFL choices for 2024? While there are some classic names in there - number 1 will not be a shock to anyone familiar with the industry - we’ve provided a couple of options that TEFL teachers really ought to think about.

1. China

China is a constant in the TEFL industry; it’s where the highest number of learners reside, it’s where so many language schools are, so many state schools, so many language schools and a great number of megacities full of people with ambitions to learn English.

With Covid-19 and changes to tutoring rules, China had something of a cooling-off period in terms of TEFL popularity. However, recent visa changes , as mentioned by Dan Wharton in our podcast ‘I Taught English Abroad’ , have meant that the process of actually getting into China has been streamlined significantly.

Do megacities sound a little overwhelming? China’s cities are tiered, based on economic standing, so if you want to live in a smaller cityscape, the likes of Qujing, Yangzhou and Zhangzhou are Tier 3 cities with excellent reputations. If you’re looking to get lost in crowds in some of the world’s biggest cities, you’ll never struggle to find work in Shanghai or Beijing. With its incredible size and spread, China has something for every taste. 

Requirements to teach in China : bachelor’s degree (in any discipline), 120-hour TEFL qualification to receive a Foreign Expert Certificate and a Z visa 
Proficiency level ( via EF ): Low (82nd of 113 countries)
Biggest cities : Shanghai, Beijing

2. Vietnam

If Asia appeals, but you want to try something different, then some of the continent’s best teaching wages and culture can be found in Vietnam. Ho Chi Minh city, nowadays, is a thriving hub of fashion, music and the best street food you’ll find anywhere. If you crave a more rural life, but still want to be around good schools, Vietnam will provide; there’s a reason more and more TEFL teachers are heading there!

It’s also one of the better-paying TEFL locations in Asia, with Vietnamese schools and businesses putting enormous value on the English language. For more about Vietnam, listen to our podcast episode with Frances Fraser-Reid , who describes the favourable cost of living, forward-thinking fashion and hospitable environment that the country provides.

Requirements to teach in Vietnam : BA degree, be a native English speaker (or a non-native English speaker with a teaching qualification)
Proficiency level ( via EF ): Moderate (58th of 113 countries)
Biggest cities : Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang

3. Germany

So you want to teach English in Europe; you might be thinking, well, Spain always has programmes, Eastern Europe always has jobs (and a booming tourism industry), and Italy is great for self-starters with that entrepreneurial spirit. Take Cheryl Obal, for example, who featured on an episode of I Taught English Abroad , who started an “edu-tainment” English language centre in Italy. What about Germany, though?

For whatever reason, Germany just isn’t spoken about enough as a TEFL destination. On the face of it, that’s bizarre; 1. Germany is massive, 2. Germany’s educational system very much values English and 3. Germany has a massive economy (and, once again, English is the language of business).

Whether you want to swig from Steiners in Bavaria, get into cool techno clubs in Berlin, or sample the delights of Baden-Baden or Stuttgart, there are so many jobs going in Deutschland. Digital nomads , it must be said, are also very welcome - so whether you’re self-employed or looking for work in schools, you’re catered for.

Requirements to teach in Germany : TEFL qualification (120 hours), degree depending on role
Proficiency level ( via EF ): High (10th of 113 countries)
Biggest cities : Berlin, Hamburg, Munich

4. Turkey

Here’s a country that’s growing in popularity amongst TEFL teachers: Turkiye. History buffs will tell you that ancient Turkey, once known as Anatolia, was the birthplace of one of the most significant cultures to ever exist, the Ottoman. That background gives some indication as to the touristic appeal of Turkey, but the weather, breath-taking views and culture are other massive factors.

Turkey has come up a number of times during the recording of ‘I Taught English Abroad’ Season 4 . Stays in and around Istanbul have been mentioned by Matt Mitzel , Cecilia Nobre and more. The capital, it must be said, is Turkey in a microcosm - influenced by both Asian and European culture, the city is divided into distinct cultural areas, meaning there’s so much to explore.

We’re likely to hear more about Turkey over the next year; as a TEFL destination, it’s growing more and more popular. 

Requirements to teach in Turkey : bachelor’s degree, TEFL certificate
Proficiency level ( via EF ): Low (66th of 113 countries)
Biggest cities : Istanbul, Ankara, Antalya

5. Online

Here’s the thing: you don’t actually need to travel the world to be an amazing TEFL teacher. In fact, you don’t even need to leave home. 

This year, we’re projecting that even more TEFL teachers will find opportunities teaching English online . With more and more online language schools and platforms popping up, establishing excellent reputations and paying teachers, it makes sense. Equally, the number of people working from home is higher than ever before, with many realising that the long commute isn’t always necessarily worth it.

You’d be surprised how easy it is to get started. You’ll need tech to teach English online , a TEFL certificate (there are even specific online English teaching courses available as a top-up), enthusiasm and time. Once you’ve researched the available online English teaching platforms, it’s as simple as applying for a job - in some cases, simpler even than that!

Fine; it’s not Vietnam, China, Turkey, Germany or any other far-flung locale, but we reckon one of the top TEFL destinations in 2024 might just be your home!

There’s never been a better time

So, whether you’re looking to move, or refresh your career from home, there’s never been a better time to get started. 

If you’re not quite there yet, and need some final flourishes of inspiration, why not read Amy’s student story as a TEFL teacher in Badalona ? She told us: 

“Despite my fears, I am proud to state that I am a successful English teacher; I am passionate about what I do and love helping my pupils grow as they study. If I had the opportunity in the near future, I would love to have my own English school and add my creative side to it.”

Or, perhaps, you’re thinking about a digital nomad lifestyle and need a little encouragement? Try reading Lucia’s TEFL story , and tell us that this work/life balance doesn’t sound just right!:

“ Digital nomads have become popular in the Canary Islands as they can earn a good northern European wage and live in a paradise, in the sun, eating fantastic Spanish/Canarian food, going for ocean swims and doing ocean activities. It is an incredible place to do outdoor sports e.g., cycling, hiking, gymnastics, swimming, surfing, kitesurfing, windsurfing, water sports etc.”

Or, if like Jessica, you’re considering a career change because you’re not feeling passionate about your work, see what TEFL can do for you :

“Prior to my teaching experiences in Italy, I had never really thought about going into teaching. My dream had been to work in fashion. However, seeing my students progress, and pursue their professional and academic dreams, gave me more satisfaction than anything I had done while working in fashion. I really felt like I was making a difference.”

What’s stopping you from changing your life today?

Can’t wait to get going? Try our TEFL Course Quiz , and see how best to make a start on your teaching adventure!