Where to TEFL in 2026

Teaching English abroad is an opportunity to further your career and see the world, all while earning a salary. While it seems too good to be true, it’s often as simple as becoming TEFL certified and deciding where to teach abroad. 

If you’re a TEFL Org graduate starting your teaching career this year or an experienced teacher preparing your next move, read on to find out where to teach abroad in 2026!

Why is TEFL in demand?

As the global business language , English is an invaluable skill in an increasingly connected world, whether for individuals looking to study abroad or companies expanding into international markets .

If you speak English fluently, you’re already halfway there. All you need to do is become TEFL certified and decide where to teach abroad. Whether you’re looking to immerse yourself in romantic European architecture or tropical Southeast Asia, a TEFL certificate can take you there as a working professional, as soon as a few months from now.

Here are some recommendations to get you started on your TEFL journey!

Read more : When is the Best Time to Apply for a Job Teaching English Abroad?

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1. China

• Average monthly salary : ¥11,000–¥25,000 RMB / £1,200–£2,720
• Requirements : Bachelor’s degree, TEFL certificate
• Popular cities : Shanghai, Beijing, Shenzhen
• Attractions : The Great Wall, Forbidden City, Chengdu Panda Reserve
  

With around 300–400 million English learners – but also a low English proficiency score – there isn’t a bigger TEFL market for English teachers than in China. Teaching English in China offers excellent career progression and benefits like free housing and airfare. 

Beyond international hubs like Shanghai and Beijing , immersive and teaching opportunities exist in other megacities like Chongqing, Chengdu, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Wuhan, Suzhou, we can go on! Teachers gain insight into Chinese culture beyond the surface by learning Mandarin and becoming a key component in supporting the younger generation’s language goals. 

Read more : How to Become an English Teacher in China

Teacher experience: Ross Thorburn

On our podcast, I Taught English Abroad , TEFL teacher Ross Thorburn told us all about becoming a “flying teacher”, working across China and relocating at a moment’s notice.

2. Japan

• Average monthly salary : ¥220,000–¥280,000 / £1,050–£1,350
• Requirements : Bachelor’s degree, TEFL certificate
• Popular cities : Tokyo, Kyoto, Nagoya, Osaka
• Attractions : Mt. Fuji, Shibuya Crossing, Higashiyama District
  

Japanese culture captivates people with its dramatic anime, sushi belts, and spectacles like Mt. Fuji. While the job benefits aren’t as extensive as in China, teaching English in Japan offers a good salary and career progression in one of the world’s most alluring locations. 

With low English proficiency , the demand for English teachers is high in the Land of the Rising Sun . Teaching jobs can be found on programmes like JET in Japan’s public schools, or at private eikaiwas that hire year-round. 

Read more : TEFL Jobs Guide: English Teaching Jobs in Japan

Teacher experience: Patrick Smith and Celi Reeder

For an inside scoop on teaching English in Japan, watch or listen to our podcast episode with Patrick Smith and Celi Reeder!

3. Spain

• Average monthly salary : €800–€2,000 / £691–£1,730
• Requirements : Bachelor’s degree, TEFL certificate
• Popular cities : Barcelona, Madrid, Valencia, Seville
• Attractions : Sagrada Família, Royal Palace of Madrid, Plaza de España
  

Rich tapas, stunning architecture, and fantastic work-life balance; Spain ranks among the best TEFL destinations. While Madrid was named 2026’s best European city , distinct regions like Catalonia, the Basque Country and Andalusia allow you to integrate with unique communities while teaching English in Spain . 

EU teachers can easily find teaching jobs in Spain, and non-EU teachers can find roles on teaching programmes such as NALCAP , Meddeas , and BEDA. Here, teachers work up to 30 hours per week on a student visa while earning a stipend, learning Spanish, and embracing a leisurely lifestyle. 

Read more : Top Teaching English in Spain Programmes

Teacher experience: Thomas Kerr

The TEFL Org’s Head of Education, Thomas Kerr , began his teaching career in Spain and has remained there ever since.

4. South Korea

• Average salary : ₩2.1 million - ₩3.2 million / £1,045 - £1,600
• Requirements : Bachelor’s degree, TEFL certificate
• Popular cities : Seoul, Busan, Incheon, Daegu
• Attractions : Gyeongbokgung Palace, the DMZ, Bukchon Hanok Village
  

K-Pop, kimchi, and Joseon Palaces; the Land of Morning Calm is among the most popular TEFL locations. Teaching English in South Korea offers a great salary, free accommodation, and vibrant cultural immersion, and if US or Canadian teachers can even benefit from Korea’s national pension scheme. 

Teaching programmes such as EPIK are highly popular for teachers who want to work as an English language assistant in public schools, but most teachers can find teaching jobs in private schools or hagwons that hire all year-round. 

Read more : 5 Things TEFL Teachers Need to Know About South Korea

5. Colombia

• Average salary : COP 3.4 million–COP 4.9 million / £600–£1,000
• Requirements : TEFL certificate
• Popular cities : Bogotá, Medellín, Cartagena
• Attractions : Cocora Valley, Mount Monserrate, Ciudad Perdida
  

Colombia has one of the highest levels of biodiversity in the world, with around 6–10% of the Amazon rainforest as well as tropical islands and over 50 national parks. While Bogotá and Medellín stand out, Cartagena ranks among Lonely Planet’s best destinations of 2026 for its nightlife and history. 

Although Spanish is the official language, the market for teaching English in Colombia has increased since the country’s rapid growth in telecommunications. There is a high demand for English, but teachers will have more luck finding teaching jobs in-country. While teaching salaries are lower in Colombia than popular spots like Mexico, the cost of living is significantly lower. 

Read more : English Teaching Jobs in Colombia

6. Thailand

• Average monthly salary : ฿30,000–฿50,000 / £685–£1,140
• Requirements : Bachelor’s degree, TEFL certificate
• Popular cities : Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Khon Kaen
• Attractions : Wat Arun, Khao Yai National Park, Wat Rong Khun
  

As cliche as it sounds, Thailand lives up to its name as the Land of Smiles . With friendly locals, tropical islands, and unrivalled cuisine, teaching English in Thailand offers one of the best lifestyles you can ask for. 

With a booming tourist industry, demand for English teachers is enormous. Teaching jobs in Thailand can be found in public and private schools from Bangkok – the most visited city in 2026 – and Chiang Mai, to the quieter and more immersive locations in Isaan. Although salaries are low, you can spend very little while enjoying a great lifestyle in this tropical paradise. 

Read more : Teaching English in Thailand Salary

7. Vietnam

• Average monthly salary : 30 million₫–45 million₫ / £855–£1,280+
• Requirements : Bachelor’s degree, TEFL Certificate 
• Popular cities : Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Hai Phong, Da Nang
• Attractions : Ha Long Bay, Cu Chi Tunnels, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
  

From Hanoi’s chaotic charm, Da Nang’s coastline, to dynamic Ho Chi Minh City, teaching English in Vietnam grants both an immersive cultural experience and saving potential. Despite a history of colonisation and conflict, Vietnam’s hospitality is unmatched, and English teachers are highly respected in the community.

The teaching salary in Vietnam isn't the highest , but it's one of the best when you consider its cost of living. While rent averages from £225–£350 / $300–$400 , a coffee or meal costs as little as $1.50 . Teachers can save upwards of £500+ / $665+ per month while boasting a fantastic lifestyle. 

Read more : Teaching Jobs in Vietnam

8. Taiwan

• Average monthly salary : NT$50,000–NT$90,000 / £1,175–£2,114
• Requirements : Associate’s or bachelor’s degree, TEFL certificate 
• Popular cities : Taipei, Taichung, Kaohsiung
• Attractions : National Palace, Lungshan Temple, Jiufen Old Street
  

As a densely populated island nation, Taiwan packs plenty of natural awe and cultural relics. Beyond mountains and its 15,000+ temples, the lifestyle for teaching in Taiwan is excellent for many reasons, from its good salary, benefits, wellbeing , and safety index score . 

There are plenty of entry-level teaching jobs in Taiwan, and associate degree holders will be pleased to hear that it’s possible to legally work in Buxibans or cram schools. 

Read more :

• Teaching English in Taiwan: Salaries
• English Teaching Jobs in Taiwan

9. Italy

• Average salary : €900–€1,600 / £777–£1,380
• Requirements : TEFL certificate
• Popular cities : Rome, Milan, Florence, Naples
• Attractions : Roman Colosseum, Michelangelo’s David, Mt. Vesuvius 
  

Milan’s fashion scene; the birth of renaissance in Florence; the Roman colosseum; Italy is a traveler’s dream. While the salary for teaching in Italy isn’t the highest, it’s enriching in other ways. 

Teachers can find work as language assistants, summer camp workers, or public and private school teachers depending on experience and qualifications. EU teachers can teach in Italy without a visa, but non-EU teachers need a sponsored work visa or a student visa. 

Read more : English teaching jobs  in Italy

10. Cambodia

• Average salary : ៛2.8 million–៛4.8 million / £525–£900
• Requirements : TEFL certificate
• Popular cities : Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Sihanoukville
• Attractions : Angkor Wat, Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum
  

Cambodia tops the list for teaching abroad without a degree, but there’s a reason that qualified teachers also head to the Land of the Khmer . The salary isn’t the highest, but its low living costs, warm climate, ancient Khmer monuments, and growing expat scene shines. 

Despite its harrowing past, Cambodia is a staple in a backpacker’s itinerary. It also has one of the lowest English proficiency scores in the world, creating a huge demand for English teachers. 

Read more : Teach English in Cambodia Without a Degree

Bonus: Teaching online

If you’ve got the right tech, an accredited TEFL certificate, and an interest in teaching English, why not consider teaching English online? You can work for an online TEFL company or go solo by finding learners yourself. Want to take work with you? You can teach English online from almost anywhere. 

Read more : The TEFL Org Guide to Teaching English Online

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Get Certified in 2026, Teach Forever

While you’re still deciding where to teach abroad, don’t forget your TEFL certification! From 120 hours or 250 hours , our accredited TEFL courses can be completed online, in-person, or in hybrid fashion. 

Once you’re certified, you’re certified for life!

Check out these guides to help you decide where to teach abroad: 

• The TEFL Org Guide to The World
• The TEFL Org Salary Guide
• Why is 120 Hours the Industry Standard TEFL Certificate?