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Government-sponsored Teach Abroad Programs

Government-sponsored Teach Abroad Programs

If you want to work overseas, a government-sponsored teach abroad program could be the answer.

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If you want to work overseas, a government-sponsored teach abroad program could be the answer. Whether you’re new to teaching or have lots of experience, with a TEFL certificate and a degree you can apply for teaching programs and start your career teaching in a new country. 

Government-sponsored teaching programs provide public school classroom opportunities for TEFL teachers. Some of the biggest and best programs available are backed by governments keen to bring talented English teachers to their shores, both to teach the language and to share cultural knowledge. 

There’s plenty of choice, from rural Japan to underrated countries like Georgia. Programs like EPIK in South Korea, TAPIF in France and NALCAP in Spain will place you in schools where you can earn a good salary, learn from other teachers, and absorb a new culture.

You’ll either land a teaching role or be a Language Teaching Assistant (LTA)/English Language Assistant (ELA), helping run language classes and providing conversational practice for young learners. 

With substantial demand for qualified TEFL teachers, a government-backed teaching program can be a great way to achieve your goal.

Read More: How to Teach English Abroad

Qualifications you need to teach abroad

Each government-backed English teaching program has its own requirements, but many of the basic eligibility requirements are the same.

Several teaching programs ask for native English speakers from certain countries, usually:

  • Australia
  • Canada
  • New Zealand
  • Republic of Ireland
  • United States of America
  • United Kingdom

Some government-sponsored programs accept applications from non-native English speakers, as long as you can prove fluency (through IELTS, TOEFL, or a degree) and have ‘native-level ability’ in English. 

Do you need a degree to teach abroad?

You usually need a bachelor’s degree, or you must be a current student. English or Education-related degrees are generally preferred – but don’t let this put you off if you have a degree in something different.

Do you need TEFL certification?

TEFL certification is essential. An accredited, high-quality TEFL course shows that you’re serious about teaching English abroad. The industry standard for TEFL teachers is 120 hours of training, although some programs may also require a TEFL diploma.

Can you teach abroad without experience?

Don’t worry if you’ve never had a teaching job before. When writing your application, mention any official classroom teaching experience you might have. If you’re new to teaching, discuss any volunteering or work experience relevant to TEFL.

How to apply for teach abroad programs

Each government-sponsored English teaching programme has its own unique application process. However, the documents you’ll need are broadly similar:

  • Application form to give key details.
  • Statement and/or a covering letter, for you to demonstrate why you’re right for the role.
  • References to vouch for your talents, such as a former or current employer, or a university staff member if you’re still a student. 

Best government-sponsored teach abroad programs 

Your first step in applying for a government-sponsored English teaching programs is to choose a country. These are some of the top schemes currently available.

Japan – JET Program

The Japan English Teaching Program (JET) is a popular program that has brought teachers from over 50 countries into the country’s public schools. As a language assistant, you’ll provide much-needed English-speaking skills to Japan’s schools, because despite the huge demand for English lessons, the country ranks low for overall proficiency.

Requirements

JET application

The application submission date is usually between October and December, with results in January, interviews in February and a decision in March/April. From there, you’ll need to submit all the relevant documents, complete a medical, and prepare for orientation in Tokyo!

JET program duration

Your first JET experience will last one year, but you can renew for up to five years.

JET salary and benefits

Your basic salary on the JET program will rise annually until year 5:

  • Year 1: ¥3,360,000 ($​​21,429/£16,861)
  • Year 2: ¥3,600,000 ($22,960/£18,066)
  • Year 3: ¥3,900,000 ($24,873/£19,571)
  • Year 4 and 5: ¥3,960,000 ($25,256/£19,872)

The program includes:

  • Flights
  • Orientation
  • Accommodation
  • Annual leave: 10-20 days
  • Sick pay: 5-10 days

JET program: pros

  • Live in Japan.
  • Work in real Japanese public schools.
  • Salary and benefits that meet the cost of living.
  • Great potential job security, with the program lasting up to 5 years.

JET program: cons 

  • No choice over where you’re placed.
  • Long and challenging application process.
  • You’ll be an assistant, not a teacher.

For more information on the JET program, read our comprehensive JET guide and try our pages on salaries, jobs, and TEFL in Japan.

Find out more: 

South Korea – EPIK program

EPIK (English Program in Korea) is South Korea’s largest TEFL recruiter. Placing English-speaking teachers in public schools around the country, EPIK hires English Language Assistants (ELAs) who help to spread English skills and improve relationships between South Korea and other countries.

EPIK requirements

  • Citizenship and at least a bachelor’s degree from a university in Australia, Canada, the Republic of Ireland, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, the United States of America, or South Africa.
  • Non-native English speakers must provide evidence of English education from 7th grade/junior high school onwards.
  • At least a 100-hour TEFL certificate, unless you have a degree in Education (the industry standard is a 120-hour TEFL certificate). 

EPIK application

You can apply to the EPIK program directly or through a recruitment agency certified by the Korean government. The program has two intake dates:

  • July/early August (apply from February onwards)
  • Late January/early February (apply from August onwards).
Applications are on a rolling basis, and if you pass screening, you can expect an interview within a few weeks. After that, you’ll send a range of important documents, get your work visa (E-2 Teaching Visa) from the nearest Korean consulate/embassy, and before long, you’ll find out where you’re going.

EPIK program duration

EPIK contracts last 12 months, though you can renew for multiple years if you pass an evaluation.

EPIK salary and benefits

Your EPIK salary depends on location, qualifications, how many EPIK years you’ve done, and your teaching experience. Salaries range between KRW 2.05 and KRW 2.8 million ($1,472 - $2,011 / £1,097 - £1,499) per month.

Benefits include:

  • Settlement allowance (approximately $210 / £170) and a contract expiration bonus
  • Paid leave
  • Orientation
  • Renewal bonus
  • Partial health insurance
  • Accommodation.

EPIK program: pros

EPIK program: cons 

  • No choice of where you’re placed.
  • Can earn more teaching elsewhere in Korea, such as reputable hagwons.
  • Minimal options for non-native English speakers.

Interested in teaching English in South Korea? Read our EPIK program guide and our job and salary pages.

Read more: 

Download our teaching English in Asia guide

Spain – NALCAP

For graduates and students from the USA or Canada, NALCAP (North American Language and Culture Assistants Program) provides the opportunity to work as English language assistants and explore Spain, one of Europe's most in-demand TEFL destinations. 

NALCAP requirements

  • Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university in North America (you can apply if you’re a second-year student, or have a deferred year).
  • US or Canadian citizen with a valid passport.
  • ‘Native-like’ English speaker.
  • Pass a medical and mental health test.
  • Clean background check.
  • Be aged 18-60. 

NALCAP application

To apply for NALCAP, use their online portal, which gives step-by-step instructions. You’ll also need to write a ‘Statement of purpose’ (a 250-300 word cover letter), and provide a letter of recommendation from an employer or professor.

NALCAP program duration

Placements usually last eight months, from the start of October to late May, and you can renew multiple times through the Profex 2 portal.

NALCAP salary and benefits

Every NALCAP assistant gets a stipend between €800 and €1,000 ($931 - $1,164 / £692 - £866), depending on location – the highest wages are in Valencia and Madrid, although living costs are higher here, too.

Benefits include:

  • Work visa payment (processing fees, travel to consulate, etc)
  • Medical insurance
  • Living expenses, including cell phone, security deposits
  • Flights
  • Orientation
  • Certificate upon completion
  • Paid vacations.

NALCAP program: pros

  • Spain is diverse – no two NALCAP terms are the same.
  • Decent benefits structure.
  • Stipend.

NALCAP program: cons 

  • You can apply to a specific region, but not a set place.
  • Low salary.
  • Limited teaching hours (though you can tutor privately for up to 30 hours per week).
  • Accommodation not included.

How does teaching English in Spain sound? Read more about teaching jobs and salaries in our comprehensive Spanish guides.

Read more:

Georgia – TLG program

A post-Soviet nation, Georgia aims to improve its economy and education system, and foreign English teachers are a massive part of this. The Teach and Learn with Georgia (TLG) program, administered by the Georgian Ministry of Education and Science, has attracted TEFL talent to co-teach in classrooms since 2010. Program requirements include:

  • Native English speaker.
  • Bachelor’s degree (or be in the final year of a degree in Education, didactics, teaching English as a foreign language, or another relevant subject).
  • Pass a medical test.
  • Clean background check.

TLG program application

  1. Fill out the online application form.
  2. Write a ‘Motivation letter’, detailing any cross-cultural work, volunteering or teaching experience, and relevant qualities (relationship to Georgia, aspirations, etc.)
  3. Take a video call with a program administrator, then provide a medical assessment form and a criminal record check.

The best time to apply for a 10-month contract is in the Spring, while submissions are usually due by mid-August for 5-month contracts.

TLG program duration

Contracts on the TLG program last for either 5 or 10 months, depending on when you’d prefer to start. 

TLG program salary and benefits

On the TLG program, you’ll stay with a Georgian family and be asked to provide English language lessons for your hosts outside of your school working hours. TLG co-teachers receive around 500 GEL ($183 / £136) per month, alongside benefits which include:

  • Travel to and from Georgia
  • Accommodation
  • Training and orientation
  • SIM card
  • Paid holidays
  • Medical insurance.

TLG program: pros

  • Chance to live in an emerging, underrated TEFL destination.
  • Certificate from the Georgian Ministry of Education and Science – great for your CV.
  • A chance to integrate into local family life.

TLG program: cons

  • Low salary (but low cost of living).
  • Co-teaching, not teaching.
  • Not for people who want to teach in cities.

Read our guide to teaching English in Georgia for more on this intriguing TEFL destination.

Read more: 

Download our teaching English in Europe guide

France – TAPIF

For teachers from the USA,the French government’s Teaching Assistant Program in France (TAPIF) has capitalized on huge interest in working in the public school system across the country, from the lure of Paris to overseas territories like French Guinea, Martinique, Réunion, and Guadeloupe.


TAPIF requirements

To take part in TAPIF, you must be:

TAPIF program application

The TAPIF application process is relatively straightforward – if you speak French! You’ll need to supply a 500-word application letter in French, providing information about yourself, your experience teaching or working with young people, experience of living or working abroad, your French skills, and qualifications.

You must also scan your:

  • Birth certificate
  • University transcripts
  • Passport (and green card if relevant)
  • ID history summary (a background check) 

CEFR B1 French test certificate or an equivalent.

TAPIF program duration

Contracts with TAPIF last seven months, from October to April, and you can apply for up to three consecutive years. If you want to renew, get your application sent by March.

TAPIF salary and benefits

Every TAPIF teaching assistant receives €810 ($943 / £701) monthly, after taxes. Applicants are encouraged to apply for housing subsidies through the Caisse d’Allocations Familiales (CAF), and there’s also medical coverage in the form of the Sécurité sociale, which covers 70% of medical costs.

TAPIF program: pros

  • Travel and work in France.
  • Real classroom experience through teaching assistance.
  • Visa to travel across Europe.
  • Ideal for teachers passionate about French and English.

TAPIF program: cons

  • Accommodation and visa fees not included.
  • Very low salary and high cost of living – applicants are encouraged to save $2,000 in advance.
  • Requires strong French language skills.

Keen on making a French connection? Read our pages to learn more about TAPIF, teaching English in France, and TEFL teaching jobs.

Read more: 

Hong Kong - NET

Comfortably the best-paid government-backed teaching program, Hong Kong’s NET (Native-English Teacher) scheme is an exciting, but competitive, option for TEFL teachers. that helps to keep the country’s English standards high.

NET requirements

The NET program features two major categories – PNET (for primary schools) and SNET (secondary teaching). Your pay and job location depend on your qualifications and experience and, while PNET has four qualification levels, SNET has seven. The most basic requirements are:

  • TEFL certificate (including 120-hour TEFL course, CELTA or TrinityCertTESOL, minimum 100 hours).
  • Bachelor’s degree (preferably in English literature, linguistics, or English language).
  • Native-level English.

The best-paid teachers on the NET scheme, specifically SNET, need:

  • A TEFL diploma.
  • A bachelor’s degree in Modern Language, Education, English, or a joint-major with English or Modern Language.
  • A postgraduate diploma in Education (focusing on English).
  • At least a year of English teaching experience at secondary level.

Read our NET scheme page for a specific breakdown of the categories.

NET application

The application process for NET is extensive, but the salaries and benefits offered make it worth it. 

First, you must complete the PNET or SNET application form, then send it back with your CV, a copy of your degree, and any teaching/TEFL certificates.

Secondly, you’ll have an interview lasting 45-60 minutes, which includes a chat with program directors and a 20-minute written exercise, where you’ll show your English writing skills and critical thinking. 

Pass all that, and the Hong Kong Education Bureau will place you in a school!

Net program duration

NET contracts last two years, with the school year beginning in August. The application deadline is usually between February and March. Read the Hong Kong Education Bureau website for up-to-date information.

NET salary and benefits

Salaries on the NET program vary by school and by the category of teacher you are. PNET teachers can earn up to HKD 30,000 - 58,500 ($3,820 - $7,450 / £3,190 - £6,200) per month, and SNET teachers can earn as much as HKD 70,000 ($8,915 / £7,450) – no wonder it’s competitive!

If the salaries weren’t enough, benefits include:

  • A housing allowance (around $2,700 / £2,235) if you stay outside Hong Kong
  • Retention incentives 
  • Return flights to and from HK 
  • Medical insurance
  • Paid holidays and public holidays
  • Induction and support system.

NET program: pros

  • Excellent salary and benefits.
  • A chance to test yourself in Hong Kong’s strong education system.
  • Actual teaching work.

NET program: cons

  • Entry requirements are stricter than most TEFL jobs.
  • Extremely competitive.

Read our in-depth pages for more on teaching English in Hong Kong, with a special focus on teaching jobs.

Check out these guides:

Teaching skills you’ll gain from teach abroad programs

Government-sponsored teach abroad programs offer different levels of experience by country – in some you’ll be a lead teacher, in others an assistant. But wherever you go, you’ll gain insight into teaching in another country and how to get the best from students in that culture.

Whether it’s your first role or you’ve been a TEFL teacher for years, you’ll learn skills such as lesson planning, classroom management and how to immerse yourself into a different education system, all of which will help you to grow in your career.

The reassurance of the government scheme backing helps to give you job security and, often, flights and accommodation to get you there in the first place. And it’s a springboard for you to decide if you want to stick with the government system, or branch out into private or specialist English teaching, either in the same country or somewhere completely different.

Government-sponsored teach abroad programs in summary

For so many TEFL teachers, working abroad is the dream, but it can sometimes feel hard to reach. Government-sponsored teach abroad programs can make it real – you can earn your first teaching salary, explore countries overseas, and build vital experience. Here are some key takeaways:

  • Requirements: Each program has specific requirements, but a bachelor’s degree and a TEFL certificate are usually needed.
  • Variety: Programs can take you to countries like Japan, South Korea, France, and Georgia – there’s a lot of choice!
  • Salary and benefits: You won’t usually earn as much as you would with a TEFL job, but you’ll receive excellent support and benefits.
  • Assistant or teacher?: On most programs, you’ll be a teaching assistant – that’s worth bearing in mind.
As a way to get your TEFL career moving and visit far-flung places worldwide, a government-sponsored program could be just what you need.

More on teaching English abroad programs

FAQs about government-sponsored teach abroad programs

  • Q. How do you get a government-sponsored English teaching job abroad?

    You can apply directly through a program, like EPIK in South Korea and JET in Japan, through the relevant website. You’ll need to meet a set of requirements for that country and then write a compelling cover letter to accompany your application form.

  • Q. Can I teach abroad on a government scheme without a TEFL qualification?

    No. The schemes require a basic level of teaching ability, including a degree (or currently studying for one) and the industry standard of 120 hours from a reputable course provider This may vary slightly by country, but you’ll need some level of TEFL qualification.

  • Q. Which country has the best government-sponsored scheme for English teachers?

    The NET scheme in Hong Kong is the highest paid, while the offering in France is much lower. Ultimately, the decision is largely down to where you want to live, the level you’re happy teaching at and your plans for career progression.

  • Q. Is there an age limit for teaching English abroad?

    The age limit for teaching jobs varies by country – some nations focus their schemes on younger people, others don’t give visas beyond retirement age, and the minimum is usually 18.