Many recent graduates are finding the current job market challenging to say the least, and other geo-political events, such as Brexit, add to the uncertainty regarding the future.
Teaching English as a foreign language is an industry which continues to boom and native English speakers from countries such as the USA, UK, Canada, and Australia are always in high demand overseas.
So here are just two of the top countries to consider when it comes to securing a TEFL job abroad.
1. Myanmar
Yes, Myanmar came out top the list – based on its culture, people and inspirational features. The report also mentions the low cost of living, and beer for $1 (beer is considered as a kind of cost-of-living metric for most TEFL teachers).
Teaching requirements are not particularly demanding: possessing a bachelor’s degree and recognized TEFL certificate will get you into some of the best TEFL jobs, with or without teaching experience. And if you’re in country and don’t have a degree or TEFL qualification you can still pick up work as a TEFL teacher at some of the smaller privately-owned English language schools.
Salaries for TEFL teachers working in Myanmar typically range between $1,200 and $2,000 monthly, which is better than many of the other countries in the list of top 10 countries to teach in, with the exception of Vietnam, which was ranked as the number 1 destination for TEFL teaching in 2017.
2. Vietnam
Vietnam supports a non-seasonal TEFL job market; TEFL teachers can find work all year round and the salaries are among some of the highest, and the cost of living among the lowest. A good combination if you want to save or fund travel.
TEFL salaries in Vietnam are typically between $1,200 and $2,200. Compare this with the national average salary of $2,200 (last year) and you begin to appreciate how good it is.
English teachers who have worked in Vietnam report that the major cities such as Ho Chi Minh, Hanoi, and Da Nang provide the best TEFL job opportunities and salaries.
Again, when it comes to qualifications, Vietnamese language schools typically look for a bachelor’s degree along with a recognized TEFL certification. Previous teaching experience is a bonus but native English speaking TEFL teachers are highly valued and so previous teaching experience is not always necessary to land a good TEFL job.
According to the report, other reasons for choosing Vietnam include its nature, culture, good coffee, and cheap beer (again!) as well as its amazing cuisine.
Good luck with your TEFL job search!
