What qualifications do I need to teach internationally?
Sarah Duran
Published Apr 07, 2026
Typical Qualifications that are usually acceptable to International Schools
- PGCE (England, Wales, Aus, NZ, Canada etc)
- PGDE (Scotland)
- Higher Diploma of Education (Ireland, South Africa)
- Masters of Education.
- Full (non-temporary, non-emergency) state certification (US and Canada)
- Teacher registration (NZ, Ireland)
Can you get paid to teach abroad?
As a teacher abroad, it’s perfectly reasonable and attainable to earn a decent wage — in top-paying countries, this can be from $2,000 to over $6,000 per month! — depending on the country, region, experience, and qualifications. The highest-paid ESL teaching jobs can often be found in these parts of the world.
How do I get a job teaching overseas?
How to Get a Teaching Job Abroad
- Decide Whether to Apply through a Program, Recruiter, or Independently.
- Choose a Country to Teach In.
- Prepare Your Resume/CV.
- Apply for Teaching Jobs.
- Ace the Interview.
- Negotiate Your Salary & Contract.
- Accept Your New Teaching Job.
- Prepare Financially Before You Depart.
Can I teach in another country?
If you want to live and work legally in another country, you’ll need to apply and receive a work visa. All government teaching programs will either help you out with or do most of the paperwork for you. They’ll also sponsor you for a work visa (just one of many perks of teaching abroad through one of these programs).
Can I teach abroad without a PGCE?
Although it’s possible to find jobs teaching EFL without any experience or qualifications, the majority of language schools require a degree – in any subject – and a TEFL (teaching English as a foreign language) certificate.
Which countries need teachers?
9 countries looking for English teachers
- Brazil. Brazil is one of the countries in high demand for English teachers due to a boom in business, trade, and tourism.
- Cambodia. ESL teaching positions in Cambodia’s job market are growing quickly.
- China.
- Colombia.
- Mexico.
- Morocco.
- Russia.
- South Korea.
Where can I teach internationally?
Based on key criteria, Go Overseas has tracked the best places to teach abroad this year and found the top ten most popular countries to teach overseas:
- Japan.
- South Korea.
- China.
- Vietnam.
- Thailand.
- Taiwan.
- Spain.
- The UAE.
What is the best country to teach abroad?
The Best Countries To Teach English Abroad
- South Korea. South Korea has one of the largest English teaching markets in the world.
- Japan. Japan has one of the longest traditions when it comes to hiring English teachers.
- China. China’s English teaching market is also flourishing.
- Thailand.
- Czech Republic.
- Saudi Arabia.
- Mexico.
Can I do my PGCE abroad?
Ultimately, the answer is yes. With a PGCE, you’ll already be qualified to teach in the UK; but employers overseas specifically ask for a TEFL qualification so if you don’t have one listed on your CV, they could automatically overlook you.
Can I teach abroad with a PGDE?
The Professional Graduate Diploma in Education (PGDE) is a form of initial teacher training. Like PGCEs, PGDEs are internationally recognised: you’ll also be able to teach in the rest of the UK and abroad, as long as you satisfy the individual requirements of the country in question.
Which job has the highest salary in world?
The Top 6 Highest Paying Jobs in the World
- Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
- General Surgeon.
- Senior Software Engineer.
- Investment Banker.
- Data Scientist.
- IT Systems Manager.
Who is the world’s best teacher?
Indian schoolteacher Ranjitsinh Disale has been awarded this year’s Global Teacher Prize. Mr. Disale won the award as a result of his work with girls in western India.
