Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) is a globally recognised qualification that opens doors for aspiring educators to teach English both abroad and online. Whether you’re looking to embark on a career in international education, relocate to a foreign country, or work from home as an online English tutor, obtaining a TESOL certification is often the first step.
In this detailed article, we explore the TESOL certification requirements, where you can teach with TESOL, the types of teaching jobs available, average salaries, and the viability of teaching English online.
What Is TESOL?
TESOL stands for Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages. It is both a field of study and a practical qualification that equips teachers to deliver English instruction to non-native speakers. TESOL can refer to a certification course or a degree programme, depending on the context and career path.
While TESOL is similar to TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) and TESL (Teaching English as a Second Language), TESOL is often considered a more umbrella term that encompasses both.
TESOL Certification Requirements
There are no universal global standards for TESOL certification, but most reputable courses and employers follow similar guidelines. Below are the key requirements and expectations to enrol in a TESOL course and to qualify for teaching jobs post-certification.
Minimum Requirements to Enrol in a TESOL Course:
- Age: Usually 18 years or older (some providers prefer 21+)
- English proficiency: C1–C2 level on the CEFR scale for non-native speakers
- Education: A high school diploma or equivalent; a bachelor’s degree is preferred for better job prospects
- Interest in teaching: No previous teaching experience is necessary, but a passion for education is vital
Course Structure:
TESOL courses generally include:
- Minimum 120 hours of instruction (for internationally recognised certification)
- Modules covering:
- English grammar and language awareness
- Classroom management
- Lesson planning
- Teaching receptive and productive skills
- Assessment and evaluation
- Teaching practicum (in some advanced or in-person courses)
There are both online and in-person options available, and many courses are self-paced for flexibility.
Where Can You Teach English With TESOL?
With a TESOL certificate, you can teach English in a wide range of countries, as well as online. Your opportunities will depend on your nationality, level of education, and sometimes your passport.
Popular Countries Where TESOL Is Recognised:
1. Asia
- South Korea: Public schools (EPIK), private academies (hagwons), and universities
- Japan: JET Programme, private language schools
- Vietnam: High demand in cities like Ho Chi Minh and Hanoi
- China: Massive ESL industry, but recent online restrictions may affect online work
- Thailand: Many jobs in public and private schools, often year-round
2. Europe
- Spain: Government programmes (e.g., Auxiliares), language academies
- Italy: Private institutes, summer camps, and corporate training
- Poland: Growing demand in business and academic sectors
- Czech Republic: Prague is a TESOL hub for Central Europe
3. Latin America
- Mexico: Many private schools and adult education centres
- Chile and Argentina: Jobs in urban centres, including language institutes
- Costa Rica: Popular with travellers and gap-year teachers
4. Middle East
- United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Saudi Arabia: Lucrative jobs in universities and private institutions (often requiring a degree + experience)
- Oman and Qatar: More relaxed requirements, but still require a TESOL certificate
5. Africa
- Countries like Morocco, Egypt, and Ghana have growing ESL sectors with jobs in international schools, NGOs, and private academies.
6. Online
TESOL is highly valuable for online teaching platforms such as Preply, Cambly, italki, and others, where demand continues to grow globally.
Average Salary for TESOL Teachers
Salaries vary widely depending on the country, qualifications, and type of job. Below is an approximate range by region (in US dollars for comparison):
Asia:
- China: $1,500 – $2,500/month
- South Korea: $1,800 – $2,200/month + housing
- Japan: $2,000 – $2,700/month
- Vietnam: $1,200 – $2,000/month
- Thailand: $1,000 – $1,500/month
Europe:
- Spain/Italy: $900 – $1,500/month
- Poland/Czech Republic: $800 – $1,200/month
Latin America:
- Mexico/Argentina/Chile: $500 – $1,200/month
Middle East:
- UAE/Saudi Arabia: $2,500 – $4,000/month (often tax-free + benefits)
Africa:
- Egypt/Morocco: $500 – $1,000/month
- NGOs or volunteer programmes may offer a stipend or accommodation instead
Online:
- Entry-level: $10 – $15/hour
- Experienced or niche teachers: Up to $40/hour or more
Types of Teaching Jobs with a TESOL Certificate
A TESOL qualification allows you to work in a variety of teaching environments. Some positions are full-time, while others may be freelance or part-time.
1. Language Academies
Private institutions offering after-school and evening classes for both children and adults. Most common starting point for TESOL holders.
2. Public Schools
TESOL-qualified teachers can teach in government-run schools, especially through programmes like:
- JET Programme (Japan)
- EPIK (Korea)
- Auxiliares de Conversación (Spain)
3. International Schools
Higher-paying roles that often require teaching credentials and experience in addition to TESOL.
4. Universities and Colleges
Mostly in Asia and the Middle East. These roles often require a degree in education or linguistics and teaching experience.
5. Business English
Many companies hire TESOL-certified professionals to teach business communication, especially in Europe and Asia.
6. Online Teaching
An increasingly popular option, allowing teachers to work remotely and build a flexible schedule.
Is It Possible to Teach English Online with a TESOL Certificate?
Yes and it’s one of the fastest-growing segments of the English teaching world.
Benefits of Teaching English Online:
- Location independence: Work from anywhere with a stable internet connection
- Flexible hours: Set your own schedule
- Global students: Teach learners from China, Brazil, Spain, and beyond
- Low startup costs: All you need is a laptop, webcam, headset, and TESOL certificate
Where to Find Online Teaching Jobs:
- Marketplace platforms: italki, Preply, Cambly (you set your rates)
- Curriculum-based companies: LatinHire, Learnlight, or companies focusing on specific student groups
- Private tutoring: Start your own online ESL business using your TESOL certification as proof of your credentials
Requirements for Online TESOL Jobs:
- 120-hour TESOL certificate
- Fluent English (native or near-native level)
- Teaching experience is a plus but not always required
- A degree is sometimes needed, but not always
A TESOL certification is one of the most flexible and accessible ways to start teaching English around the world or from your own home. With minimal entry requirements, global demand, and the potential for both adventure and income, TESOL opens up a career path that is both fulfilling and practical.
Whether you’re a student, a career changer, or a retiree seeking new experiences, TESOL can be your passport to a world of teaching opportunities.
