Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) is one of the most accessible and rewarding ways to work abroad or online while making a meaningful impact. With the growing global demand for English, TEFL-certified teachers can find employment in a wide variety of roles and settings. However, the world of TEFL is far from one-size-fits-all, there are many types of TEFL jobs available, each with its own requirements, responsibilities, and rewards.
This article offers a detailed look into the major types of TEFL jobs, helping you determine which might best suit your skills, lifestyle goals, and professional aspirations.
1. Language Academies
Overview:
Language academies or private language centres are some of the most common employers of TEFL teachers. These institutions offer English lessons to children, teenagers, and adults outside of regular school hours usually in the evenings or on weekends.
Who it suits:
Ideal for teachers who enjoy structured environments, want to live abroad in urban areas, and are open to working non-traditional hours.
Countries:
Spain, South Korea, Japan, Brazil, and Poland.
Pros:
- Curriculum is usually provided.
- Small class sizes.
- Opportunities to teach motivated students.
Cons:
- Irregular schedules (afternoon/evening shifts).
- Lower starting salaries than international schools.
2. Public Schools
Overview:
TEFL positions in government-funded schools offer the chance to work a regular school day, often alongside a local co-teacher. Lessons tend to follow a set curriculum with an emphasis on grammar, reading, and writing.
Who it suits:
Perfect for those who want job stability, consistent hours, and to work with children or teenagers.
Countries:
South Korea (EPIK programme), Japan (JET Programme), France (TAPIF), Thailand, and Vietnam.
Pros:
- Paid holidays and benefits.
- Set working hours (usually Monday to Friday).
- Exposure to local culture and school system.
Cons:
- Large class sizes.
- Less flexibility in teaching methods.
3. Private Tutoring
Overview:
Private tutoring can be done independently or through an agency. This TEFL job involves working one-on-one with students who are seeking to improve their English skills, often for exams, job opportunities, or conversational fluency.
Who it suits:
Best for those who want flexibility and enjoy personalised teaching.
Countries:
Everywhere, especially high-demand areas like China, South Korea, and Italy. Also popular online.
Pros:
- High hourly pay potential.
- Flexible scheduling.
- Tailored lessons.
Cons:
- Income can be unstable.
- Must handle marketing and logistics if independent.
4. International Schools
Overview:
These elite institutions follow international curricula (like the International Baccalaureate or British/American systems) and cater to the children of expatriates or wealthy locals.
Who it suits:
Qualified teachers with teaching licences or extensive experience, and those looking for long-term contracts with excellent benefits.
Countries:
UAE, Singapore, China, and Saudi Arabia.
Pros:
- High salaries and benefits (housing, flights, health insurance).
- Professional work environment.
- Modern teaching resources.
Cons:
- High expectations and competition.
- Often require a PGCE or similar qualification, not just TEFL.
5. Universities
Overview:
TEFL jobs in universities involve teaching older students academic English, writing, or preparation for exams like IELTS or TOEFL.
Who it suits:
Ideal for experienced TEFL teachers or those with a Master’s degree who enjoy working with adults in an academic environment.
Countries:
China, South Korea, Turkey, and Mexico.
Pros:
- Light teaching hours (often under 20 hours a week).
- Paid vacations and accommodation benefits.
- Status and prestige.
Cons:
- Lower pay compared to international schools.
- Competitive application process.
6. Corporate or Business English
Overview:
Business English teachers work with professionals aiming to improve their English for work-related purposes. Lessons often focus on writing emails, giving presentations, or negotiation skills.
Who it suits:
Excellent for teachers with business experience or who enjoy working with adult learners in a professional context.
Countries:
Germany, Japan, Chile, South Korea, and online globally.
Pros:
- Higher hourly rates.
- Motivated learners.
- Opportunity to network in professional environments.
Cons:
- Often early morning or evening classes.
- Travel between offices may be required.
7. Summer Camps
Overview:
TEFL summer camps offer short-term teaching opportunities, usually in the summer months. These camps often combine English instruction with sports, games, and cultural activities.
Who it suits:
Great for energetic and adventurous teachers who enjoy working with children in informal settings.
Countries:
Italy, Spain, France, and the USA.
Pros:
- Fun and dynamic work environment.
- Free accommodation and meals often included.
- Great way to gain experience quickly.
Cons:
- Temporary employment (1–3 months).
- Long days and physically demanding.
8. Volunteer Teaching
Overview:
Many organisations offer volunteer TEFL placements in underserved communities. While unpaid, these roles offer unique cultural experiences and a strong sense of purpose.
Who it suits:
Ideal for new teachers looking to gain experience or those who want to make a social impact.
Countries:
Nepal, Cambodia, Tanzania, Peru.
Pros:
- Deep cultural immersion.
- Personal fulfilment.
- Valuable experience for CV.
Cons:
- Usually unpaid (though accommodation and meals may be covered).
- Limited teaching resources.
9. Online TEFL Jobs
Overview:
Online teaching has become a dominant sector in TEFL, especially post-pandemic. Teachers conduct lessons via platforms like Zoom or proprietary apps, either through a company or independently.
Who it suits:
Best for digital nomads, stay-at-home parents, or those seeking location freedom and schedule flexibility.
Platforms:
Preply, Cambly, iTalki, AmazingTalker.
Pros:
- Work from anywhere.
- Choose your own hours.
- Growing market.
Cons:
- Can be competitive.
- Income varies greatly depending on platform and niche.
- Requires fast internet and tech know-how.
10. Exam Preparation
Overview:
These TEFL roles specialise in preparing students for standardised English proficiency exams like IELTS, TOEFL, Cambridge English, and TOEIC.
Who it suits:
Experienced teachers who are detail-oriented and comfortable with test frameworks and assessment.
Countries:
China, Vietnam, UAE, and online.
Pros:
- High demand and good pay.
- Students are usually motivated.
- Academic teaching experience.
Cons:
- Requires specific training or familiarity with exam formats.
- Can be intense due to student pressure.
11. English for Specific Purposes (ESP)
Overview:
ESP focuses on teaching English in specialised fields such as aviation, tourism, medicine, or law. This often involves industry-specific vocabulary and scenarios.
Who it suits:
Professionals with background knowledge in a specific industry or experienced TEFL educators.
Countries:
UAE (aviation and oil), Germany (engineering), and online.
Pros:
- High hourly rates.
- Niche, professional audience.
- Intellectual challenge.
Cons:
- Requires background knowledge or willingness to learn.
- Preparation can be intensive.
The TEFL industry offers a vast array of job types to suit all kinds of personalities, lifestyles, and career goals. Whether you prefer the classroom buzz of a public school, the relaxed pace of university teaching, the travel-friendly life of online teaching, or the adrenaline of a summer camp, there’s a TEFL job out there for you.
When choosing your path, consider factors such as:
- Target age group (children, teens, adults)
- Work schedule (regular vs flexible)
- Desired location (urban, rural, online)
- Contract length (short-term, permanent)
- Professional development goals
No matter where you’re starting from, with the right TEFL certification and a willingness to adapt, you can build a rewarding career teaching English at home or abroad.
