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Teach English Abroad · Explore the World

20 Cities to Teach English Overseas

From Seoul and Tokyo to Madrid and Mexico City, explore international destinations and take the next step toward a career teaching English.

Where Can TESOL Take You?

Teaching English abroad offers opportunities to develop professional skills, experience different cultures, and work with learners around the world. American TESOL Institute (ATI), founded in 2004, provides TESOL certification and career resources to help educators prepare for international and online teaching.

These 20 cities are destinations to research, not a live ranking of vacancies or salaries. Opportunities, qualifications, compensation, visa rules, and eligibility vary by employer and location.

Explore 20 Teaching Destinations

Select a country to learn more about teaching English there.

01 South Korea

Seoul

Explore language institutes, public-school programs, and opportunities across South Korea’s capital.

Explore South Korea
02 Japan

Tokyo

Discover teaching opportunities in a major education market known for its combination of tradition and technology.

Explore Japan
03 China

Shanghai

Explore English-language education in one of China’s largest international business centers.

Explore China
04 UAE

Dubai

Research language centers and international schools; qualifications and work permits vary by employer.

Explore UAE
05 Vietnam

Ho Chi Minh City

Explore language centers and English teaching opportunities in southern Vietnam.

Explore Vietnam
06 Spain

Madrid

Explore language assistant programs, academies, and opportunities to experience Spanish culture.

Explore Spain
07 Thailand

Bangkok

Discover teaching opportunities and the lively culture of Thailand’s capital.

Explore Thailand
08 Czech Republic

Prague

Explore private language schools, tutoring, and business-English teaching in the Czech capital.

Explore Czech Republic
09 Taiwan

Taipei

Explore English teaching opportunities alongside Taiwan’s vibrant city life.

Explore Taiwan
10 UAE

Abu Dhabi

Research school and language-program openings, including roles that may require teaching credentials.

Explore UAE
11 China

Beijing

Explore language education opportunities in China’s historic capital.

Explore China
12 Mexico

Mexico City

Explore English-language instruction and professional communication training in Mexico’s capital.

Explore Mexico
13 Colombia

Bogotá

Discover opportunities in schools, language centers, and private tutoring in Colombia.

Explore Colombia
15 Italy

Rome

Explore language schools, private tutoring, and seasonal education programs.

Explore Italy
16 Saudi Arabia

Riyadh

Research opportunities in language institutes and schools, with employer-specific requirements.

Explore Saudi Arabia
17 Vietnam

Hanoi

Explore English teaching in Vietnam’s capital, known for its rich history and cultural life.

Explore Vietnam
18 Spain

Barcelona

Explore language academies and tutoring in Spain’s Mediterranean city.

Explore Spain
19 Turkey

Istanbul

Discover English-language education in a city connecting Europe and Asia.

Explore Turkey
20 Costa Rica

San Jose

Explore teaching opportunities and the natural attractions of Costa Rica.

Explore Costa Rica

Prepare to Teach English Abroad

Build your teaching knowledge with ATI certification programs, then explore opportunities that fit your qualifications and destination preferences.

ATI's optional post-certification Job Placement Guarantee allows graduates to select five preferred countries and consider online teaching opportunities. Allow at least three months to receive job offers; eligibility and employment requirements apply.

Teaching jobs, visas, and work permits remain subject to employer and local legal requirements.

Explore TESOL Certification

Read the Job Placement Guarantee →

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