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Category: Getting Started

New to ESL teaching? Start here — first steps, requirements, and how to land your first teaching job abroad.

45 posts

Best Countries for First-Time ESL Teachers

Choosing your first ESL teaching destination is one of the biggest decisions you will make in your teaching career. The right country can give you a smooth,…Read more
Bryan Whitman
8 min Jul 14

Best Countries for Experienced ESL Teachers

Once you have a few years of ESL teaching under your belt, a different tier of opportunities opens up. Experienced teachers can command higher salaries, better…Read more
Bryan Whitman
7 min Jul 14

Best Countries for Non-Native English Teachers

The ESL industry has historically favored native English speakers from a handful of countries, but the landscape is changing. For qualified non-native English…Read more
Bryan Whitman
7 min Jul 14

Minimum Requirements to Become an ESL Teacher

One of the most common questions from aspiring ESL teachers is: "What do I actually need to get hired?" The answer depends on where you want to teach and what…Read more
Bryan Whitman
4 min Jul 14

Countries That Don’t Require a Degree

If you don't have a bachelor's degree, your ESL options are narrower — but they're not gone. Several countries have flexible visa policies that allow you to…Read more
Bryan Whitman
4 min Jul 14

Can Non-Native English Speakers Teach ESL?

Yes — non-native English speakers can absolutely teach ESL. While the industry has historically favored native speakers, opportunities for qualified…Read more
Bryan Whitman
5 min Jul 14

Do You Need a Degree to Teach English Abroad?

The short answer: in most countries, yes — a bachelor's degree is required to get a legal work visa. But the longer answer is more nuanced. Some countries…Read more
Bryan Whitman
4 min Jul 14

Can You Teach English Without Experience?

Yes — you absolutely can teach English without prior teaching experience. In fact, the vast majority of ESL teachers who go abroad each year are…Read more
Bryan Whitman
4 min Jul 14

Do You Need to Be a Native English Speaker?

For decades, the ESL industry has heavily favored native English speakers — those from the US, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Ireland. But the…Read more
Bryan Whitman
4 min Jul 14