TEFL Training and English Teaching Opportunities Across Asia

If you’ve ever imagined packing your bags and heading overseas to teach English, Asia’s vibrant tapestry of cultures, cuisines, and communities might just be the perfect backdrop. The continent’s growing demand for English-language education, combined with the wealth of TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) certification courses and teaching programs, makes it an ideal choice for both aspiring and experienced educators. 

Below, we dive into some of the most reputable organizations and programs that can help you launch your international teaching career while immersing yourself in Asia’s diverse landscapes.

International TEFL Academy

The International TEFL Academy (ITA) offers a variety of in-person TEFL/TESOL certification courses across Asia to help you get started.

Here’s a glimpse into some of their programs:

Hua Hin and Chiang Mai, Thailand

Nestled in the mountainous region of Northern Thailand, Chiang Mai provides a serene backdrop for ITA’s 4-week, full-time TEFL course. For those seeking a coastal experience, the 4-week TEFL course in Hua Hin offers training in a historic beachside town. 

Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Whether you’re drawn to the historic charm of Hanoi or the bustling energy of Ho Chi Minh City, ITA offers TEFL certification courses in both locations. These programs are designed to provide comprehensive training, ensuring you’re well-prepared to enter Vietnam’s vibrant teaching market.

Incheon, South Korea

Situated near the vibrant capital of Seoul, Incheon hosts ITA’s intensive TEFL course. This program not only provides top-notch training but also immerses you in South Korea’s rich culture, enhancing your teaching journey.

Nagoya, Japan

Experience the blend of tradition and modernity in Nagoya through ITA’s 4-week TEFL course. This program offers rigorous training amidst Japan’s unique cultural landscape, preparing you for teaching opportunities both locally and internationally.

Phnom Penh, Cambodia

In Cambodia’s capital, ITA’s TEFL course provides comprehensive training tailored to the region’s educational landscape. This program prepares you to make a meaningful impact in one of Southeast Asia’s emerging teaching markets.

Yangon, Myanmar

Delve into Myanmar’s rich cultural heritage with ITA’s TEFL course in Yangon. This 4-week program equips you with the skills needed to teach English effectively, offering a unique experience in a rapidly developing educational sector.

Each of these programs is led by experienced instructors and provides internationally recognized certification, ensuring you’re well-prepared to embark on your teaching career across Asia and beyond.

Upon certification, graduates can access guaranteed job placement programs in Asia, ensuring a seamless transition into the teaching profession. 

International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ)

Across Asia, International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ) unlocks opportunities for English educators to inspire growth and uplift communities, positioning volunteers at the heart of their transformative programs.

• In Delhi, India, volunteers assist in local schools, helping to improve students’ English language skills and boosting their confidence.
• In Chiang Rai, Thailand, volunteers work alongside local teachers, contributing to the development of students’ English proficiency.
• In Battambang, Cambodia, volunteers support English education in local schools, enhancing students’ future employment opportunities.
• In Luang Prabang, Laos, volunteers teach English to novice monks and local students, fostering cultural exchange and understanding.
• In Xi’an, China, volunteers assist in teaching English, providing students with valuable language skills that can open doors to future opportunities.
• In Siem Reap, Cambodia, volunteers contribute to English education, helping students improve their language abilities and prospects.
• In Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, volunteers work with local schools to enhance students’ English skills, aiding in their academic and professional development.
• In Nepal, volunteers teach English in local schools, empowering students with language skills that can lead to better opportunities.
• In Hua Hin, Thailand, volunteers assist in teaching English and supporting students in gaining proficiency and confidence in the language.

These programs not only provide invaluable support to local education systems but also offer volunteers a rich cultural immersion experience.

Intern Abroad HQ

Intern Abroad HQ offers dynamic education internships in Tokyo and Seoul, providing participants with hands-on experience in diverse educational settings.

Tokyo’s Youth Development & Education Internship

In Tokyo, interns engage with kindergartens, schools, and after-school clubs, serving as valuable English language resources for students eager to learn. The program emphasizes both formal and informal learning environments, allowing interns to experience Japan’s unique blend of traditional and pop culture. Applicants should have completed at least one year of relevant college or university study in fields such as Education, Child Development, Social Work, or TEFL training. The internship is conducted in English, with start dates every Monday and durations ranging from 5 to 12 weeks.

Seoul’s Education Internship

In Seoul, interns collaborate with local educators to support students across various age groups. Responsibilities include lesson planning, classroom management, and providing individualized support to students. This program offers insight into South Korea’s education system, renowned for its high academic standards and emphasis on educational achievement. Interns gain practical experience while contributing to students’ academic growth. The program is conducted in English, with flexible start dates and durations tailored to participants’ availability.

GoEco

GoEco offers a diverse range of volunteer programs across Asia, enabling participants to engage in meaningful educational and community development initiatives.

• Teaching in Buddhist Monasteries – Nepal: Volunteers live in Buddhist monasteries in Nepal’s Everest region, teaching English and math to monks of all ages. This immersive experience fosters cultural exchange and provides insight into Buddhist traditions.

• Women’s English Literacy Program – Sri Lanka: In Galle, Sri Lanka, volunteers empower local women by enhancing their English language skills, thereby improving their employment prospects and confidence.

• Hua Hin Teaching and Childcare – Thailand: Volunteers teach English in primary and secondary schools in Hua Hin, Thailand, contributing to students’ language proficiency while experiencing the local culture and beaches.

• Educational Outreach in Kathmandu – Nepal: This project involves teaching various subjects, including English, to schoolchildren in Kathmandu, promoting cultural exchange and enhancing educational opportunities.

• Education in Bali – Indonesia: Volunteers teach English in underdeveloped villages in Bali, inspiring community members towards a brighter and more sustainable future.

• Teaching and Community Work in Goa – India: This program offers opportunities to teach English in kindergartens and engage in community outreach in Goa, enriching the lives of local children.
• English Exchange – Nagano, Japan: Volunteers participate in English exchange programs in Otaki Village, Nagano, improving local residents’ conversational English skills through cultural immersion.

Projects Abroad 

Projects Abroad invites dedicated volunteers to join its English teaching efforts, making a genuine, long-term difference in vibrant local communities.

• Sri Lanka: In Sri Lanka, volunteers teach English to young monks in Buddhist monasteries, enhancing their language skills and cultural understanding.

• Nepal: In Nepal, volunteers assist local teachers in primary schools, focusing on improving students’ English proficiency to broaden their future opportunities.

• Cambodia: In Cambodia, volunteers work in kindergartens and primary schools, helping children from underprivileged areas develop their English language abilities.

• Mongolia: In Mongolia, volunteers teach English in schools or language centers, aiding students in gaining confidence and opening doors to global opportunities.
• Philippines: In the Philippines, volunteers support local teachers in primary and high schools, focusing on enhancing students’ English skills to improve their future prospects.

Involvement Volunteers International (IVI) 

Involvement Volunteers International (IVI) presents a wide selection of English teaching placements all over Asia, empowering volunteers to leave a lasting mark on the lives of local learners.

• Nepal: In Pokhara, volunteers assist local teachers in schools, helping children aged 5 to 16 improve their English skills and cultural awareness.
• Japan: In Otaki, volunteers engage in conversational English exchanges, helping locals gain confidence in speaking English through cultural interactions.
• India: In Darjeeling, volunteers work in local schools, teaching English and other subjects to children and enhancing their educational opportunities.
• Bali: In Ubud and Lovina, volunteers teach English in local schools, encouraging and inspiring children through interactive lessons and activities.
• Vietnam: In Ho Chi Minh City, volunteers teach English to college students, aiding them in gaining confidence and improving their language skills.
• Thailand: In Chiang Mai, volunteers assist in teaching English to children aged 2.5 to 18, fostering creativity and confidence through engaging lessons.

Volunteering Solutions (VolSol) 

Through its diverse English teaching programs, Volunteering Solutions empowers volunteers to enrich lives and create lasting connections across Asia.

• In Chiang Mai, Thailand, volunteers can teach English to young students, enhancing their language skills and broadening their future opportunities. Additionally, there’s a unique opportunity to teach English to Buddhist monks, fostering cultural exchange and mutual learning. 
• In Cambodia, volunteers contribute to educational development by teaching English in local schools, empowering students with essential language proficiency. 
• The program in Jaipur, India, focuses on improving English education for children in underprivileged communities, aiming to break the cycle of poverty through education. 
• In Hanoi, Vietnam, volunteers assist in teaching English to students, enhancing their communication skills and opening doors to better employment prospects. 
• In the Philippines, volunteers engage in teaching programs that support local educational initiatives, contributing to the overall development of the community. 

Global Vision International (GVI) 

GVI, a prominent international volunteer organization, offers a range of teaching and educational programs across Southeast Asia, providing participants with opportunities to gain practical experience while contributing to local communities.

Cambodia

• TEFL and Teaching English Apprenticeship: This 24-week program in Cambodia enables participants to become TEFL certified and engage in a three-month work placement, focusing on teaching English to local students.
• Education Research Fellowship: Spanning 4 to 12 weeks, this fellowship involves contributing to ethical education initiatives in Siem Reap, working alongside GVI’s partner organizations and community members.
• Short-Term Teaching Internship: Offering durations between 2 to 12 weeks, this internship provides experience in teaching English as a foreign language, allowing participants to assist in local schools and educational centers.

Thailand

• Teaching English and TEFL Internship: This 24-week apprenticeship in Thailand combines TEFL certification with practical teaching experience, enabling participants to teach English in local communities.
• Short-Term Teaching Internship: Located in Chiang Mai, this program offers durations between 2 to 12 weeks. Participants engage in teaching English to children and adults in local schools, developing skills in community engagement and cross-cultural communication. 

Nepal

• Teaching and Community Development Apprenticeship: Over a 20-week period, participants engage in education projects in Nepal, gaining valuable work experience while contributing to community development initiatives.

Your Teaching Journey in Asia Awaits!

Choosing Asia for your TEFL journey isn’t just about landing a job—it’s about embracing new cultures, building lifelong friendships, and exploring regions rich in history, art, and cuisine. From the relaxed beaches of Thailand and the ancient temples of Cambodia to the bustling cities of Japan and the cutting-edge classrooms of South Korea, there’s a world of opportunity awaiting educators in Asia.

Whether you’re fresh out of college, making a mid-career switch, or simply looking for a meaningful way to travel, teaching English abroad offers a blend of professional development, personal growth, and cultural exploration. With the wide range of certification courses, volunteer programs, and internships available, the door to teaching in Asia is wide open—inviting you to step through and start your own international adventure.