Considering a TEFL career but not sure if you’re the right age? You’ve come to the right place! Whether you’re new to the scene, looking for a career change, or are a longtime TEFLer, there’s plenty of opportunities to teach English later on in life. Check out our top places to TEFL when you’re over 50…
Europe
Although visa restrictions can be pretty strict in Europe if you don’t have a European passport, it’s not completely impossible to find a teaching job in your 50s. Eastern Europe, in particular, boasts some of the best TEFL opportunities for mature teachers as there’s a high demand for native speakers and less competition – awesome! Thanks to their evolving economies and industries, the TEFL jobs market in Eastern Europe is booming. Jam-packed with fantastic opportunities, it’s definitely worth looking in to!
Hungary
Hungary’s the perfect place to start your TEFL adventure in your 50s as there’s no maximum age limit for working here. This means you can live out your TEFL dream for years to come without having any sanctions imposed on you – amazing! From Lake Balaton to Budapest, there’s plenty of places to explore during your time off. Plus, with it being so close to Romania, Serbia, Croatia, Austria, Slovakia, and the Ukraine, you’ll easily be able to tick off heaps of other places from your bucket list!
Requirements: To be a TEFL teacher in Hungary, you’ll need a bachelor’s degree and TEFL certification.
Job types: You can find work in private language schools and through private tutoring.
Salary: You can earn anywhere between $610 – $1,233 per month.
Czech Republic
The Czech Republic doesn’t always spring to mind when you think of TEFLing, but it definitely should! Enriched with thousands of years of history, amazing architecture, and stunning scenery it’s one of the most beautiful places to live in. Working here in your 50s is fantastic as there’s no upper age limit for TEFL teachers. This means that you can continue working as an English teacher into your late 60s and beyond. With plenty of work and life experience, over 50s are seen as an asset to the teaching world – go you!
Requirements: To work as a TEFL teacher in the Czech Republic you’ll need a TEFL certificate and bachelor’s degree.
Job types: You can find work in private schools, summer schools, and public schools.
Salary: You can earn anywhere between $844 – $1,298 per month.
Russia
If you’re looking for an authentic Eastern European experience, we’d highly recommend Russia. It’s a fantastic place for over 50s to TEFL as there’s heaps of teaching opportunities here. Students are super keen to learn English and are happy to be taught by someone who’s slightly older. From beaches to ski resorts, Russia really does have it all. So, why not give it a go?
Requirements: To teach English in Russia, you’ll need a TEFL certificate. Some companies require a bachelor’s degree, but this varies for different employers. Teaching experience is not required but is sometimes preferred.
Job types: You can find work in international schools, private language academies and schools, and through private tutoring.
Salary: You can earn anywhere between $1,100- $1,500 per month.
Asia
Believe it or not, Asia’s the perfect place for over 50s to start their TEFL journey. With a high demand for TEFL teachers and a low cost of living, you’re guaranteed a great time! Although some Asian countries have pretty strict visa requirements, there’s plenty of amazing teaching opportunities elsewhere. Malaysia, Cambodia, and Thailand are definitely worth checking out as competition for TEFL jobs are a lot less fierce!
Malaysia
Malaysia’s become a popular TEFL destination for over 50s thanks to its relaxed visa regulations and generous TEFL wages. Generally speaking, over 50s can find work in primary, secondary, and international schools as language assistants and teachers. If you’re looking to retire within the next 10 years, then Malaysia is the perfect place for you! Although you can continue working as a TEFL teacher once you’re over 60, you may lose some job perks and benefits. This is worth keeping in mind when applying for your dream TEFL job.
Requirements: To work in Malaysia you’ll need a TEFL certificate, bachelor’s degree and at least two years’ teaching experience.
Job types: You can find work in public primary and secondary schools, as well as international schools.
Salary: You can earn anywhere between $1,400 – $1,800 per month.
Thailand
Once you’ve got your TEFL certificate you can easily teach and beach in Thailand! Thanks to their tourist industry, there’s a huge demand for TEFL teachers in this area. Although there aren’t any age restrictions for teaching here, most people tend to retire at the age of 60. This means that you’ll have plenty of time to check out the stunning scenery, sandy-white beaches, and incredible islands – sign us up!
Requirements: You don’t need any teaching experience to become an English teacher in Thailand. To kickstart your TEFL career, you’ll just need to be TEFL qualified and have a bachelor’s degree in any subject.
Job types: You can work in private, public, and international schools as well as universities.
Salary: You can earn anywhere between $779-$1,168 per month.
Cambodia
Consider yourself a culture vulture? Then head over to Cambodia! Not only is it enriched in thousands of years of history, but it also plays host to the UNESCO world heritage site Angkor Wat – count us in! Over 50s can easily land a top TEFL job here due to the high demand for English teachers. Plus, with low-cost living and fairly high wages, you’ll have more than enough to live on.
Requirements: All you need to teach English in Cambia is a TEFL certification. You don’t need a degree or any teaching experience.
Job types: You can find work in private schools, language academies, and public schools.
Salary: You can earn anywhere between $1,000 – $1,200 per month.
Latin America
If you’re looking to re-live your youth, then Latin America’s a great place to start. Vibrant, colourful, and, super friendly, you’ll soon feel at home! Although TEFL wages are slightly lower here, so is the cost of living in comparison to places like Europe. Thanks to its geographical location, there’s a high demand for TEFL teachers in Latin America. This means that you can easily land a top TEFL job here when you’re in your 50s. And the best part? You don’t need any teaching experience!
Mexico
Festivals, fun, and full of teaching opportunities, Mexico’s an amazing place to start your TEFL adventure. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a complete newbie to teaching, you’ll be welcomed with open arms. Plenty of people come here in their 50s to start their TEFL career as there are no age restrictions for teaching and it’s easy to get a visa. This means that you’ll have more than enough time to put your teaching techniques to the test!
Requirements: To teach in Mexico you’ll need a TEFL certification and bachelor’s degree.
Job types: You can find work in private language centres or public schools. You can also find work through private tutoring.
Salary: You can earn anywhere between $500 – $1,000 per month.
Chile
Surrounded by breathtaking beauty, Chile’s an incredible place to discover as a TEFL teacher in your 50s. From the Torres del Paine National Park to Easter Island, there’s lots to explore. When it comes to teaching, age isn’t an issue in Chile which means you’ll be snapped up in no time. Whether you’re working for a private, international, or public school there’s heaps of TEFL opportunities here!
Requirements: Some employers in Chile require teaching experience; but, this varies from company to company. Study a TEFL qualification before you go, and you’ll easily find work!
Job types: You can find work in private, international, and public schools.
Salary: You can earn anywhere between $970 – $1,000 per month.
Ecuador
If you’re looking to relocate and are wanting to become a TEFL teacher, then Ecuador is the place for you! With no specific age, experience, or educational requirements you can easily land your dream teaching job in your 50s. So, what are you waiting for?
Requirements: You don’t need a degree or any teaching experience to teach in Ecuador. Want to land your dream TEFL job? Become TEFL qualified – easy!
Job Types: You can find work in public, private, and international schools.
Salary: You can earn anywhere between $974 – $1,000 per month.
Good luck- you’re going to be great!
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