Most teaching jobs in Asia are in the area of Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL). This field does not require teachers know much about the local language of the country, in fact most schools prefer you don’t, although a TESOL or TEFL certificate is recommended. Many TEFL programs in Asia offer training in country and then help participants find a teaching job in Asia after certification.

Private tutoring is a very popular type of teaching in Asia. Many families are interested in hiring native english speakers to tutor the whole family, or just the children, for a few hours each afternoon. Most of these placements focus on English language lessons and require teachers to work for a few hours each afternoon, while accommodation is often provided with the family.

Teachers may also find placements in classroom instruction. From teaching young kids all the way to pre-college classes, there are a variety of options to teach abroad in Asia in traditional classroom settings. Many of these teaching jobs in Asia require teachers to work a few hours, three to four days a week, depending on the school and needs of the community.

A growing trend in international education is teaching English abroad by providing basic English lessons to business professionals. This is a very popular practice in Asia, especially, as well as a very lucrative field. Contracts for teaching English in Asia to businessmen and women range from part-time meetings, to well over 40 hours each week. You may work on pronunciation skills at call centers or give vocabulary lessons to executives in logistics or international trade companies.  

Regardless of if you are teaching in Asia for 10 hours each week or over 40, most foreign teachers are expected to commit for a set period of time (typically ranging from four months to two or three years). Most teachers can expect to have three to four day weekends, and often receive a month or two off in both the summer and winter if teaching in traditional academic settings.