Teaching English in Asia: Requirements, Qualifications & How to Get Started

Teaching English in Asia is one of the most popular ways for graduates and career-changers to live abroad, gain international experience, and earn a salary while exploring a new culture.

Every year, thousands of teachers move to Asia to teach English — but one of the most common questions we hear at The Fewer Things (TFT) is:

“What do I actually need to teach English in Asia?”

This guide breaks down the real requirements, explains how they vary by country, and shows how TFT helps you make the move smoothly and legally.

Why Teach English in Asia?

Asia offers one of the strongest job markets for English teachers in the world. Governments and schools across the region actively recruit foreign teachers to support English education, creating consistent demand year after year.

People choose to teach English in Asia because of:

• Strong demand for English teachers

• Competitive salaries relative to the cost of living

• Long-term career opportunities in education

• Cultural immersion and travel opportunities
  

From major cities to regional towns, teaching English in Asia allows you to experience daily life in a completely new environment — while gaining paid professional experience.

The Core Requirements to Teach English in Asia

While requirements vary slightly by country, most teaching roles across Asia share the same core criteria.

1. A Bachelor’s Degree

In most Asian countries, a bachelor’s degree in any subject is required to qualify for a legal work visa.

Your degree does not need to be in education or English. As long as it’s from an accredited institution, it will usually meet visa requirements.

Countries that typically require a degree include:

• China

• Japan

• South Korea

• Vietnam

• Thailand
  

A degree is the safest option if you want long-term, stable, and legal employment.

2. A TEFL Certification

A TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) certificate is either required or strongly preferred throughout Asia.

A high-quality TEFL course:

• Prepares you for real classrooms

• Improves your job options and salary offers

• Strengthens your visa application

• Gives schools confidence in your teaching ability
  

At TFT, we recommend our 120-hour TEFL qualification, especially for first-time teachers.

3. A Legal Work Visa

To teach English in Asia legally, you must hold the correct work visa, usually sponsored by your employer or placement programme.

This process typically includes:

• A confirmed job offer

• Degree and TEFL verification

• Passport validity checks

• Government paperwork completed before or shortly after arrival
  

Tourist visas are not suitable for long-term teaching. TFT supports teachers through the entire visa process to ensure everything is compliant and stress-free.

4. A Clean Criminal Background Check

Most Asian governments require a criminal background check as part of the visa application process.

This document:

• Helps protect students and schools

• Is standard across the region

• May need to be officially certified or apostilled

  
  

We always recommend preparing this early to avoid delays.

5. Supporting Documents

Depending on the country and employer, you may also need:

• University transcripts

• Passport-style photos

• A medical or health check

• A teaching CV tailored for ESL roles
  

TFT provides guidance on exactly what documents you need and how to prepare them.

Country-Specific Teaching Requirements in Asia

Each country has its own teaching environment and expectations. Below is a general overview of some of the most popular destinations.

Teaching English in China

China offers one of the largest ESL job markets in the world.

Typical requirements include:

• A bachelor’s degree

• A TEFL certificate or relevant teaching experience

• A sponsored work visa
  

China is ideal for teachers looking for strong salaries and a wide range of placement options.

Teaching English in Japan

Japan is known for its structured education system and professional work culture.

Most roles require:

• A bachelor’s degree

• Visa sponsorship through a school or programme

• A TEFL certificate (highly recommended)
  

Japan suits teachers who value organisation, stability, and cultural depth.

Teaching English in South Korea

South Korea is popular for its competitive benefits packages, often including housing.

Requirements usually include:

• A bachelor’s degree

• Citizenship from an English-speaking country

• A clean criminal background check
  

Both public schools and private academies offer strong opportunities.

Teaching English in Thailand

Thailand is one of the most popular destinations for first-time teachers.

Requirements typically include:

• A bachelor’s degree

• A TEFL certificate

• A sponsored work visa and work permit
  

Thailand offers a relaxed lifestyle, supportive schools, and excellent cultural immersion.

Teaching English in Vietnam

Vietnam’s ESL market has grown rapidly in recent years.

Most teachers need:

• A bachelor’s degree

• A TEFL certificate

• A legal work visa
  

Vietnam is well-suited to teachers looking for fast placement and long-term growth.

Can You Teach English in Asia Without a Degree?

In limited cases, yes — but options are more restricted.

Some schools in parts of Southeast Asia may hire teachers without a degree if they have:

• Taken one of TFTs Explorer Programs

• Taken TFTs In-Class TESOL course

• Native-level English ability
  

However, visa options are fewer without a degree, and long-term stability can be harder to achieve. TFT always recommends choosing a path that allows you to work legally and securely.

Why Go Through a Programme Like The Fewer Things?

Applying on your own can be overwhelming, especially when dealing with visas, documents, and country-specific regulations.

TFT programmes are designed to remove uncertainty and provide support at every stage.

With TFT, you receive:

• Guidance on TEFL certification

• Support with applications and visas

• Trusted paid school placements

• Ongoing advice before and after arrival

• Shared group experiences

  
  

Our focus is on ethical placements, realistic expectations, and long-term success — not just getting you abroad.

Final Thoughts

Teaching English in Asia is more than just a job. It’s an opportunity to live abroad, develop professionally, and experience a new culture in a meaningful way.

This guide is designed to be your starting point. As you explore specific countries and programmes, The Fewer Things is here to help you turn interest into a clear, achievable plan.