Young people, including recent graduates, are increasingly looking for opportunities to teach English abroad. Countries such as South Korea, Japan, and Taiwan are investing in full-time English-language teachers, offering benefits that may be difficult to find in their home countries.
The English-language teaching market was valued at $95bn in 2026, with more than 2m Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) jobs available globally. This market is expected to grow to $181bn by 2034, with the Asia-Pacific region showing the fastest growth.
Arianna Marie, 25, moved from Florida to Daegu, South Korea, for an English-language teaching job after experiencing burnout and overcrowded classes. She now receives enough pay and benefits, including free housing, flight reimbursements, and healthcare, to save and travel.
Similarly, Zwiwe Dlamini, 28, from Durban, South Africa, found an English-language teaching position in Incheon, South Korea. The free housing and low monthly expenses have allowed her to pay off debt and save for a master's degree.