When to apply for TESOL jobs?
When seeking English teaching roles abroad, you will discover numerous opportunities throughout the year. However, to broaden your range of choices, it is essential to understand the peak recruitment periods in your target countries. Regardless of where you aspire to live and work, it is best to start your job applications at least three months prior to your intended start date. This will provide ample time for all necessary arrangements, like application submissions, interviews, and securing visas or work permits.
Table of Contents
What are hiring seasons for teaching English abroad?
Peak hiring season in Latin America
Peak hiring season in the Middle East
What are hiring seasons for teaching English abroad?
The hiring season refers to a period when a large volume of teaching roles become available, generally coinciding with the commencement of a new school year or semester. Hiring seasons can differ by region and country, but they are typically in the fall (late August to early October) and the spring (January to March). This concept holds particular importance in Europe and Latin America where numerous teachers conclude their contracts, creating a significant number of vacancies. In these areas, it is crucial to plan your arrival around these hiring seasons to capitalize on the highest volume of job openings. Owing to robust demand, Asia typically offers more job opportunities year-round compared to other regions.
Also read: What are the best countries to teach ESL in Europe?
Peak hiring season in Europe
The majority of Europe experiences peak hiring from September to October with a secondary hiring period in January. In popular destinations like France, Italy, and Spain, approximately half of all foreign teachers conclude their contracts at the end of the school year, creating an immense need for new teachers in September or October. It is possible to secure some roles in Europe before departing from your home country, but many teachers find it beneficial to arrive in their chosen country during the peak season and then start interviewing.
If you intend to apply for a government recruitment program such as the Cultural Ambassadors Program in Spain or the TAPIF Program in France, ensure you submit your applications by March for roles starting in September. These programs are highly coveted as they handle most of the paperwork for you, enabling you to organize all details before your departure. Due to the large influx of applicants, it is recommended that you submit your application as soon as possible.
Also read: What is the TAPIF Program for teaching English in France?
Also read: What is the Cultural Ambassadors Program for teaching English in Spain?
Contrary to the typical hiring seasons in Europe, countries like Turkey, Russia, and Georgia offer jobs throughout the year. Additionally, English summer camps are popular across Europe, with job advertisements often posted during the preceding winter and spring.
Peak hiring season in Latin America
In Central America, the prime hiring period for foreign ESL teachers falls in June and July, with a second hiring window in January and February. South America's peak season occurs in February and March, with a second wave from July to August. In many of these countries, only a small fraction of jobs are advertised internationally, necessitating your arrival and subsequent local job hunt. Although this may seem intimidating, it is a common practice in this part of the world, and most teachers secure a suitable position swiftly.
Exceptions to Latin America's typical hiring seasons include Mexico, where high demand supports year-round recruitment. Another exception is Costa Rica, a popular destination where many schools commence their interview process in December for roles starting in January.
Also read: What are the best countries to teach ESL in Latin America?
Peak hiring season in Asia
In Asia, a large portion of ESL jobs are available in private language schools that hire whenever a vacancy arises, at any time of the year. This applies to several in-demand destinations like China, Japan, and South Korea. Public school jobs are also viable options in some countries, notably South Korea, where recruitment begins in spring and early summer for roles starting in August and September. Some public schools also have a secondary hiring period in the fall for roles beginning in January, February, or March.
This region hosts two notable government-backed recruitment programs: the EPIK Program in South Korea and the JET Program in Japan. The EPIK Program has two intakes annually, while the JET Program accepts applications in December for roles starting in the following autumn. It is recommended to visit their respective websites as early as possible to familiarize yourself with the exact application timelines.
Also read: What is the EPIK program for teaching English in South Korea?
Also read: What is the JET Program for teaching English in Japan?
Taiwan and Thailand are two additional popular destinations in Asia. Taiwan's main hiring season commences after the Chinese New Year with a secondary window in July and August. In Thailand, the primary hiring period ranges from February to April, with a second hiring wave from August to October.
Peak hiring season in the Middle East
Due to substantial demand, jobs are typically available throughout the year in many Middle Eastern countries. However, in countries like Saudi Arabia, the U.A.E, and Qatar, educational institutions often conduct the majority of their hiring in the spring for roles starting in August and September. Another preferred hiring time is in the fall for roles commencing between January and March. Countries with large foreign teacher markets often arrange all the details from your home country. Countries with smaller markets, such as Egypt, Jordan, and Morocco, generally require an in-person interview.
Also read: What are the best countries to teach ESL in the Middle East?
