The Teach Abroad
Master Bible
Your definitive guide to requirements, salaries, and hidden pathways across 40+ countries.
The Global Network.
Direct access to official portals and our verified global partners.
Hong Kong
The elite graduate pathway. Experior Asia offers full visa sponsorship and placement in the world's most iconic skyline.
➔ HK Graduate Program
Vietnam
Fast-track your career with XploreAsia’s full cultural orientation week and guaranteed placement in HCMC or Hanoi.
➔ Xplore Vietnam Portal
Cambodia
The leading pathway for non-degree holders. XploreAsia provides a legal bridge into teaching in Phnom Penh.
➔ Cambodia Pathway
South Korea
The gold standard for saving money. Apply for the public school EPIK program for housing and airfare support.
➔ Official EPIK Website
Japan
Cultural exchange at its peak. The JET Programme is the world's most respected government exchange.
➔ Official JET Portal
Thailand
100% managed placements with Non-B guardianship, heritage orientation, and lifelong re-placement support.
➔ KET Thailand SiteThe 2026 Comparison.
A side-by-side breakdown of the world's top teaching hubs.
| Country | Avg. Savings | Degree Req. | Free Housing |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🇰🇷 South Korea | $800 - $1,200/mo | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| 🇹🇭 Thailand (KET) | $400 - $700/mo | ✓ Yes | Assisted |
| 🇰🇭 Cambodia | $200 - $400/mo | 💡 No | Assisted |
The Document Bible.
The granular legal mandates for 2026. Do not fly without these original copies in your carry-on luggage.
🎓 Degree + Transcripts
Original diploma and sealed university transcripts are mandatory. Transcripts must remain in the original university envelope to prove authenticity during visa processing.
📜 TEFL / CELTA / DELTA
A 120-hour TEFL is the 2026 baseline. CELTA or DELTA holders command significantly higher salaries in Tier-1 cities like Hong Kong or Tokyo.
🗣️ IELTS / TOEIC Score
Required for Non-Native speakers or specific passport holders. You must provide a valid score report achieved within the last 24 months.
✒️ Apostille / Legalization
Crucial distinction: South Korea and Japan strictly require Apostilles. Thailand and Vietnam require "Embassy Legalization".
🩺 Health Certificates
Vietnam, South Korea, and Thailand require in-country blood tests and chest x-rays at government-authorized clinics to approve the digital work permit.
🛡️ Background Checks
A clean national criminal record check (FBI/CRC) is mandatory. For 2026, most regions now require this to be apostilled or authenticated by the DoS.
Financial Intelligence.
The 2026 take-home math. We compare base pay against the local cost of living to reveal your true saving potential.
The UAE & Gulf
Packages are typically 100% tax-free. When inclusive of elite housing and flight allowances, savings potential is the highest globally.
Official Gulf Portal ➔South Korea
While the salary appears lower, Free Housing is standard. This allows teachers to save up to 50% of their net income monthly.
Official EPIK Site ➔Vietnam
Vietnam offers a premier lifestyle-to-savings ratio. Rent in major hubs like HCMC averages only $400 - $550 USD.
Explore Vietnam ➔The 2026 Timeline.
The "When" of the Bible. Most programs operate on a 6-9 month lead time due to document authentication backlogs.
Get TEFL Certified
Enroll in an accredited 120-hour course. Simultaneously, request your university transcripts and new passport if yours is expiring.
Legalization Phase
Order your National Background Check (FBI/CRC). Send your degree and check for Apostille or Embassy Legalization.
Interviews & Visa
Apply to government programs (JET/EPIK) or partners (Xplore/Experior). Sign your contract and begin the formal visa application.
Final Deployment
Finalize in-country health checks upon arrival. Complete orientation and begin your first semester in the classroom.
Application windows for Aug/Sept 2026 are opening now.
Director’s Note:
The 2026 Perspective.
As we enter 2026, the teach abroad landscape has moved beyond the post-pandemic recovery phase and into a high-standardization era. Governments are no longer just looking for "native speakers"; they are looking for documented professionals.
The biggest hurdle in 2026 isn't finding a job; it's navigating the increasingly complex legalization of your own identity documents.
While opportunities in Cambodia remain the most accessible for non-degree holders; the "Big Three" (Japan, Korea, Thailand) have tightened document verification to prevent fraud. If you are serious about this transition, your first investment shouldn't be a flight; it should be an Apostille-ready document folder.
Rapid Response.
Tap any pillar to reveal the 2026 deployment protocol.
Yes; programs like EPIK and our focal partners in Thailand/Vietnam prioritize "Couple Placements". You must coordinate document legalization simultaneously.
Most work permits are capped at 60-65 years old. However; Hong Kong and Cambodia remain flexible for experienced educators over 50.
Cambodia is currently the only focal hub offering a legal Work Permit for non-degree holders. All other focal regions strictly mandate a Bachelor's.
Expect to save $400–$2,000 USD monthly. Korea and UAE offer the highest thresholds due to tax-free status or housing subsidies.
Yes; provided it is 120 hours and accredited. Elite schools in Tokyo or HK often prefer CELTA or Trinity CertTESOL.
You must possess a clean National-level check (FBI/CRC/DBS). These require a fresh Apostille or authentication for 2026.
Possible; but complex. Thailand and Vietnam are most accommodating; however, factor in import permits and blood tests 4 months in advance.
Yes; sealed transcripts are now mandatory for education departments in HK, Thailand, and Vietnam to verify degree authenticity.
Most focal hubs require a health screening (blood tests/X-rays) either pre-departure or immediately upon arrival to secure the permit.
Yes; but you will likely require an IELTS (7.0+) or TOEIC (600+) score to prove proficiency for the visa in HK, Thailand, or Vietnam.
Expect a 6–9 month lead time. The bulk of this is document legalization rather than the actual job search.
In Korea and Japan; it is statutory and subsidized. In Thailand and Vietnam; private schools provide a basic policy as part of your contract.
The Map is Set.
Begin Your Move.
You have the requirements, the timelines, and the financial data. Whether you choose the skyscrapers of Hong Kong or the heritage of Thailand; ensure you deploy with a legal umbrella.
Go to KET Flagship Page ➔Sukhothai Heritage • Family Owned • Est. 2009