10 Apr Common questions for South Africans
So, you’re a South African dreaming about packing your bags and heading overseas—but not just for travel. You’re thinking of teaching English abroad and turning it into a full-on lifestyle. The good news? There are teaching jobs for South Africans overseas, and TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) is your way in.
Whether you’re curious about teaching jobs for South Africans abroad, wondering which countries accept South African teachers, or exploring online teaching options, this post will answer all your questions.
I'm a South African (on a South African passport, nogal) and I got TEFL-qualified way back when in 2003. I've taught in Thailand, China, Spain, the UK, Qatar and here in SA. It's totally possible to teach English abroad as a South African - and I can promise you it'll change your life. You can read about how I started my TEFL journey here.
🧑🎓 Do I Need a Degree or Just a TEFL Certificate?
Let’s start here—because it’s probably your first question. You don't always need a degree to teach abroad. I'm not going to lie, a degree makes your life a lot easier when it comes to finding jobs, but it's not essential. Some countries require a degree in order to grant you a work visa. So it's not really about the school or employer but more about the government regulations.
FYI: Your degree doesn't have to be in teaching or education. It can be any Bachelor's degree ie a 4-year degree.
If you don't have a degree, please don't work somewhere that requires one to work legally. It's just not worth it to try work illegally. If you don't have a degree, find the countries that don't require one and look for jobs there.
What you do need - regardless of whether or not you have a degree - is a TEFL certification (Teaching English as a Foreign Language).
Many countries and online platforms are happy to hire South Africans with a TEFL certificate—even if you don’t have a university degree. Some countries like Cambodia, Turkey and Argentina are open to hiring teachers without a degree. But others (like Japan, South Korea, or the UAE) do require one for visa reasons. (These things change all the time so do your own research to double-check my facts!)
Bottom line? A TEFL certificate is your minimum requirement—and it opens plenty of doors.
🎓 How Do I Choose the Right TEFL Course?
Not all TEFL courses are equal, and this is where many people get tripped up. If you want access to legit teaching jobs for South Africans abroad, your course needs to tick a few boxes:
- Minimum 120 hours of training
- International accreditation (look for bodies like ACCREDITAT, Qualifi, or DEAC)
- A practical component is a bonus
- Lots of positive reviews and real job placement support
Some South African-friendly providers include The TEFL Academy, i-to-i TEFL, and International TEFL Academy. A solid course makes all the difference when applying for jobs, so don’t go for the cheapest option—go for the one that gets you hired. I always recommend The TEFL Academy.
🌍 Where Can South Africans Teach English Abroad?
Now we’re getting to the juicy part. Which countries accept South African teachers? More than you might think!
Here are a few top picks for South Africans teaching abroad:
- Vietnam – Great salaries and super friendly vibe
- Cambodia – Visa process is relaxed, and no degree needed
- Thailand – Beautiful beaches, decent pay, and a big expat community (where it all began for me)
- China – Huge demand for teachers (note: stricter visa rules post-COVID)
- United Arab Emirates (UAE) – High salaries and benefits for experienced teachers with degrees
- South Korea & Japan – Best for degree-holders with a love for structure
And if you're not keen to leave the country, teaching English online is totally doable for South Africans too! Platforms like Preply, Cambly, and italki often hire South Africans, and you can earn in dollars while working from home. My advice when teaching online: don't settle for the crappy $5/hour rates. Maybe if you have zero experience but otherwise your time is worth more than that.
🛂 What Are the Visa Requirements to Teach Abroad?
Visa rules vary depending on the country, but here’s a basic list of what you’ll typically need:
- A valid passport
- Your TEFL certificate
- A bachelor’s degree (in some countries)
- Police clearance
- A medical check-up (especially for Asia)
- A signed employment contract
Many employers will guide you through the visa process, especially if you’re applying for teaching jobs for South Africans overseas through a placement program.
🇿🇦 What If I'm Not Considered a Native Speaker?
This is a real concern, but let’s be honest—South Africans speak fantastic English. Still, some employers (especially online) can be a bit biased toward UK/US accents.
Here’s how to stand out:
- Emphasise that you studied in English and are a fluent, confident communicator
- Complete a high-quality TEFL course to boost your credibility
- Record a clear, professional intro video for online platforms
- Be persistent—there are schools and students who value your skills, regardless of your passport
Teaching English abroad for South African citizens is absolutely possible—you just have to market yourself smartly.
💸 What Can I Earn Teaching English as a South African?
Let’s talk rands and cents. Here’s what you can expect:
Abroad:
- Vietnam: $1,200–$2,000/month
- Thailand: $900–$1,500/month (In 2003, I was earning 32,000 - 35,000 THB a month in Bangkok)
- China: $1,500–$2,500/month (In China in 2005, I was earning 14,000 RMB a month, but my accommodation and food during the week was included)
- UAE: $2,500–$4,000/month (plus housing & benefits!)
Online:
- Cambly: Around $10–$12/hour
- Preply: You set your own rate (many SA teachers charge $12–$20/hour)
- Private clients: You could charge more with some experience and self-marketing
Your earning potential grows with experience and specialisations (like business English or IELTS prep).
Private tutoring:
- Anything from R250/hour to R750 an hour (yes, really)
🧠 How Do I Teach Students Who Don’t Speak English?
It might seem scary at first, but trust me—you’ll be fine.
Here are a few pro tips:
- Use gestures, pictures, and props to explain new words
- Speak slowly and clearly—but not like a robot
- Keep your language simple but correct
- Play games, roleplay, and get students involved
- Be super patient and positive
Most students will be nervous too, so your encouragement means everything.
And if you're wondering how you can teach students who don't speak English when you don't speak their language, relax. That's how it usually is. For the most part, schools want you to speak only English because TEFL is all about immersion learning. It becomes useful to know the local language when you're outside the classroom. not inside.
🏡 Can You Teach in South Africa with a TEFL Certificate?
Yes, you can! While the local demand is lower compared to overseas, there are teaching opportunities in South Africa with a TEFL certificate—especially in:
- NGOs or literacy programs
- Private language schools
- Online teaching (from home)
TEFL rates in SA are not amazing, but it’s a great way to gain experience before heading abroad.
🕒 How Long Does It Take to Get TEFL Certified and Find Work?
Most online TEFL courses take 4–8 weeks to complete (some even faster). Once you're certified, you can:
- Apply for overseas jobs directly or via recruiters
- Create a profile on online platforms and start booking lessons
- Pick up local freelance work (great for building experience)
With a bit of hustle, some people start working within a month of getting certified!
Final Thoughts
There’s never been a better time to explore teaching English abroad for South African citizens. Whether you’re after adventure, a flexible online income, or a complete career change, TEFL can open up incredible opportunities.
Yes, there are hurdles—but nothing you can’t handle. With the right certification, mindset, and a bit of patience, teaching jobs for South Africans overseas are 100% within reach.
So if you're ready to start your journey and join the thousands of South Africans teaching abroad, go get that TEFL, polish that CV, and take the leap. You’ve got this!
Need help choosing a course or want to pick my brain about teaching abroad as a South African? Drop a comment or DM me—I’m happy to help!
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