Where English Teachers Are Most in Demand in 2025

If you’re considering a CELTA and wondering where it could take you, the global picture in 2025 remains reassuring: demand for English teachers is strong, but of course this demand isn’t distributed evenly. Some parts of the world offer clearer opportunities for new CELTA-qualified teachers than others. Below we take a look at the regions where jobs are being advertised and filled in large numbers, where growth is happening, and where you may need to do more legwork to break into the market.

East and Southeast Asia: the clearest entry points

For new teachers, East and Southeast Asia remain the most straightforward entry point into English language teaching. Countries such as Vietnam, Thailand, and Cambodia continue to see steady growth in language centres, with schools hiring teachers year-round and advertising widely online. The work is generally accessible to newly qualified CELTA holders, and visa processes are well established.

South Korea is another consistently strong destination. Its extensive network of private institutes (known locally as hagwons) means that jobs are regularly available, contracts are structured, and salaries are competitive by regional standards. Many teachers also find that the cost of living allows them to save.

Japan is a similarly large and reliable market, divided between eikaiwa (private conversation schools) and assistant language teacher positions in schools. Pay and conditions vary, but in sheer volume Japan remains one of the most accessible destinations for teachers starting out.

Taiwan also offers steady opportunities through its private school system (buxibans), with regular intakes throughout the year. Together, these countries form the backbone of the entry-level ELT market in 2025.

China, Europe, and the Middle East: opportunity with context

China remains a significant player, though the industry looks different from the pre-pandemic era. Tighter regulations have reshaped the private tutoring sector, and the range of roles is narrower than before. That said, there are still many language centres, universities, and training organisations hiring international teachers, and demand is far from disappearing.

In Europe, both southern countries such as Spain, Italy, Portugal, and Greece, and central and eastern countries such as Poland, Czechia, Romania, and Serbia, continue to employ large numbers of English teachers. The market has shifted somewhat toward young learners and summer schools, with adult evening classes less dominant than in the past. While Brexit has made long-term work visas more complicated for UK passport holders, opportunities remain accessible, especially for those with EU citizenship or already based locally.

The Middle East is another important region to consider. Countries such as Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Oman, Qatar, Kuwait, and Bahrain all have thriving English-language sectors. Many teachers are attracted by the competitive packages and the chance to work in a fast-developing part of the world. While international schools in the region usually require school-teaching qualifications such as QTS or a PGCE, there is also a strong network of language schools and training centres where a CELTA is exactly the qualification employers look for. For CELTA graduates, these institutions can offer excellent professional experience, a clear career pathway, and the opportunity to live in some of the most dynamic environments in global education today.

Latin America and Central Asia: important but harder to find out about

Beyond Asia, Latin America offers a large and vibrant market for English teachers. Countries such as Mexico, Colombia, Argentina, Brazil, and Chile all have steady demand, but the hiring process is less transparent than in other regions. Schools often don’t advertise widely online, and many teachers secure positions only after arriving in-country. That can make planning more challenging, but for those willing to take the leap, the opportunities are there.

Central Asia and the Caucasus, including Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Georgia, and Azerbaijan, are also worth watching. Governments in these countries are investing heavily in English education, and there is a growing ecosystem of universities, private schools, and language centres seeking qualified teachers. While the markets are smaller than in East Asia, they can offer interesting and rewarding experiences for CELTA holders looking for something less conventional.

Conclusion

The global picture in 2025 is one of continued demand, but with clear hotspots. East and Southeast Asia remain the easiest and most transparent destinations for new CELTA-qualified teachers, while Europe and Latin America continue to provide steady, if more localised, opportunities. The Middle East offers attractive packages in its language schools and training centres, with CELTA recognised and valued as the entry qualification. And further afield, Central Asia and the Caucasus are emerging as policy-driven growth markets.

Wherever you decide to go, the CELTA remains the gold-standard starting point for teaching English abroad, the qualification that opens the door to these opportunities worldwide.

Start your CELTA journey today!

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are English teachers most needed in 2025?

In 2025, the highest demand for CELTA-qualified teachers is in East and Southeast Asia, particularly Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, South Korea, Japan, and Taiwan. These countries continue to hire new teachers year-round.

Can I teach English in Europe after CELTA?

Yes. Language schools across Spain, Italy, Poland, Czechia, Romania, and Greece still recruit CELTA holders. The market has shifted more toward young learners and summer schools, but opportunities remain. UK passport holders face extra visa steps after Brexit, while EU citizens have easier access.

Is the Middle East a good option for CELTA teachers?

Yes. While international schools in the region often require school-teaching qualifications, there are many language schools and training centres where CELTA is the right qualification. These roles can offer excellent packages and valuable professional experience.

How does teaching in Latin America work?

In Latin America, jobs exist in Mexico, Colombia, Argentina, Brazil, Chile, and beyond, but schools often don’t advertise online. Many teachers travel to the region first and apply in person, so planning flexibility is important.