Government Teaching Programs Around The World

Let’s look at what a government TEFL programme is and which are the best ones for you.

From Japan to Georgia, there are a number of government TEFL programmes available to TEFL-qualified teachers. Here we have a look at a few of the most popular government TEFL programmes.

1. Japan: JET Programme

The JET programme is a very popular programme for teaching English in Japan. The JET programme places Assistant Language Teachers (or ALTs) in schools around Japan. Teachers are placed in government or private schools and assist local teachers in foreign language lessons. This is a cultural exchange so teachers are expected to take part in various cultural activities as well as teach. You will teach 35 hours a week for a year and receive approximately ¥3.36 million ($24,000).

Tp qualify for the JET programme, teachers need to:

• have a Bachelor’s degree, 
• and a language teaching qualification or experience is preferred. 

To apply, complete an online application form available on their website. You also need to write a personal statement discussing why you are interested in the JET programme.

Good to know: There is a wealth of resources online from previous ALTs which can help you write the perfect JET application letter.

2. Spain: NALCAP

If you’re a US citizen, the North American Language and Culture Assistants Program in Spain is an option for you. NALCAP is an initiative of the Ministry of Education in Spain which aims to bring native English speakers into language classrooms all across Spain. It’s a programme which promotes cultural exchange, so candidates should be prepared to be cultural ambassadors.

The programme runs for 8 months, from October to May or June. As a teaching assistant you’ll teach between 14 and 16 classes a week. You receive a stipend of €800 – €1,000($850 – $1,100) a month, but medical insurance is included. Teachers need to organise their own accommodation.

To qualify for NALCAP, teachers need to:

• Be a U.S or Canadian citizen
• Have a valid U.S. or Canadian passport
• Have a Bachelor’s degree
• Be a native-like speaker of English
• Have a clean background check
• Be in good physical health
• Be aged between 16 and 80 years.

Good to know: Applications can take up to a year to process so be sure to apply well in advance. 

3. South Korea: SMOE

SMOE is a public school programme sponsored by the Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education that places teachers in schools around Seoul. Most positions are in elementary schools but you might be placed in a middle or high school.

Teachers with SMOE earn between ₩2 million and ₩2.4 million ($1,500 and $1,800) a month.

To qualify for SMOE, teachers need to:

• Be a citizen of the USA, Canada, UK, Republic of Ireland, South Africa, Australia or New Zealand
• Have a Bachelor’s degree in any field
• Hold a TEFL qualification
• Have no criminal record
• Be in good mental and physical health
• Be under the age of 62.

Good to know: SMOE teachers are provided furnished accommodation rent-free and are re-imbursed for the cost of their flight in and out of South Korea.

4. France: TAPIF

The Teaching Assistant Programme in France offers teachers the chance to teach English to French students. As a teaching assistant you work 12 hours a week from October to April. Teaching assistants earn €785 ($845) a month.

To qualify for TAPIF, teachers need to:

• Be able to speak French at Intermediate or B1 level
• Be between the ages of 20 and 35

Good to know: TAPIF places teachers in France but also French territories such as French Guiana, Guadaloupe, Martinique and Reunion.

5. South Korea: EPIK

The English Programme in Korea is a very popular programme which places teachers in schools around South Korea. Teachers teach Conversational English alongside a Korean co-teacher. Salaries range from ₩2.1 million to ₩2.7 million ($1,500 to $2,000) a month, depending on qualifications, experience and placement.

To qualify for EPIK, teachers need to:

• Be a citizen of Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, the United States or South Africa, or have completed high school in one of these countries
• Have a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university in one of these countries in an education-related field
• OR have a Bachelor’s degree in an unrelated field and a TEFL certificate
• Be mentally and physically healthy
• Have a good command of English

Good to know: EPIK has a number of generous benefits, including a settlement allowance, an entrance allowance, a contract-completion bonus, an exit allowance, accommodation and 50% medical aid. 

6. Hungary: CETP

The Central European Teaching Program places teachers in schools around Hungary. Teachers teach Conversational English for approximately 24 lessons a week. Placements are for 10 months, from September to June or July.

There is a placement fee of €750 ($800) but accommodation and medical insurance is provided for the duration of your stay. Teachers are paid the same as the local teachers in the same school, but this is usually around the equivalent of $500.

To qualify for CETP, applicants need to:

• Be a native speaker from the US, UK, Canada, or an EU country
• Have a TEFL qualification and 10 hours of teaching experience
• Be over the age of 21
• Be in good health

Having a Bachelor’s degree is preferred but not essential if you have a TEFL certificate and experience.

Good to know: CETP is known for its support of their teachers.

7. Chile: EODP

The English Open Doors Programme is a free programme which places teachers to work as teaching assistants in Chile. This is a volunteer placement so teachers receive a modest stipend of approximately $100 instead of a salary, but food and accommodation are provided through a host family.

To qualify for EODP, teachers need to:

• Have an undergraduate degree
• Be a native or near-native English speaker
• Be between 21 and 35 years of age
• Have a TEFL certification

Good to know: The programme is sponsored by the United Nations Development Programme and the Chilean Ministry of Education.

8. Georgia: TLG

Teach and Learn with Georgia recruits English teachers to work as assistant teachers alongside local teachers in government schools in Georgia (the country, not the US state!). Teachers teach from September to June and receive a salary of $150 – $180 a month.

To qualify for TLG, teachers need to:

• Be a native speaker
• Have a Bachelor’s degree
• Have a clear criminal check and medical check.

Good to know: TLG also recruit native speakers of German, French and Italian.

Interested? Well then why not sign up for a TEFL course with The TEFL Academy to give you the best shot at being accepted on a government programme. You can’t go wrong with our Level 5 168-hour TEFL course to get you started on the adventure of a lifetime.

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