Blog

The Story That Changed Everything Two years ago, Alex sat in a cramped London flat, scrolling through TEFL course options at 2 a.m. The cursor hovered over an online certification programme — €1,700 for a Trinity CertTESOL delivered via live virtual classroom. “Can something I do from my bedroom actually get me a job in Tokyo?” The doubt was real. The fear of wasting money on a “worthless” online certificate kept him awake. Fast forward to today: Alex has just signed their second contract teaching at an international school in Japan, earning ¥280,000 a month (around €1,750). The online Trinity CertTESOL from EBC didn’t just get him hired — it opened doors that his friends with random online certificates couldn’t access.

€1,800 per month for just 20 hours of teaching per week — that’s what Maria from Manchester is earning in Madrid right now, with afternoons free for siestas and Spanish classes. Twelve months ago, she was commuting two hours daily to a corporate job that barely covered her London rent. Today, she’s saving €500 a month whilst living in a sunny flat near Retiro Park. But here’s what most salary guides won’t tell you about teaching English in Spain: your base salary is just the beginning of your earning potential.

You could join the 100,000 new English teachers China needs in the next 18 months — earning €45,000+ packages. Yet there’s a 73% chance you don’t know which countries pay you triple the local cost of living, while others barely cover your rent. We’ve analysed employment data from 50 countries and over 10,000 teacher placements to identify the five markets where you can genuinely write your own ticket — and the surprising winner isn’t what you’d expect.

Imagine this: Sarah, fresh from earning her Trinity CertTESOL at EBC Trinity College London, arrives at Madrid’s Atocha station with nothing but her certification and a dream. Fast forward six months — she’s guiding executives through high-stakes Business English negotiations and taking home €1,500 a month.

What separates a TEFL graduate who lands their dream job within weeks from one still searching months later? The difference isn’t luck—it’s the institution behind the qualification. Based on graduate feedback and verified job placement results, one name consistently stands out: Trinity College London validated course providers. Their graduates regularly secure positions within a month, while others struggle indefinitely.

Life doesn’t always follow a straight line. You might have earned your TESOL a few years ago, set it aside while focusing on other priorities, and now find yourself ready to teach abroad. Then the question hits: is my certificate still valid? The good news is, the reality is far more reassuring than you might think—especially if your qualification comes from a recognised provider like EBC.

Think you’re “too old” or “too young” to teach English abroad? That’s one of the biggest myths in the TEFL industry. The truth is, age isn’t the barrier people think it is. At EBC TEFL, we’ve trained and placed teachers as young as 18 and as experienced as 60+ in rewarding teaching jobs across the globe.

TEFL earnings aren’t one-size-fits-all. A Trinity CertTESOL graduate teaching in Seoul can earn around €36,800 per year, with potential savings of about €17,250. The same teacher in Bangkok, with the exact same qualification, might bring in closer to €20,700 — with savings of around €2,300.

While everyone’s posting “corporate core” TikToks from their cubicles, Gen Z teachers are already in their main character era—teaching in Seoul and Bangkok, earning in dollars, spending in baht, and actually affording life. With the 2025 cost-of-living crisis making it nearly impossible to save at home, teaching English abroad has become the ultimate escape plan.

POV: You’re sipping a cortado in a sunlit Barcelona café, laptop open, preparing tomorrow’s lesson. Your Instagram? A rooftop sunset with the caption: just another Tuesday. Your bank account? Healthy—thanks to a stable teaching salary that stretches further than any entry-level corporate paycheck back home.

Thinking about teaching English abroad but worried you don’t have a degree? Here’s the truth: you don’t always need a university degree to teach overseas. While some countries do require one, many others are eager to hire TEFL-certified teachers who bring passion, skills, and real classroom preparation—degree or not.

If your Spanish student visa says “no autorizado a trabajar” (“not authorised to work”), it does not mean you cannot work. DO NOT PANIC! It means that you need to activate it so that you can work. If you want to work in Spain and your student visa shows “no autorizado a trabajar”, here is how you can legally activate your work authorisation in compliance with Spanish law.

If you plan to study in Spain, this guide will help you write a genuine, clear, and credible motivation letter. We’ve also included a sample motivation letter tailored specifically for a Spanish student visa application for an Instituto Cervantes language course, which you can adapt with your own details.

In this guide, we walk you through the process — from your acceptance letter to settling in Spain — and show how it connects with the Road2Spain programme. Plus, we’ll share the most common mistakes to avoid so your application goes smoothly.

Imagine opening your inbox to a flood of job offers — Seoul, Seville, São Paulo — right after submitting your CV. The only thing you changed? You added a single line under Qualifications: Trinity CertTESOL (TEFL and TESOL training).

When applying for a Spanish student visa, showing clear and genuine intentions is crucial. Immigration officers want to be sure that your application is genuine and solid. Here’s a guide to what they are looking for.

What documents do I need to get my spanish student visa . Here is an easy, friendly guide for non-EU applicants.

What is a Spanish student Visa and do you really need one? If you want to live in Spain for a year, learn Spanish, and teach English? Discover how EBC’s Road2Spain programme helps non-EU citizens get a Spanish student visa (Type D), earn a TEFL certificate, and work legally in Spain.

Hi, my name is Jan, and I was born in Norway 25 years ago. I finished my studies in Anthropology last year. However, I needed some freedom and new experiences before looking for jobs. Maybe some months of backpacking in Asia could be what I needed? Or I could take the train through Mongolia and […]

Teaching IELTS, everything you need to know. What if there was a way to ensure not just a permanently exciting future for yourself but also for your students? With the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), you could help someone live in an English-speaking country, open different horizons for your students, or help people advance […]

Do employers recognise online TEFL courses? If you want to know if employers recognise online TEFL courses, don’t jump into the exciting world of TEFL just yet. First, you should get certified in TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language). And not just any Online TEFL certificate but one recognised and accepted by the British […]

Where should seniors go to teach English abroad? Are you looking for your next adventure? Are you retired and at least 65 years “young”? How about getting to know other countries and their cultures or maybe learning a new language and living life to the max! Teaching abroad is an excellent way for you to […]

Avoid TEFL job scams and what to look out for. Moving abroad to teach English has become a popular career path for people of all ages and backgrounds worldwide. There are many TEFL and TESOL jobs on offer, but how do you know which are for real? Some look too good to be true! Find […]

How to renew your Student Visa if you are a Language Assistant in Spain. Many Language Assistants in Spain are left high and dry at the end of their state school contract. They do not know how to renew their Student Visa. Failing to renew on time or not doing it correctly almost certainly guarantees […]

A common question we are asked is “How to get English teaching jobs in Spain?” The classic mistake made is to believe that Spain works like the USA, UK, Canada, New Zealand, Ireland, etc. WRONG! Spain works like Spain How do I get English teaching jobs in Spain? “How do I get English teaching jobs […]

Taking the EBC Trinity CertTESOL course takes your English teaching to the next level. Here are five reasons why you should enrol today. Whether you’re a language assistant or an experienced English teacher, you always reach a point where you find yourself looking for more. If this is where you’re at, EBC’s Trinity CertTESOL course might be […]

This blog and video briefly describe Krashen’s widely known and well-accepted second language acquisition theory. His theory has dramatically impacted all areas of second language research and teaching.

My TEFL certificate is not recognised! Help, what can I do? TEFL & TESOL certificate recognition is vital. Learn how to avoid this nightmare. Your TEFL certificate is not recognised, something you don’t want to hear If your TEFL certificate is not recognised, you have problems. Whether you want to teach English to young learners, […]

To improve your English teaching career, take a Trinity CertPT course. It’s one thing to find a job teaching English. Making a career out of it is another. Well, if you’re an English teacher, you can take your career to the next level. How? By enrolling in our Trinity CertPT, CPD (Continuing Professional Development) course. […]

Do you want to teach English in South Korea? The money is good. Find out about the EPIK, GEPIK, & SMOE teaching English in Korea programmes. Qualified candidates can teach English in South Korea. Let EBC be your guide. What is the EPIK programme in South Korea? Let EBC be your guide on this exciting […]

Talk to a Student Advisor Get your free TEFL Teacher Starter Pack Book your Zoom call to find out more If you want to teach English abroad, you should really consider South Korea. Whether you like the fast-paced rhythm of big-city life or the peace and quiet of… If you want to teach English abroad, […]

The JET (Japan Exchange and Teaching) programme has a lot to offer anyone eligible to apply. From a competitive salary to living accommodations and a reimbursed flight, the program is perfect for any English teacher looking to move abroad. But first, make sure you have everything that will give you an edge in the application […]

Do you want to teach English in Japan? The money is good. Find out about the Jet teaching English in Japan programme. Qualified candidates can teach English in Japan. Let EBC be your guide. With Japan being one of the highest-paying countries for English teachers abroad, it’s easy to see why it’s such a popular […]

Talk to a Student Advisor Get your free TEFL Teacher Starter Pack Book your Zoom call to find out more If you want to live and work in Spain, look no further. Read our step-by-step guide on our Road2Spain programme. FOR NON-EU CITIZENS APPLYING FROM OUTSIDE OF SPAIN… If you want to live and work […]

Are TEFL teacher salaries good enough to live on? Can I make a career out of EFL teaching? Find out more in this article. Can I make a career out of EFL teaching? Are TEFL  teacher salaries good enough to live on? We all started our TEFL careers for different reasons. Some of us wanted […]

Talk to a Student Advisor Get your free TEFL Teacher Starter Pack Book your Zoom call to find out more Meet Helga, one of EBC’s Trinity CertTESOL Road2Spain graduates. A copywriter and travel writer with a background in advertising and experience working with a… Meet Helga, one of EBC’s Trinity CertTESOL Road2Spain graduates. A copywriter […]

This article highlights the benefits of the Trinity College CertTESOL certificate, including its recognition and acceptance worldwide, and the EBC’s lifetime job placement service that helps graduates find teaching jobs anywhere in the world. We also touch on common concerns of prospective trainees, such as the recognition of the certificate and job placement, and explains […]

Teach English in Korea with the EPIK programme. Meet Tyler, an EBC Trinity CertTESOL graduate who is off to South Korea to teach English. Want to teach English in Korea? Meet Tyler. She wanted to teach English in Korea, and now, as a new EBC Trinity CertTESOL graduate she has been accepted into the EPIK programme to […]

Talk to a Student Advisor Get your free TEFL Teacher Starter Pack Book your Zoom call to find out more Want to teach business English? Meet Dale, a graduate of the Trinity CertPT in Business English course with EBC. After three years of experience as a teacher, he… Want to teach business English? Meet Dale, […]

What is CPD, and why should TEFL teachers take a Continuing Professional Development course? A CPD course is the key to taking your English teaching to the next level. This blog covers the different EBC Trinity CertPT courses. What is CPD? A CPD course is the key to taking your English teaching to the next […]

Alycia, an educator with years of experience as a teacher and school counselor in the United States, had been in Spain for two years as an English Language assistant when she decided to take her career further. Her first step? Getting TEFL course certification by enroling in the EBC Trinity CertTESOL course. Meet Alycia, an […]

How to make a CV for a TEFL job and impress hiring managers covers writing a winning TEFL CV that should pass the eight-second test. You don’t have long to impress the hiring manager when applying for F2F (face-to-face) or online EFL or ESL teaching roles. Studies show that Directors of Studies (DOS) spend between […]

International Women’s Day or not, EBC recognises the vital role women play in the world of Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL). From classroom instructors to curriculum designers and administrators, the space women fill is essential to the success of TEFL programs all around the world. International Women’s Day or not, EBC recognises the […]

International Women’s Day celebrates the strength and power of women all around the world. Today, we celebrate EBC women in TEFL who are making waves in the field of Teaching English as a Foreign Language.  International Women’s Day celebrates the strength and power of women all around the world. Today, we celebrate EBC women in […]

If you’re interested in teaching English to children in Asia, there are a couple of important things to know. From the learning approach you use to the different ways you can help foster a more international attitude in your classroom, this article covers some of the most crucial bases.  If you’re interested in teaching English […]

Teach English in Japan with the JET programme. Read how Rondell got into the teach English in Japan JET programme with EBC’s help. Meet 25-year-old Rondell, from Trinidad and Tobago–a small island in the Caribbean. After getting a Bachelor’s degree in theatre arts with a double minor in music and psychology, he decided to follow […]

he stress and pressure involved with being an English teacher has a massive impact on the mental health of English teachers all over the world. This tension revolves around a number of factors, including the workload and the emotional labour involved in teaching English as a foreign language. In this article, we discuss these stress-contributing […]

As a TEFL teacher trainer, Izabela has a lot of insights to share when it comes to the profession of teaching English as a foreign language. From an early age, she wanted to be a teacher, which is crystal clear especially when you see her list of credentials. Not only does she have a Bachelor’s […]

When looking for an English teaching job abroad, inclusion and diversity are two of the most important factors you should consider. After all, every country is different. In this article, we go over a few reasons why inclusion and diversity are so relevant to your English teaching destination. We also give you a few examples […]

If you’re looking for a CPD (Continuing Professional Development) course, the EBC Trinity CertPT in CLIL (Content and Language Integrated Learning) is a great option for practising teachers. Read about one of our course graduates, Hiroki. If you’re looking for a CPD (Continuing Professional Development) course, the EBC Trinity CertPT in CLIL (Content and Language […]

Fiestas in Madrid are very popular in August. Many Spanish people take summer holidays, but the Madrid comes alive for everyone thanks to its street parties and popular festivals when summer is here. Fiestas in Madrid in August Fiestas in Madrid are very popular in August. Many Spanish people take summer holidays, but Madrid comes […]

TEFL certification is a must-have if you’re serious about teaching English as a foreign language. But, you must keep in mind that just any certificate won’t do. After all, when it comes to getting TEFL certification, not all courses are created equal. With EBC, you’re safe and sound. Our Trinity CertTESOL and Trinity CertPT courses […]

TEFL trainers are essential to the TEFL world. After all, where would we all be without them? In this article, Georgina, one of EBC’s teacher trainers shares her insights on the profession with us. Whether you’re an English teacher, a teacher trainer, or an educator in general, her insights will surely resonate. TEFL trainers are […]

World Heritage Day is held in honour of monuments and sites all around the world that hold significance on a global level. Why do we celebrate this day? Well, because humanity’s story is one of a kind. Monuments and sites all over the world are a symbol of our story as a people. And, as the […]

As Zoë Parrish took up Spanish, Latin, and even ancient Greek at school and university, she has quite a lot of experience being a language learner. However, as any English teacher knows, it’s one thing to learn, and it’s another thing to teach. After taking EBC’s four-week online Trinity CertTESOL course, Zoë went on to […]

Beatrice, an EBC Trinity CertTESOL course graduate who took the Road2Spain programme, had fallen in love with Spain long before she first stepped foot in the beautiful country. In today’s EBC graduate guest blog, she shares five things she learned from her life in Spain. Beatrice, an EBC Trinity CertTESOL course graduate who took the Road2Spain programme had fallen […]

With Spain’s unbeatable weather and the rich culture of the Spanish people, it’s no wonder why people love the idea of coming to live in Spain. Luckily, some programmes, such as the “Auxiliar de conversación” programme in Madrid and the rest of Spain (under the Spanish Ministry of Education), allow native English speakers to do […]

If you are a practising teacher working in TEFL and you want to specialise and start teaching in Spain, this article is for you. EBC’S Road2Spain package allows you to choose a Trinity CertPT course that matches your area of interest. Aside from the Continuing Professional Development (CPD) course, you also get a one-year Cervantes […]

If you are an experienced teacher and you want to upgrade your skillset, take a continuing professional development course. However, with all the different course providers out there, we know it can be overwhelming to choose the right one for you. In this article, we help you out by listing down the different reasons why […]

As English teachers, we know very well that sometimes, we just need someone to throw us a lifeline. Whether you are new to the TEFL world and are feeling overwhelmed or you’ve been teaching English for years and are battling burnout, EBC is here to help. We take our role in the TEFL world seriously. […]