Teaching English abroad is a life-changing opportunity, and there are more openings now than ever before. But with that global demand comes a darker side – fake schools, sketchy recruiters, and job offers that look amazing on paper but quickly turn into costly mistakes. That’s why it’s crucial to know how to find legitimate TEFL jobs and avoid the common pitfalls that many first-time teachers face.
First-time teachers are especially at risk. You’re excited, you’re new to the process, and you might not yet know what a standard job offer should look like. Scammers take advantage of that, using flashy promises or urgency to get you to commit before you’ve had a chance to do your homework.
The good news is, most TEFL jobs are totally legit – and with a bit of awareness and a few smart checks, you can spot the red flags early and protect yourself. Finding a job abroad shouldn’t be a gamble. It should be the start of an incredible chapter, not a cautionary tale.
Common Red Flags to Watch Out For
If something about a job feels too good to be true, it probably is. A common tactic scammers use is offering unusually high salaries for minimal work and zero qualifications. If a school is offering thousands of dollars a month to someone with no degree, no experience, and no TEFL certificate, that’s a major warning sign.
Another red flag is vagueness. If the contract is full of generic promises but lacks specifics – like how many hours you’ll teach, what the pay includes, or what happens if you break the contract – pause before moving forward. A proper job offer should include all the basics in writing.
Be especially cautious if the school or recruiter asks for money upfront. Legitimate employers don’t charge you for a job. Some trusted government programs or recruiters might have admin or visa processing fees, but these should be transparent, well-documented, and only paid after the offer is confirmed – never during the application process.
Watch out for schools or recruiters with no web presence, broken websites, or email addresses that don’t match the organization’s name. And finally, if they’re rushing you to sign or make a decision without giving you the chance to ask questions or review the contract in detail, it’s a sign they don’t want you looking too closely.
How to Verify a School or Recruiter
Doing a little research can go a long way in protecting yourself from a bad situation. Start by searching for reviews from other teachers. Facebook groups, Reddit threads, and TEFL forums are full of people sharing their experiences – both good and bad. If a school or recruiter has burned someone in the past, chances are someone’s talked about it online.
Dig a little deeper by checking the school’s address, phone number, and website. If anything feels off – like missing contact info, a website that barely works, or a logo that looks copied – take that as a cue to look elsewhere. You can even search the name of the school with the word “scam” to see what pops up.
A good test is to ask if you can speak to a current or former teacher. Legit schools are usually happy to put you in touch, and teachers who’ve had a good experience will usually be open to sharing.
Pay attention to how the recruiter or school communicates. Are they clear and professional? Do they respond to your questions? Do they explain the visa process and salary breakdown in detail? If they dodge questions, give conflicting answers, or just send generic copy-paste replies, trust your instincts. Professionalism matters – and so does transparency.
How to Read and Understand a TEFL Contract
Once you’ve made it through the application and interview process, the contract is where everything becomes real. But too many new teachers skim through it or assume it’s just a formality. In reality, this is your main layer of protection – and it’s where schools show whether they’re operating above board.
At a minimum, every TEFL contract should clearly state your monthly salary, number of teaching hours, start and end dates, housing arrangements (if included), sick leave, vacation days, and visa or work permit support. If any of those are missing or left vague, ask for clarification before signing. A good school will have no problem explaining the details.
Look closely at how overtime is handled. Some schools pay extra, some don’t. You’ll also want to see what happens if you miss work or need to leave early. Contracts that include penalties for minor infractions or leave the termination clause wide open should raise red flags. If a school can fire you at any time without notice or reason, that’s a risk you shouldn’t ignore.
Don’t rely on verbal promises. It doesn’t matter if the recruiter said housing is free or you’ll only teach 20 hours a week – if it’s not written in the contract, it doesn’t exist. If you’re unsure about a clause, don’t be afraid to ask questions or request a day or two to review the offer. You have every right to know exactly what you’re agreeing to.
Should You Use a Recruiter? How to Tell If They’re Legit
Recruiters are a big part of the TEFL world. Some are incredibly helpful, guiding you through the whole process and connecting you with great schools. Others are only interested in filling positions fast – or worse, charging unsuspecting applicants for services that should be free.
A legit recruiter will never ask for a placement fee. Their money comes from the schools they work with, not from you. If someone’s asking for a deposit, charging to “hold” your spot, or trying to sell you expensive extras without transparency, walk away.
To check a recruiter’s reputation, search their name online and see what other teachers say. Facebook TEFL groups are especially useful for this. A recruiter with a good track record will be mentioned often – and usually by name. If you can’t find any real reviews or their website feels thrown together, that’s a sign to be cautious.
Professional communication is another indicator. A good recruiter will be responsive, answer your questions clearly, and help you understand your options. They won’t rush you into decisions or pressure you to accept a job you’re unsure about. They also won’t disappear once you sign the contract – they’ll stick around to support you through the visa and arrival process.
Using a recruiter can be a smart move, especially for first-time teachers. Just make sure you choose one that has a solid reputation and your best interests at heart.
Where to Actually Find Legit TEFL Jobs
With so many teaching jobs floating around online, it’s important to focus your search on sources that are known, vetted, and trusted by other teachers. This isn’t just about avoiding scams – it’s about finding a job that actually matches what you’re looking for and sets you up for a good experience abroad.
Online job boards are a great starting point, especially ones that specialize in TEFL and actively review their listings. Platforms like Teast are designed specifically for English teaching jobs abroad and focus on real schools, not random or outdated posts. This is where it makes sense to include your own platform naturally, as a trusted option for new teachers looking for opportunities across Asia, Europe, and Latin America.
Government-backed programs are another safe route, particularly if you’re looking for structure, benefits, and support. Programs like EPIK in South Korea, JET in Japan, and TAPIF in France have been running for years and have clear application procedures. They’re great for first-time teachers who want a secure and well-organized entry into the TEFL world.
Personal referrals can be incredibly helpful too. If you’ve taken a TEFL course, ask your trainers or fellow graduates if they know of open positions or schools with a good reputation. Many schools prefer hiring through word of mouth and are more likely to trust someone who comes recommended.
No matter how you find a job, the key is to stick with sources that are known in the TEFL community and have a track record of successful placements. Especially for your first job abroad, working through a reliable network makes all the difference.
Final Tips for Staying Safe and Finding the Right Fit
There’s nothing wrong with being cautious. In fact, being selective is a strength – especially when you’re planning a big move to a new country. A few simple habits can protect you from a bad experience and help you land a job that actually suits your goals.
Never send sensitive documents like passport scans, degree certificates, or signed contracts until you’ve fully vetted the employer. It’s totally normal to wait until a job has been confirmed and you’ve had a chance to verify everything.
Trust your instincts. If a school or recruiter is rushing you, dodging questions, or just giving off the wrong vibe, don’t be afraid to walk away. You won’t miss out – there are plenty of solid teaching jobs out there.
Stick to platforms and programs that take vetting seriously. Sites that actively check listings, provide school info, or connect you with other teachers make it much easier to apply with confidence.
And finally, don’t rush the process. The first offer you get might not be the best one. Give yourself time to compare, ask questions, and make sure everything feels right. Teaching abroad is a huge step – one that deserves a job that matches your energy, effort, and excitement.
