Already got a TEFL or thinking about getting one, and wondering if it can actually pay the bills? The good news is, yes, it can. But actually, it does far more than that. It can also open doors to adventures, flexible jobs, and income streams you may have never even considered.

TEFL stands for Teaching English as a Foreign Language. It’s a qualification that lets you teach English to non-native speakers, and it’s far more accessible than most people realise. Courses are widely available online, can be completed in a matter of weeks (or days if you’re really focussed), and don’t require prior teaching experience. All you need is a good grasp of English and the motivation to share it. A bit of studying is required but you can take the final test from home with your notes beside you. It’s nothing to be afraid of!

And once you’ve got your certificate in hand, you’re ready to go. Whether you want to pack your bags for a faraway classroom, tutor students face-to-face, or log in to teach online from the comfort of your own home, there are plenty of ways to start earning.

So, without further ado, let’s dive into five proven ways you can make money with a TEFL.

Teaching Abroad

When most people picture TEFL jobs, the classic image is hopping on a plane and stepping into a classroom somewhere new. But honestly? That’s not far from the truth. Teaching abroad with a TEFL certificate is one of the most exciting (and reliable) ways to earn money.

From bustling cities in Thailand and China to charming towns in Poland or Hungary, schools everywhere are on the lookout for English teachers. The best part? You often get perks like free housing, paid holidays, and sometimes even flight reimbursement.

Why is it so popular? Because it’s the perfect mix of adventure and stability. You get to:

• Immerse yourself in a new culture while earning a steady salary
• Save money (or spend it traveling) thanks to competitive packages and low cost of living in many countries
• Build career experience that can open doors to international schools or higher-paying TEFL jobs later

But how can you land a job abroad? You’ve got two main routes.

• Go it alone: Scour job boards, send out CVs, and negotiate contracts yourself. It’s possible but it takes time, patience, and a sharp eye for spotting scams.
• Use a TEFL agency or placement program: Much easier. They connect you with vetted schools, guide you through the visa process, and provide support once you arrive. For first-time teachers, this can be a game-changer.

Teaching abroad isn’t just a paycheck, it’s an adventure that pays. And whether you go solo or sign up with an agency, once you’ve got that TEFL certificate in hand, the world is wide open.

In-person Tutoring

If you’re already teaching abroad, tutoring on the side can be a rewarding way to boost your income, and your cultural experience. Parents often look for extra lessons for their kids, and sometimes adults want one-to-one help with speaking or pronunciation. Either way, tutoring gives you the chance to step outside the classroom and connect more personally with your students. Word of mouth and putting yourself out there is the best way to find students.

And the benefits go beyond money. You’ll often be welcomed into family homes, treated to home-cooked meals, or even receive small gifts as tokens of appreciation. It’s an amazing way to immerse yourself in local culture, build lasting relationships, and see everyday life from the inside. But it’s important to also consider that tutoring can also mean traveling between students, which takes time and energy.

As for pay? You can typically expect around £10–18 an hour, which at just five hours a week adds up to roughly £217–£390 a month on top of your regular salary. Some sessions require prep, like worksheets or grammar exercises, while others are as simple as chatting in English and helping with fluency.

But a word of caution, you must always check with your school or employer before taking on tutoring. In some countries, side work may not be allowed under your visa, and doing it unofficially could put your job or legal status at risk. It’s essential to respect your school’s rules as they’re the ones supporting you in the country.

If your school is fine with it then tutoring can be one of the most rewarding ways to make money with a TEFL, not just for your wallet, but for the deeper connections you’ll build.

Online Teaching

One of the most flexible ways to make money with a TEFL certificate is teaching online. Unlike in-person tutoring, you don’t need to travel. Just log in from home, set your schedule, and teach students from around the world. It’s a great option if you’re abroad and want to top up your salary, but it also works if you’re back in your home country or traveling between destinations.

The big advantage is convenience. You can fit lessons into evenings or weekends, making it easier to rack up hours compared to tutoring. Because it doesn’t usually interfere with school contracts, online teaching is also less risky from a visa perspective, so you’re far less likely to get into trouble with your employer.

The pay is strong too. Most reputable platforms offer £15–25 an hour, which at ten hours a week works out at around £650–£1,080 a month. Some companies pay below £15, but it’s best to avoid them. With more classroom experience, you can apply to higher-paying platforms or build your own client base, which can pay even better.

Where should you start? Chinese companies still represent the biggest market for online TEFL jobs, so try searching on sites like eChinacities.com to find openings. Just keep in mind that peak hours align with Chinese evenings, which may mean early mornings or late nights depending on where you’re based.

Of course, teaching online isn’t perfect. You miss out on the cultural immersion that comes with teaching abroad, and long hours behind a screen can be draining. But for flexibility, stability, and decent pay, online TEFL teaching remains one of the best ways to earn with your certificate.

 Summer/Winter Camps

If you’re already abroad or are willing to travel, seasonal TEFL camps are a fun and lucrative way to earn with your certificate. These camps don’t always follow the traditional summer or winter calendar, as schools holidays may be at different times or students are coming in from other countries. Korean students in Thailand for an English camp, for example.

Camps are short-term and intensive, usually lasting between a fortnight and a month, but you could do several. And once you’ve done one, you’ll likely be invited back for the next. The pay can be excellent, sometimes the equivalent of a month’s salary in just a few weeks, often around £1,000 or more for the camp. Small class sizes, motivated learners, and lively content make the teaching enjoyable, while the social side is a huge bonus. You’ll meet teachers from around the world, bond over evening activities, and sometimes even join cultural excursions.

There are a few things to keep in mind though. If you already work at a school abroad, make sure a camp doesn’t clash with your main job, your school should always come first. Some schools run their own camps, but they’ll usually pay you less as you already work there. Weigh up your options and search online, but word of mouth is still the best way to find them. And be cautious with visas and legalities. Established camps are usually safe bets even if things aren’t quite perfect on the visa side of things, but always use common sense and protect your long-term position.

If you’re up for short-term work that mixes good pay with fun, friends, and cultural exchange, TEFL camps are tough to beat.

All of the Above

The real magic happens when you don’t just stick to one path, but combine several of them. Plenty of teachers abroad mix teaching in schools with tutoring, online classes, and seasonal camps, and the results can be impressive.

On a standard teaching contract abroad, you might earn around £12,000 a year. But by layering on tutoring a few evenings a week, online lessons at weekends, and the occasional summer or winter camp, it’s possible to double that figure. Suddenly, you’re not only covering your living costs but also building real savings.

And here’s the best part, when you’re living abroad, the cost of living is often much lower than back home. That means your money stretches further. You can save more, enjoy a comfortable lifestyle, and still travel in your free time. It’s a win-win situation, extra income and the freedom to explore.

Of course, combining different streams of work takes planning and energy. You’ll need to balance your main teaching job with side commitments, and be especially careful when it comes to visas. Your school is the one making it possible for you to live and work abroad, so their rules should always be respected. As long as you keep things above board, the trade-off is often worth it. The variety keeps your routine interesting, and the extra income can make a big difference.

Plenty of TEFL teachers have taken this route, including myself when I was teaching in Thailand. It’s not just about making more money, it’s about creating a lifestyle that feels adventurous, rewarding, and sustainable.

Your TEFL Journey Starts Here

If you’re ready to put your TEFL to work, I think it’s clear that teaching abroad in a school is one of the best places to start. From there you’ll have a platform from where you can apply everything else in this article to make money, save, and change your life while having an adventure.

We currently offer placements in China, Thailand, Poland, and Hungary. If you want to go with the agency route to make everything easier and simpler, that’s what we’re here for.

But if you don’t yet have your TEFL? Don’t worry. Every one of our programs includes TEFL training, so you’ll be fully qualified before stepping into the classroom.

Your TEFL isn’t just a certificate, it’s a ticket to new experiences, new income streams, and a whole new chapter. The only question is, where will you make your impact?