Timing plays a bigger role in teaching abroad than most people expect. It’s not just about deciding where you want to go. Knowing when to apply can shape the options available to you, how smooth the process feels, and even which schools you’re matched with. Each destination follows its own timeline, so in this guide, we’ll break down the key dates for China, Thailand, Poland, and Hungary, including when roles start, when to apply, and how late is realistically too late.

China

In China, the school year usually begins early in September, but you won’t be arriving the night before. Most teachers are expected to be there during August, giving you time to settle in, meet your school, and get everything sorted before classes start. There is also a smaller intake in February, but almost all hiring happens for the autumn term.

If you’re aiming for that autumn intake, the best time to apply is six to nine months earlier. Applying within this window gives us the best chance of matching you with a school that suits your preferences, while also giving you a wider range of options to choose from. It also means there’s plenty of time to complete the visa process without things feeling rushed.

If you’re applying later, it’s still very possible to secure a role, but you will need to move a little more quickly. Allow at least two and a half to three months before departure to complete the visa process, which involves a few steps and some waiting time. While some of the more popular locations may already be filled by this stage, there are still plenty of opportunities available.

Start dates: August (main intake), February (smaller intake)
Ideal application window: December to March (for September start)
Latest to apply: two and a half to three months before departure

Thailand

Rather than following a traditional September start, Thailand’s school year is shaped by its climate, with the main academic year beginning in April and a second intake in October. The April term comes just after the long school break during the hottest time of year, which is why it tends to offer the widest range of options. That said, we know this isn’t always the most convenient time for people to start, so October is still very possible, if not quite as ideal.

To give yourself the best chance of securing a placement that suits you, it’s worth starting the process six to nine months ahead of your intended start date. This gives us more time to connect you with the right school, while also opening up a broader range of opportunities. It also helps ensure everything is organised well in advance, rather than being rushed closer to departure.

There’s still flexibility if you’re working to a shorter timeline. In most cases, allowing around two months before departure is enough to complete the visa process, as it’s relatively straightforward. You may find that some of the more popular locations have already been filled by this stage, but there are still good options available across the country.

Start dates: April and October
Ideal application window: six to nine months before your intended start date
Latest to apply: around two months before departure

Poland

Teaching placements in Poland are centred around a single intake each year, with roles beginning in August to align with the academic calendar. Unlike some other destinations, there isn’t really a second hiring window, which makes timing a bit more important from the outset.

Because we work with a smaller number of partner schools here, applications tend to fill steadily rather than all at once. For that reason, it’s best to start your application around six to 12 months before your intended start date. Getting in early gives us more flexibility when pairing you with a school, and helps ensure you’re not limited by availability later on.

It’s still possible to apply closer to departure, particularly from a visa perspective, where around two months is usually enough for most schools. However, by that stage, the main challenge is often finding a remaining position rather than completing the paperwork, as many roles will already have been secured.

Start dates: August
Ideal application window: six to 12 months before your intended start date
Latest to apply: around two months before departure

Hungary

One thing that sets Hungary apart is that your experience begins before you even enter the classroom. New teachers take part in around three weeks of training, which is why roles typically begin in July, slightly ahead of the academic year. This gives you time to build confidence, understand the school environment, and settle into daily life before teaching starts properly.

Placements are tied to a smaller group of partner schools, so roles tend to be secured steadily over time rather than appearing all at once. Starting your application six months to a year before your intended start date puts you in a much stronger position, giving us time to find a school that fits what you’re looking for while there’s still a full range of placements available.

If your timeline is a bit shorter, it can still work. The key is being open to what’s available. While the visa side of things can usually be handled within a couple of months, many placements are already spoken for by this stage. Getting in earlier simply gives you more say in where you go and the type of school you’re placed in.

Start dates: July
Ideal application window: six to 12 months before your intended start date
Latest to apply: around two months before departure

As of early April, when this blog is published, there’s still a good number of weeks to apply for all of the destinations we’ve mentioned above. Starting sooner will always give you more options, but even if you’re working to a shorter timeline, there are still opportunities available.

If you’re ready to take the next step, you can explore each destination in more detail below and see which option feels right for you.