A year ago, 25-year-old Arianna Marie was struggling to manage an overcrowded elementary school classroom in Florida. Faced with a teacher shortage and mounting pressure, she found herself feeling deeply burnt out. She was living with her parents just to make ends meet, and her initial passion for the profession was rapidly fading. Marie recalled that she was handling more than 20 children on her own, a stark contrast to her current experience in Daegu, South Korea, where she shares a classroom with another teacher.
Marie is one of many young people participating in a South Korean government program that recruits native English speakers with college degrees and TEFL certifications for local public schools. The position provides a comprehensive benefits package, including free housing, healthcare, flight reimbursements, and a monthly salary starting at approximately $1,400. For Marie, the move has been transformative. She noted that she no longer has to manage behavioral issues and can focus entirely on instruction, adding, “We always say that teaching is extremely undervalued in the US, but here you can tell how much they do value it.”
This migration of young talent is part of a broader trend as recent graduates navigate a challenging domestic job market. Since the Covid-19 pandemic, unemployment rates for new college graduates have often exceeded national averages, and earnings for those who are employed have struggled to keep pace with inflation. As the US federal government reduces funding for the Department of Education, many teachers—a profession that remains overwhelmingly female—are increasingly seeking opportunities overseas.
The trend extends beyond American borders. Zwiwe Dlamini, a 28-year-old from South Africa, faced a similar crisis while working as an administrative assistant in Durban. Despite her efforts, she struggled with debt and the reality of a 70% youth unemployment rate in her home country. After moving to Incheon, South Korea, through the same teaching program, Dlamini has been able to pay off her debt and save for a master’s degree. “I couldn’t afford food and had accumulated debt, so paying it off now and still experiencing life to the fullest—I am actually so grateful,” she said.
John Bentley, co-founder of the International TEFL Academy, observed that interest in teaching abroad surged significantly following the 2024 presidential election. He noted that many young people initially plan to stay for only one year, but often end up remaining for three, four, or more years after falling in love with the experience. This aligns with findings from a Gallup poll conducted last year, which indicated that 40% of US women would move abroad if given the opportunity.
The global market for English-language instruction is expanding rapidly. The TEFL Institute reports that the sector was valued at $95 billion in 2026, with over 2 million positions available worldwide. Projections suggest this market could reach $181 billion by 2034, with the Asia-Pacific region currently experiencing the fastest growth. Countries such as Japan and Taiwan are also aggressively investing in full-time English teachers to attract young workers.
Social media has played a significant role in broadcasting these opportunities, with many teachers documenting their lives and classroom experiences on platforms like TikTok and Instagram. By sharing their journeys, these educators are highlighting a lifestyle that offers financial stability and professional respect—elements they found increasingly difficult to secure in their home countries. The report also notes that she’s rediscovered her love for the job, the fact that it’s the home to K-pop and K-dramas doesn’t hurt – and in a striking shift. The report also notes that “I never have to crack down on behavior issues, and both students and teachers respect me so much,” Marie said. The report also notes that citing low pay and high stress, new entrants in US public service jobs like teaching are increasingly leaving the profession. The report also notes that or teachers, but the phenomenon isn’t exclusive to Americans. The report also notes that “I’ve always been behind the desk, gathering minutes, gathering meetings, working for CEOs and it was just extremely draining,” Dlamini said. The report also notes that she knew she would have to look elsewhere, after six months of job searching. The report also notes that “With a difficult political and economic situation, we see gen Z turning to TEFL,” he said.
