Career Resources

Teaching in Asia: Academic Calendars and Hiring Trends

Timing matters when you are looking for a teaching job in Asia. A school year that starts in April in Japan, May in Thailand and September in China means the best time to apply changes with every country. International schools add another layer, because many follow the calendar of their curriculum rather than the country they are in.

This guide covers seven destinations: China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, South Korea, Japan, Thailand and Vietnam. Each country section is split into three groups. Group A covers public schools, international schools and universities. Group B covers language schools such as hagwons, eikaiwa and buxibans. Group C covers summer camps and short-term programs. For each group you will find a summary of how hiring works, plus a calendar of academic years and hiring seasons.

Whether you are a classroom teacher, a teaching assistant or a camp instructor, use this guide to work out when to apply, which type of employer suits you, and how much lead time you need for visas and documents. Visa rules and hiring conditions change often, so confirm current

Regional Calendars

China has the region's largest market for foreign educators, but it is shaped by regulation. The 2021 "double reduction" policy restricted for-profit tutoring in core school subjects, which reshaped the language school sector. Work visas (Z visa) generally require a bachelor's degree, a criminal record check, a TEFL or teaching qualification, and often two years of experience. China joined the Apostille Convention in late 2023, which simplified document legalisation.

Group A: Public schools, international schools, universities, bilingual schools

Mainstream public schools rarely hire foreign teachers directly. Foreign-language schools, some bilingual programs and provincial partnerships recruit through agencies or government-linked channels. International schools in Shanghai, Beijing, Shenzhen and Guangzhou are the main employers of qualified teachers and support staff, though demand has softened in some tier-one cities as expatriate numbers have fallen. Growth has shifted to bilingual schools and international streams serving Chinese families. Universities hire foreign experts, usually with a master's degree or higher, and often provide accommodation.

  • Teaching
  • Hiring
  • Camp
  • Peak
  • Variable
School TypeJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSeptOctNovDec
Public schoolsTTTTTTTTTTT
H · Variable
International schoolsTTTTTTTTTTT
HHHHH
UniversitiesT · Variable
H · Variable

Group B: Language schools

Adult English, business English, test preparation and overseas-study programs have replaced much of the pre-2021 children's English market. Many after-school centres closed or rebranded. Hiring is more selective and visa compliance is closely checked.

  • Teaching
  • Hiring
  • Camp
  • Peak
  • Variable
School TypeJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSeptOctNovDec
Language schools?PP?????P???
HHHHHHHPHPHPHHH

Group C: Summer/Winter camps and programs

Camp volume is modest and concentrated in July and August, mostly English immersion programs run by private providers and some international schools. Contracts are short, and visa arrangements for short stays can be complicated, so check requirements early.

  • Teaching
  • Hiring
  • Camp
  • Peak
  • Variable
School TypeJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSeptOctNovDec
Summer/Winter camps and programsCCCC
HHH

Hong Kong's education market is small, well paid and credential-driven. Most foreign teaching roles sit in international schools and in the government's Native-speaking English Teacher (NET) Scheme. A recognised teaching qualification is usually required, and work visa sponsorship is the main hurdle for language school roles.

Group A: Public schools (NET Scheme), international schools, universities

NET Scheme positions in government and aided schools require a degree and a recognised teaching qualification. Recruitment generally opens in the first half of the year for a September start. International schools (ESF, DSC and many American, Canadian and IB schools) are steadier than the local sector, with ongoing demand for qualified teachers, learning support staff and teaching assistants. Falling birth rates have led to primary school consolidations in the local sector. Universities are competitive and typically require advanced degrees.

  • Teaching
  • Hiring
  • Camp
  • Peak
  • Variable
School TypeJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSeptOctNovDec
Public schools (NET Scheme)TTTTTTTTTTTT
HHHHHH
International schoolsTTTTTTTTTTTT
HHHHHHHHHHHH
UniversitiesT · Variable
H · Variable

Group B: Language schools

Foreign hiring is limited, mainly in kindergarten English programs, enrichment centres and private tutoring. Visa sponsorship is the main barrier.

  • Teaching
  • Hiring
  • Camp
  • Peak
  • Variable
School TypeJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSeptOctNovDec
Language schoolsT · Variable
HHHHHHHPHPHPHHH

Group C: Summer/Winter camps and programs

Camps run in July and August, with operators hiring short-term for activity-based and bilingual programs. They suit candidates already holding the right to work in Hong Kong.

  • Teaching
  • Hiring
  • Camp
  • Peak
  • Variable
School TypeJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSeptOctNovDec
Summer/Winter camps and programs??????CC????
HHH

Taiwan's Bilingual 2030 policy aims to make the country bilingual by 2030 and is driving demand for English teachers. A buxiban is a private after-school cram school, usually offering English, maths or exam preparation. Taiwan is popular with first-time teachers because of its cost of living and relatively straightforward visa process.

Group A: Public schools, international schools, universities, bilingual schools

Foreign English Teacher programs are run by city and county governments (Taipei, New Taipei, Taoyuan, Taichung, Kaohsiung and others), with requirements varying by locality, typically a degree plus TEFL or a teaching licence. International schools such as Taipei American School follow American-style calendars, while bilingual private schools generally follow the Taiwanese calendar. Universities hire foreign faculty and language centre instructors for both semesters.

  • Teaching
  • Hiring
  • Camp
  • Peak
  • Variable
School TypeJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSeptOctNovDec
Public schoolsTTTTTTTTTT
H · Variable
International schoolsTTTTTT?TTTTT
HHHHHH
UniversitiesT · Variable
H · Variable

Group B: Language schools (buxibans)

Buxibans hire year-round, with a peak from July to September ahead of the fall term. Demand is strong in Taipei, Taichung and Kaohsiung, while smaller cities often have more openings relative to applicants. Falling birth rates are a long-term pressure, though demand for English instruction remains high.

  • Teaching
  • Hiring
  • Camp
  • Peak
  • Variable
School TypeJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSeptOctNovDec
Language schools (buxibans)TTTTTTTTTT
HHHHHHHPHPHPHHH

Group C: Summer/Winter camps and programs

Summer camps are common in July and August, with winter camps in January. Many are run by buxibans and local governments, and they are a useful entry point for short-term work.

  • Teaching
  • Hiring
  • Camp
  • Peak
  • Variable
School TypeJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSeptOctNovDec
Summer/Winter camps and programsCCC
HHH

Korea has a mature, structured market. A hagwon is a private, for-profit academy, often teaching English to children after school. EPIK (English Program in Korea) places native speakers in public schools, with regional variants such as GEPIK and SMOE. Most roles use E-2 visas, which require a degree, a criminal background check and apostilled documents.

Group A: Public schools (EPIK), international schools, universities

EPIK has two intakes, spring (February/March) and fall (August/September), with applications opening several months ahead. Declining school-age populations and budget decisions have reduced native-speaker placements in some regions, so competition has increased. International schools such as Seoul Foreign School, Dwight and Branksome Hall Asia generally run August to June. Universities are split between E-1 (professor) and E-2 (language instructor) visa categories.

  • Teaching
  • Hiring
  • Camp
  • Peak
  • Variable
School TypeJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSeptOctNovDec
Public schools (EPIK)TTTTTTTTTTT
H · Variable
International schoolsTTTTTTTTTTT
HHHHHH
UniversitiesTTTTTTTT
H · Variable

Group B: Language schools (hagwons)

Hagwons hire year-round with peaks ahead of the March and September starts. Contract and payment disputes are well documented, so careful vetting of employers is important. Reputable hagwons provide a contract, flight reimbursement, housing and severance.

  • Teaching
  • Hiring
  • Camp
  • Peak
  • Variable
School TypeJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSeptOctNovDec
Language schools (hagwons)TTTPTTTTTTPTTT
HPHPHHHHHPHPHHHH

Group C: Summer/Winter camps

English camps run in public schools, universities and private institutions in July to August and again in January to February. They are a common short-term option, and roles often include accommodation and travel.

  • Teaching
  • Hiring
  • Camp
  • Peak
  • Variable
School TypeJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSeptOctNovDec
Summer/Winter campsCCCC
HHHHH

Japan's school year starts in April, unlike most of the region. An eikaiwa is a private conversation school, typically for adults and children, and an ALT (Assistant Language Teacher) supports Japanese teachers in public school classrooms. Many ALTs are employed by dispatch companies contracted by local boards of education. The JET Programme is the main government route.

Group A: Public schools (JET/ALT), international schools, universities

JET applications generally open around October and November, with arrivals in late July or August. Dispatch ALT companies hire heavily from January to March for an April start. International schools in Tokyo, Yokohama, Osaka, Kobe and Nagoya mostly follow August/September to June calendars, while Japanese-curriculum schools with international streams follow April. Bilingual kindergartens are a growing area. University hiring is mainly through the JREC-IN Portal, is highly competitive, and typically requires a master's degree or PhD for full-time roles.

  • Teaching
  • Hiring
  • Camp
  • Peak
  • Variable
School TypeJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSeptOctNovDec
Public schools (JET/ALT)TTTTTTTTTTT
HHHHH
International schoolsTTTTTTTTTTT
HHHHHH
UniversitiesTTTTTTTTTTTT
H · Variable

Group B: Language schools (eikaiwa)

Eikaiwa have contracted over the past two decades, and online lessons have added further pressure. Hiring continues but is more limited and often concentrated among a few large chains. A weak yen reduces salaries in foreign-currency terms, which can affect candidate interest.

  • Teaching
  • Hiring
  • Camp
  • Peak
  • Variable
School TypeJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSeptOctNovDec
Language schools (eikaiwa)TTTTPTTTTTTTT
HHPHPHHHHHHHHH

Group C: Summer/Winter camps and programs

English day camps and immersion camps run through summer, mostly July to August. International school and bilingual kindergarten programs also hire short-term support staff.

  • Teaching
  • Hiring
  • Camp
  • Peak
  • Variable
School TypeJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSeptOctNovDec
Summer/Winter camps and programs??????CC????
HHH

Thailand's local school year starts in May, with a long hot-season break, which makes its hiring cycle different from most of the region. Foreign teachers are widely employed in public and private schools, and the Teachers' Council of Thailand licence and work permit requirements are tightening, with stricter checks on degrees and criminal records.

Group A: Public schools, international schools, universities, bilingual schools

Foreign teachers in public schools are usually hired through agencies. International schools in Bangkok, Phuket, Chiang Mai and elsewhere follow the standard August/September start. Bilingual private schools often follow the Thai calendar. Thai universities hire foreign lecturers and language instructors directly, with demand growing for English-medium programs.

  • Teaching
  • Hiring
  • Camp
  • Peak
  • Variable
School TypeJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSeptOctNovDec
Public schoolsTTTTTTTTTTT
HHHH
International schoolsTTTTTTTTTTT
HHHHHH
UniversitiesTTTTTTTTTT
H · Variable

Group B: Language schools

Language schools and private tutoring centres are a major employer, hiring year-round with a peak ahead of the May term. Compliance is tightening, so candidates and employers should confirm visa, work permit and licensing requirements well in advance.

  • Teaching
  • Hiring
  • Camp
  • Peak
  • Variable
School TypeJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSeptOctNovDec
Language schoolsTTTTTPTTTTTTPT
HHHHPHPHHHHHHH

Group C: Summer/Winter camps and programs

Camps cluster in the March to April hot-season break and the October mid-year break. They are offered by schools, language centres and private providers.

  • Teaching
  • Hiring
  • Camp
  • Peak
  • Variable
School TypeJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSeptOctNovDec
Summer/Winter camps and programsCCC
HHHH

Vietnam has steady, growing demand driven by private English centres and a government push to strengthen English instruction in schools. Work permit and documentation rules (degree legalisation, criminal record check, teaching certificate) have tightened in recent years, so confirm current requirements before candidates travel.

Group A: Public schools, international schools, universities, bilingual schools

Public schools rarely hire foreign teachers directly, though government and partnership programs have increased demand in the wider sector. British, American, IB and Cambridge-curriculum schools in Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi and Da Nang mostly run August/September to June. Bilingual schools following the Vietnamese curriculum use the local calendar. English-medium and joint-program universities hire foreign lecturers, often with master's-level requirements.

  • Teaching
  • Hiring
  • Camp
  • Peak
  • Variable
School TypeJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSeptOctNovDec
Public schoolsTTTTTTTTTT
H · Variable
International schoolsTTTTTTTTTTT
HHHHHH
UniversitiesTTTTTTTTTT
H · Variable

Group B: Language schools

Private English centres are the largest employer of foreign teachers, with steady year-round demand and peaks around September and January. Many centres teach evenings and weekends.

  • Teaching
  • Hiring
  • Camp
  • Peak
  • Variable
School TypeJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSeptOctNovDec
Language schoolsTPTTTTTTTTPTTT
HPHHHHHHHHPHHH

Group C: Summer/Winter camps and programs

Summer camps run June to August and are offered by language centres, schools and private providers.

  • Teaching
  • Hiring
  • Camp
  • Peak
  • Variable
School TypeJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSeptOctNovDec
Summer/Winter camps and programs?????CCC????
HHH
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