A degree makes you eligible for the most structured teaching routes, and the application windows are early. The JET Programme in Japan closes for 2027 intake on 4 December 2026. Spain's language assistant programme normally takes applications in June. Sponsored jobs in Asia and private schools in Spain and Italy hire throughout the year.
Structured graduate schemes
JET Programme (Japan). The Embassy of Japan in Ireland lists the 2027 requirements: an Irish passport, a bachelor's degree in any subject by July 2027, excellent English, good health and a genuine interest in Japan. Applications are by email only, with a deadline of 4 December 2026 at 23:59. Written screening runs from December to January, interviews are held in Dublin in January and February 2027, and departure is in late July. You cannot apply if you have lived in Japan for six or more consecutive years since 2017, or have been on JET since 2024.
Language assistants in Spain. For 2026-27 the Spanish Ministry of Education listed an allowance of €800 a month, 14 to 16 hours a week of classroom support, and a placement from 1 November 2026 to 31 May 2027. Applicants need a degree or must be at least a second-year student, and age limits apply (18 to 45). The 2026-27 window ran from 2 to 30 June 2026 and is now closed, so the next call is what to prepare for. New applicants provide a health statement, a statement of purpose, a recommendation letter and a clean sexual offences certificate.
Sponsored teaching jobs
South Korea, Thailand and Vietnam hire graduates year-round through schools and recruiters. South Korea's E-2 needs a bachelor's degree, a Garda police certificate with an apostille and a medical check. See the South Korea guide. Throughout, read the red flags page before paying any recruiter.
Working holiday visas
If you are under 30, Ireland has agreements with Japan and South Korea, among others (per a 2020 leaflet; confirm with the embassies). A working holiday allows work but does not require a teaching contract, so it suits people who want flexibility.
Comparing options
| Route | Degree? | Timing | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| JET Programme | Yes, by July 2027 | Apply by 4 Dec 2026 | Government-run, competitive, ALT or CIR roles |
| Spain language assistant | Degree or 2nd year student | Apply in June each year | €800 a month in 2026-27, short working week |
| South Korea E-2 | Yes | Rolling | Garda cert, apostille, medical, sponsor |
| Private schools in Spain or Italy | Not legally required | Mostly autumn and spring | EU citizen, no visa; pay is modest |
Using TEFL as a graduate
A TEFL certificate gives you classroom skills even where a scheme does not require one. If you can fit a course before you leave, choose one with assessed teaching practice (online or in-person). Get your degree certificate ready for apostille ahead of time if you are going to a country that needs it, and see the paperwork checklist.
A sensible timeline for final-year students
- September to November: decide on JET, check your degree classification and ask referees early.
- By 4 December 2026: submit JET if you are applying for the 2027 intake. Check the embassy page for any change.
- January to May: take a TEFL course part-time, request your Garda police certificate (about three weeks) and plan apostilles.
- June: apply for Spain's language assistants if you want that route. Watch for the new call.
- Summer: recruiter and school hiring for autumn contracts in Asia and Europe.
None of these steps requires a job offer first, so you can do the paperwork while you wait for results.
Making the experience count afterwards
Teaching abroad builds skills that other employers recognise: planning, presenting to a group, working with people from different backgrounds and handling problems without a manager nearby. Keep a record as you go: class sizes, levels taught, materials you created and any measurable results. When you return, those become specific CV lines rather than a vague gap-year entry.
Put the JET deadline (4 December 2026), the Spanish call (June) and your final exam dates on one calendar. Missing a scheme window costs a year; a TEFL course can be done in weeks.
Thinking about a TEFL qualification? See course options from an Irish-based provider.
Compare TEFL coursesThis is an affiliate link. See our affiliate disclosure.Frequently asked questions
When is the JET Programme deadline for Irish applicants?
For the 2027 intake the Embassy of Japan lists Friday 4 December 2026 at 23:59, with applications by email only.
Can I apply for Spain's language assistant scheme while still a student?
Yes, if you are at least in your second year of a degree. Age limits (18 to 45) apply.
Do I need a TEFL certificate for JET?
The embassy's eligibility list asks for a bachelor's degree in any subject and does not list a TEFL certificate.
Is a gap year of teaching good for my CV?
It can be, particularly for roles involving communication or international work. Record concrete results, such as classes taught and projects delivered.