TEFL Job Contracts: What to Watch Out For

The Contract Is More Important Than the Job Post

Job listings describe the best-case scenario. Contracts describe the legal reality. The attractive salary, the "supportive team environment," and the "great benefits" in a job listing are marketing. The contract is what you'll actually be held to.

Many TEFL teachers — particularly those eager to start their first overseas role — sign contracts too quickly, without reviewing key clauses carefully. Understanding what a good contract looks like, and what warning signs to watch for, is essential professional due diligence.

What Every Legitimate TEFL Contract Should Include

Salary Clause

The contract must specify:

The exact monthly salary (in which currency — local currency, USD, GBP?)
The payment date (which date of the month?)
Payment method (bank transfer? Cash? The latter should prompt questions.)
Tax treatment (is the salary gross or net? Who bears the tax liability?)

Watch for: Salaries quoted in home currency but paid in local currency at a specified rate — the exchange rate risk is real. Also watch for performance bonuses that make up a large proportion of stated income — you may not earn them.

Working Hours

Specify:

Weekly teaching hours (this is your contract hours — typically 20–25 teaching hours for language schools)
Maximum teaching hours (overtime threshold)
Administrative or preparation time (are you expected to be on premises for X hours per day, or just for teaching hours?)
Overtime rates (what do you get paid for additional teaching beyond contract?)

Watch for: Contracts that state high headline hours (30+ teaching hours per week) without overtime provisions. This is exhausting and financially undercompensates for the extra work.

Accommodation

If housing is part of the package, the contract must specify:

Is it free or is a sum deducted from salary?
What type of accommodation (private apartment, shared housing, on-site room)?
Are utilities included?
Is there a co-pay for utilities?
What are the consequences if you leave the accommodation during the contract?

Watch for: Vague "housing support" language without details. "We will help you find accommodation" is not the same as "we will provide accommodation at no cost."

Flights/Relocation Allowance

If flights are offered:

Is it one-way or return?
Is it paid in advance or reimbursed after a certain period?
What are the conditions for reimbursement?
Is there a service requirement before the return flight is paid (e.g., must complete full contract)?

Contract Duration and Renewal

Start and end dates
Notice period required from you to exit
Notice period required from them to exit
Conditions under which either party can terminate early
Renewal process — is renewal automatic? Is written notice required by a deadline to confirm non-renewal?

Probationary Period

Most contracts include a probationary period (typically 1–3 months). During this period, either party can typically terminate with shorter notice. Confirm:

How long is the probationary period?
What are the notice terms during probation?
What's the process for formal confirmation of employment post-probation?

Termination Clauses

This is where many problematic contracts reveal themselves:

Reasonable termination clauses:

Either party can exit with 4–8 weeks notice (standard professional notice periods)
Termination for cause (gross misconduct) with immediate effect and specific definition of what constitutes misconduct

Unreasonable termination clauses:

Financial penalties for early exit (e.g., repayment of the full relocation cost if you leave in the first year — review whether this is proportionate)
Notice periods exceeding 3 months (excessively trapping)
Clauses that allow the employer to terminate instantly for vague reasons while requiring extended notice from you

Visa and Work Authorisation

The contract should reference:

Who is responsible for the work visa/permit application
Who bears the cost
What happens to your visa status if the contract ends early (essential for planning purposes)

Critical point: If the contract is silent on visa arrangements and the employer has mentioned anything about tourist visas, this is a serious red flag requiring immediate clarification.

Red Flag Clauses Summary

Clause Type	Red Flag Version
Salary	Performance-heavy variable with minimal base
Pay date	Inconsistent or unspecified ("we pay when we can")
Overtime	No provision for teaching hours above contract
Exit	Penalties disproportionate to the benefit received
Accommodation	Vague promises without specifics
Visa	Silent, or references tourist visa
Termination	Instant employer termination with months of notice from teacher
Salary withholding	Any portion of earned salary held as "guarantee"

What To Do Before Signing

Read the entire contract — including fine print and appendices
Ask for clarification on anything vague — in writing, via email so you have a record
Post unusual clauses to r/TEFL or a legal expat community for opinion
Contact a previous teacher at the school and ask whether the contract matched their actual experience
Don't sign under time pressure — a legitimate employer gives you at least 48 hours to review

A contract isn't bureaucracy — it's your protection. Treat reviewing it with the seriousness it deserves before you book a flight.