The purpose of this review is to examine the literature on teaching English as an international language for society’s sustainable development. First, I will define what is meant by sustainable development, and discuss what sustainable development goals have been put forward by the United Nations to be achieved by 2030. Second, I will trace the history of the current context in which times have changed since and globalisation have occurred and why there is now more demand for English to be taught internationally. Third, I will synthesise the literature on the current status of teaching English internationally, including describing key elements of base practice. Then finally I will explain how teaching English internationally is important for society’s sustainable development.