One of the most challenging decisions to make when looking into teaching abroad is – where to go? This list of the best places to teach English abroad can help you discover the best place for you!
I took my TEFL course back in 2017 after I spent years hemming and hawing over whether I should and where would be best. After agonizing research, I finally took the plunge and applied to teach English in South Korea with the EPIK program. And it ended up being the perfect place for me!
I loved teaching in Korea so much that I stayed for a second year. After Korea, I went on to use my TEFL to teach an English summer camp in Vietnam and then to teaching English online with PalFish. Now I write all about it to help others in the same position I was a few years ago.
If you’ve ever dreamed of moving to a new country, teaching English can help you earn enough to live and see the world. Here are some of the best countries to teach English abroad to get you started on your TEFL adventure!
Read More: A Former ESL Teacher Dishes: Is Teaching English Abroad Worth It?
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How much can you make teaching English abroad?
English teachers can earn anywhere from $1,000 to $4,000+ a month. They also sometimes receive a benefits package that includes free rent, airfare, insurance, and more.
The best teach abroad programs and ESL jobs can be found in the Middle East, then Asia, Europe, and South America, and often demand a strong application with an excellent TEFL cover letter, resume, and qualifications.
This list outlines the best countries to teach English abroad with average monthly salaries and other key perks. The estimated salary figures are courtesy of the International TEFL Academy, one of the top-ranked TEFL providers who share helpful resources for teachers.
20 Best Places to Teach English Abroad
I’ve broken this list up into continental sections and outlined the key differences between each region of the world. Not all teaching jobs are the same, so you’ll have to weigh up what aspects are most important to you. Here are some of the best countries to teach English.
Best Places to Teach English in Asia
Teaching English in Asia is hands down one of the best paying places to teach without a license. Not only are the salaries high in comparison to other TEFL jobs, but teachers also often receive flight reimbursement, free accommodation, insurance, and more, allowing for a comfortable lifestyle. Asia (and more specifically China, Japan, and Korea) is the place to teach if you’re looking to walk away with savings.
To get hired in Asia, you’ll need a TEFL certificate, a college degree, be a native English speaker from an English speaking country, and have a clean background.
1. South Korea – $1,850 – $2,500/month
Why teach in South Korea: High savings potential, a typical workday, exciting travel opportunities in-country
In South Korea, there are a few different ways you can teach English. The two main options are to teach in public schools with the EPIK program (8 am – 4:30 pm workday) or in private academics called Hagwons (5 pm – 10 pm workday). The EPIK application opens twice a year, in the winter and summer. Hagwons hire year-round.
On top of a generous salary, Korea is well known for offering some of the best additional job benefits making it easy to save money. As an American teacher with EPIK, I received free housing, subsidized health insurance, contract completion and renewal bonuses, and a pension. I left with over $11,000 in savings!
One major con of teaching in Korea is that you’re expected to teach English camp during school breaks. Also, the country is isolated from the rest of Asia, making travel a little more expensive and inconvenient.
Read More: A CIEE Teach Abroad in Korea Review + How to Save $200
2. Japan – $1,500 – $2,500/month
Why teach in Japan: Famous tourist attractions, high pay, the delicious food scene
Japan is another really popular place to teach in Asia. Many find employment through the JET program or with private academies. Some teaching positions offer a housing subsidy, but it’s not common. Regardless, teachers can save anywhere from $500 – $700 per month.
Many teachers work with younger students, but it’s also possible to find jobs teaching business professionals. Some cons to teaching in Japan include a work culture that comes with high expectations and an expensive cost of living in the more populous cities like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka.
3. China – $1,250 – $2,850/month
Why teach in China: Low competition, many big-city work opportunities, and excellent pay
Next to Korea and Japan, China is among the top-paying countries in Asia. Most positions come with a nice salary, free housing, reimbursed airfare, and other perks. When teaching English in China, it’s possible to save anywhere from $600 – $1,000+ per month. China is a massive country with many large cities, so there are plenty of job opportunities for everyone. Most teachers work with children in schools or at private academies working with adults or teaching after-school programs.
Finding a job before leaving home is also relatively easy. But job seekers should be on the lookout for blacklisted schools or academies. Be sure to check out school reviews while applying to avoid places that are known for mistreating teachers. Sadly this is a common occurrence in Asia.
4. Vietnam – $1,100 – $1,500/month
Why teach in Vietnam: High pay and low cost of living, warm climate, beautiful place to live and travel
Teaching English in Vietnam is a fun job opportunity that may not pay as well as Asia’s top three but still rocks an excellent mode of living in a vibrant culture. Vietnam is unique because it’s usually best to go to the country first and apply to schools in person. Most positions require a Bachelor’s degree, but it’s not impossible to find a job without one.
Vietnam is known for its large expat and backpacker scene, fantastic food, beautiful nature, and busy city life. The best jobs are typically in international schools and require an actual teaching license versus just a TEFL. I taught a summer camp in Vietnam and fell in love with the busy lifestyle there.
5. Taiwan – $1,000 – $2,000/month
Why teach in Taiwan: Tropical climate, diverse food scene, high pay and low job requirements
Taiwan isn’t usually top of mind when people start their “where should I teach abroad” hunt, but this cool island nation has a lot going for it! The climate is nice and warm, the city life is incredible, and there are even great outdoor attractions to explore.
To teach in Taiwan, you’ll need to have either an associate’s or bachelor’s degree and a TEFL certificate, of course. Most jobs don’t include housing or airfare, but the decent salary and average cost of living in Taiwan mean it’s common to save up to $500 per month.
6. Thailand – $950 – $1,500/month
Why teach in Thailand: Vibrant culture and landscape, large expat scene, friendly students
Thailand has long been a popular travel destination, and there are also plenty of opportunities to teach in Thailand too! Nicknamed the Land of Smiles, you’ll find friendly locals, a vibrant way of life, and incredible nature topping the list for the best places to see in Thailand. Although jobs here don’t offer the highest savings potential, especially for public school teachers, there are ways to subside income with private tutoring or teaching English online.
If you’re a certified teacher, you should be able to nab a job teaching at an international school, where you receive excellent pay and benefits. Thailand is also in a prime location for travel around South East Asia.
7. Hong Kong – $2,300 – $5,000/month
Why teach in Hong Kong: Great expat community, exciting city life, central location for Asian travel
Hong Kong offers teachers an impressive salary in an exciting massive city nation of over 7.5 million people. While teachers in HK can expect upwards of $2,500+/month, it’s offset by the expensive cost of living, which means low savings potential for TEFL teachers. Some jobs offer assistance with housing and airfare, but not all.
Teaching in Hong Kong comes with specific cons, such as the potential for long working days and high job expectations. It’s also important to note that Hong Kong is experiencing contentious democratic protests and political strife right now. I recommend looking into what this means exactly for foreign teachers interested in moving there.
Best Places to Teach English in the Middle East
The Middle East is considered one of the best places to teach English abroad because of the high earning potential. On top of the high wage, many jobs offer other benefits like free rent and airfare.
As is typical of high paying positions, however, schools hiring in the Middle East have rigid requirements for their teachers. You’ll probably need to have a bachelor’s or master’s degree, preferably in education, an actual teaching license, or a high-end TEFL or CELTA certificate.
8. United Arab Emirates – $1,800 – $5,000/month
Why teach in UAE: High pay and excellent benefits, modern city life, unique travel, and professional opportunity
The UAE is an international hub where modern architecture and tax-free salaries attract people from around the world. Especially in major cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi, expats come to enjoy the vibrant lifestyle, killer salaries, and benefits packages. Securing a job in the UAE is also great for professional development for those who wish to make teaching English a long-term career.
Some cons of teaching in the UAE include high job competition and strict requirements, and a conservative culture that may be difficult for Westerners to cope with. However, UAE is known for being one of the most “liberal” countries in the Middle East.
9. Qatar – $1,600 – $4,000/month
Why teach in Qatar: High demand for teachers, high pay and savings potential, great professional development
Qatar is another destination in the Middle East with a booming economy and demand for native English teachers. Nicknamed the “new Dubai,” it’s also home to more lenient cultural expectations for foreigners compared to other countries in the region. Teachers here get a high salary that’s not taxed, free housing or a stipend, and airfare, meaning it’s easy to save a large chunk of your paycheck.
Note that you’ll need high qualifications to be a competitive job candidate and that most teaching positions are found in Doha, the capital. A couple of cons of teaching in Qatar include needing an exit visa to leave, conservative culture (although breaks are given to foreigners), and lack of public transportation.
11. Saudi Arabia – $1,500 – $3,000/month
Why teach in Saudi Arabia: High pay, most job opportunities in the region, perfect your Arabic
Teaching in Saudi Arabia is another high paying destination in the Middle East where teachers often receive free housing and airfare on top of their base salary. Many people head to Riyadh, Jeddah, and Damman as they’re the best places to visit and live in Saudi Arabia. Most schools prefer their teachers to have more than a TEFL certificate, and instead a legitimate teaching license.
While Saudi Arabia offers many perks, it’s important to note that the culture is quite conservative and must be adhered to. For example, the country lacks many entertainment options common in the West like movies, drinking, and nightclubs, which may prove too challenging for some. But on the plus side, it does present the opportunity to save even more money!
Best Places to Teach English in Europe
Teachers in Europe don’t earn as much money or get the same level perks as in other parts of the world, but that’s ok! The opportunity to live and travel in Europe is an incredible opportunity regardless. To teach English in Europe, many countries require teachers to have EU-citizenship or an already established work/student visa, a teaching license, and sometimes a bit of the local language.
But lucky for non-EU folks, not all countries have these strict requirements. Here are teaching jobs that are open to non-EU citizens, have a reasonably easy application process, and pay the highest salaries for non-certified, non-European teachers.
12. Czech Republic – $1,000 – $1,500/month
Why teach in the Czech Republic: Get an EU work permit, low cost of living by European standards, stunning architecture, and a great beer scene
The Czech Republic is a romantic country in East Europe that’s best known for fairytale architecture, fascinating history, and beer! Teachers can earn a decent salary that covers the cost of living. There’s also a lot of potential to earn supplemental income through private tutoring.
Prague is the most popular place to teach in the Czech Republic, although there are opportunities in other parts of the country. It’s also reasonably easy to get a residence permit or work visa in the Czech Republic compared to other European countries. Be sure to come armed with a quality training of at least a 120-hour TEFL or higher!
13. Spain – $800 – $1,500/month
Why teach in Spain: One of the easiest ways to live and work in Europe, very laid back work schedule, opportunities to make additional money outside of school
Teaching English in Spain is probably one of the easiest ways to teach English in Europe, at least for Americans. There are a few different job options to choose from, like international schools and the government assistantship program. Schools in Spain typically pay enough to cover the cost of living. But there are many families that hire private tutors where you can earn $30-$50/hour.
A degree is preferred but not required, and Spain is a great teaching opportunity for freshly graduated students looking for a chance to live and work abroad. Not to mention Spain has an incredible food scene and vibrant nightlife. It’s also easy to travel around to the exciting destinations within Spain’s boarders via public transportation.
14. France – $800 – $1,800/month
Why teach in France: Perfect your French, enjoy exquisite French cuisine, live in western Europe
For those with a background in French, France offers a place to perfect your language abilities and experience the culture. Many native English speakers teach in France through the government-sponsored TAPIF program or even as private tutors studying in France on the language visa, which allows for 20 hours of work a week. Teachers must have a college degree and usually need to speak French, at least a little.
Earnings in France cover the cost of living and not much more than that. Cons you can expect include the possibility of working long days, some nights and weekends, and high expectations at school.
15. Italy – $900 – $1,500/month
Why teach in Italy: Live in central Europe, experience Italian culture, earn extra income with private tutoring opportunities
As with the other European countries on this list, teaching in Italy isn’t super lucrative, but teachers earn enough to live comfortably. Most jobs teach children in schools and summer camps or business professionals as a private tutor. Italy is a pretty popular destination, so competition can be high, although there’s still plenty of opportunities.
Many positions are hired in person in Italy or with an in-person interview after you arrive. Most expats head to the larger cities such as Rome, Milan, and Florence.
16. Hungary – $600 – $900/month
Why teach in Hungary: Relaxed work schedule, enjoy long warm summers, experience Hungary’s unique history
Hungary is another exciting place to live and teach, even with the low pay and cost of living. While teachers typically earn just enough to make ends meet, many folks enjoy the style of living and chance to live in one of Europe’s oldest countries. Most people head to Budapest to teach, but there are other enticing cities throughout the country.
People find work in private or bilingual schools or as a freelance tutor. It’s common to work 20-25 hours per week, which means quite a bit of free time for exploring the country and pursuing other interests.
17. Germany – $1,000 – $2,200/month
Why teach in Germany: Earn a comfortable living wage, live in central Europe, gain professional experience
Germany is a highly sought-after teaching destination and has high job requirements, making it difficult to secure a job. Most people find a job through a TEFL provider or by coming to Germany first on a tourist visa. The government makes it easy for many nationalities to convert a tourist visa it to a working or freelance visa after finding a job.
It’s also possible to find a job without a degree, but it’s rare. Many teachers go to Berlin or other major cities to taste German city life, but the cost of living may not be comfortable on a teacher salary.
Best Places to Teach English in South America
Teaching English in South America is an excellent option for those looking to improve their Spanish and visit a new place in the world. Compared to the other countries, South America doesn’t have a very high saving potential, but it’s still an exciting and beautiful place to live and explore!
To get hired as an English teacher in South America, you’ll need to have a degree, a TEFL certificate, and be a native or native-level speaker. It’s also helpful to know a bit of Spanish to help you in your day-to-day life, but it’s not required.
18. Chile – $750 – $1,000/month
Why teach in Chile: Touted as best pay and work culture in South America, stunning natural scenery to explore, a haven for outdoor enthusiasts.
Chile is a popular country for English teachers in South America. Most jobs are teaching business professionals or working with students in public schools, and there aren’t usually any additional perks on top of the salary. You can expect to earn up to $1,000 a month, typically just enough to cover rent and daily expenses.
Pros of living in Chile include a fantastic wine scene, mesmerizing natural attractions, and an excellent opportunity to practice your Spanish. Cons of working in Chile are the low savings potential and an expansive $750+ visa, which means a higher start-up cost.
19. Colombia – $500 – $1,050/month
Why teach in Colombia: Experience Columbian friendliness, practice your Spanish, enjoy Columbian food and attractions
Colombia is another popular destination to teach in South America, and teachers can usually find a job on a tourist or work visa. Similar to teaching in Chile, you’ll most likely be teaching business professionals or kids in public schools. Teachers typically don’t receive additional perks on top of their salary.
Colombia has a bit of a bad rep, but it’s actually a safe destination and a beautiful place to live if you follow common-sense safety precautions and stay away from specific areas. The country is best known for fantastic coffee, vibrant arts and culture scene, and diverse landscapes.
Bonus – Teach English Anywhere Online
Teaching English online can provide the ultimate freedom when it comes to traveling the world. While going full time can be a challenge, it’s an easy way to earn some extra income, and it gives you the flexibility to work from home or (almost) anywhere in the world. You usually just need a computer or smartphone, a steady Wi-Fi connection, and a quiet place to teach.
20. Teaching English online – $16-$25/hour
Why teach online: Work from anywhere, set your own schedule, earn referral bonuses
With some of the best companies for teaching English online, you can earn between $16-$25+ an hour, and those who are successful can make anywhere from $1,000-$2,000 or more a month.
To teach English online, you need to be a native speaker, have a TEFL and a degree (for some). Some companies look for teaching experience but it’s usually preferred and not required.
If you don’t have a degree, no worries. Some companies hire teachers without a degree.
Need a TEFL course recommendation?
For the best budget TEFL, I always recommend International TEFL and TESOL Training or iTTT. They’re affordable, offer flexible online learning, and have been training teachers and helping them find jobs for 25+ years.
Another option is the International TEFL Academy, a company that’s considered a prestigious provider and is often named the best in the biz by websites like GoAbroad and GoOversees. ITA also helps teachers with immense informational resources on their blog.
Click here to save 20% off your TEFL course with iTTT or here to download an informational brochure for the International TEFL Academy.
There you have it! A list of some of the best places to teach English abroad. Do you have personal experience teaching in any of the above countries?
I’d love to hear from you! Drop a comment or an email if you’d like to contribute a personalized guide 🙂
