Selecting the right country may be one of the most important aspects of preparing to teach English abroad. For some of us, the rich cultural reward and a sense of adventure may be enough to make that choice. For others, financial considerations are of a higher priority, and make the decision more difficult. So, what are the best places to teach English abroad? The answer really depends on your personal needs and qualifications.
Benefits of Teaching English Abroad
Is it possible to save up for a downpayment for a house or pay off student loans, while also traveling the world doing what you love?The answer is yes. Teaching English abroad has many advantages - native ESL teachers being well-paid and in high demand all over the developing world is certainly one of them. In such a hot market, the salary in each program and the costs of living in a particular country demand critical consideration.
At Your Agora, we compiled a list of countries offering the highest salaries to ESL teachers. Consider salary and the costs of living of each country to get a clear idea of your financial future in the career. Also, note the different teaching English abroad requirements. For example, an English teacher salary with Masters degree will be higher than a Bachelor’s alone.
1. United Arab Emirates (UAE)
Teaching in the United Arab Emirates is a popular option for many overseas teachers. With a number of international schools and an improving state system, many teachers are choosing to pursue their career here. The seven nations within the Emirates offer a variety of skylines, cultures, and people. All in all, each offers a highly competitive salary for native ESL teachers.
SALARY: up to $5,000/month, tax-free
The benefits of teaching in the UAE may include free airfare to and from the destination, as well as health insurance and furnished housing.
Education: BA/BS required/ MA preferred
Due to its smaller size, UAE has a highly competitive market and attracts native English teachers with advanced credentials, extensive experience, and often an MA degree.
Visa: Work visa in advance
Visa requirements for UAE typically include a physical, an HIV test, as well as background check and academic certifications.
How much does it cost to live in the UAE?
Monthly rent: City: $1,800, Rural: $1,000
Monthly internet bill: $90
Lunch: $15
Taxi: $4 per km
Domestic beer at a bar: $4
Public transport: $3
UAE Job Sources
2. Kuwait
Just like nations in the UAE, Kuwait is a conservative Middle Eastern country. Kuwait is a safe place for most travellers to the Arabian Gulf, but respecting the local laws and culture will improve your experience. Foreign teachers in Kuwait tend to enjoy the safety of the country and its low cost of living!
Salary: up to $3,700 USD/month, tax-free
Benefits of most teaching programs in Kuwait include airfare to and from the assignment, health insurance, and even furnished housing.
Education: Bachelor’s degree preferred, but not required. Must have experience and TEFL certificate.
Visa: Schools sponsor work visas for foreign English teachers
How much does it cost to live in Kuwait?
Monthly rent: City $900, Rural: $700
Monthly internet bill: $30
Lunch: $7
Taxi: $6 per km
Domestic (non-alcoholic) beer at a bar: $1.65
Public transport: $0.75
Kuwait Job Sources
3. Oman
Oman is one of the fastest-growing countries in the Middle East, which creates a demand for English teachers. Oman is also known for its friendly people, wealthy culture, and incredible coastal capital, Muscat.
SALARY: $3,500 USD per month
Most teaching jobs in Oman include furnished accommodations or accommodations at very low cost. ESL teaching in Oman can be a great way to save money!
Education: BA/BS required/ MA preferred, experience and certificate required.
Visa: Schools sponsor work visas for foreign English teachers
How much does it cost to live in Oman?
Monthly rent: City $600, Rural: $400
Monthly internet bill: $65
Lunch: $5
Taxi: $0.75 per km
Domestic beer at a bar: $7.50
Public transport: $0.75
Oman Job Sources
4. Japan
Japan recently mandated that all schools in the nation teach the English language - which opened a vast and growing market for ESL teaching jobs. The country’s welcoming people, rich history, food, art, culture, anime and technology prompted Japan to become one of the most popular destinations for those who want to teach English abroad.
SALARY: up to $3,000/month
Like in China, Japan often offers teachers flights, accommodation, and training included in their salary packages.
Education: BA/BS required
Visa: Work visa in advance
The visa process in Japan for a teaching job requires the original university diploma, along with a series of documents, including a teaching contract with the school/program and detailed information about the company.
How much does it cost to live in Japan?
Monthly rent: City $850, Rural: $500
Monthly internet bill: $35
Lunch: $10
Taxi: $3 per km
Domestic beer at a bar: $4
Public transport: $1.50
Japan Job Sources
5. Saudi Arabia
Teaching jobs in Saudi Arabia offer teachers the chance to live in one of the world’s wealthiest countries, in the centre of the Middle East. Make sure to respect local traditions, customs, laws and religions at all times and be aware of your actions to ensure that they do not offend, especially during the holy month of Ramadan. See this post on traveling during Ramadan for more information.
SALARY: up to $3,000/month
Qualified English teachers in Saudi Arabia can expect to make a tax-free salary with benefits including airfare to and from the assignment, health insurance, along with furnished housing. Saudi Arabia offers the largest number of teaching positions in the region, with a large number of job opportunities available to highly qualified (and typically) native-speaking English teachers.
Education: BA/BS is required in most cases, MA preferred by some schools
Visa: Work visa in advance
Schools sponsor work visas for foreign English teachers, handling the all the paperwork for the Letter of Invitation and the Iqama (residence permit).
How much does it cost to live in Saudi Arabia?
Monthly rent: City $350, Rural: $250
Monthly internet bill: $60
Lunch: $5.50
Taxi: $4 per km
Domestic (non-alcoholic) beer at a bar: $1
Public transport: $0.75
Saudi Arabia Job Sources
6. China
China has the largest job market in the world for teaching English abroad! The demand in China for native English-speaking teachers has rocketed in recent years, as more and more parents are sending their children to international schools and programs. Many teachers are pleasantly surprised with China, staying in the country much longer than anticipated.
Salary: up to $2,500/month, and on the rise!
The benefits of teaching in China include airfare reimbursement, a completion bonus, housing accommodation, free meal plans on workdays, health care, and even free Mandarin Chinese lessons!
Education: BA/BS preferred, not required
Visa: Work visa in advance
Recently, China passed a law requiring all teachers to have a minimum of two years of work experience after university. China also requires teachers to be between 22 and 55 years old to receive a work visa.
How much does it cost to live in China?
Monthly rent: City $500, Rural: $200
Monthly internet bill: $15
Lunch: $5
Taxi: $1 per km
Domestic beer at a bar: $1
Public transport: $0.25
China Job Sources
7. Taiwan
Taiwan allows teachers to gain international work experience, while its mountainous terrain, spectacular cities, and stunning coastline provide exceptional travel opportunities. Due to the low cost of living, a teacher in Taiwan can also expect to save most of their salary, and put it towards travel, student loans, or savings. Taiwan is also considered one of the best countries to teach Business English.
Salary: up to $2,500/month
In addition to their salary, teachers in Taiwan might also receive a housing allowance, assistance finding accommodations, and return airfare. Teaching jobs in Taiwan include national health insurance and at least 10 days of vacation time.
Education: BA/BS required, some AA accepted
Visa: Work visa in advance
How much does it cost to live in Taiwan?
Monthly rent: City $425, Rural: $200
Monthly internet bill: $30
Lunch: $3
Taxi: $2 per km
Domestic beer at a bar: $1.50
Public transport: $0.50
Taiwan Job Sources
8. South Korea
If you’re looking to come out of your comfort zone, save money and grow as a professional, teaching in South Korea provides an amazing opportunity. With a culture completely different from the West, you will constantly encounter something completely new to you.
Salary: up to $2,000/month
South Korea offers some of the most competitive benefits in the world for ESL teachers. These include not only free airfare, a furnished apartment, and a competitive salary, but extensive medical insurance, paid vacations, and low tax rates!
Education: BA/BS is strongly preferred
Visa: Work visa in advance
For most English teaching positions in South Korea, you will need citizenship from an English-speaking country, including the US, UK, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, or South Africa.
The E-2 visa required contains an extensive background check as part of the application process. Misdemeanors and felonies, including DUI and DWI charges, will disqualify a prospective teacher. In addition, a physical exam and drug test are often required.
How much does it cost to live in South Korea?
Monthly rent: City $600, Rural: $350
Monthly internet bill: $25
Lunch: $6.50
Taxi: $3 per km
Domestic beer at a bar: $3
Public transport: $1
South Korea Job Sources
9. Vietnam
Vietnam is gaining popularity as a destination for teaching English abroad due to its fascinating culture, vibrant markets, tropical climate. The friendly people are just part of the appeal! The country is need of English teachers for both adults and children, as a third of the population lives under the poverty line and English creates job opportunities.
Salary: up to $2,000/month
Education: Bachelor's degree and TEFL certificate. Experience not necessary.
Visa: Work visa in advance
Vietnam has an extensive work visa procedure, requiring the original diploma, TEFL Certificate, Federal FBI Background check, Local Health check, Permit Stay (local residence check, filled out by your landlord and approved by the local police), Local Police check (filled out & confirmed by Ministry of Police in Vietnam) and several passport photos.
How much does it cost to live in Vietnam?
Monthly rent: City $400, Rural: $200
Monthly internet bill: $10
Lunch: $2
Taxi: $1.50 per km
Domestic beer at a bar: $0.80
Public transport: $0.25
Vietnam Job Sources
10. Kazakhstan
Teaching English in Kazakhstan is an exciting option for TEFL teachers, as the government is currently heavily investing in language instruction. Kazakhstan is not only the wealthiest country in Central Asia, but also provides some of the most breathtaking views in the world. The beautiful country also has easy access for travel to Central and Southeast Asia, as well as the Middle East, for a low cost!
Salary: up to $1,500/month
Teachers who travel to Kazakhstan can expect to earn a generous salary and benefits including housing, utilities, and airfare.
Education: BA/BS preferred, not required
Visa: Work visa in advance
Teachers applying for a visa to Kazakhstan should be prepared to complete a visa application form and obtain an invitation letter from their employer, and a pre-entry health check.
How much does it cost to live in Kazakhstan?
Monthly rent: City $325, Rural: $200
Monthly internet bill: $12
Lunch: $6
Taxi: $0.50 per km
Domestic beer at a bar: $1.25
Public transport: $0.25
Kazakhstan Job Sources
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Teaching abroad is challenging, inspiring, and can be life changing.
The knowledge that comes from teaching abroad is incomparable and when applied in the classroom at home. It can make a significant difference in student learning and teacher career trajectory. The international experience often allows you to improve as a person - as you interact with your students, colleagues, and other locals, you learn how to overcome cultural and language barriers, and become a more compassionate and engaging communicator.
For many, teaching internationally is a dream lifestyle. But, did you know that teaching English online can be a great experience-builder to teaching English abroad program, as well as an alternative? Teaching online still allows you to travel the world, but with even more freedom! With the right travel resources in place, you can do anything.
Meet Your Agora, the ESL teaching platform that has all you need for your online venture! Did we mention that it gives you access to a range of collaborated material, is completely customizable to the needs of you and your students, and, best of all, free for teachers to use?
Try Your Agora now, and take your passion with you, anywhere you go!
