What Are the Best Countries for English Teachers to Work Abroad?
Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) has emerged as one of the most exciting and accessible ways to work and live abroad. For many, it offers a chance to immerse themselves in a new culture, earn a steady income, and make a real difference in the lives of learners around the world.
If you’re considering teaching English abroad, this comprehensive guide will help you navigate the best countries based on salary, cost of living, benefits, and lifestyle.
📊 Comparison Table: Top Countries for English Teachers
| Country | Monthly Salary (USD) | Cost of Living (USD) | Key Benefits | Requirements |
| South Korea | $1,800–$2,600 | $1,000–$1,400 | Free housing, airfare, pension, bonus | Bachelor’s + TEFL |
| Japan | $2,000–$5,000 | $1,500–$2,500 | Flight reimbursement, insurance | Bachelor’s (TEFL preferred) |
| United Arab Emirates | $3,500–$5,500 | $1,200–$2,000 | Tax-free salary, housing, flights | Bachelor’s + TEFL + experience |
| Vietnam | $1,200–$2,000 | $700–$1,000 | Housing allowance, flights | Bachelor’s + TEFL |
| Spain | $1,200–$2,000 | $1,000–$1,500 | Health insurance, visa support | Bachelor’s + TEFL |
| China | $1,500–$3,000 | $800–$1,200 | Free housing, insurance, flights | Bachelor’s + TEFL |
| Taiwan | $2,000–$3,000 | $1,000–$1,400 | Bonuses, accommodation, flights | Bachelor’s + TEFL |
| Thailand | $1,000–$1,800 | $800–$1,200 | Visa support, low tax | Bachelor’s + TEFL |
| Czech Republic | $1,200–$1,800 | $1,000–$1,300 | EU access, low cost of living | Bachelor’s + TEFL |
| Chile | $1,000–$1,800 | $900–$1,200 | Work visa, job placement programs | Bachelor’s + TEFL |
🌟 Country-by-Country Breakdown
South Korea
South Korea consistently ranks among the best places to teach English abroad due to its well-structured government programs (like EPIK) and generous perks.
- Why it’s great: Free housing, flight reimbursement, excellent healthcare.
- Work culture: Professional, structured with strong emphasis on education.
- Ideal for: First-time teachers seeking financial stability and vibrant culture.
Japan
Japan offers high salaries and rich cultural immersion. Government programs such as JET make it easy to transition abroad.
- Why it’s great: Prestige, competitive pay, safety.
- Cost of living: Higher than Korea but manageable with proper budgeting.
- Ideal for: Teachers seeking long-term contracts and deep cultural immersion.
United Arab Emirates
Known for its wealth and modern infrastructure, the UAE offers tax-free salaries and luxurious living conditions.
- Why it’s great: Highest teacher salaries globally, often exceeding $5,000/month.
- Cultural note: Teachers must respect Islamic customs and dress modestly.
- Ideal for: Certified teachers with experience aiming for savings and career progression.
Vietnam
Vietnam offers a lower cost of living with competitive salaries, perfect for those looking to save while experiencing Southeast Asia.
- Why it’s great: High demand, warm culture, great food.
- Lifestyle: Relaxed, suitable for digital nomads and adventure seekers.
- Ideal for: TEFL graduates wanting flexibility and vibrant city life.
Spain
Spain’s sunny climate and rich history make it a favorite among Europeans and North Americans alike.
- Why it’s great: Strong government language assistant programs.
- Drawback: Lower salaries compared to Asia or the Middle East.
- Ideal for: EU passport holders or those prioritizing lifestyle over money.
China
With its booming economy, China has an insatiable demand for English teachers. Jobs are available year-round.
- Why it’s great: Free housing, flight reimbursements, high savings potential.
- Opportunities: From kindergartens to universities.
- Ideal for: Teachers open to a fast-paced, ever-changing environment.
Taiwan
Often overlooked, Taiwan offers many of the same perks as South Korea with less competition.
- Why it’s great: Stable jobs, beautiful natural scenery.
- Cultural benefits: Fusion of Chinese and indigenous influences.
- Ideal for: Teachers looking for a slower pace and nature access.
Thailand
Thailand is known more for its beauty than salary, but it makes up for it with friendly locals and delicious cuisine.
- Why it’s great: Laid-back lifestyle and travel opportunities.
- Drawback: Lower wages, but offset by cheap living costs.
- Ideal for: Travel lovers and gap-year professionals.
Czech Republic
The Czech Republic is a gateway into Europe for English teachers, particularly those interested in travel and European culture.
- Why it’s great: EU access, historic cities.
- Visa support: Often arranged through private language schools.
- Ideal for: EU citizens or Americans wanting European experience.
Chile
Chile is a rising destination for English teachers due to its strong economy and openness to foreign educators.
- Why it’s great: Easy to get work visa, urban jobs in Santiago.
- Cost-effective: Good balance between salary and expenses.
- Ideal for: Spanish speakers or those interested in Latin America.
🧳 What Qualifications Do You Need?
| Requirement | Minimum Standard |
| Degree | Bachelor’s in any field |
| TEFL Certification | 120-hour course (online or classroom) |
| Experience | Optional (except UAE, China prefers) |
| Visa | Work visa sponsored by schools |
| Language Skills | Not required, but helpful (Spanish, Korean) |
🏅 Most Teacher-Friendly Countries (Based on Benefits)
| Country | Best Benefit |
| South Korea | Free housing + flight |
| Japan | Cultural immersion |
| UAE | High tax-free income |
| Vietnam | Work-life balance |
| Taiwan | Job security and nature |
❓FAQs: Teaching English Abroad
Q1: Do I need to speak the local language?
Answer: No. Most teaching positions are conducted entirely in English, especially in immersion programs. However, learning basic local phrases can be helpful for daily life.
Q2: Is TEFL certification mandatory?
Answer: In most countries, yes. A 120-hour TEFL course (online or in-class) is usually the minimum. Some employers may even require CELTA or TESOL certification.
Q3: Can I teach English abroad without a degree?
Answer: Some countries like Cambodia or parts of Latin America accept teachers without a degree, but most countries require at least a bachelor’s.
Q4: How long are teaching contracts?
Answer: Most contracts range from 6 months to 2 years. Longer contracts often come with better benefits like bonuses and paid holidays.
Q5: Is it possible to save money while teaching abroad?
Answer: Yes! Countries like South Korea, China, and the UAE allow teachers to save a significant portion of their salary due to low expenses and high pay.
🌐 Why Choose Tensor International?
At Tensor International, we don’t just help you find a teaching job—we guide you throughout your journey:
✅ Personalized country selection
✅ TEFL course discounts and guidance
✅ Resume building and interview training
✅ Legal visa assistance
✅ Ongoing support while abroad
✈️ Final Thoughts
Teaching English abroad is more than a job—it’s a life-changing opportunity to explore the world, gain international experience, and inspire future generations. Whether you’re looking for high savings potential or a cultural adventure, there’s a country that suits your needs.
Book a free consultation today
🌐 Visit us at: https://tensorinternational.com/
📞 Call: 7877951237
📧 Email: ceotensor@gmail.com