10 Best Countries to Teach English Abroad: A TEFL Guide

Get Started with Teaching English Abroad

Teaching English abroad provides an excellent opportunity to combine your love for language, travel, and education. Teaching in foreign classrooms allows you to immerse yourself in a new culture, meet new people, and gain invaluable international experience. This path not only helps you to grow personally and professionally but also allows you to leave a lasting impact on students by improving their English proficiency, opening doors to better career opportunities for them.

Obtaining a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) certification is the first step for most people looking to teach abroad. This qualification opens up teaching opportunities worldwide, ensuring you’re equipped to handle diverse classrooms and learners.

TEFL Certifications and Qualifications

A TEFL certification is often a prerequisite for securing English teaching positions abroad. It demonstrates that you have been trained to teach non-native speakers, preparing you for the challenges of working in a multicultural and multilingual environment. Most TEFL courses cover essential areas such as lesson planning, classroom management, and language theory.

Opt for a TEFL course that includes a practical teaching component. Hands-on experience is invaluable for gaining confidence and ensuring you can adapt your lessons to real-world scenarios.

10 Best Countries for Teaching English

Choosing where to take your new TEFL certificate can be challenging. There are so many options! When looking at English teaching jobs abroad, you need to match your needs and wants with the destination.

Here are some of the best countries you can take your teaching career. To further your research, check out TEFL’s in-depth breakdown of every destination you can go to here.

South Korea

South Korea is one of the most popular destinations for TEFL teachers due to its high salary offerings and comprehensive benefits packages, which often include accommodation and flight reimbursements. Teaching opportunities range from public schools (through programs like EPIK) to private language institutes (hagwons).

• Salary: £1,280 – £1,600 GBP /month
• Term Starts: March
• Teaching experience is not required.
• Housing and flights included.
• Considerations: High cost of living in cities like Seoul, but generous benefits often offset expenses. A bachelor’s degree and a TEFL certification are required for a work visa.

China

China’s booming demand for English education, combined with the country’s sheer size, offers diverse teaching opportunities—from urban mega-cities to rural schools. Teachers are highly respected, and the low cost of living can make teaching here financially rewarding.

• Salary: £1,000 – £2,000 GBP /month
• Term Starts: September
• Teaching experience is not required.
• Housing and flights included.
• Considerations: Language barriers and cultural differences can take time to adjust to. For a smooth experience, be sure to choose reputable employers.

Japan

With its unique blend of tradition and modernity, Japan has long been a top choice for English teachers. Its high standards of living, fascinating culture, and significant demand for language instruction make Japan particularly appealing.

• Salary: £1,600 – £2,000 GBP /month
• Term Starts: April
• Teaching experience is not required.
• Housing and flights are sometimes included.
• Considerations: Japan’s high cost of living, especially in cities like Tokyo, can reduce savings potential. Visa sponsorship and a degree are required.

Taiwan

Often considered an underrated destination, Taiwan offers competitive salaries and a relaxed teaching environment. The country has a welcoming attitude towards expats and plenty of support for newcomers.

• Salary: £1,335 – £1,735 GBP /month
• Term Starts: September
• Teaching experience is not required.
• Housing and flights are sometimes included.
• Considerations: Lower cost of living compared to Japan and South Korea, though understanding Mandarin can be helpful in daily life.

Vietnam

Vietnam’s economic growth has spurred a strong demand for English teachers, particularly in major cities like Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi. The combination of a low cost of living and decent salaries makes Vietnam an excellent destination for teachers looking to save money.

• Salary: £920 – £ 1,500 GBP /month
• Term Starts: August
• Teaching experience is not required.
• Housing and flights are not included.
• Considerations: Vietnam’s vibrant street culture and beautiful landscapes are a huge draw, but prepare for visa and work permit processes, which can sometimes be complex.

Spain

Spain is one of the top destinations in Europe for teaching English, with high demand in cities like Madrid, Barcelona, and Seville. The country’s relaxed lifestyle and beautiful climate make it a dream for expats, but salaries are lower compared to Asia.

• Salary: £614 – £1,317 GBP /month
• Term Starts: September
• Teaching experience is not required.
• Housing and flights are not included.
• Considerations: Cost of living can be high in major cities. Many teachers supplement their income with private tutoring.

Italy

Italy is another popular European destination with its rich history and cultural allure. While job competition can be fierce, particularly in desirable cities, the lifestyle and travel opportunities are incredible.

• Salary: £1,054 – £1,229 GBP /month
• Term Starts: September
• Teaching experience is not required.
• Housing and flights are not included.
• Considerations: Salaries are modest, but the experience of living in Italy often outweighs the financial trade-off.

Germany

Germany offers a high standard of living and is home to a growing market for English instruction. Though less competitive than Spain or Italy, opportunities are plentiful, especially in business English and private tutoring.

• Salary: £1,1123 – £1,872 GBP /month
• Term Starts: August
• Teaching experience is not required.
• Housing and flights are not included.
• Considerations: Higher cost of living, but excellent infrastructure and work-life balance.

Costa Rica

Central America’s favourite destination for ex-pats, Costa Rica, combines a laid-back lifestyle with a warm climate and opportunities to teach English, particularly in language schools and through volunteer programs.

• Salary: £500 – £800 GBP /month
• Term Starts: January to July
• Teaching experience is not required.
• Housing and flights are not included.
• Considerations: Teaching salaries are lower, but the country offers an affordable cost of living.

Thailand

With its tropical climate and friendly locals, Thailand is a well-established hub for English teachers. Bangkok and Chiang Mai are hot spots, but opportunities abound nationwide.

• Salary: £740 – £980 GBP /month
• Term Starts: May
• Teaching experience is not required.
• Housing and flights are sometimes included.
• Considerations: Thailand’s cost of living is low, making living comfortably on a teacher’s salary easy.

TEFL Expectations

Teaching abroad can be rewarding, but expectations vary based on location and employer. In addition to base salaries, many countries offer perks such as:

• Housing allowances or free accommodation
• Airfare reimbursements (common in South Korea and China)
• Health insurance

TEFL teachers can expect a salary range between £500 and £2,000 per month, depending on the destination, school, and experience level. Be sure to investigate the total compensation package before signing a contract.

Teaching English Online

While teaching English abroad offers a physical immersion into a new culture, teaching English online provides a convenient alternative, allowing teachers to connect with students across the globe from the comfort of their homes. This flexibility has made it an increasingly popular choice, especially recently.

Teaching English online offers numerous advantages, particularly for those looking for flexibility or those who can’t relocate abroad. You can manage your schedule, choose your hours, and connect with students from various time zones. It’s a great way to gain experience or supplement income if you’re already teaching in a classroom abroad.

• Benefits: Flexibility, convenience, no need to relocate.
• Drawbacks: Lower pay rates compared to in-person teaching abroad, lack of face-to-face interaction.

Online TEFL Platforms

Numerous platforms offer online teaching opportunities, each with requirements, pay structures, and teaching styles. Some cater to children, while others focus on adult learners, and some allow you to set your rates. Here are a few of the most popular platforms for TEFL teachers:

• VIPKid: Focuses on teaching Chinese students with flexible hours and a set curriculum.
• Cambly: Known for being an entry-level platform that doesn’t require prior experience, it focuses on conversational English.
• iTalki: Allows teachers to set their rates and create lessons catering to casual and professional learners.

Each platform offers different pay rates, typically from £7–£25 per hour, depending on the platform, your experience, and the lessons provided.

Preparing To Move Abroad To Teach English

Moving abroad to teach English is an exciting adventure but requires thorough preparation. From understanding visa requirements to familiarising yourself with the local culture, the more research and planning you do in advance, the smoother your transition will be.

Research the Country and Culture

Before you move, invest time learning about the country where you’ll be teaching. Understanding the local culture, customs, and etiquette will help you avoid misunderstandings and integrate more smoothly into the local community.

• Consider: Cultural differences, language barriers, local holidays, and customs.
• Learn the basics: A few phrases in the local language can help you navigate daily life.

Cost of Living and Job Requirements

Assess the cost of living in the country you’re moving to and compare it with your expected salary. For example, a salary that seems low in one country may still allow for a high standard of living due to the lower cost of housing, food, and transportation.

• Things to consider: Housing costs, transportation, healthcare, and leisure activities.
• Job requirements: Ensure you meet all the visa and certification requirements before applying for jobs or signing a contract.

Resources for Expats and TEFL Teachers

Many resources are available for ex-pats and TEFL teachers to help make the transition easier. Online communities, Facebook groups, and forums can be valuable for asking questions, getting advice, and even making friends in your new country.

• Examples: Expats in [Country] Facebook groups, TEFL forums, and local Meetup groups for teachers.

Read our customer case study about the benefits of teaching abroad to gain another perspective.

Final Tips To Teach English Abroad

Teaching English abroad is a rewarding experience that offers personal growth, professional development, and the opportunity to see the world through a new lens. To make the most of your experience, remember the following:

• Stay flexible: Be open to adapting your teaching style to meet the needs of different students and cultures.
• Be patient: Cultural differences, language barriers, and homesickness are common challenges that get easier with time.
• Use resources: Seek online forums and local expat communities for support and guidance.

With the right mindset and preparation, teaching English abroad can be a life-changing adventure that helps shape your future career while positively impacting the lives of others.

FAQs

Where is TEFL most in demand?

Countries like South Korea, China, Japan, and Vietnam are consistently in high demand for English teachers due to their growing economies and focus on global business. Spain and Italy remain popular in Europe, while Thailand and Costa Rica lead in Southeast Asia and Central America, respectively.

Where can I teach with a TEFL qualification?

With a TEFL certification, you can teach English in most non-English-speaking countries worldwide. The most common regions are Asia, Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East, but online teaching opportunities also provide global reach without needing relocation.

Which country pays foreign English teachers the most?

Japan and South Korea typically offer the highest salaries for TEFL teachers, with earnings up to £2,500 per month. The Middle East, particularly countries like the Dubai, UAE and Saudi Arabia, can also offer high salaries, often with added benefits such as housing and airfare.