What To Expect Living and Working Abroad As An English Teacher In Asia

Teaching English abroad is more than just a job. Living and working abroad as an English teacher in Asia is a cultural adventure that opens doors to personal growth and exciting new experiences. 

Destinations like China, South Korea, Japan, and Vietnam attract TEFL professionals not only for the teaching roles but for the chance to immerse themselves in fascinating cultures and rediscover themselves in the process. 

But what is it really like living and working as an English teacher in Asia?

Let us walk you through classroom realities, everyday life, cultural highlights, career growth, and practical must-knows. This guide is dedicated to sharing what you can expect when stepping into the classroom abroad. 

The Classroom Experience As An English Teacher In Asia

Let’s start with the obvious: the classroom experience.

Asia offers a rich tapestry of teaching environments and is a popular choice for many. As you can imagine, the classroom experience is very different from what you may have experienced in the UK! 

South Korea is one of the best countries to teach English abroad. You can expect a salary ranging from £1,280 to £1,600 GBP /month, with some employers covering accommodation costs as well. Many South Korean schools follow a set curriculum, which can make planning lessons easier for new teachers, and class sizes are usually small.

In Vietnam, things feel a little more relaxed. You may enjoy greater creative freedom to design lessons around your students’ needs and interests, and your classrooms might include a wider mix of ages. Vietnam is known for its welcoming culture and lower cost of living, making it a favourite for teachers looking for a more laid-back lifestyle.

Other countries in the region also have their own unique classroom dynamics. China offers opportunities ranging from public schools to prestigious private academies, with salaries that often include housing allowances and paid holidays. Japan’s famous JET Programme places teachers in schools across the country, where they often assist local teachers and focus on pronunciation and conversational skills.

Regardless of where you land, you’ll be doing more than just delivering lessons. Teaching English abroad is about building relationships. You’ll quickly learn how to adapt your style to suit different cultural expectations.

Everyday Life Outside the Classroom

Life as an English teacher abroad is about so much more than the hours you spend in front of a whiteboard. The time you spend outside of work is where the real adventure begins. This is where the magic happens.

Housing

In many countries, especially South Korea and China, your employer may provide furnished accommodation as part of your contract, which is a great perk and helps keep costs down. 

Perhaps you’re arranging your own housing (which is more common in places like Vietnam or Japan). In that case, you’ll get the chance to explore local neighbourhoods and maybe even live alongside locals, which is a brilliant way to integrate into the community and experience a country.

Food

You’re going to Asia? Prepare for your taste buds to be blown away!

Street food in Vietnam is legendary. Think, steaming bowls of pho or banh mi sandwiches for less than the price of a coffee back home. In South Korea, expect lively group dinners over sizzling BBQ grills, followed by karaoke nights with your new friends. Japan will introduce you to everything from sushi trains to comforting bowls of ramen, while China offers an endless array of regional specialties.

Daily Life

Public transportation in many Asian cities is efficient, affordable, and often a cultural experience in its own right. You might find yourself zipping through Seoul on one of the world’s most punctual metro systems or hopping on the back of a motorbike taxi in Hanoi. Learning to navigate your surroundings can be surprisingly empowering!

It’s also super easy to build a social circle when you’re teaching abroad. Schools often have networks of foreign teachers, and expat communities regularly host language exchanges, sports clubs, and social meetups.

Embracing Cultural Differences

One of the most rewarding (and sometimes challenging) parts of teaching abroad is learning to navigate a culture that may be very different from your own. The sooner you approach these differences with curiosity rather than comparison, the richer your experience will be.

Each country has its own unique way of doing things, and small gestures go a long way in showing respect:

Top Tips To Overcome Culture Shock

It’s normal to feel a little overwhelmed at first. Whether it’s struggling with the language, missing home comforts, or adapting to new work expectations. Some tips to thrive include:

• Learn a few key phrases in the local language. Even basic greetings can earn smiles and goodwill.
• Keep a sense of humour and flexibility. Things won’t always go to plan, and that’s okay.
• Seek out other teachers or expats for support, but also make an effort to connect with locals for a more authentic experience.

Building a Career and Future Opportunities by Working Abroad As An English Teacher in Asia

As you may have realised by now, teaching English abroad isn’t just a gap-year adventure. It can be a powerful career move that sets you apart in a competitive job market. The skills you gain while living and working overseas are highly transferable and can shape your future in unexpected ways.

Skills You’ll Develop Teaching English Abroad:

• Communication: Learning how to explain ideas clearly to non-native speakers is invaluable in almost any job.
  
• Adaptability: Whether it’s adjusting to last-minute schedule changes or working with students of mixed abilities, flexibility becomes second nature.
  
• Leadership & Confidence: Standing in front of a class every day builds presence and self-assurance.
  
• Problem-Solving: You’ll find creative solutions on the fly, from rethinking a lesson plan to overcoming language barriers.

Career Pathways After TEFL:

Many teachers find that their experience abroad becomes the first step in a long-term international career. After your contract, you could stay in education and progress into more senior teaching roles. Alternatively, you may choose to utilize your cross-cultural skills in roles such as those in NGOs, diplomacy, tourism, or multinational companies.

Many former TEFL teachers transition into freelance or online teaching, combining income with a location-independent lifestyle.

Whatever you choose to do, the TEFL pathway is a great way to boost your CV. Employers value the initiative, independence, and global mindset that teaching abroad demonstrates.

Practical Considerations To Expect Working Abroad As An English Teacher In Asia

Before you pack your bags and decide to set out working abroad as an English teacher in Asia, it’s worth getting clear on a few essentials so you can plan confidently and avoid surprises.

Contracts & Hours

Most contracts run for 6–12 months, with set weekly teaching hours (typically 20–30 hours). Ask about:

• Paid vacation days and public holidays
  
• Whether lesson planning time is included in your hours
  
• Overtime pay if you take on extra classes

Salary & Benefits

Pay varies by country, city, and your qualifications. Expect:

• South Korea: £1,280–£1,600/month, often with free housing
  
• China: Competitive salaries plus housing allowance and paid holidays
  
• Vietnam: Lower salaries but lower living costs, so you can still save money

Many contracts also include flight reimbursement or end-of-contract bonuses — a nice boost to your travel fund.

Cost of Living

Urban centres like Tokyo, Seoul, or Shanghai will be pricier than smaller towns or rural areas. Budget for:

• Rent and utilities (if not provided)
  
• Groceries and eating out
  
• Transport passes and weekend travel

Insurance

Healthcare standards are generally excellent across Asia, but treatment can be expensive without cover. Protect yourself with a comprehensive policy that covers:

• Medical treatment and emergencies
  
• Repatriation (getting you home if needed)
  
• Personal belongings (phones, laptops)
  
• Optional extras if you plan to travel, trek, or do adventure sports on weekends
  

Go Walkabout’s Working Holiday insurance is ideal for TEFL teachers. It’s designed for trips lasting up to 24 months and can include gadget cover and sports add-ons. Find out more here.