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Best Countries to Teach English Abroad

Now you’re TEFL qualified, you might be wondering: where’s the best place for me to teach English as a foreign language? Wonder no more.

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When you’ve become qualified to teach English as a foreign language, you emerge bright-eyed and certified into a world jam-packed with English teaching positions.

At the risk of dropping a cliché almost the size of the planet itself, the world is your oyster. It’s natural to have myriad questions about job opportunities overseas, though: where can I earn the best living teaching English abroad? Which country is best suited to my needs? Where can I party? Where will I get peace, quiet and stunning rural landscapes? Where are English teachers abroad needed the most? Simply put, where are the best places to teach English abroad?

There are plenty of ways to quantify these kinds of things. Salary rankings online and the English Proficiency Index are pretty good guides for knowing how much you can earn, and where teachers are most in-demand. Or, if you’re choosing based on ‘feel’, looking up cities on Lonely Planet, or even idly Googling places to find TEFL jobs, is as good a route to finding out the “best countries” as any.

However, for your ease, we’ve put together a comprehensive list of great countries to kick-start your TEFL adventure. We regularly update our information, so you can be safe in the knowledge that all of this info is up-to-date and extremely relevant to helping you pick out where to find teaching jobs and have an amazing teaching experience. 

Let’s dive in, and help you make the best TEFL decision you can, based on preference, salary, need for teachers and other factors that matter. Finding the perfect teaching job abroad doesn't have to be laborious!

Asia

South Korea 

Perhaps one of the most coveted places to teach English over recent years, South Korea is a bucket list country for countless ESL teachers.

With megacities like Seoul and Busan, as well as plenty of charming rural outposts, there are lots of great places within South Korea to teach English abroad. Whether you teach private lessons or in public schools, however, The Land of Morning Calm is anything but once you get started. Schools and students are demanding, but it’s a more than welcome test for the more fearless English teachers emerging from a TEFL course.

Salary

In terms of basic salary, teachers in South Korea can expect around 2 million – 2.5 million Won (£1,280 – £1,600 / $1,670 – $2,000) per month. 

The demand for English in South Korea is enormous, as an outwardly-looking and upwardly mobile economy. Check out the government-run EPIK programme, which is a popular route to teaching in the country. You can usually earn more by teaching private classes, as there are plenty of South Korean adults looking to learn English for career advancement.

Minimum Requirements 

  • Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university or college 
  • TEFL certification
  • Citizenship from an English-speaking country such as the US, the UK, Ireland, New Zealand, Canada, Australia, or South Africa is usually preferred, but non-native speakers can apply for English teaching jobs.
  • A background check showing a national-level criminal record without any charges or convictions
  • Clear health check and drug test.

Japan

Stereotypes dictate that Japan is a land of stunning, futuristic technology, bright lights and karaoke. That’s far from the whole picture though - and to reduce Japan to a snapshot from a film doesn’t tell its incredible story. It's truly one the best places to teach English anywhere in the world, with incredibly friendly locals, a real reverence for its past, and natural beauty for foreign teachers who like the outdoors.

What’s it like to teach English in Japan, though? Well, it’s amazing. With loads of attentive students, a decent level of proficiency and loads of fantastic schools across the island nation, there are loads of reasons why TEFL teachers are so drawn to Japan.

Can you teach in Japan without a degree? There are ways, but for most well-paid and sustainable jobs, employers will be looking for a bachelor’s degree. Naturally, a TEFL certificate is also a requirement for teaching jobs in Japan.

Salary

Typically, English teachers in full-time teaching positions can expect to earn 220,000 – 280,000 Yen (£1,600 – £2,000 / $2,100 – $2,675) per month, with 250,000 Yen (£1,820 / $2,390) being a common average salary for English teachers. Much of this, though, depends on where you teach in the country. 

Minimum Requirements

For a working visa, you’ll need:

  • A bachelor’s degree 
  • TEFL certification with a minimum of 120 hours completed
  • Clear criminal record check
  • Clear health check and drug test

However, if you don’t have a degree, it may be possible to teach on a working holiday visa, student visa, spouse visa or a Japanese visa.

China

There are 1.4 billion people in China, and a substantial number of those Chinese citizens are learning English - 400 million, in 2020. Needless to say, there’s a substantial market for English teaching in China.

China’s schools and English learning businesses are big on quality. It’s about hiring the right candidate, and from an employer perspective, applicants who’ll likely face visa issues can seem like a headache. Like Japan, China is strict from an immigration standpoint. Job requirements for teachers who are either native English speakers or non-native English speakers are strict, but if you can find work, it’s typically rewarding and nourishing!

Salary

Usually, English teachers can expect to earn around 9,000 – 18,000 RMB (£1,000 – £2,000 / $1,300 – $2,575) per month.

Beyond the monetary aspect though, Chinese schools and businesses can be some of the best places to teach English abroad. Some will offer accommodation, travel expenses and even Mandarin classes, so you can speak one of the local languages!

Minimum Requirements 

  • Under 55 years old
  • Bachelor’s degree 
  • Fluency: Being from an English-speaking country helps, but if you can demonstrate fluency through IELTS, TOEFL or your degree, that also works.
  • TEFL certificate (at least 120 hours)
  • Clear criminal record check
  • Clear health check and drug test

Vietnam

Vietnam has established itself as a premier TEFL destination over recent years. Packed full of UNESCO heritage sites, buzzing city-scapes and a surge in English learners, Vietnam is a name on the lips of numerous new TEFL teachers, and it’s not hard to see why.

Nestled in Southeast Asia, Vietnam is warm year-round, with friendly students and teachers providing a welcoming teaching atmosphere. Newcomers love the street food culture, as well as the gigantic stretches of beaches and the thud of the city’s nightclubs partying until the small hours! For an English teacher abroad looking for culture, varied opportunities and decent wages, Vietnam is an excellent shout.

Salary

27,700,000 VND – 46,171,000 VND (£920 – £1,500/$1,200 to $2,000 USD) per month is the average teaching salary for qualified teachers in Vietnam. Given Vietnam’s cheap cost of living, it’s more than enough to get by and even save money while you teach English abroad. Travel around the country is relatively inexpensive.

Minimum Requirements

  • Bachelor’s degree
  • TEFL certification
  • Over 21 years old
  • Fluency in English - non-native speakers can use IELTS or TOEFL to demonstrate fluency
  • Clean criminal record
  • Pass a health check

Thailand

Over recent decades, Thailand has established itself as a hotbed for international tourism, from backpackers on gap years to families and solo travellers alike. In 2023, Thailand generatedapproximately 1,098,082 million baht (US$31.320 billion) from tourism, and it’s more than likely we’ll see those numbers continue to skyrocket.

With that kind of demand from tourists, it stands to reason that Thailand welcomes English teachers. The government of Thailand has a dedicated educational programme geared towards English proficiency, and it’s one of the best countries to teach English abroad whether you're younger, more experienced, or somewhere in between.

Salary

The average income at an international school in Thailand is 30,000 THB – 40,000 THB (£740 – £980 / $1,000 – $1,280) per month, but that can double or triple for experienced teachers who spend the long-term in Thailand. With a comparatively low cost of living, it's easy to save money while teaching abroad in Thailand.

Minimum Requirements 

  • Bachelor’s degree (for a Non-Immigrant B Visa, needed to get a teaching license)
  • At least a 120-hour TEFL qualification. 
  • A Thai school is more likely to hire native English speakers from the US, Canada, the UK, Ireland, Australia, or New Zealand. If you’re a passport holder from another country, it’s still possible to get a visa to teach in Thailand but you may need to prove your English fluency level, usually by providing a TOEIC or IELTS exam result.
  • Experience is preferred, but not mandatory for all jobs
  • There’s no age limit for teaching in Thailand and it’s common to meet TEFL teachers of all ages.

Taiwan 

Taiwan might not strike as one of the most obvious countries to teach English, but that’s only because it doesn’t have the big-name appeal of fellow Asian countries like Japan, South Korea or China.

Given time, though, more and more foreign teachers will realise the splendour of the island. Taiwan has the financial opportunities of Japan and South Korea combined with the cost of living of China - meaning there’s a real financial imperative to teach abroad in Taiwan.

Beyond teacher salaries, though, Taiwan is an alluring place to teach English abroad. The country’s government is keen to make Taiwan a “bilingual nation” by 2030, so opportunities are abundant for new and experienced English teachers alike.

Salary

A typical teaching salary for TEFL certified teachers in Taiwan usually reaches between NT$50,000 – NT$65,000 (£1,335 – £1,735 / $1,700 – $2,220) per month.

Minimum Requirements 

  • A bachelor's degree (any subject) 
  • A "native level" of English is essential, with teachers from the US being particularly in demand. Non-native speakers can demonstrate fluency with IELTS or TOEFL but it can be harder in the job market.
  • A TEFL qualification, specifically a 120-hour TEFL certificate, will help massively
  • The age restriction for teachers is 65, but teachers between the ages of 20-35 are preferred. 
  • Previous teaching is not required for most jobs, unless at private/international school or for a more advanced position.

Download our teaching English in Asia guide

Europe

Spain

If you’re looking for a hugely diverse and culturally divergent nation, Spain, nestled in the southwest of Europe, has to be your first choice.

Politically, linguistically, and culturally, no two cities in Spain are alike. You could find yourself teaching abroad in the vastly self-reliant and proud Basque region, speaking an entirely different dialect to one you might find in Andalusia, for example. For foreign English teachers who want to sample a range of cultures, Spain is one of the best places to teach.

Spain is ever-improving its English skills. Teaching jobs are plentiful, and the wages are good in comparison to living costs. It’s also a great spot for first-time teachers, with a range of teaching programmes like Meddeas and a significant demand for qualified ESL educators.

Salary

The basic monthly salary for full-time teaching abroad jobs is likely to be in the region of €1,200 – €1,500 (£1,053 – £1,317 / $1,300 – $1,623). Part-time/casual jobs, or full-time teaching positions in locations with lower salaries, might offer contracts from €700 to €1,000 (£614 – £878 / $758 – $1,083), and others go up to as much as €1,800 (£1,580 / $1,950) per month. 

As a qualified TEFL teacher, you’re likely to make €15 to €20 (£13.16 – £17.55 / $16.24 – $21.67) hourly, though hourly rates of under €15 aren’t uncommon. For private classes, €25 up to about €50 (£22 – £44 / $27 – $54) is a realistic rate to charge.

Minimum Requirements 

  • Degrees are preferred, not mandatory.
  • TEFL certificates, from courses providing at least 120 hours of study, are extremely helpful for finding work.
  • Experience isn’t usually required for entry-level positions, but the more qualified you are, the better your chances are.

France

Which country is the most visited, worldwide? The USA? The United Kingdom? Italy, Germany or Spain? 

Non! It’s France. France very much speaks for itself - a country with glamour, landscapes captured in breathtaking art from coast to coast, music pouring from every venue and a unique way of thinking and living. 

France lands just outside the top 30 for English Proficiency, only just above Italy. Though French people have a reputation for being somewhat aloof, they’re a proud people, especially when it comes to the language. French is widely spoken worldwide, and knowing more than a couple of phrases in the native language is helpful for any TEFL teacher.

English education, though, is being increasingly seen as a bridge to much of the rest of the world. As such, TEFL teachers are in demand in France, specifically those with a degree, some experience and TEFL certification.

Salary

English teachers earn a salary of around €1,000 – €2,000 (£926 – £1,852/$1,082 – $2,164) per month, although it largely depends on where you’re based, and what kind of school or institution you work in. Different teaching programmes offer different stipends, also - Teaching Assistance Program In France (TAPIF) offers €790 (£667/$845) per month, for example. In short, you're unlikely to be able to save money in a significant way while you're teaching in France, but the salaries are good enough to keep many teachers happy living and working there.

Minimum Requirements

  • A 120-hour TEFL certificate is a minimum to teach English in France
  • Employers usually ask for degrees, but certain training programmes are eligible to current students. There may also be opportunities in language schools for those without degrees, though these are limited.
  • Experience is usually preferred. 
  • There’s no upper age limit for teaching English in France, but younger teachers are often given preference - even over more experienced teachers!
  • Unfortunately, native English speakers will find it much easier to secure work than those from non-native countries. Non-native speakers, however, can use TOEFL or IELTS certificates, or a degree from an English-speaking institution, as evidence of fluency.

Download our teaching English in Europe guide

Rest of the world

United Arab Emirates

The United Arab Emirates is made up of 7 distinct principalities, including Abu Dhabi, Ajman, Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah, Sharjah, Umm Al Quwain and, of course, Dubai. 

Arabic is the official language of the Emirates but the UAE was occupied by the British until 1971. As such, English is the lingua franca, and as the unofficial language of business worldwide, it’s in the UAE’s education system’s interest to teach English far and wide. English education is highly prized, and schools throughout the UAE are hiring English teachers in droves.

Salary 

Teaching wages in the UAE are excellent, as is generally the case in the Middle East. The average salary for an English teacher in the UAE is 8,000 – 15,000 dirhams (£1,575 – £3,000 / $2,200 – $4,000) per month. The best wages top out around 22,000 dirhams (£4,300 / $6,000) per month. Not to mention, salaries in the UAE are tax-free.  

Additionally, a lot of English teaching jobs will come with free accommodation and travel expenses, so you can save money away if that’s your prerogative. For any English teacher overseas who's conscious about financial independence in the future, the UAE is one of the best countries to teach in.

Minimum Requirements 

  • A minimum 120-hour TEFL certificate is the standard, and many schools prefer a Level 5 qualification or higher. 
  • A bachelor's degree, preferably in education
  • Native English-speaking teachers are generally preferred, but some schools consider exceptional non-native speakers. 
  • Arabic knowledge isn't essential, but it certainly helps - especially in applying and interviewing for jobs!
  • Teaching experience is highly desired.

Costa Rica

Costa Rica - ‘Rich Coast’ in Spanish - is utterly beautiful. A country that truly lives up to its name, the Rich Coast is resplendent with exquisite scenery and climate, nestled between the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean. You can explore jungles, mountain ranges and incredible beaches, and while the rainy season lasts for a large part of the year (from April to December), it’s worth it. 

Ask anyone who goes to teach English in Costa Rica. While your days will be full of English lessons, your nights and weekends are full of dancing, music and breathtaking views. Those English lessons, by the way, are with some of the most enthusiastic English learners on the planet, according to teachers we’ve spoken to.

Costa Rica is described as one of the greenest and happiest places anywhere in the world, so don’t just take our word for it when it comes to the virtues of this unique TEFL destination. Costa Rica also boasts a robust healthcare system and a variety of TEFL opportunities at a range of levels. If you do get a job teaching in Costa Rica, chances are you'll be raving about it for the rest of your life.

Salary

In terms of teaching salary, $600-$1,000 USD//£480-£800 per month is the average range for English teaching salaries in Costa Rica, with hourly rates around $10/£8. Higher salaries are possible in bigger cities or with specialised skills like Business English. These salaries aren't extravagant but with a low cost of living in Costa Rica, it's actually one of the best countries to teach English if you like to live on a budget.

Minimum Requirements 

  • Degree preferred but not mandatory 
  • TEFL certificate
  • Experience preferred but not mandatory
  • Some basic Spanish helps!
  • To get a specialist teaching visa, you’ll need a job arranged in advance. These visas are valid for 6 months.

Download our guide to teaching English around the world

Requirements for teaching English abroad 

Teaching English can be done by those who’ve just switched mid-career, or they’ve been preparing their whole lives.

As we’ve covered, it’s vital to get a TEFL certification before you head anywhere, or before teaching English online. Otherwise, it’s difficult to demonstrate you have the skills and enthusiasm for teaching English abroad.

Some countries may bar teachers above a certain age from teaching overseas. That said, there are plenty of fantastic destinations for those who are looking to retire and teach part-time in a brand-new locale.

The most important part of looking at the requirements for teaching English abroad is the work visa. We’ll get to the specifics of why a degree can be vital, but there’s a lot of other work that goes into securing a visa to work abroad. For this, some employers will give a helping hand, while using recruiters might also be a viable and sensible option. 

TEFL Certificate

Before you pick your TEFL destination, you want to be sure that you’re TEFL-qualified and trained for the job by a reputable, internationally recognised provider. TEFL courses are your key to the rest of the planet. 120 hours remains the industry standard, and it’s what employers want to see before they consider taking you on. A free or heavily discounted Groupon TEFL certificate is unlikely to land you a job with a good employer. 

If you want to expand your TEFL knowledge, and be equipped for specific challenges facing students, you might want to consider Advanced TEFL courses. These kinds of courses tend to focus on specialist areas of TEFL, for example, teaching young learners, English for Academic Purposes, teaching Business English and a range of other potentially specific challenges in a TEFL career.

Degree or no degree?

In some regions, a college degree is needed for a work visa. For countries with stricter immigration policies, a degree is a sign that you’re “qualified” to contribute to a country in a certain way - in your case, to teach English abroad. 

The degree itself, and what it was in, is largely inconsequential, and it doesn’t need to be a master’s degree. You could have a degree in Animal Psychology or Civil Engineering - the point is, largely, that you have demonstrable skills.

It’s dependent on either a country’s immigration rules or the employers themselves. When it’s visas, there’s no wiggle room. With employers, you can emphasise your other achievements and qualities.

Experience

Lacking teaching experience doesn’t mean you’re barred from lucrative, rewarding and enthralling jobs worldwide. Put it this way; if that was the case everywhere, there’d be no new teachers. It'd also mean teaching qualifications didn't really matter, but they do.

Latin America probably has the best places to teach for completely inexperienced teachers. Argentina, Mexico, Chile, Bolivia and other countries are crying out for new teachers to bring their ideas to the classroom. Countries like Jordan and Lebanon in the Middle East don’t require experience either, in the main.

Northern Africa is also a good landing spot for someone who wants to teach English for the first time, while Southeast Asia also has opportunities for new English teachers who are looking for first-time ESL jobs.

Visa

Every country has its own list of visa requirements and regulations, and it’s worth scoping out what’s happening politically in a country before you move there. Debates on immigration happen all the time, and you don’t want to be blindsided by a new government capping immigration right before you move there. We're not saying you have to watch the news all the time to teach English abroad, but being informed matters.

One way to avoid unnecessary visa drama is to secure work before entering a new country. Having a job offer and all your relevant personal documents is usually enough to get your visa application moving. Many employers will help you with administrative costs or paperwork for securing a visa for you to teach abroad. Some won’t, and it’s important to find out what kind of help you’ll be getting.

Make sure you know where your nearest embassy or consulate is for wherever you’re planning to go. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, even if they seem trivial. There are no silly questions, only silly outcomes!

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Q. Which country pays the highest for English teachers?

    While it very much depends on the job, the qualifications you have and what kind of institution you work for, it’s fair to say that wages for English teachers are particularly high in the UAE, Singapore, Switzerland Hong Kong.

  • Q. Which are the best countries to teach English?

    Ultimately, this is subjective. Certainly, the most popular countries for teaching English are South Korea, China, Japan, Thailand and Spain.

  • Q. Does teaching English abroad pay well?

    Teaching English abroad can pay well, depending on your qualifications, experience, where you’re working and what kind of institution you work in. There are countries where English teachers are known to receive higher wages, including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Japan and Hong Kong.