Best Places To Teach English Abroad

Middle East

United Arab Emirates (UAE)

  • Monthly Salary: $3,000-$5,500
  • Living Expenses: $1,500-$2,500
  • The Experience: Tax-free income with excellent benefits including housing allowances, flight reimbursements, and health insurance. Dubai and Abu Dhabi offer Western amenities and luxurious living.

Saudi Arabia

  • Monthly Salary: $2,500-$5,000
  • Living Expenses: $1,000-$2,000
  • The Experience: One of the highest-paying markets with comprehensive benefits packages. Most positions include free housing, transportation allowances, and end-of-contract bonuses.

Qatar

  • Monthly Salary: $2,800-$5,200
  • Living Expenses: $1,500-$2,800
  • The Experience: Tax-free option with excellent compensation and often includes housing, transportation, and healthcare benefits. The expanding education sector offers opportunities at international schools and universities.

Oman

  • Monthly Salary: $2,000-$3,500
  • Living Expenses: $1,000-$1,800
  • The Experience: Lower salaries than neighboring countries but offers a more authentic cultural experience with friendly locals and stunning landscapes.

Kuwait

  • Monthly Salary: $2,500-$4,000
  • Living Expenses: $1,200-$2,000
  • The Experience: Tax-free salaries with benefits similar to other Gulf countries, though with fewer entertainment options than Dubai or Doha.

Bahrain

  • Monthly Salary: $2,000-$3,500
  • Living Expenses: $1,100-$1,800
  • The Experience: More relaxed social atmosphere than some Gulf neighbors, with a good balance of modern amenities and traditional culture.

East Asia

Japan

  • Monthly Salary: $2,500-$3,000
  • Living Expenses: $1,500-$2,000
  • The Experience: Blend of traditional culture with cutting-edge technology. Exceptional public transportation, high safety standards, and meticulous attention to detail in daily life. Teaching positions range from public schools (JET Programme) to private language academies (eikaiwa) with varying schedules and student ages.

Taiwan

  • Monthly Salary: $2,000-$2,500
  • Living Expenses: $800-$1,200
  • The Experience: Excellent balance of modern convenience and traditional Chinese culture. Known for exceptionally friendly locals, night markets with amazing street food, and convenient city living. Most teaching jobs are in buxibans (cram schools) with afternoon/evening hours, leaving mornings free to explore.

South Korea

  • Monthly Salary: $2,000-$2,700
  • Living Expenses: $1,000-$1,500
  • The Experience: Many schools provide free housing, making this one of the best places to save money. Strong technology infrastructure, vibrant city life, and passionate students.

China

  • Monthly Salary: $1,500-$2,500
  • Living Expenses: $800-$1,200
  • The Experience: Huge demand and often includes housing benefits. The cultural differences can be challenging but incredibly rewarding.

Hong Kong

  • Monthly Salary: $2,700-$6,500
  • Living Expenses: $1,500-$2,800
  • The Experience: High salary potential, especially at international schools, though housing costs are among the highest in the world.

Singapore

  • Monthly Salary: $2,800-$6,000
  • Living Expenses: $1,800-$3,000
  • The Experience: Clean, organized city-state with excellent infrastructure and high standard of living. The education sector is competitive but rewards qualifications and experience handsomely.

Southeast Asia

Vietnam

  • Monthly Salary: $1,200-$2,000
  • Living Expenses: $700-$1,000
  • The Experience: Rapidly growing market with incredible food and friendly people. Low cost of living allows for comfortable lifestyle even with entry-level positions. Urban centers like Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi offer vibrant expat communities and plenty of teaching opportunities in language centers and public schools.

Thailand

  • Monthly Salary: $1,000-$1,800
  • Living Expenses: $600-$1,200
  • The Experience: Known as the “Land of Smiles” for good reason – the warm culture and relaxed lifestyle make it a popular choice. Lower salaries than some Asian countries but extremely low cost of living, especially outside Bangkok. Beautiful beaches, mountains, and temples make weekend exploration rewarding.

Europe

Spain (International Schools)

The Experience: While regular language schools pay modestly, international schools offer competitive packages with the bonus of European lifestyle and culture.

Monthly Salary: $2,200-$3,800

Living Expenses: $1,300-$2,000