What are the best places to teach English abroad?
I’ve compiled a list of my top 6 destinations to teach abroad in 2022, ranked by salary, quality of life, and cultural immersion. Despite current worldwide Covid restrictions, all countries are safe and open to teachers.
However some restrictions are worth noting, for example most schools will only employ teachers who have had 2 jabs of the vaccine.
Continue reading to learn about opportunities to enhance your career in another country next year!
Teaching English overseas.
Teaching English in a foreign country is a fantastic way to travel the world and have a life-changing experience. The most challenging aspect of EFL teaching is determining where in the world to go.
There are so many interesting countries to visit that deciding where to go might be tough.
I have compiled a list of the top 6 countries to teach abroad in 2022 based on the popularity of each country on, Google search activity, and the number of teaching jobs available. (Not in order)
I want to make your decision a little easier for you, or even motivate you to think about teaching overseas in the first place.
Hold on to your hat, let’s dive in.
Vietnam
- $1,100 to $2,300 per month is the average monthly pay range.
- Monthly living expenses range from $900 to $1,400 or more depending on your lifestyle
- Native speaker, bachelor’s degree ( Some schools still fly under the radar ), 120-hour TEFL or TESOL certificate, and under are the minimum prerequisites.
- Do not expect much in perks.
Vietnam is recognized for its lush, spectacular landscapes as well as its laid-back culture. Vietnam attracts millions of tourists and expats in a typical year. In today’s world, Vietnam is one of the greatest places to work as an ESL teacher; there is a terrific work-life balance, and you’ll most likely be working far less than the traditional nine-to-five.
You can read a lot more about Vietnam on my website. www.vietnamesl.com
Due to Vietnam’s vigorous response to the Covid-19 outbreak, foreigners have recently found it difficult to enter the country; nevertheless, ESL teachers are now permitted to enter as “expert” personnel. The government’s restrictions on ESL teachers have been varied, but people continue to enter the nation nonetheless
Taiwan.
- $2,100 to $4,000 per month is the average monthly pay range Plus completion bonus.
- Monthly living expenses range from $800 without rent to $1,600 including rent or more depending on your lifestyle
- Native speaker, bachelor’s degree, 120-hour TEFL or TESOL certificate, and under are the minimum prerequisites.
- Perks included are end of contract bonus, housing, flights and health insurance.
When you think of teaching English abroad in Asia, you generally think of popular TEFL/TESOL destinations like South Korea, China, and Japan, but Taiwan is quietly but steadily catching up to these TEFL/TESOL heavyweights as one of the greatest countries to teach English.
Taiwan is a culturally varied and economically booming country with a vibrant culture and friendly population, located close off the coast of mainland China. In Taiwan, teaching salaries are increasing and can range from $1,500 to $2,000 USD per month, with most institutions offering a bonus at the end of the teaching contract.
The demand for EFL teachers in Taiwan greatly outnumbers the quantity of competent teachers, which means that TEFL/TESOL-certified teachers looking for a top-notch teaching position will have lots of options.
Spain
- Salary range: $835 to $1,900 per month on average.
- The average monthly cost of living is between $800 and $1,200
- Teaching assistants must be under the age of 60 and have a bachelor’s degree.
- They must also have a teaching license for private schools.
- Benefits that are common: health-care coverage
Spain is without a doubt one of the most popular places in Europe to teach English. Spain is known for being laid back in comparison to the rest of Europe, and it has a better work-life balance than many other Western countries, making it excellent for English teachers working overseas.
When you’re not teaching, take advantage of Spain’s allure, which includes its rich culture, history, and, of course, cuisine. Although an English teacher’s pay in Spain is low, I can tell you from personal experience that the cost of living in Spain is far lower than in other European nations, allowing your euros to go further. If you’re short on cash, complimentary tapas, such as those served in Granada, will do.
United Arab Emirates
- Salary range: $3,300 to $5,500 on average
- The average cost of living is $1,350 to $1,900 a month.
- Bachelor’s degree, TEFL certification, teaching experience, native or fluent speaker are the minimum requirements.
- Housing, travel, and health insurance are all common perks.
The United Arab Emirates has quickly become one of the most popular ESL teaching destinations in the world, with its popularity growing year after year.
The prerequisites for teaching in the United Arab Emirates are more stringent than in other countries, but the benefits are definitely worthwhile.
Although it may be easier to find jobs with official teaching qualifications, it is not impossible to find work with simply a TEFL certification. But it might take some adjusting as a foreigner living in the UAE. As explained below.
Swearing via Whatsapp and other forms of social media in the UAE is punishable by a $68,061 fine and jail, with expats facing deportation.
Before visiting the United Arab Emirates, it is critical that you investigate any new legislation that have been established for your personal protection.
South Korea
- Salary range: $1,800 to $4,000 on average.
- The average cost of living is $1,000 to $1,400 per month plus.
- Bachelor’s degree, native English speaker from an English-speaking country, and TEFL certificate for public school roles are the minimum requirements.
- Housing, travel, health insurance, and a contract completion incentive are all common bonuses.
South Korea is one of the most popular TEFL/TESOL destinations among graduates, and it consistently ranks among the finest places to teach English overseas. ESL teachers who travel to this East Asian country to teach will find modern cities, competitive pay ranging from $1,800 to $4000 USD per month (with free accommodation), magnificent natural beauty, and more.
Korea is known for its safety and great public transit, making it simple to see the country’s treasures, such as the iconic Seoul Tower and the 600-year-old Bukchon Hanok Village.
South Korea could be the TEFL/TESOL option for you if you’re seeking for a modern teach-abroad experience in a dynamic country.
Japan.
- Salary range: $1,700 to $5,000 per month on average
- The average cost of living ranges from $1,300 to $2,200 per month.
- A bachelor’s degree is required, as well as the ability to communicate in a native or fluent manner.
- Housing, travel, health insurance, and a contract completion incentive are all common bonuses.
Japan has long been one of the most popular destinations for English teachers from throughout the world. It’s a country rich in natural beauty, spectacular scenery, and, above all, thriving cities.
It also features one of Asia’s most distinct traditional cultures, which attracts a large number of expats and English teachers. Whether you reside in the center of Tokyo or in a small village under the shadow of Mt. Fuji, you’ll never be bored in Japan.
You didn’t mention China.
And here is a direct quote from a law firm. This will explain why I do not recommend China.
If you are thinking about taking a job teaching English in China, my strong advice is DON’T DO IT.
Let me explain….
My law firm’s international lawyers have always gotten a steady stream of emails from English teachers in foreign countries who are in trouble or not getting paid. Though these matters are invariably too small for us (or just not the sort of work we handle), we do try to help to the extent we can. That “help” usually consists of an email providing “fly-by” legal or career help or even emotional support. We view helping these teachers as a sort of a public service.
Our lawyers have inadvertently found themselves on the front lines with this, even though we have never made a single cent from representing an English teacher anywhere in the world.
You can read more here at ==>Harris | Bricken<==
And if you can’t travel, you can always teach on line.
Teaching English online may be the ideal method to test the waters and see if teaching English abroad is suited for you till the world becomes more stable.
The majority of online ESL companies cater to children in Asia, however there are chances in a variety of locations and with a range of age groups. More on this later.
Finally
You can find out more about teaching in Vietnam ==> HERE <==
Who am I?
My name is Stephen and I have been teaching EFL for 15 years and own two schools. I love traveling and experiencing different cultures. I hope you join me in discovering the world.
Stephen
Any or all links on this site maybe affiliate links, and if you purchase something through those links I will make a small commission on them.
There will be no extra cost to you and at times due to my affiliation you could actually save money.
You can read our full affiliate disclosure here.
.