The 10 Best Countries to Teach English Abroad

Moving abroad to teach English as a foreign language is an adventure of a lifetime. For those wanting to embark on this exciting journey, the question is… what’s the best country to teach English abroad?

From richly cultural, historic European cities to beautifully exotic Asian destinations, there are so many options for budding TEFL teachers, with each place offering something unique.

In this in-depth guide, we take a look at the best countries in the world to teach English, factoring in work opportunities and standard of living. 

1. Spain

• Average monthly salary for a new TEFL teacher: 1,200–1,600€
• Bureaucracy: Student visa required, possible to convert to work visa; TEFL certificate, which you can obtain from a TEFL academy in Spain
• Monthly price of a double room in a shared flat in a central location: 500–600€
• Reasons to go: Amazing culture, good work/life balance, great food, excellent TEFL schools

Without a doubt, Spain is one of the best countries to teach English abroad. Teaching TEFL in Spain is not only rewarding, but you’ll open yourself up to discover a rich culture, with wonderful food, great weather and plenty of outdoor spaces from the mountains to the sea. 

You’ll also find plenty of quality TEFL academies and, after graduation, ample work opportunities, especially in big cities such as Barcelona, Madrid and Valencia. And while the cost of living may be on the rise, Spain is still a far more affordable place to live than other European countries.

2. Thailand

• Average monthly salary for a new TEFL teacher: 800–1,000€
• Bureaucracy: Non-immigrant visa and TEFL certificate required
• Monthly price of a double room in a shared flat in a central location: 200–300€
• Reasons to go: Beautiful scenery, low cost of living, good work/life balance

A very popular destination to teach English overseas, Thailand offers a diverse culture, breathtaking landscapes, excellent cuisine and a wonderfully welcoming atmosphere for teachers looking to help locals learn the increasingly prized ability to speak English. 

One of the major draws of teaching English in Thailand is the affordable cost of living. While you’ll earn less as a TEFL teacher in Thailand, your money will go a long way, and with such a range of activities and experiences on offer in this exciting country, you’ll find plenty to discover outside of the classroom.

3. Vietnam

• Average monthly salary for a new TEFL teacher: 1,000–1,400€
• Bureaucracy: Need TEFL certificate and a sponsored work visa from your Vietnamese employer
• Monthly price of a double room in a shared flat in a central location: 150–200€
• Reasons to go: Great work-life balance, low cost of living, beautiful scenery

Much like Thailand, Vietnam offers a richly rewarding experience for those wanting to teach English abroad. A country renowned for its dramatic landscapes and laid-back atmosphere, you’ll find a vibrant community of expats, and plenty to see and do outside the classroom.

While typical salaries for English teachers in Southeast Asia are lower than other parts of the world, TEFL pays relatively well in Vietnam, meaning it’s easy to save money and enjoy all that this wonderful country has to offer. 

4. Mexico

• Average monthly salary for a new TEFL teacher: 500–1,000€
• Bureaucracy: Mexican work visa and TEFL certificate required
• Monthly price of a double room in a shared flat in a central location: 300–500€
• Reasons to go: Amazing food, friendly locals, rich culture

Like Spain, Mexico is increasingly looking to hire TEFL teachers, with a drive to improve the country’s English speaking skills. Job opportunities are better than ever, especially in big cities like the capital Ciudad de México (Mexico City). 

Mexico’s cuisine and culture make it one of the most popular destinations for those wanting to teach English in South America. You’ll also find miles of gorgeous coastline, historical wonders and a population keen to embrace those visiting from beyond its shores. 

5. South Korea

• Average monthly salary for a new TEFL teacher: 1,500–1,800€
• Bureaucracy: E-2 teaching visa, bachelor’s degree and TEFL certificate required
• Monthly price of a double room in a shared flat in a central location: 600–700€, usually included in school placement
• Reasons to go: Plenty of jobs, excellent pay, a massive learning experience

South Korea is fast becoming one of the best countries to teach English abroad. With an increasing desire for English teachers and a very healthy economy, South Korea offers English teachers ample job opportunities together with high salaries.

You’ll also find a very organised TEFL structure, with plenty of both public and private school placements for English teachers, with things like flights and accommodation taken care of. Keep in mind, it’s a very different culture and some may struggle to adapt. Still, those with an open mind and the willingness to embrace a new experience will thrive.   

6. United Arab Emirates (UAE)

• Average monthly salary for a new TEFL teacher: 2,000–3,000€
• Bureaucracy: Need a sponsored work visa from your UAE employer, bachelor’s degree and TEFL certificate
• Monthly price of a double room in a shared flat in a central location: 600–1,000€
• Reasons to go: Great salaries, fascinating culture, luxury lifestyle

With some of the highest average salaries for TEFL teachers, the UAE has become one of the best countries in the world to teach English. Still, the job market is extremely competitive and visa requirements can be more challenging than other countries.

However, for those looking for something different, keen to embrace a culture with a unique blend of tradition and modernity, the UAE is a great option when it comes to teaching English abroad.

7. China

• Average monthly salary for a new TEFL teacher: 1,000–1,800€
• Bureaucracy: Need a Z visa, work permit, bachelor’s degree and TEFL certificate
• Monthly price of a double room in a shared flat in a central location: 200–300€
• Reasons to go: Plenty of jobs, good salaries, a massive learning experience

Teaching English in China is an experience like no other. A vast country with a rich history and culture, there’s an endless array of experiences outside of the classroom and plenty of opportunities to teach a Chinese population that increasingly values being able to speak English.

It can be tricky to obtain a position as a TEFL teacher in China – you’ll need to secure a teaching position from abroad, and your employer will play a big part in sorting out your paperwork. But if you manage to make it happen, you’ll have the adventure of a lifetime.

8. Costa Rica

• Average monthly salary for a new TEFL teacher: 700–900€
• Bureaucracy: Need a tourist or work visa and a TEFL certificate
• Monthly price of a double room in a shared flat in a central location: 200–300€
• Reasons to go: Beautiful scenery, low cost of living, welcoming locals

An up-and-coming destination when it comes to teaching English abroad, Costa Rica is the most popular Central American country for budding English teachers, especially those from the US. Salaries may be relatively modest in comparison to destinations in the Middle East and the Far East, but living costs are affordable, a degree isn’t needed and Costa Ricans are known for their warmth. 

With a rapidly growing economy and a large English-learning population, you’ll find plenty of English teaching jobs in Costa Rica. And with an idyllic landscape that blends mountains, rainforests and sandy beaches, your days off will be spent having the time of your life!

9. India

• Average monthly salary for a new TEFL teacher: 400–1,000€
• Bureaucracy: Need a visa, work permit, bachelor’s degree (for most paid positions) and TEFL certificate
• Monthly price of a double room in a shared flat in a central location: 160–300€
• Reasons to go: A uniquely colourful culture, amazing cuisine and a good work-life balance

English is widely spoken in India. In fact there are an incredible 128 million English speakers in India – that’s double the population of the UK! But while many Indians grow up with good English speaking skills, mastering the language is seen as a prized skill for academic and professional success, meaning there are English teaching jobs available, especially in big cities.

A lot of teaching work in India is voluntary, but it is possible to get paid work. The most common way to teach English in India is to work in an international school or to teach business English in a multinational company. Aside from work, you’ll discover an exhilarating culture, cheap living costs and incredible wildlife.

10. Brazil

• Average monthly salary for a new TEFL teacher: 800–1,200€
• Bureaucracy: Need a visa and TEFL certificate
• Monthly price of a double room in a shared flat in a central location: 300–400€
• Reasons to go: Great beaches, vibrant culture, growing demand for English teachers

Another up-and-coming destination for TEFL teachers, Brazil offers blissful weather, incredible beaches and a vibrant lifestyle. If you’re looking for a fun-filled experience while teaching English abroad, Brazil could be the place for you.

While there’s an increasing demand for English skills, Brazil doesn’t offer a diversity of employment opportunities like, say, Spain. You can find English teaching jobs in some academies and also with private one-to-one classes, and many English teachers in Brazil also supplement their income with online teaching classes.

Want to find out more about teaching English abroad? Contact TEFL Iberia today!