The 10 Best Countries to Teach English Abroad in 2025

Teaching English abroad is an amazing opportunity to navigate the world and have a life-changing experience overseas. However, the most difficult part about ESL teaching is deciding where to go! There are so many unique countries out there, making the decision about where to go extremely difficult.

The following countries were categorized by what makes them stand out as great options for teaching abroad. While everyone’s perfect fit will depend on their goals and interests, we hope to provide insight into what makes each of these destinations unique and appealing. After all, it can be hard to choose with so many opportunities out there.

💰 Average monthly salary range: $1,200 to $3,500 USD
🏠 Average monthly cost of living: $380 to $1,000 USD
📝 Minimum qualifications: bachelor’s degree, native speaker from English-speaking country, TEFL certification, under the age of 60 for men and 55 for women
✨ Common perks: housing, flights, health insurance

China is by far the most popular destination for ESL teachers. With over a billion citizens, it is clear to see why China has the largest demand for English language education. Teaching English in China is a fool-proof way to earn a great wage and still be able to save some money. The cost of living in most cities is quite low compared to countries in the West.

Many teaching jobs in China also offer benefits, such as free accommodation, or paid flights. It’s possible to live quite comfortably and still have money left over to travel (when that’s allowed again).

China is an amazing place to live and work as an expat. There are endless facets of Chinese culture to experience as well as a multitude of different regions and cities to travel to. China is truly one of the best places to teach abroad!

Read more:

💰 Average salary range: $1,100 to $4,400 USD
🏠 Average cost of living: $1,000 to $1,400 USD
📝 Minimum qualifications: bachelor’s degree, native speaker from English-speaking country, TEFL certificate for public school positions
✨ Common perks: housing, flights, health insurance, contract completion bonus

Not only is there an incredible demand for foreign English teachers, but the ESL market continues to grow each year in South Korea. There are plenty of jobs available – especially now – so it is easier than ever for you to find the ideal teach abroad job.

The comprehensive benefits offered by both public and private school placements make Korea one of the most attractive places to be an English teacher abroad. With accommodation, reimbursed airfare, and a severance or completion bonus, it is entirely possible to save the majority of your salary while teaching abroad in Korea.

However, many expats can find Korea a difficult place to live due to the working culture. Be prepared to work longer hours than you are probably used to in your home country – Korea has the longest working hours of any developed nation!

Despite the job responsibilities, Korea has a lot to offer. Exploring the metropolis of Seoul or hiking through the stunning mountainous regions, or relaxing on the famous beaches in Busan, there is something for every type of English teacher to enjoy.

Read more:

💰 Average monthly salary range: $1,400 to $4,000 USD
🏠 Average cost of living: $1,300 to $2,200 USD
📝 Minimum qualifications: bachelor’s degree, native or fluent speaker
✨ Common perks: housing, flights, health insurance, contract completion bonus

Japan has long been one of the most popular countries to teach English abroad. It’s a country full of natural beauty, dramatic landscapes, and most notably, its bustling cities. It also has one of the most unique traditional cultures in Asia which attracts many expats and English teachers alike. You’ll never get bored living in Japan, whether you live in the heart of Tokyo or in a rural village in the shadow of Mt. Fuji.

Despite a rigorous working culture, English teachers in Japan enjoy great benefits alongside competitive salaries. The higher cost of living in Japan is offset by perks such as housing, flight reimbursement, and more which means you’ll be able to save while maintaining a comfortable lifestyle. Outside of teaching, teachers can immerse themselves within authentic cultural traditions or the thriving expat communities in modern Japanese cities.

Read more:

💰 Average monthly salary range: $1,200 to $2,200 USD
🏠 Average monthly cost of living: $900 to $1,400 USD
📝 Minimum requirements: native speaker, bachelor’s degree, 120-hour TEFL certificate, under the age of 60
✨ Common perks: health insurance

Vietnam is well-known for its lush and dramatic landscapes and its generally relaxed culture. In a normal year, Vietnam attracts millions of tourists and expats alike. Vietnam is one of the best places to work as an ESL teacher in the world’s current climate; there is a great work-life balance and you’ll likely be working much less than the typical nine-to-five!

Though many teachers are put off by the lower salaries in Vietnam, and Southeast Asia in general, it is not difficult to live comfortably, save money, and enjoy yourself while teaching abroad.

Read more:

💰 Average monthly salary range: $850 to $2,500 USD
🏠 Average monthly cost of living: $1,000 to $2,000 USD
📝 Minimum qualifications: bachelor’s degree, TEFL certification, no age limit but teachers under 60 preferred
✨ Common perks: housing, health insurance

Thailand is one of the most popular destinations to teach English overseas for many reasons. Millions of tourists flock to Thailand each year to experience the diverse culture, dramatic landscapes, and rich culture of food.

The Land of Smiles is an attractive location for teaching for a simple reason — the inexpensive cost of living. Just like in Vietnam, English teachers in Thailand take home a lower salary compared to other countries in Asia, and elsewhere, but the money goes a lot farther! Thailand is also well-known for its relaxed working culture compared to East Asian countries, which allows you more time to explore your interests outside of English teaching.

Read more:

💰 Average monthly salary range: $2,000 to $2,400 USD
🏠 Average monthly cost of living: $1,000 to $1,600 USD
📝 Minimum qualifications: bachelor’s degree, native speaker from English-speaking country, no age limit but teachers under 60 preferred
✨ Common perks: housing, flights, health insurance, contract completion bonus

Taiwan continues to grow in popularity among English teachers. With a typical East Asian work culture, Taiwan can be a bit more difficult to adapt to from a Western mindset, but it can be incredibly rewarding to work as an English teacher in Taiwan.

Taiwan is a safe country, people are friendly, and the relatively low cost of living makes an ESL teacher’s salary go a long way. Most teaching options will include severance pay, housing, and flights which increases your savings potential – or spending potential.

When you’re not working you can spend all that extra cash you’ll have saved experiencing the beauty of Taiwan. You can trek through the jungles, relax by the pristine beaches, and summit the mountains of Taiwan all while eating delicious tropical fruits and enjoying local specialties like pineapple cakes.

Taiwan is also popular among expats for being one of the most progressive countries in Asia. The country became the first in Asia to legalize gay marriage in 2019!

Read more:

💰 Average monthly salary range: $690 to $1,770 USD
🏠 Average monthly cost of living: $800 to $1,200 USD
📝 Minimum qualifications: bachelor’s degree for the teaching assistant program, teaching license for private schools, teaching assistants must be under age 60
✨ Common perks: health insurance

Spain is by far one of the most popular destinations to teach English in Europe. Compared to the rest of Europe, Spain is notoriously relaxed and boasts a better work-life balance than many other countries in the West, making it ideal for English teachers abroad.

When you’re not teaching you can experience the charm of Spain, with its rich culture, history, and of course, cuisine. An English teacher’s salary isn’t much in Spain, but I can tell you from experience the cost of living is much lower than in other European countries, which allows your euros to go further! If you’re low on cash you can always get by with free tapas, like those served in Granada!

The Spanish government also encourages North American ESL teachers to live and work in Spain, making it one of the few European countries that doesn’t give preferential treatment to British or Irish native English speakers. This makes Spain ideal for those from the US or Canada looking to find a teaching job abroad in Europe.

Read more:

💰 Average monthly salary range: $790 to $1,970
🏠 Average monthly cost of living: $1,570-$2,070
📝 Minimum qualifications: bachelor’s degree, CELTA certification or equivalent
✨ Common perks: none

I think most people would struggle to find someone who does not have some romantic ideal of France. If you’re a lover of cafes, cheese, wine, or art – or all of the above – France could be right for you! France is an enchanting place to live in its own right but it is also a great place to find a teaching job abroad.

Though it is easier to get an ESL job if you are an EU citizen, it is still possible for citizens of other English-speaking countries to find work in France. For example, Americans between the ages of 20 and 35 can work as teaching assistants through the Teaching Assistant Program in France (TAPIF) program. There are also many programs that not only assist you in finding a job but help you with the often arduous process of obtaining an EU visa.

Many teaching programs offer atypical teaching jobs, such as au pair work, which allows people to teach English abroad in some less traditional ways, making it more flexible than other countries and a better fit for those not sold on classroom-based methods of ESL teaching.

Read more:

💰 Average salary range: $3,300 to $5,500
🏠 Average cost of living: $1,350 to $1,900
📝 Minimum qualifications: bachelor’s degree, TEFL certification, teaching experience, native or fluent speaker
✨ Common perks: housing, flights, health insurance

The United Arab Emirates has become one of the more desirable ESL teaching destinations in the world and is increasing in popularity every year. The requirements to teach in the U.A.E. are a bit more difficult to meet than in other destinations, but the rewards are undeniably worth it. It may be easier to find jobs with formal qualifications in teaching, but it is not impossible to find jobs if you only have a TEFL certification!

With some of the highest ESL salaries in the world and a plethora of benefits, it’s no wonder so many expats flock to the U.A.E. to teach English abroad. The cultural differences in the U.A.E. may require an adjustment for many ESL teachers, but it is a truly unique destination to teach English abroad. If you crave an experience off the beaten path the U.A.E. may be the destination for you.

Read more:

💰 Average salary range: $600 to $1,000
🏠 Average cost of living: $850 to $1,200
📝 Minimum qualifications: TEFL certification, teaching experience preferred, native or fluent speakers preferred
✨ Common perks: depends on the school

Costa Rica is probably the most popular Central American country for English teacher hopefuls, and for good reason. Despite being small, Costa Rica seems to have it all—surf-friendly beaches, towering volcanoes, and thriving rainforests. It’s no wonder that lots of teachers would want to live and work here!

Paid teaching jobs in Costa Rica are typically in private schools and academies and universities and with private clients. Positions in public elementary and high schools tend to be voluntary. Although the salaries will generally mean you break even, the pace of life and culture in Costa Rica will remind you there is more to life than chasing a paycheck.

Costa Rica is renowned for its beautiful landscapes and you will have no shortage of outdoor activities to get involved with, many of which are free. If you’re looking for a place to live a simple and less cluttered life, Costa Rica is the destination for you.

Read more:

💰 Average salary range: $16 to $26 an hour
📝 Minimum qualifications: bachelor’s degree, TEFL certification, native speaker from English-speaking country

With the way the world is right now, it may be difficult to find the ideal teaching job abroad. Never fear though, there are plenty of opportunities to teach English online! The majority of ESL companies focusing on providing lessons for children used to be based in China. However, in 2021, the Chinese government cracked down on private tutoring for K-12 students in the country and as a result, many companies had to shut down or shift their focus to adult students.

Despite this, it is possible to find opportunities in other countries and with a variety of age groups. Until the world is a bit more stable, teaching online may be the best way to dip your toe in the water and see if teaching English abroad is right for you!

Read more:

Teaching English abroad is the perfect way to live in another country, travel, and learn a new language — all while earning a salary. If you’ve been curious about living abroad for the first time, doing it as an English teacher, especially through a teaching program, provides you with a sense of security. Many programs include housing and visa assistance so your transition overseas doesn’t have to be scary or painful.

Other benefits of teaching English abroad include:

• Building an impressive resume
• Helping adults and children expand their horizons through English
• Gaining a richer and more expansive worldview
• Meeting new friends or even a future partner
• Discovering passions, hobbies, or your career path

Every country has its own requirements for English teachers but there are some commonalities around the world.

• Native or native-level English
• Bachelor’s degree in any subject
• TEFL certificate
• Clean criminal background check

Some regions, like Latin America, have fewer requirements while others, like the Middle East, may require prospective teachers to have teaching licenses and advanced degrees.

Read more: What are the Requirements to Teach English Abroad?

Teaching English abroad is an amazing experience and I would recommend it to anyone. I recently moved halfway across the world to start a new teaching job in Vietnam, and I wouldn’t change a single thing.

All you need to do now is decide where you want to go to start your teaching abroad journey in 2025! If you’re ready to start your search, head over to our global teaching job board!