5 Best Countries for Teaching English Abroad
Quick answer: The best countries for teaching English abroad are Japan, China, Spain, the Czech Republic and Thailand. China offers the best chance to save money, Japan pays well but is expensive, and Spain, Prague and Thailand trade lower pay for a great lifestyle.
If you love traveling and teaching, why not combine your two passions and teach English abroad? As a teacher, you become part of the culture and lifestyle of the local community, and having a clear purpose makes your trip that much more meaningful. Many countries around the world hire foreigners who are fluent in English as teachers, so here are some of the best places to start.
Best Countries for Teaching English Abroad at a Glance
| Country | Pay | Why go |
|---|---|---|
| Japan | Fairly high | Unique culture, excellent standard of living (but hard to save) |
| China | Enough to save | High demand, choice of city or countryside |
| Spain | Not well paid | Laid-back lifestyle, food, friendly people |
| Czech Republic | Not that high | Lower cost of living, base for exploring Europe |
| Thailand | Not too high | Weather, food, nature, relaxed atmosphere |
1. Japan
The “Land of the Rising Sun” is a great place for teaching English. Wages are fairly high, and the culture is unique and interesting, to say the least.
Transportation is well organized and the general standard of living is excellent. The flip side is that you might not be able to save much money. Either way, with so many amazing sights to see and things to do, you’d definitely have a great time in Japan.
2. China
If you’re looking for a country where you can teach and earn enough to save some money, consider China. There is high demand for good English teachers all around the country, as more and more companies require their employees to know English.
That means you should have no trouble finding a job, and you can choose whether to teach in the peaceful countryside or in an urban center. Think about which age group you want to teach, too. If you love kids, for example, the educational center Monkey Tree in Hong Kong would be a great choice to keep in mind.
3. Spain
For many people, working and living in Spain sounds like a dream come true. You’d get to enjoy the laid-back lifestyle, learn another commonly-spoken language, eat delicious food and meet some of the friendliest people in Europe.
However, English teaching in Spain is not that well paid, so you might need to do some tutoring on the side. Luckily, the cost of living is not too high, and there are many ways to have fun without breaking the bank.
4. The Czech Republic
If you’d like to combine teaching with exploring Europe, the Czech Republic is a great starting point. The cost of living is relatively low compared to some other European countries, but you still get to experience the typical European lifestyle.
Prague is especially popular, since there are many opportunities to teach in language schools. The pay might not be that high, but the city is so beautiful and modern that you’re sure to enjoy every day there.
5. Thailand
Thailand has become a very attractive destination for teachers thanks to its beautiful weather, delicious food, gorgeous nature and laid-back atmosphere. The pay is not too high, but teaching English in Thailand is not so much about the money; it’s everything else that matters.
Getting a job is not too difficult, and the people are friendly. All in all, it’s a place where you can feel at home no matter where you’re from.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which country is best for saving money while teaching English?
China. High demand for English teachers means it’s easy to find work and earn enough to save.
Does teaching English in Japan pay well?
Wages are fairly high, but so is the standard of living, so you might not be able to save much.
Where can I teach English in Europe?
Spain and the Czech Republic are good options. Pay is modest in both, but Prague has many language-school jobs and a relatively low cost of living.
Is it easy to get an English teaching job in Thailand?
Getting a job is not too difficult, although the pay is not too high.
Conclusion
Teaching is a fulfilling job, and it becomes even more enjoyable when you combine it with travel. If you’re fluent in English, love traveling and are good at teaching others, consider teaching English abroad in one of these countries. However long you stay, it’s sure to be an experience of a lifetime.
