Top 7 countries to teach English as foreign language

So, you are from a native English speaking country with a four-year university degree and interested to teach English abroad? We have compiled a list of 7 most preferred countries to teach English:

1.South Korea

South Korea offers a fast-paced mix of modern cities, centuries-old traditions, captivating culture and beautiful countryside.  English teachers are in high demand throughout the country. You can teach in  private schools and universities to government-backed teaching programmes and language academies.

Salary range

First-time English teachers in South Korea working in public schools typically earn monthly salaries between 1.5 to 3 million won ($1,850 – $2,650 USD). English teachers at private schools earn from 1.9 to 2.4 million won ($1,600 – $2,000 USD) monthly.

Public & private schools typically provide free housing and flight reimbursements.

Cost of Living in South Korea

Bear in mind that South Korea is one of the expensive countries in the world. In 2023, The capital Seoul ranked 16th out of 227 cities in the Mercer cost of living survey.

2. Japan

Japan is one of the best countries to teach English. English teaching roles in Japan are highly sought-after, providing a wealth of opportunities for new graduates or certified teachers alike. English teaching contracts typically span from six months up to a year. Position includes: Teaching assistant, summer teaching,teaching English in private institutions etc.

Salary range

Working in Japan can be super lucrative and comfortable for teachers. The salary for an English teacher in Japan is often between 200,000 to 600,000 Yen per month ($1,700 to $5,000). But remember that Japan is an expensive country.

Japan Cost of living 

The average cost of living in Japan for one person is $1,200 a month.

3.China

China is one of the trending destinations around the world for teaching English abroad. The job market for teaching English abroad in China is the largest in the world.

With over 1.3 billion citizens and an estimated 300 million English learners, China shows no signs that it will relinquish its title as the top job market for English teachers any time soon.

Salary range

The average monthly salary of foreign teachers in China ranges from 14,000 to 21,000 RMB (USD 2,500-3,400).

Highly experienced teachers who work in prestigious schools can negotiate a salary of 22,000 to 32,000 RMB (USD 3,500-5,000) per month, but this usually requires several years of teaching experience, and the role to be offered in one of China’s major cities.

China Cost of Living 

A family of four estimated monthly costs are 2,023.6$ (14,525.0¥) without rent. A single person estimated monthly costs are 558.6$ (4,009.4¥) without rent. Cost of living in China is, on average, 53.7% lower than in United States. Rent in China is, on average, 70.3% lower than in United States.

4.Thailand

Another favourite country to teach English would be Thailand. The country is one of the most popular destinations for teaching abroad, and it’s no surprise why. With plenty of demand for teachers, opportunities for paid teaching jobs, and a variety of school options, teachers have a ton of freedom to find their own perfect teaching job in Thailand.

Salary Range

As an English teacher, you can expect 30,000 to 45,000 Baht per month (USD 800 to 1,200 per month) for 18 to 25 in-class hours per week. Contracts start from four months upwards depending on your preferences.

Cost of living

Expats can expect to spend between 20,000 – 30,000 THB per month on costs, which is around $600 – $900 USD. This includes rent, groceries, utilities, transportation, and entertainment. Of course, if you live in a more expensive city like Bangkok or Chiang Mai, your costs will be higher.

5.Cambodia

Don’t expect to make a lot of money teaching English as a foreign language in Cambodia. But you can expect to earn enough money in Cambodia to live comfortably and experience the countryside.

A typical first-time English teacher in Cambodia earns the equivalent of $700 to $1,000 per month (2,796,500 – 3,995,000 Cambodian KHR). Due to the low cost of living, many teachers save up to $200-$500 after expenses. Those with prior teaching experience can often save even more.

Cambodia’s low cost of living also makes it an attractive option for digital nomads, retirees looking to stretch their retirement pensions or savings, or budget-conscious travellers.

6.Taiwan

When teaching English in Taiwan public schools, you can expect to make a salary in the range of NT 60,000-70,000 (approximately $2,000-2,400 USD) per month.

You can live in Taiwan, for around $1,080 a month for all expenses on a tight budget or $3,120 a month if you want to live much more luxuriously

7 Vietnam

Along with improving salaries, the diverse range of opportunities in public schools, international schools, and language centers makes Vietnam an increasingly popular destination for teaching English.

The average monthly salary for English teachers in Vietnam ranges between US$1,000 to US$2,300, that is approximately 25 million VND to 55 million VND – depending upon where they teach.