8 Places to teach abroad
You are ready to leave your home country for a while, and your mind is starting to dream. The job market for Teaching abroad has exploded, and you need to decide about your next destination. This is how you can travel the world, save money and emerge in a different culture. Find below * places to teach abroad:
China
Safety – Petty theft is pretty common in tourist hotspots and crowded areas. Be sure to lock your doors when you leave your apartment.
Salary – $1000 – $1900 p/m
Benefits – Housing allowance, airfare, and health insurance
Education needed– Positions available for people with or without a Bachelor’s degree
Experience – None
Cost of living – Relatively low
Drawbacks – Pollution, too many people, limited internet
South Korea
Safety – Although North Korea is just around the corner, it does not effect the safety of South Korean citizens. It is common for school children to walk around, even at night, and it is really rare to see crimes happening. The crime rates are very low.
Salary – $2100 – $2300 p/m
Benefits – Airfare and accommodation provided, one month severance pay, 50% health insurance, tax free for the first 2 years.
Education needed – A TEFL certificate and bachelor’s degree
Experience – None
Cost of Living – Average cost of living
Drawbacks – North Korea is not too far away
Saudi Arabia
Safety – Harsh punishments will be given to those who break the law, and therefore crime is not very common. That said, though, expat women might have trouble living here, as local men might turn to sexual harassments to those whom they believe are not observing conservative standards of conduct.
Salary – $3000 – $6000 p/m
Benefits – Airfare and accommodation provided, hiring bonus, health insurance, tax free income
Education needed – Many job openings do not require teacher certification
Experience – At least 6 months experience recommended
Cost of Living – Comparable to other Middle Eastern countries. You might be able to enjoy a rather luxurious lifestyle, inside your expat compound that is.
Drawbacks – Very strict customs and traditions, very hot weather in the summer. It’s a tough place to live if you are a Western woman.
United Arab Emirates (UAE)
Safety – It is overall considered as a very safe place. Violent crimes are extremely rare, yet petty crimes do take place in crowded areas.
Salary – $2400 – $4000 p/m
Benefits – Airfare and accommodation provided,
Education needed – Be certified to teach in home country
Experience – At least 2 years’ teaching experience at the relevant level and in the relevant subject.
Cost of Living – Tax free, yet still high
Drawbacks – Need to make quite a few Cultural adjustments when in such a Muslim country
Spain
Safety – Criminals are known to approach foreigners. Be extra cautious in urban centers.
Salary – $1000 – $2000
Benefits – No like free airfare and housing
Education needed- Degree and CELTA preferred, not required
Experience – None
Cost of Living – Middle – High
Drawbacks – No airfare, no accommodation
Thailand
Safety – Crime is pretty low compared to other countries, and violent crimes are rare. Be aware of terrorism though.
Salary – $800 – $1000 p/m
Benefits – Can turn to Private tutoring for an extra income
Education needed- Bachelor’s Degree. TESL certification recommended.
Experience – None
Cost of Living – Low – It is cheaper than in other expat destinations around the world.
Drawbacks – No airfare, no accommodation. You won’t get rich by teaching English here.
Japan
Safety – This is currently the safest country in the world. It is safe to walk in the streets, during the day or at night. This is because they have been brought up to honor their country, so people generally take care of each other.
Salary – $2000 – $3000
Benefits – Accommodation / budget provided
Education needed – A Bachelors degree
Experience – Previous teaching experience is not necessary, but recommended
Cost of Living – High
Drawbacks – No airfare, very competitive job market
Vietnam
Safety – Tourists and Westerners are often targeted for petty crimes such as pickpocketing.
Salary – $1000 – $2000
Benefits – Low cost of living
Education needed – A TEFL certificate and bachelor’s degree
Experience – None
Cost of Living – High
Drawbacks – No airfare, no accommodation
- Teaching English in Nowon-gu of Seoul - August 23, 2022
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- Teaching English in Gyeongbuk Province English Camps - August 18, 2022
This is such a cool guide! It is very complete. I actually know someone who will find it super useful.
For Vietnam you listed a low cost of living as a benefit but said high cost of living two levels down…
I think the best place to teach English abroad is South Korea. Teachers get paid really well and teaching experience is rarely required. China is also a great country and jobs pay really well these days.