The 8 Best Countries in Asia for Teaching English Abroad
Asia is a premier destination for English teachers due to the ease of travel between countries, good salaries, extra benefits (free flights! free housing!) and the abundance of available jobs. Teaching English overseas provides unlimited opportunities for English speakers from all backgrounds to live, work and travel overseas. Here are the best countries in Asia to teach English as a foreign language in 2018.
Vietnam - The Land of the Ascending Dragon
It's no wonder that Vietnam is currently one of the top locations to teach English abroad. Beautiful landscapes, vibrant cities and a fascinating culture make the country a true gem. The capital Ho Chi Minh City has a vast job market with hundreds of English language schools that hire English teachers year-round.
The low cost of living makes it possible for teachers to live comfortably and also save some hard-earned cash each month ($500+ USD). Employers prefer hiring native English speakers and those with a TEFL/TESOL certification. Check out our Vietnam country guide for more information about life in Vietnam and take a look at our in-class course option in Ho Chi Minh.
Japan - The Land of the Rising Sun
Japan is one of the best places to start out your EFL career. Many teachers work through the government JET program, which has been successfully in place for decades. Japan's alluring culture and amazing natural wonders make it a wonderful place to live and work.
The high salaries and attractive benefits such as end-of-year bonuses, paid airfare and health care make it possible to live a comfortable lifestyle. It is true that the cost of living in Japan has risen in recent years, especially in the big cities, but the country is still an attractive option for teaching overseas. Sign up for our in-class TEFL/TESOL course in Tokyo and check out our Japan country guide.
South Korea - The Land of the Morning Calm
Each year, around 24,000 native English speakers work as English teachers in South Korea. The country is especially popular due to the high teacher salaries allowing you to live a comfortable lifestyle and easily save $1,000 a month or more after expenses. Paid housing, 2-4 weeks paid vacation and great health insurance coverage are waiting for those who decide to work in South Korea.
It is worth noting that currently only those who hold a passport of an English-speaking country are able to work as English teachers in South Korea. Check out our South Korea country guide and sign up for one of our online courses to get an advantage over the competition. We also have a brand-new combined course option with 10 days of training in Seoul!
Thailand - The Land of Smiles
Thailand's exotic culture and diverse landscape make it a popular option for teaching English abroad. Being a major hub for travel in Southeast Asia, anyone eager to explore this part of the world will have a wonderful time living and working in Thailand.
While you might not get rich teaching in Thailand, the salaries are comparably high for the region allowing you to live a comfortable lifestyle. Should you wish to save a few extra dollars a month, many teachers top up their salaries with private tutoring. Sign up for our in-class courses in Bangkok, Phuket or Chiang Mai and check out our Thailand country guide. We also offer our popular combined course option in Phuket and Bangkok.
China - The Land of the Red Dragon
In recent years, one of the best locations to teach English as a foreign language is China. With over 300 million English learners across the nation, the demand for qualified teachers is through the roof. Every year, over 100,000 foreign teachers work in China.
Added to that are the lucrative benefits on offer including free housing, paid airfare and a comparably good salary. The low cost of living lets teachers live a comfortable life while saving a bit of money each month. Check out our China country guide and our four training centers for high-quality in-class training in Beijing, Shanghai, Zhuhai or Chongqing.
Also, read our related article "5 Reasons Why You Should Teach English in China".
Taiwan - The Treasure Island
Taiwan has been one of the more popular destinations for teaching English abroad for several years - and with good reason! This fascinating country in the tropics of East Asia combines rich cultural heritage with high-tech modernity. While the cost of living in Taiwan is higher than in some other parts of Southeast Asia, teachers are still able to save a great deal each month.
Taiwan offers good pay and benefits for TEFL certified English teachers, with a salary between US$2,220 and US$2,730 per month. Check out our Taiwan country guide and sign up for one of our online courses to get an advantage over the competition.
Cambodia - The Land of Peace and Prosperity
Despite its small size, Cambodia is one of the fastest growing EFL markets in the region. Especially for teachers without a degree and those who aren't native English speakers, Cambodia offers bright job opportunities.
The demand for qualified teachers is high throughout the country and salaries are rising. On top of that, the low cost of living ensures a relaxed lifestyle. Get started by taking an in-class TEFL certification course in Siem Reap.
Learn more about living and teaching in Cambodia in our country guide.
Russia - The Land of the Tsars
Another newcomer on the EFL market is Russia. Being the largest country in the world, there are seemingly unlimited opportunities for both native and fluent English speakers. A TEFL certificate is almost always required by schools in Russia.
Moscow and St. Petersburg have the most teaching positions and the highest salaries but the demand for teachers is high all over the country. Get started and take our 4-week in-class TEFL certification course in Moscow, Russia and find out more about living and working in Russia in our country guide.
Hong Kong - The Pearl of the Orient
Since English is an official language in Hong Kong, due to its British colonial past, the demand for qualified teachers is very high. However, employers tend to only hire native English speakers and those with a TEFL certificate.
The salaries and benefit packages in Hong Kong are lucrative with most teachers getting paid airfare and housing near their school. Get started and take our 4-week in-class TEFL certification course in Hong Kong and find out more about living and working in Hong Kong in our country guide.
Singapore - The Lion City
Similar to Hong Kong, one of Singapore's four official languages is also English. On top of that, Singapore is a major epicenter for international trade and the exchange of ideas. However, the cost of living is the most expensive in the region.
This also means that teachers earn a much higher monthly salary than in many other Asian nations, for example a salary of $4,000 a month for experienced teachers is not uncommon. Get started and take our 4-week in-class TEFL certification course in Singapore and find out more about living and working in Singapore in our country guide.
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Asia is a popular region for teaching English as a foreign language due to its fascinating cultures and natural beauty. Being based in Asia will allow you to not only explore the country you have made your new home, but also all the other vibrant nations in this part of the world.
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