With a huge number of countries to choose from worldwide, English language teachers will inevitably come across a range of pay and benefits that vary from one region to the next. Over 250,000 native English speakers teach English abroad every year, of which a large percentage will receive an hourly pay rate with little in the way of other benefits. Although most will still have a great deal of fun and be able to live a comfortable lifestyle, teachers who find themselves in certain countries might also find that they receive free accommodation during their stay.
Where am I most likely to get free housing as an English teacher abroad?
Two of the world's biggest markets for teaching English abroad are China and South Korea, both of which routinely provide free housing for foreign teachers. The lucrative markets of the Middle East are another area where housing is almost always included in the benefit package. Employers in countries such as Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Oman, Qatar, Kuwait and Bahrain are well known for providing generous salaries and other extras including airfares and comfortable accommodation. In many cases, schools rent or even own their own housing complexes so you are likely to live close to other foreign teachers.
Who else provides free housing for English teachers abroad?
Another situation where housing is usually part of the teaching contract are government run programs that employ foreign teachers to work in state schools. Participants on the South Korean EPIK Program will generally have their accommodation provided, while the Japanese JET Program provides financial and practical assistance with accommodation in most cases. Teachers who sign-up to work in summer language camps across Asia or Europe can also expect to receive free room and board. Outside of these locations and specific work situations it is less common to be offered financial help with accommodation, however, contract terms do vary from one school to the next so you might find you are offered housing assistance in other circumstances.
