Countries That Pay You To Live There 2023

It is important to appreciate that higher salaries are made available to attract the best teaching candidates. What each country considers best does depend on the country, but there are some common factors regarding qualifications and experience when it comes to securing the top paying jobs. In general you need to be a native English speaker, have a degree, usually in education or a related field, and a minimum of a TEFL certificate (though often higher, such as a Diploma in TESOL). You will often see that a minimum of two years teaching experience is also needed. If you have all the above, you have a good chance of gaining employment in the first five of our top ten below. With some of them, you may be able to gain employment in the other five. Figures taken from a range of teaching...  [Read more]

  This answer really depends on how you define best. You could mean the most money, or compare the salary to the average cost of living, which would be a more realistic and useful figure. We will take the first meaning of the question and look at the top ten highest salary payers worldwide.  [Read more]

  Salaries in Cambodia are modest in comparison with China, South Korea, and Japan, however, a low cost of living means it is possible to live comfortably on a teacher's pay. Salaries vary but an inexperienced teacher can reasonably expect to earn around $1,000 to $1,200 USD per month.  [Read more]

It is a common misconception that teaching English abroad requires a large amount of money up front before you even start earning. While you will need to cover the cost of your TEFL certification and get yourself to the destination you have chosen to work in, you should soon start earning enough to get those outlays back quickly. However, in some destinations the cost of living is so high that it can seem like you are constantly hemorrhaging money. So where can you teach English and live well on just a small budget? Here we look at some of the cheapest destinations for teaching English abroad. Thailand makes an appearance on many lists of the best places to teach English abroad for various reasons and one is its relatively low cost of living. Although the average salary for English...  [Read more]

In recent years, Jordan has definitely joined the list of countries that are good places for teaching in the Middle East. It has one of the most progressive school systems in the region and is on target to become a fully bilingual country in the not so distant future. As almost one third of the population is under 15, there is a particularly strong demand for teachers who are qualified and experienced in teaching young learners. As well as plenty of jobs, Jordan offers stunning landscapes, vibrant cities, and a warm welcome from the local population. Although it is not yet competing with top destinations in the region such as the UAE and Saudi Arabia in terms of salaries, Jordan’s lower cost of living means that your pay will stretch much further. Monthly salaries in a standard tutoring...  [Read more]

Formerly one of Europe’s leading centers of education and culture, Leipzig today is still a leading light of music and culture in Germany. The city’s long and fascinating history can be witnessed in its architecture and the many museums that are to be found in Leipzig and it is easy to see why Goethe once said that Leipzig was “A little Paris that educates its people” as you enjoy the café culture in the arcades surrounding the city center. Johann Sebastian Bach worked in Leipzig for several years in the 18th century and the city is home to the Bach-Archiv Leipzig, an institution that documents the life of Bach and his family. Classical music remains an important part of the life of the city and the Oper Leipzig is one of the most famous opera houses in Germany and the third...  [Read more]

Asia and Latin America are two of the most popular regions for teaching English abroad. Both have a strong demand for English language instruction, and there are always plenty of employers ready to take on experienced and newly qualified teachers in a wide variety of countries. If you are undecided on which destination would suit you best, take a look at the following points as they might help you to make an informed choice. In general, most people who head to Latin America will find that they can live comfortably on their earnings, but are unlikely to save much (if anything at all) of their monthly salary. Paying rent and other bills, socializing, and exploring the region should be affordable for most, but if you have debts to pay off or need to save to fund further travel, it may not...  [Read more]

Although the average salary for EFL teachers in Southeast Asia is significantly less than that of some other countries across the continent, the region still draws a large number of teachers to countries such as Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam. While you might struggle to save a great deal of your earnings during your stay, you should still be able to live comfortably in your country of choice. Although the country's famously laid-back lifestyle attracts large numbers of foreign teachers, the average salary is generally less attractive when compared to other countries in the region. Teachers without experience can expect to earn around $1,000 per month, which should be enough to cover general living expenses, but is unlikely to leave much in the way of savings. Teachers with a high...  [Read more]

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. 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...  [Read more]

Thailand has been a very popular destination for teaching English abroad for many years, and its' popularity is unlikely to fade in the foreseeable future. A large number of teaching positions can always be found in the bustling capital Bangkok, while other popular spots such as the northern city of Chiang Mai, the tropical island of Phuket, and the colorful resort of Pattaya also have a significant demand for foreign teachers. Whether you are a first time teacher looking for valuable classroom experience, or highly qualified and looking for a slower pace of life, Thailand could be the right choice for you. Although the country's famously laid-back lifestyle attracts large numbers of foreign teachers, the average salary is generally less attractive when compared to other countries in...  [Read more]

When picking a destination for teaching English in 2022/23 you will have plenty of options to choose from. Some people will choose a location that offers the highest salaries, while others will make their decision based on cultural reasons or even where you can find the best social life. And of course, in the current climate teaching English online is more popular than ever as you do not even need to leave home. Every option has its pluses and minuses, so take a look at this brief rundown on all the most popular choices. Asia is without doubt the top region for teaching English abroad in terms of job numbers. The continent is absolutely huge and home to a wide diversity of great teaching locations. You will find many exciting cities such as Tokyo, Seoul, Shanghai, Hong Kong, and Bangkok,...  [Read more]

Teaching English as a foreign language (TEFL), also known as teaching English to speakers of other languages (TESOL), is a rewarding profession that needs commitment and love. Luckily, you also won't have to sacrifice a good salary! We are sure you are curious about what type of teachers earn the most when teaching abroad, so let's have a look. The simple answer is your potential salary often depends on three main factors: your qualifications, the country you teach in, and the type of school you work for. The fact is, TEFL and TESOL certified teachers earn higher salaries compared to teachers without a certificate. Saudi Arabia, Japan, and the United Arab Emirates are among the top-paying countries in the world to teach English, with salaries ranging from $2,000 to $4,000 USD a month....  [Read more]

Although financial gain is not the biggest driving force for most people heading overseas to work as an ESL teacher, being able to live comfortably and to enjoy as many new experiences as possible without money worries is usually a high priority. To give yourself the best opportunity to earn a good salary and the chance to save enough to pay off debts or to fund further travel and adventure, there are a few things you can do prior to departure and once you arrive in your country of choice. When it comes to salaries and earning potential, one of the most important things you can do prior to departure is to complete an internationally recognized TEFL certification course. TEFL certification is increasingly expected by employers in many of the most popular countries, particularly those...  [Read more]

Due to a government backed scheme to improve English language proficiency across the country, Vietnam has seen a boom in ESL teaching jobs in recent years. As well as having plenty of teaching positions, Vietnam also offers a great mix of cosmopolitan cities, laidback beach resorts, and lush tropical countryside. The relaxed way of life is another reason why an increasing number of teachers are deciding to move here, particularly those who are used to working in other Asian countries with a more strict approach to life and work such as South Korea, China, and Japan. With so much in its favour it is no surprise that Vietnam is currently one of the fastest growing destinations in the world for teaching English abroad. The average salary for ESL teachers in Vietnam is around $1,000 USD...  [Read more]

As it is one of the most visited countries in the world, Spain has a huge tourism industry that has a continually high demand for English language teachers. There are hundreds of privately run language schools located across the country that hire year-round, as well as government sponsored programs that place teachers into the public school system. The majority of positions can be found in large cities such as Madrid, Barcelona, and Valencia, although opportunities can be found in virtually every city, town, and beach resort in the country. The amount you can earn will vary considerably depending on your previous classroom experience, level of qualifications, the location you choose, and the type of employer. Salaries start at around ?700 per month, rising to ?1,800 for higher end...  [Read more]

There are many different reasons why people choose to teach English abroad and the chance to earn good money is certainly one of them. How much you can realistically expect to earn is largely dependent on where in the world you choose to teach. The highest salaries are generally found in the Middle East and East Asia regions where teachers can typically live well and still save a considerable sum each month. In Europe and Latin America it is harder to save money, but you should still earn enough to live comfortably. Although the country's famously laid-back lifestyle attracts large numbers of foreign teachers, the average salary is generally less attractive when compared to other countries in the region. Teachers without experience can expect to earn around $1,000 per month, which...  [Read more]

The Czech Republic is probably the favorite Eastern European country in which to teach English. TEFL jobs in the Czech Republic are quite easy to find, and the pay rates, though not high compared to TEFL jobs in some Asian or Middle Eastern countries, still offer the means for a quite comfortable lifestyle. If you have a well recognized TEFL certificate, you should not have difficulty securing a position in the Czech Republic. TEFL jobs are available throughout the year in the Czech Republic. This is particularly the case in Prague. Language schools in this country prefer to see you in person before offering you a job. Although its true that many schools do post their jobs on TEFL websites and other places on the internet, it’s best to show up in person, up-to-date resume in hand and...  [Read more]

For each of five countries in each region we will consider factors such as a general statement of opportunity in the region, monthly salary in US$ equivalent and finally a typical current job posting from the region. It is important to view salaries in the context of a typical citizen’s average income. What may appear to be a low salary may in fact put you in a high income bracket (and vice-versa!) All figures were correct at the time of writing but are subject to change. There is a vast range of opportunity from high income first world countries like Japan and South Korea, to less-developed countries throughout the region. Salaries and conditions therefore vary due to those constraints. 11 schools available across Thailand (kindergarten, primary and high school level) You will teach...  [Read more]

Many TEFL qualified teachers head to Latin America as it is a region that promises endless opportunities for adventure. Teaching jobs are abundant in many areas and there are rarely any restrictions on who is eligible to apply. Whether you are a native English speaker or not, and whether you hold a degree are often irrelevant in many countries. Several countries also have clear structures in place for obtaining an official work permit, while salaries are typically high enough to afford a comfortable lifestyle. Unlike some other popular regions for foreign teachers, there is generally no requirement for teachers in Latin America to possess a college degree or to have extensive experience in the classroom. However, most employers will expect their teachers to have completed a reputable...  [Read more]

Many TEFL qualified teachers head overseas to look for excitement, adventure, new experiences, and to simply get away from the daily grind, but not all are aware of the potential to earn a very good living whilst doing so. In some parts of the world teachers can earn more than enough to live a high quality of life and also afford to put aside a considerable sum each month to pay off student debts or to save for future travel etc. As demand for qualified teachers continues to grow in many areas, so do the potential salaries on offer. When looking for a teaching job, it is always advisable to weigh up the salary on offer in comparison with the local cost of living as this can vary considerably from one country to the next. A monthly salary of $1000 in Bolivia would allow you to live a...  [Read more]

Every year thousands of people from all over the world head to Latin America in search of fun and adventure while teaching English abroad. From Mexico in the north, to Argentina in the south, there are a wide variety of opportunities available in a diverse range of countries. By following a few simple tips and completing plenty of your own research, you should have little trouble securing a job that allows you to enjoy all that this fantastic region has to offer. Unlike some other popular regions for foreign teachers, there is generally no requirement for teachers in Latin America to possess a college degree or to have extensive experience in the classroom. However, most employers will expect their teachers to have completed a reputable TEFL/TESOL training course. Although an online...  [Read more]

The Middle East continues to be one of the most popular regions for English language teachers as there are plenty of jobs on offer and the potential salaries are among the highest you will find anywhere in the world. Extra benefits such as paid airfares and free accommodation are also the norm in most cases. However, as the rewards are so good, the requirements and competition for each job is generally very high. There are a wide variety of employment options throughout the country, all of which offer very competitive salaries. Monthly rates start in the region of 9,000 AED (currently $2,500), and rise to over 20,000 AED ($5,500) for those with high levels of qualifications and classroom experience. In addition, most teaching jobs will also include a benefit package that typically...  [Read more]

Volunteer English teaching is a very popular option with many people. It can take many forms and can be undertaken in a wide range of countries worldwide. Here we look at a few questions that might help you to answer the question: Where are the best places to teach English as a volunteer? There are numerous reasons why volunteer teaching is a good idea. Here we will outline a few of the most common: a) To find out about the country: There can be no better way to learn about a country than by being there. b) To experience the culture: As above you need to be immersed in the culture if you hope to understand it. c) To experience the job of teaching: Volunteer teaching is a great way to find out what the job entails. d) No contract: You can enjoy all the benefits above without the need to...  [Read more]

How much you can expect to earn teaching English in Latin America will vary depending on the country you choose, your specific location within that country, and the individual employer. However, teachers typically earn enough to live a comfortable, middle class lifestyle. You can expect your income to cover all your daily expenses and have enough to enjoy a good social life, although you are unlikely to be able to save much during your stay. As is the case in much of Latin America, teachers generally don't come to Costa Rica purely to make money. The average salary is considerably less than you will find in other more lucrative regions such as Asia and the Middle East, at around $600 to $1,000 per month. Your earning potential will increase considerably if you have a degree, TEFL...  [Read more]

Acronyms are widely used within the English language teaching world and EFL is one of the most common. English as a Foreign Language is typically used to describe any scenario where English is being taught or learned in a country where English is not the main language. In this situation most students are learning English as part of their school studies, in order to travel overseas, or as a hobby, and they rarely get to use it outside of their lessons. An example of EFL would be an American teaching English to Italians in Rome. While EFL stands for English as a Foreign Language, ESL stands for English as a Second Language. In practice these two acronyms are regularly used interchangeably when talking about English teaching, however, there is a genuine difference between the two that you...  [Read more]

The good news is that you do not need a degree to teach English online in many situations. We will expand on this throughout this article. The general qualification required to teach ESL either in person or online is a 120-hour TEFL or TESOL certification. This is seen as the entry level qualification and is usually required by most employers. Other qualities they will be looking for include, in no particular order: (i) Experience: Any formal teaching experience is highly regarded by employers. This may be just a few hours from your TEFL training with real classes, or volunteering at a summer school for example. The more your experience matches the type of teacher they are looking for (such as children or adult teaching) the better. Make sure your C.V or resume indicates all teaching...  [Read more]

The bottom line is that teaching English abroad is just a job like any other. If you are unhappy with your employer or things simply aren't going as you had hoped, you are free to quit and return home or look for another job at any time. Of the tens of thousands of ESL teachers working in countries all over the world, the vast majority do see out the length of their contract. However, there are always going to be some teachers who decide that the best course of action is to terminate their contract early. Whether it's due to an emergency at home, problems with work colleagues or poor working conditions, if you feel you have to leave you are perfectly at liberty to do so. For teachers who are employed on an hourly contract there should be few consequences to worry about. This would...  [Read more]

  Ecuador has seen a significant increase in demand for ESL teachers in recent years. Pay rates may be as low as US$5 per hour, but with a very low cost of living an average monthly salary of $500 to $1,000 should be enough to live comfortably.  [Read more]

Although countries such as the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Qatar often hog the limelight when it comes to teaching English in the Middle East, Oman is another that you should certainly consider. With thousands of kilometers of pristine coastline, a wide expanse of desert and mountain ranges to explore, and a more laid-back atmosphere than many of its neighbors, there is much to recommend about Oman. The people are warm and friendly and there are plenty of well paid jobs waiting to be filled. If you are a fully qualified teacher working in a local school you can expect to earn around $2,000 to $3,000 USD per month, tax-free. TEFL qualified teachers generally start on around $1,000 to $2,000 per month depending on the employer and your level of experience. Many jobs in Oman also include free...  [Read more]

Teaching English abroad has become a popular and lucrative job for many English speakers around the world in recent years. This is mainly due to the increase in demand for the English language in many countries, which has resulted in increasing competition for teaching salaries. When looking for a teaching job abroad it is always a good idea to compare the salary on offer with the local cost of living, which can vary greatly from one country to the next. A monthly salary of US $1,000 would allow you to live a very comfortable lifestyle in Costa Rica, whereas the same salary in a city like Paris would most likely not be enough to provide all of the comforts you desire. Other contract benefits such as free housing, health insurance, paid vacations, and airfare reimbursement can all add up to...  [Read more]