Where to teach as ESL/TEFL/TESOL teacher apart from china

Today, we are going to talk about your best options.

Tell me, where do you want to go? Before going through the list, pick a country that you really want to live in or travel to for a long time. Have you picked one?

I am asking you to do this because I don’t want you to choose a country based on the salary and the cost of living. I want you to develop a positive feeling towards a goal — where do I want to be?

Ready? Have you picked one? Scroll down and see the list of the best countries for teaching English abroad! This is arranged in alphabetical order.

1. Brasil
rio-de-janeiro-


Brasil is the biggest country in South America composed of beautiful beaches, rainforests (The Amazon), and a beautiful culture mainly known for football obsession. The biggest carnival in the world is also celebrated in Brasil. The demand for English teachers in the country is booming most especially when they hosted the World Cup 2014 and the upcoming Olympics in 2016.Before the World Cup last year, I did an English training for hostel staff in some HOSTELS IN Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo. Business owners want to be fluent in English as the tourism of the country grows every year.

How much will I earn? The average monthly salary in Brasil is 800 – 1,500 USD.

Cost of Living? Break even. Brasil is onve of the most expensive countries in Brasil.

How about my work visa? Not a big deal.
Most schools are okay with a tourist visa.

When is the best time to apply? Peak hiring times are in March and August.

Best cities to work: Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro

2. Chile
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Salt Lake, Atacama Desert, Chile.

Labeled as the second safest country in South America (next to Uruguay), Chile is a great place to teach English because there are enough jobs and the demand for teachers are getting higher. Though the cost of living is very expensive, you might consider it because Chile offers some of the best natural wonders of South America.

How much will I earn? The average monthly salary in Chile is 400 – 1,500 USD.

Cost of Living? 800 – 1,000 USD per month, most likely break even.

How about my work visa? Most Universities will help you with the visa paperwork.

When is the best time to apply? Peak hiring times are in March to July.

Best city to work: Santiago

3. China
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Forbidden City.

Home to 1.3 billion people, China is probably a country that has a biggest demand for English teachers. I myself prefer to live in China because it is a very enchanting destination. I’ve been told that you should live in China at least once in your life and I believe teaching English is the best opportunity to see the country.

How much will I earn? $800-$1,600 USD (free housing), $1,800-$2,500 USD (without housing)

Cost of Living? $300-$400 USD (free housing), $900-$1,300 USD (without housing). With a reasonable budget, you can save loads of MONEY within a year.

How about my work visa? Employer(s) will help you with the visa paperwork.

When is the best time to apply? All year round for TEFL jobs; May to June for schools.

Best city to work: Shanghai, Beijing, Hong Kong, Guangzhou. TEFL jobs in China is basically everywhere!



4. Colombia
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Cartagena de las Indias.

One of my goals in this South American journey is to live in Medellin, Colombia not because of the high pay offered to English teachers but because of the great community of expats and teachers living there. The support system is just amazing! Additionally, Colombia has the best weather in South America (except for Bogota) because it’s almost summer/spring all year round!

How much will I earn? $1,700 USD

Cost of Living? Most likely between $500 – $800 with a reasonable budget.

How about my work visa? Employer(s) will help you with the visa paperwork.

When is the best time to apply? January, November and December

Best cities to work: Medellin and Bogota

5. Costa Rica
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Sunset in San Jose, Costa Rica.

Beaches, mountains, rainforests, sun all year round — who doesn’t want this?! Yes people, Costa Rica is the new English teaching hub. The demand is getting higher because being able to communicate in English in Costa Rica means more $$$ (read: high paying job).

How much will I earn? $1,700 USD

Cost of Living? Breakeven at $600 – $1,000 per month. Costa Rica is one of the most expensive countries in Central America.

How about my work visa? Not usually easy to obtain because it’s very expensive.

When is the best time to apply? All year round for private schools, January to November, most likely.

Best cities to work: San Jose, Central Valley, Cartago and Heredia



6. Czech Republic
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Prague Castle, Czech Republic.

Surprised? I was too! You might think how is that possible with a very small population but Czech Republic is becoming an investment hub in Europe hence the demand of English teachers is rising. If medieval times is your thing, then this country is the best place for you. It’s also easy to obtain a visa here!

How much will I earn? $600 – $1,000 USD

Cost of Living? Breakeven at $600 – $900 per month

How about my work visa? Long-term visa (Visa-D) which will allow you to stay in the country for 6 months.

When is the best time to apply? September or January

Best city to work: Prague



7. Dubai
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Dubai Skyscrapers.

Well, you know, it’s a business hub and the oil capital of the world so yes, the demand for English teachers is very high. The pay is really good, however, you have to have at least 5 years of experience to be able to land a teaching job in Dubai. Basically, pay is based on experience. God, I love Dubai! This city will teach you a lot of things! The thought of living there makes me shiver!

How much will I earn? $3,200 – $5,000 USD (no way!)

Cost of Living? $600 – $1,900 per month (no way, again!)

How about my work visa? Employer(s) will help you with the visa paperwork.

When is the best time to apply? February to June

8. Ecuador
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Quito’s Historic Centre.

The jungle, the mountains and the beaches are one of the reasons that enticed me to work in Ecuador as a primary teacher two years ago. Though the country’s currency is in dollars, you will find everything very cheap! Ecuador is one of the cheapest countries in South America, next to Bolivia.

How much will I earn? $400 – $600 (take note that currency in Ecuador is in USD)

Cost of Living? Breakeven at $400 – $600. You can take private classes too!

How about my work visa? Employers accept tourist visa but it is very important to have a working permit in Ecuador.

When is the best time to apply? February to March and July to August

Best city to work: Quito



9. Japan
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Street view in Shibuya.

Like China, Japan has also a high demand for English teachers in Asia. Japan is a country very rich in culture and the food is A.W.E.S.O.M.E. There is no proper adjective for the beauty of this country. It’s indescribable! Additionally, teaching English in Japan will give you the best credential when moving to another country.

How much will I earn? $3,000 per month

Cost of Living? $1,500 per month. Saving is most likely especially if you live in small cities.

How about my work visa? Employer(s) will help you with the visa paperwork.

When is the best time to apply? January to April

Best cities to work: Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya. TEFL jobs in Japan is basically everywhere!



10. South Korea
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Myeong Dong, South Korea

Personal growth, saving and career building is best achieved in South Korea because of its wonderful opportunities. Like most Asian countries, the demand for English teachers in South Korea is over the top!

How much will I earn? $1,800 – $2,000 USD

Cost of Living? Pretty fair. You will be able to save.

How about my work visa? Employer(s) will help you with the visa paperwork (E-2 visa).

When is the best time to apply? March and September

Best city to work: Seoul, Busan



11. Spain
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Spain Square in Sevilla.

Did you know that Spain is my favourite country in the world? Really. Really. I swear. My life in Barcelona are one of the highlights of my youth! Spain has the highest demand for English teachers in Europe and it is okay if you start here with zero experience. It can be a good training ground!

How much will I earn? $700 – $1,500 USD

Cost of Living? Breakeven at $1,000 – $1,300

How about my work visa? Employer(s) will help you with the visa paperwork.

When is the best time to apply? September and January

Best cities to work: Barcelona, Madrid, Sevilla, Valencia, everywhere!



12. Thailand
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Koh Phi Phi, Thailand.

Ahhh, the land of smiles! Thailand is a tourist hub in Asia and most backpackers who come here found themselves staying to teach English. The cost of living is very cheap and you can live elegantly with the pay here. Well, it still depends on your lifestyle.

How much will I earn? $400 – $1,500 USD

Cost of Living? Very low. Really affordable.

How about my work visa? Employer(s) will help you with the visa paperwork.

When is the best time to apply? September and January

Best cities to work: Bangkok, Phuket



14. Turkey
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Mosque in Istanbul.

If you’re looking for another English teaching trend but with a different cultural feel, Turkey is your best option. Turkey is in between the Middle East and Europe so living here will make your travels really exciting!

How much will I earn? $2,000 – $2,500 USD (with housing allowance)

Cost of Living? $1,700 a month for the big cities.

How about my work visa? Employer(s) will help you with the visa paperwork.

When is the best time to apply? August/September and December/January

Best city to work: Istanbul



15. Vietnam
Halong Bay, Vietnam
Halong Bay, Vietnam

Probably one of the best Asian countries to hone/start your English teaching career. Vietnam is beautiful, laid-back and won’t give you too much stress of living in the city.

How much will I earn? $1,000 – $2,000 USD

Cost of Living? $800 – $1,000 USD depending on lifestyle. Vietnam is fairly cheap.

How about my work visa? Employer(s) will help you with the visa paperwork.

When is the best time to apply? All year round

Best city to work: Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh

In the opening of this article, I asked you to think of a country where you want to live. Was it on the list? If not, what’s your pick after reading and why did you chose that country? It would be really great if you can share your thoughts on the comment box below!