Teach Abroad Program Search (2024)

Where to teach English abroad

Whether you’re looking to assist a classroom in a small, rural village or gain experience teaching in a bustling city, there are opportunities everywhere!

Not sure where you want to teach? Try asking yourself these questions:

• What kind of life are you looking to live while abroad? Are you looking for a higher paycheck or adventurous destinations to visit in your free time?
• Are you interested in supporting the education systems in underprivileged communities?
• What type of classroom environment do you feel more comfortable teaching in?
• What benefits matter most to you (ex: housing, health insurance, etc) and what are you willing to pay out of pocket for?

You can also start by comparing these popular teaching destinations.

Best for high pay: Japan

Japan is known for its stunning, picture-perfect landscapes, delicious cuisine, efficient and reliable transportation system, and rich history. Plus, ESL teachers are well-regarded in Japan, with teachers in high demand in schools across bustling major cities, as well as charming, rural towns. The good pay and competitive benefits, like free housing, transportation passes, and in some schools, meals, also help make Japan a popular option for teachers.

Best for comprehensive benefits: South Korea

If having your accommodations, flights, and health insurance covered helps give you peace of mind, then teaching English inSouth Korea may be the route to go. South Korea is praised for having great pay on top of comprehensive benefits for teachers. However, it’s important to note that teaching jobs in Korea can be highly competitive and therefore may havestricter requirements, in comparison to other popular teaching destinations.

Best for minimal job requirements: Spain

For teachers looking to live a laid-back lifestyle accompanied with sunny weather and an affordable cost of living, Spain is a great choice. Teachers in Spain can expect to make between $730-$1460 USD a month, depending on the city and job type. Although pay is lower, the job requirements are less strict than other countries, as English teachers in Spain are not required to have a four-year degree.

Types of teaching jobs abroad

There are several different types of jobs available worldwide for teachers, and thoughtful planning can help you find the right one for you.

Take a look at these common types of English teaching jobs abroad:

• Government sponsored programs
• Short-term teaching programs
• Private tutoring
• Volunteer teaching

Whether you choose to help professionals excel in their field with business English classes, assist teachers at a language school, teach K-12 in public or private schools, or become an after-school English tutor, there are plenty of teaching opportunities out there!

Teach abroad salaries

ESL teachers can make $900-$5,500 per month around the world.

ESL teacher salaries can vary greatly, based on location, type of school, local cost of living, and job requirements such as teaching credentials and experience. On top of your salary, part of your compensation will typically include benefits such as flight reimbursem*nts or free housing from the organization.

While some countries pay their teachers more than others, you can count on Asia (the Middle East and East Asia, specifically) to be one of the most popular places to earn a high salary teaching overseas.

Below are some countries with the highest paying ESL teaching salaries and comprehensive benefits.

• The UAE: $3,500 - $5,500 USD
• Japan: $2,200 - $5,000 USD
• South Korea: $1,700 - $2,650 USD
• China: $1,400 - $2,200 USD
• Vietnam: $1,200 - $2,400 USD

Explore the full list: Which Countries Pay the Highest Salaries for Teaching Abroad?

Keep in mind, a high salary shouldn’t be your only deciding factor when choosing where to teach abroad. The country's cost of living and your broader impact on the local community should also be considered!