The 10 Best Countries to Teach Abroad in 2023

Teaching English abroad is an amazing opportunity to explore the world and to have a life-changing experience overseas. However, the most difficult part about ESL teaching is deciding where in the world to go! There are so many unique countries out there, making the decision about where to go extremely difficult.

The following countries were categorized by what makes them stand out as great options for teaching abroad. While everyone's perfect fit will depend on their goals and interests, we hope to provide insight into what makes each of these destinations unique and appealing. After all, it can be hard to choose with so many opportunities out there.

A note on teaching abroad and Covid-19: Currently, the following countries are open to travel. However, certain nations listed may have requirements for vaccinations and/or masks. For example, masks are still required on public transportation in Spain. Check your destination's COVID restrictions before travel.

• Average monthly salary range: 8,500-25,000 RMB ($1,200 to $3,500)
• Average monthly cost of living: 2,700-7,100 RMB ($380 to $1,000)
• Minimum qualifications: bachelor's degree, native speaker from English-speaking country, TEFL certification, under the age of 60 for men and 55 for women
• Common perks: housing, flights, health insurance

China is by far the most popular destination for ESL teachers. With over a billion citizens, it is clear to see why China has the largest demand for English language education. Teaching English in China likely won’t provide you with a salary equivalent to what you could make at home, however teaching English is a fool-proof way to earn a great wage and still be able to save some money. The cost of living in most cities is quite low compared to countries in the West.

Many teaching jobs in China also offer benefits, such as free accommodation, or paid flights. It's possible to live quite comfortably and still have money left over to travel (when that’s allowed again).

Read more:

• What Salary Will You Earn Teaching English Abroad in China?
• The Ultimate Guide to Teaching English in China

China is an amazing place to live and work as an expat. There are endless facets of Chinese culture to explore and experience as well as a multitude of different regions and cities to travel to. China is truly one of the best places to teach abroad!

• Average salary range: 1.5 mil-6.2 mil KRW ($1,100 to $4,400)
• Average cost of living: 1.4 mil-2 mil KRW ($1,000 to $1,400)
• Minimum qualifications: bachelor's degree, native speaker from English-speaking country, TEFL certificate for public school positions
• Common perks: housing, flights, health insurance, contract completion bonus

South Korea tends to rank high on these sorts of lists and for good reason. Not only is there an incredible demand for foreign English teachers, but the ESL market continues to grow each year in Korea. There are plenty of jobs available - especially now - so it is easier than ever for you to find the ideal teach abroad job.

Having lived in Korea as an English teacher myself, I can assure you it has earned its spot on this list. The typical benefits offered by both public and private school placements make Korea one of the most attractive places to be an English teacher abroad. The benefits in Korea are more comprehensive than most other Asian countries, with accommodation and flights paid for and a severance bonus! It is entirely possible to save the majority of your salary while teaching abroad in Korea.

Read more:

• What Salary Will You Earn Teaching English in South Korea?
• The 7 Best Cities to Teach English in South Korea

However, many expats can find Korea a difficult place to live due to the working culture. Be prepared to work longer hours than you are probably used to in your home country – Korea has the longest working hours of any developed nation!

Despite a less-than-ideal work-life balance, Korea has a lot to offer. Exploring the metropolis of Seoul or hiking through the stunning mountainous regions, or relaxing on the famous beaches in Busan, there is something for every type of English teacher to enjoy.

• Average monthly salary range: 200,000- 600,000 JPY ($1,400 to $4,000)
• Average cost of living: 188,000-315,000 JPY ($1,300 to $2,200)
• Minimum qualifications: bachelor's degree, native or fluent speaker
• Common perks: housing, flights, health insurance, contract completion bonus

Japan has long been one of the most popular countries to teach English abroad. It's a country full of natural beauty, dramatic landscapes, and most notably, its bustling cities. It also has one of the most unique traditional cultures in Asia which attracts many expats and English teachers alike. You’ll never get bored living in Japan, whether you live in the heart of Tokyo or in a rural village in the shadow of Mt. Fuji.

Read more:

• What Salary Will You Earn Teaching Abroad in Japan?
• How to Get a Job Teaching English in Japan

The working culture is similar to China and Korea, but with large expat communities in most major cities it would be easy to adjust to life in Japan. English teachers in Japan enjoy great benefits alongside competitive salaries. Despite the overall high cost of living in Japan, perks like housing and flight reimbursement mean you'll be able to save while maintaining a comfortable lifestyle.

• Average monthly salary range: 28,000,000-52,000,000 VND ($1,200 to $2,200)
• Average monthly cost of living: 21,000,000-33,000,000 VND ($900 to $1,400)
• Minimum requirements: native speaker, bachelor's degree, 120-hour TEFL certificate, under the age of 60
• Common perks: health insurance

Vietnam is well-known for its lush and dramatic landscapes and its generally relaxed culture. In a normal year, Vietnam attracts millions of tourists and expats alike. Vietnam is one of the best places to work as an ESL teacher in the world’s current climate; there is a great work-life balance and you’ll likely be working much less than the typical nine-to-five!

Read more:

• What Salary Will You Earn Teaching Abroad in Vietnam?
• The 4 Best Cities to Teach Abroad in Vietnam

Though many teachers are put off by the lower salaries in Vietnam, and Southeast Asia in general, it is not difficult to live comfortably, save money, and enjoy yourself while teaching abroad.

Teaching English abroad in Vietnam was definitely the best decision I made this year!

• Average monthly salary range: 32,000-94,000 THB ($850 to $2,500)
• Average monthly cost of living: 37,500-75,000 THB ($1,000 to $2,000)
• Minimum qualifications: bachelor's degree, TEFL certification, no age limit but teachers under 60 preferred
• Common perks: housing, health insurance

Thailand is one of the most popular destinations to teach English overseas for many reasons. Normally, millions of tourists would flock to Thailand each year to experience the diverse culture, dramatic landscapes, and a rich culture of food. Recently the Thai government has announced it will open its borders to visitors, which means it is one of the more open countries in Asia at the moment.

Thailand is an attractive location for teaching for a simple reason -- the inexpensive cost of living. Just like in Vietnam, English teachers in Thailand take home a lower salary compared to other countries in Asia, and elsewhere, but the money goes a lot farther!

Read more:

• How Much Can You Earn Teaching English in Thailand?
• 7 Insider Tips for Teaching English in Thailand

Thailand is also well-known for its more relaxed working culture, compared to East Asian countries, which allows you more time to explore your interests outside of English teaching.

• Average monthly salary range: 63,000-76,000 TWD ($2,000 to $2,400)
• Average monthly cost of living: 31,500-50,500 TWD ($1,000 to $1,600)
• Minimum qualifications: bachelor's degree, native speaker from English-speaking country, no age limit but teachers under 60 preferred
• Common perks: housing, flights, health insurance, contract completion bonus

With all Taiwan has been becoming more popular among English teachers over the years. With a similar working culture to that in China, Korea, and Japan - Taiwan can be a bit more difficult to adapt to from a Western mindset, but it can be incredibly rewarding to work as an English teacher in Taiwan.

The country has a relatively low cost of living, so an ESL teacher’s salary can go a long way. Most teaching options will include severance pay, housing, and flights which increases your savings potential - or spending potential.

Read more:

• What Salary Will You Earn Teaching Abroad in Taiwan?
• Teach English in Taipei, Taiwan

When you’re not working you can spend all that extra cash you’ll have saved experiencing the beauty of Taiwan. You can trek through the jungles, relax by the pristine beaches, and summit the mountains of Taiwan all while eating delicious tropical fruits and enjoying local specialties like pineapple cakes.

Taiwan is also popular among expats for being one of the most progressive countries in Asia. The country became the first Asian country to legalize gay marriage just a few years ago!

• Average monthly salary range: 700-1,800 EUR ($690 to $1,770)
• Average monthly cost of living: 810-1,215 EUR ($800 to $1,200)
• Minimum qualifications: bachelor's degree for the teaching assistant program, teaching license for private schools, teaching assistants must be under age 60
• Common perks: health insurance

Spain is by far one of the most popular destinations to teach English in Europe. Compared to the rest of Europe, Spain is notoriously relaxed and boasts a better work-life balance than many other countries in the West, making it ideal for English teachers abroad.

When you’re not teaching you can experience the charm of Spain, with its rich culture, history, and of course, cuisine. An English teacher's salary isn't much in Spain, but I can tell you from experience the cost of living is much lower than in other European countries, which allows your euros to go further! If you’re low on cash you can always get by with free tapas, like those served in Granada!

Read more:

• What Salary Will You Earn Teaching Abroad in Spain?
• The 7 Best Cities for Teaching Abroad in Spain

The Spanish government also encourages North American ESL teachers to live and work in Spain, making it one of the few European countries that doesn't give preferential treatment to British or Irish native English speakers. This makes Spain ideal for those from America or Canada looking to find a teaching job abroad in Europe.

• Average monthly salary range: 800-2,000 EUR ($790 to $1,970)
• Average monthly cost of living: 1,600-2,100 EUR ($1,570-$2,070)
• Minimum qualifications: bachelor's degree, CELTA certification or equivalent
• Common perks: none

I think most people would struggle to find someone who does not have some romantic ideal of France. If you’re a lover of cafes, cheese, wine, or art - or all of the above - France could be right for you! France is an enchanting place to live in its own right but it is also a great place to find a teaching job abroad.

Though it is easier to get an ESL job if you are an EU citizen, it is still possible for citizens of other English-speaking countries to find work in France. For example, Americans between the ages of 20 and 35 can work as teaching assistants through the Teaching Assistant Program in France (TAPIF) program. There are also many programs that not only assist you in finding a job but help you with the often arduous process of obtaining an EU visa.

Read more:

• Teach English in Paris, France
• How to Teach ESL: Differences for Children and Adults

Many teaching programs offer atypical teaching jobs, such as au pair work, which allows people to teach English abroad in some less traditional ways, making it more flexible than other countries and a better fit for those not sold on classroom-based methods of ESL teaching.

• Average salary range: 12,000-20,500 AED ($3,300 to $5,500)
• Average cost of living: 5,000-7,000 AED ($1,350 to $1,900)
• Minimum qualifications: bachelor's degree, TEFL certification, teaching experience, native or fluent speaker
• Common perks: housing, flights, health insurance

The United Arab Emirates has become one of the more desirable ESL teaching destinations in the world and is increasing in popularity every year. The requirements to teach in the U.A.E. are a bit more difficult to meet than in other destinations, but the rewards are undeniably worth it. It may be easier to find jobs with formal qualifications in teaching, but it is not impossible to find jobs if you only have a TEFL certification!

Read more:

• What Salary Will You Earn Teaching Abroad in the U.A.E.?
• Teach English in Abu Dhabi, UAE

With some of the highest ESL salaries in the world and a plethora of benefits, it's no wonder so many expats flock to the U.A.E. to teach English abroad. The cultural differences in the U.A.E. may require an adjustment for many ESL teachers, but it is a truly unique destination to teach English abroad. If you crave an experience off the beaten path the U.A.E. may be the destination for you.

• Average salary range: 375,000-625,000 CRC ($600 to $1,000)
• Average cost of living: 530,000-750,000 CRC ($850 to $1,200)
• Minimum qualifications: TEFL certification, teaching experience preferred, native or fluent speakers preferred
• Common perks: depends on the school

Costa Rica is probably the most popular Central American country for English teacher hopefuls, and for good reason. Despite being small, Costa Rica seems to have it all—surf-friendly beaches, towering volcanoes, and thriving rainforests. It’s no wonder that lots of teachers would want to live and work here!

Read more:

• 8 Insider Tips for Teaching English in Costa Rica
• Teach Abroad in Costa Rica Guide

Paid teaching jobs in Costa Rica are typically in private schools and academies and universities and with private clients. Positions in public elementary and high schools tend to be voluntary. Although the salaries will generally mean you break even, the pace of life and culture in Costa Rica will remind you there is more to life than chasing a paycheck.

Costa Rica is renowned for its beautiful landscapes and you will have no shortage of outdoor activities to get involved with, many of which are free. If you're looking for a place to live a simple and less cluttered life, Costa Rica is the destination for you.

• Average salary range: $16 to $26 an hour
• Minimum qualifications: bachelor's degree, TEFL certification, native speaker from English-speaking country

With the way the world is right now, it may be difficult to find the ideal teaching job abroad. Never fear though, there are plenty of opportunities to teach English online! The majority of ESL companies focusing on providing lessons for children used to be based in China. However, the Chinese government recently cracked down on private tutoring for K-12 students in the country and as a result, many companies have had to shut down or shift their focus to adult students.

Despite this, it is possible to find opportunities in other countries and with a variety of age groups. Until the world is a bit more stable, teaching online may be the best way to dip your toe in the water and see if teaching English abroad is right for you!

Read more:

• The 10 Best Companies for Teaching English Online
• Teaching English Online Salary Expectations - How much can I make?

Teaching English abroad is an amazing experience and I would recommend it to anyone. I recently moved halfway across the world to start a new teaching job in Vietnam, despite the global pandemic, and wouldn't change a thing.

All you need to do now is decide where you want to go to start your teaching abroad journey in 2023!