Best Places To Teach English Abroad With A Family In 2025

At first glance, teaching English abroad might seem like a solo pursuit. Or, at least, an adventure for teacher-travellers with very few responsibilities.

But if you have a partner and/or kids, there are options for teaching English abroad with a family – even with your favourite furry friend!

If you’ve never had the chance to teach abroad with a family in tow, don’t worry. You’ve got options. And honestly, it might just make the experience better!

Think about it. You’ll never be lonely, and with a built-in support system, culture shock won’t hit you as hard! 

We know that families come in all shapes and sizes. Some families don’t fit the traditional mould, and that’s okay. What matters is finding a destination that supports your family’s needs. A bit of research will reveal everything you need to know. 

If you’re wondering, how do I move abroad with a family? We’ve got you covered. 

Let us explain why teaching abroad with your family is a great idea while you weigh up the pros and cons. 

Read more: Teach English Abroad: The Essential Guide

Why families choose to teach English abroad

Teaching English abroad with a family is a really good idea. Here’s why:

• Cultural exposure and family bonding: Living abroad offers your family a chance to experience a whole new culture, opening a window to new ways of living. You’ll go through the challenges of adapting to a new culture together, which will open up conversations you’d never have at home and create valuable shared experiences you’ll remember forever.
• Financial benefits and lifestyle upgrades: Many TEFL positions abroad offer competitive salaries, allowing your family the chance to upgrade your lifestyle while you stack up your savings.
• Developing a global perspective: Cultural immersion will help your family build tolerance for differences and broaden their outlook on life, which can shape future relationships and choices. 
• Academic advantages for children in international schools: Plenty of TEFL destinations have bilingual and international schools that help your kids settle in, but also give them opportunities later in life. International schooling exposes them to diverse classmates and globally recognised curricula, while bilingual schools accelerate learning the local language.
• Career flexibility and global perspectives: International experience looks great on a CV when job hunting. It often means adaptability, intercultural skills and possible foreign language proficiency, which could translate into higher earnings.

Read more: Tips To Write A Sensational CV For Getting Hired To Teach English Abroad

Of course, there’s a lot to consider before making the move, especially with children in the mix. Your chosen country must tick more than just a few family-friendly boxes. 

How realistic is the prospect of moving abroad with children? Let’s explore what to consider before you put a pin in that world map.

What to consider before moving abroad with kids

📍Financial planning for families teaching abroad

Travelling solo, as a childless couple, or a couple with kids, all have different budgets. Basically, the more mouths to feed, the quicker those costs add up! 

Make sure your paycheck covers your family’s needs, like rent, transport, food, school fees, travel and entertainment. 

Read more: Start-Up Costs For TEFL Teachers: How Much To Budget For

Look out for:

• Package deals that cover children’s tuition and healthcare for your family.
• Accommodation appropriate for the size of your family. 
• Healthcare insurance (if not included in your package).
• Jobs that accommodate teaching couples in the same school, as it can help save on commute costs. 

Depending on the age of your kids, you may even need to budget or make arrangements for childcare. If both parents teach, that is an enormous help from a financial perspective, but if only one parent teaches, that can mean you don’t need to consider childcare.

Read more: Top Five Countries That Pay The Most To Teach English Abroad

📍Understanding family benefits in different countries

Some countries are more family-friendly than others when it comes to family benefits. 

For example, the United Arab Emirates has a reputation for offering generous teaching packages that often include round-trip airfare for the whole family, family health insurance, housing and tuition allowances or free tuition. On top of all this, tax-free salaries for TEFL teachers are the norm!

Read more: Teach English in the United Arab Emirates: Salaries

Some countries in Eastern Europe and Asia might have limited benefits. For example, jobs in Czechia do not generally come with health insurance, flight re-imbursements or housing allowances. 

📍Schooling options for children overseas

Ideally, when it comes to schooling, many people recommend moving abroad with kids when they are as young as possible. Younger kids can adapt to a new school system faster since they’re not firmly rooted in any one environment just yet. (But, of course, this depends on your child).

The type of school you choose depends a lot on the age of your child(ren). A toddler will have no problem fitting into a new culture and will be understanding the local language probably long before you can even hold a basic conversation. So, a nearby local school could work just fine.

If your kids are a little older (think tweens and teens), you might want to consider international schools where English is the medium of instruction. This allows them to adjust to a new culture without the added stress of navigating language barriers. However, these schools are costly and will require some serious budgeting skills. 

Another option is bilingual schools where both the local language and English are used for teaching. This way, your kids can lean on English while learning the local lingo. But again, bilingual schools can be pricey and extra tuition may be needed to make it work.  

📍Healthcare access and insurance coverage

First things first, you might want to get yourself and your family vaccinated before take off. It’s a good idea to err on the side of caution, especially when travelling to tropical climates, and especially with young children in tow. 

Then, in your new home, health insurance is a must. Adapting to a new climate and new cuisine is bound to result in a few coughs and runny tummies, and sometimes your personal medical supply just won’t cut it. 

If your employer provides health insurance, check the coverage details. Make sure you know exactly what’s covered and that everyone is included. If not, you can always purchase international health insurance.

📍Visa requirements for dependants

Ensure you’re able to secure visas for all members of your family. Just remember, the more family members, the longer the visa application process may take. 

Blended families, divorcees and single moms and dads have a few extra considerations, like getting written legal consent from the other parent to take children out of the country. 

Unmarried couples with children will have a trickier time, as your relationship may not be recognised, which makes getting dependant visas very difficult in parts of Asia, Turkey and the Middle East. 

In practical terms, it could mean that only one parent is recognised as the legal guardian, allowing dependant visas for the child(ren), but the other parent may have to apply for their own visa separately.

Employers will generally help out with visa applications, but be ready to provide authenticated documentation proving your familial relationships.

Read more: What To Expect In A TEFL Contract

📍Balancing work hours with family life

Don’t forget to factor in your working hours. 

Teaching jobs in language academies often require evening or night and weekend shifts. Make sure your schedule allows for spending time with your family. The last thing you need is to be working eight-hour shifts on the weekend when your loved ones are out soaking up the new culture without you!

📍Cultural fit and adjusting as a family

Money matters and bureaucracy are important, but so is the culture you and your family will be exposed to.

Cultural considerations include language barriers, social values and attitudes. 

Non-traditional families may find it harder to adjust if the local culture isn’t a good fit. This can be especially true for LGBTQ+ families, who might encounter less acceptance in more conservative TEFL destinations.

Read more: Cultural Considerations

Another consideration when choosing location is the pace of life. Shanghai’s hustle culture feels worlds apart from the easygoing rhythm of a Thai town.

Rural locations can be affordable and rewarding, but may feel isolating for kids, particularly if they’re an only child hoping to make new friends.

Culture shock affects everyone differently. Some bounce back after a short period of adjustment, but for others, it can become a mental health struggle lasting months, leading to depression and anxiety. 

The psychological effects of moving to another country as a child show how complex this can be. Confusion, anxiety or withdrawal may play a role, but so could empathy, cultural sensitivity and new language skills.

Read more: How To Deal With Culture Shock

Now that we’ve tackled the heavy stuff, it’s time for the fun part: exploring the friendliest destinations abroad for families!

Best places to teach English abroad with a family

We’ve selected five destinations that should be on your shortlist. They have a few things in common, like support for dependants, thriving expat networks and diverse teaching opportunities. These countries are also generally safe for raising children. 

Teaching English in China with kids

China offers a wide range of teaching opportunities, so you’ll definitely be able to find an option that works for you and your family. Major cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen have many international school options to choose from. 

Teaching jobs in China generally come with competitive salaries and benefits like housing or a housing allowance, flight re-imbursement, health insurance, paid holidays and sick leave. You may also receive extras such as contract completion bonuses, free or discounted Mandarin lessons, and even free school lunches. 

Read more: How To Live And Work In China As A Foreigner

On top of that, the expat community is huge, giving you and your family an instant support network.

Of course, teaching in China comes with a few drawbacks. Air pollution can be a real concern, especially in larger cities. 

The language barrier is another challenge — Mandarin isn’t easy to pick up, and reaching a comfortable level takes time and effort. Housing standards vary widely depending on whether you’re in a Tier 1 city or a smaller town, so your experience may differ depending on where you are placed. 

And while teacher packages are attractive, they’re often less competitive than what you’d find in South Korea or the Middle East.

Why South Korea is family-friendly for TEFL teachers

Teaching in South Korea is an attractive option for families since many contracts include free or subsidised housing, often in furnished apartments, along with flight re-imbursement and enrollment in the national healthcare system. There is also a reliable public transport system and safe communities.

Your spouse and children can join you on an F-3 visa. This gives them access to healthcare, education, and social benefits. Teaching contracts are well-paid, and school allowances are typically included for teachers at international schools. 

Read more: Teach English in South Korea: Salaries

While South Korea is a family-friendly destination in many ways, there are challenges to consider. Education expectations are particularly high, especially at international schools, which can create stress for children adjusting to a new system. 

Teachers working in language academies (hagwons) usually face long, antisocial hours, which can cut into valuable family time and make balancing work and home life more difficult.

Read more: Teach English in Seoul: What Are The Requirements?

Living and teaching in the UAE with a family

The UAE is one of the top-paying TEFL destinations, offering tax-free salaries that allow you to live comfortably while supporting your dependants. Packages often come with family-sized housing or a generous allowance, plus health insurance for the whole household. 

Read more: Teach English in the United Arab Emirates: Salaries

The UAE has been ranked as one of the safest countries in global safety indexes, with a safety index of 84.5, placing it in second position on Numbeo, making it an excellent environment to raise children. 

Many schools cover flights for you and your family, and some even chip in towards school fees. Add in world-class infrastructure, reliable healthcare, and a safe, cosmopolitan lifestyle, and it’s easy to see why the UAE is such a strong choice for teachers with families.

The UAE has sponsorship rules that require teachers to earn quite a high income to be able to bring their spouse and child(ren) over. 

The cost of living is also quite high, so spending must be carefully managed. The country has strict laws regarding dress, public conduct and cultural respect, which can be challenging at first.

Read more: Ways To Work & Live In Dubai As A Foreigner

Portugal as a family-friendly TEFL destination

Portugal is a great pick for families thanks to its affordable cost of living, mild Mediterranean climate, and relaxed, safe and welcoming vibe. 

Healthcare and modern amenities are easy to access, and cities like Lisbon and Porto offer international schools and diverse communities. 

While teacher salaries are modest compared to other destinations, the slower pace of life and generous school holidays mean you get more quality time with your family. If one parent is able, children can be homeschooled, which helps save on school fees. 

Portugal has a strong and supportive homeschooling community, making it a viable option for families seeking flexibility in their children’s education.

Securing a teaching position in Portugal can be challenging for non-EU citizens, as many schools require candidates who can legally live and work in the EU. Salaries are lower than in Asia or the Middle East, and housing can be expensive in cities like Lisbon. 

Work is also limited over the summer when schools are closed. For some, the slower pace of life can be an adjustment, especially if coming from fast-moving cities like Beijing or Dubai. 

Read more: How To Work In Portugal As A Foreigner

Teaching English in Vietnam with dependants

Family is highly valued in Vietnamese culture, making it welcoming for families.

English teachers are in high demand, and with the growing ESL job market, there are plenty of opportunities to find the right fit for you and your family. Large expat communities exist in major cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City that can offer support and advice. 

Vietnam’s low cost of living, warm climate, safe environment with relatively low crime rates, and access to international schools add to its appeal. 

Competitive salaries and great work-life balance allow space for family time, which sweetens the deal. 

Read more: What Is The Cost Of Living In Vietnam? We Asked Our Teachers

Vietnam’s natural beauty, travel opportunities and rich cultural heritage make it endlessly fascinating for you and your family.

Apart from the obvious language barrier, the public health care system is not the best and can be expensive. Vietnam requires a big cultural adjustment, which can be challenging for kids. Also, the tropical climate may not be comfortable for young children. 

Read more:  The Best Cities To Teach English In Vietnam

Ready to pack your bags? Is teaching English abroad with a family right for you?

The “best” country isn’t the same for every family. Taking every family member’s needs into consideration is key to a successful experience abroad. 

If your child has allergies, for example, Beijing would not be a great choice. 

Similarly, if lengthy commutes stress you out, a coastal city like Da Nang in Vietnam can shorten travel times, plus you get to spend time outdoors with your loved ones. 

Once you find the right balance, you can take the next step toward making your family’s TEFL adventure abroad a reality.