Which countries pay the most money when teaching English abroad?

Teaching English is one of the most rewarding careers, if not for the salary but for the opportunity for career growth and development, and the satisfaction you get from teaching your students. English teachers abroad are definitely not among the list of millionaires but the salary is quite reasonable. Some countries pay teachers a premium of US$2,000 to US$4,000 per month. Again this depends on the country and region. Keep in mind that high salaries are not always everything: weigh up the local cost of living and benefits packages to determine how much you’ll be able to save during your teaching period abroad. Although some countries and regions still pay very little (like some teaching posts in Thailand or Central America), other countries, particularly teaching jobs in the Middle East and Asia, are compensating English teachers with surprisingly decent wages. The highest-paid ESL jobs can often be found in these parts of the world.

Top 9 Countries for paying the most money for EFL teachers

UAE It’s no surprise that the highest-paid ESL jobs in the world can be found in the UAE with salaries ranging from US$3,500 and US$5,000 a month. Typical requirements include experience in teaching and certification to teach in their home country.  Most teachers go to Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Teachers working in Dubai and Abu Dhabi will find plenty of activities and cultural experiences for their enjoyment.

Japan For teachers in Japan, a TEFL certificate is desirable but not required. Japan is one of the most beautiful places to work in. EFL teachers will enjoy the beautiful scenery, cherry blossoms, festivals and superb food. On top of that,  expect to be paid around US$3,000 per month with other benefits such as flight and accommodation.

Saudi Arabia If you want to teach English in Saudi Arabia, you need to have an ESL certification and a teaching certificate. Although for some positions, you don’t need a certificate, but experience is essential. Salaries range from US$3,000 – US$,4000 per month.

Kuwait There are many international schools in Kuwait. With this, plenty of job opportunities are available for teachers. The city is highly modernised and teachers can earn up to US$2,600 per month. As with all other GCC countries, teachers are required to have a TEFL certificate and experience.

Oman One of the most developed countries in the Arab world is Oman, which has gained a lot of advancements in education in the past few years. As an English teacher in Oman, you will be one of the pioneers. Salaries can reach from US$2,000 to US$3,500 per month, featuring a low cost of living.

Taiwan Salaries in Taiwan are much like South Korea where teachers can earn US$2,000 – US$2,400 per month. The cost of living in Taiwan is lower compared to Korea, which makes saving money easy. You can land a job from teaching in a kindergarten to university, public and private schools. You don’t need a TEFL certificate to teach in Taiwan. You just need a university degree. However, you can have an advantage over other applicants if you have teaching experience.

South Korea South Korea has a similar package offered to English teachers in Japan. This country has fewer tourists than Japan. ESL teachers in South Korea can earn a salary of around US$2,000 per month, and often includes accommodation and airfare. A TEFL certificate and a bachelor’s degree is required to teach English in South Korea.

China China is the largest employer of ESL teachers in the world. The low cost of living and salary range from US$1,500 to US$2,000 per month making it one of the ideal locations for English teachers. An English teacher in China can work for a private company or in a public school. Students hoping to pursue higher education in China can use some English skills.

Vietnam If you don’t have previous teaching experience but hold a bachelor’s degree and TEFL certificate, you can teach English in Vietnam. The country has witnessed huge demand for ESL teachers over the last few years. The salary is not high compared to other countries on the list but the cost of living is cheap. Salaries range from US$1,000 to US$2,000 per month. Teachers will find it very affordable in Vietnam. Remember that the requirements for teaching in different countries are always changing, but with a little bit of luck and research, you can earn both a good salary and an unforgettable life experience.