So you need to pay off some debt and want to save for retirement. You just need to know where it is possible to teach and save moola as it is not possible everywhere. Do a bit of research and find the best countries to teach English and save money. While some countries allow you to save over $1,000 per month, other countries will slowly eat your wallet and force you to ask your parents for a loan.
So where are some of these places to teach English abroad that are affordable and allow you to save? Take into consideration not only the salary, but other perks such as flight reimbursements, housing stipends, health care, and free lunches. These little bonuses will allow you to save more of your teach abroad salary. Keep in mind that many start up costs to move and teach abroad are around $1,000 or more. It’s good to have a bit of cushion before you set off onto your English teaching adventure. But don’t worry! You’ll make up that money soon enough in these cheap places abroad to teach.
11 most affordable countries to teach English abroad
It’s not always easy to know where to teach. Here are some of of the best countries to teach English and save money.
Truly, the best job markets for teaching abroad are in Asia. It’s also a great destination for new teachers who want to gain experience or for those looking to live outside of their western comfort zone. Here are some of Asia’s most affordable countries to teach English abroad. Here are the best countries to teach English and save money in Asia and beyond!
11. Czech Republic
Plop right into Central Europe to have easy access to the east and the west. Jobs in Western Europe are typically harder to come by and jobs in Eastern Europe don’t pay much. You will find that the Czech Republic is a bit more realistic if you are wanting to save bits of your ESL teach abroad salary. Although you may think that the pay is a bit low right off the bat, a degree and a TEFL will allow your base salary to start at a higher wage. Also, if you want to do private tutoring, you can make more money outside of your day job and easily boost your wage. In your down time, you can find yourself discovering castles and natural beauty throughout the country.
- Estimated salary: ~$1,000 - $1,500 per month
- Estimated cost of living: $550 - $1,000 (You can save up to $500 per month!)
- Recommended program: CIEE
- See ALL teaching jobs in Czech Republic
10. Indonesia
If you want to challenge yourself to an island hopping competition, seek out Indonesia to teach abroad. With 13,000 islands that bring this country together, you will have plenty of time to find your favorite beaches, snorkel, relax, and practice your photography skills. There are 300 ethnic groups that make up this country giving you plenty of diversity and culture to learn about. The environment for teachers is quite relaxed and the salary allows you to live very comfortably. You’ve got hiking, beaches, and Bali just to name a few highlights to teaching abroad in Indonesia.
- Estimated salary: ~$1,000 - $1,500 per month
- Estimated cost of living: $500 - $900 (You can save $500 - $1,000 per month!)
- Recommended program: EF English First
- See ALL teaching jobs in Indonesia
9. Turkey
Turkey has a low cost of living that makes it really easy to save. The culture alone is worth exploring. Being able to live on the cusp or Europe and the Middle East where so much history has occurred is worth seeing in person. You can see the architecture of the mosques, sip delicious coffee, and eat some Turkish treats while teaching abroad. Teaching abroad in Turkey is high up on the teach abroad radar, so if you are truly seeking a unique experience smack dab in the midst this unique country, apply year round to teach abroad in Turkey.
- Estimated salary: ~$1,000 - $1,800 per month
- Estimated cost of living: $800 - $1,250 (You can save $300 - $1,000 per month!)
- Recommended program: International TEFL Academy
- See ALL teaching jobs in Turkey
8. Vietnam
Vietnam is filled with beaches, islands, and beautiful rolling hills full of rice paddies. You can eat banh mi sandwiches for under $1 and wash them down with a bowl of pho for another $2. Vietnam is always accepting new ESL teacher applicants year round. And although many parts of Asia are a bit obsessed with instant coffee, you won’t have to worry about that while teaching in Vietnam as they have some of the best coffee in the world.
- Estimated salary: ~Up to $1,700 per month
- Estimated cost of living: $650 - $900 (You can save $800 - $1,000 per month!)
- Recommended program: TravelBud
- See ALL teaching jobs in Vietnam
7. South Korea
South Korea is a strong middle player on our list of the best countries to teach English and save money. It has the perks of being modern, delish, bright, and lively with the ability to stash away loads. It’s one of the most popular places to teach English abroad. This small peninsula is a great spot for ESL teachers to save because you get free rent while living in a modern country without ridiculous prices. Korean ESL teacher contracts have many perks for someone who is strapped for cash. However, as easy as it is to save money in the ROK, it’s easy to spend it by having a bit too much fun. Korea typically hires year round with peak hiring seasons in February and August.
- Estimated salary: ~$2,000 per month
- Estimated cost of living: $650 - $950 (You can save $1,000 - $1,300 per month!)
- Recommended program: EPIK
- See ALL teaching jobs in South Korea
6. China
China, with the world’s highest population, needs English teachers. China has one of the best job markets for teaching English abroad. With global businesses, international, schools, desire to learn, and money to do it, China is seeking native speakers to teach English. Over 160 cities have a population of over a million! The job market needs you. Even if you’re feeling the rural life, that’s doable in China. Teacher salaries make it really easy to save and explore one of the world’s greatest countries. From one on one tutoring, online teaching, higher education, international schools, and language centers, there are loads of options for teachers and hiring happens year round. Forget your go-to Chinese take out in front of the TV and go eat the real food.
- Estimated salary: ~$1,500 - $2,800 per month
- Estimated cost of living: $650 - $1,100 (You can save $500 - $1,500 per month!)
- Recommended program: EF English First
- See ALL teaching jobs in China
5. Malaysia
Malaysia offers high paying teach abroad jobs, but they aren’t as easy to snag as other countries. Many people bring their degree and TEFL certificate overseas and knock on school doors upon arrival to seek employment. Some popular cities to teach in are Kuala Lumpur and Penang. In your downtime you can easily get all over the country—or neighboring countries—to explore. If you’re a design enthusiast, you’ll be in awe with the diverse cultural influence from British colonialism, Islamic mosques, and the various Chinatowns around Malaysia. You can also explore tons of nature and bright green tea plantations.
- Estimated salary: ~$1,200 - $2,300 per month
- Estimated cost of living: $600 - $1,200 (You can save $600 - $1,500 per month!)
- Recommended program: Teach Away
- See ALL teaching jobs in Malaysia
4. Taiwan
If you want a bit of Chinese cultural influence, a bit of island life, a bit of chill, and a bit of money, head to Taiwan to teach abroad. This island of 22,000 square miles is great if you want to have a combination of city, nature, and beach life. The best part is that it’s affordable! Taiwan schools usually allow you to work overtime which can boost your paycheck. Taiwan is a gem for English teachers because it’s still not “as popular” as other destinations in Asia/SE Asia, so you won’t be completely swarmed by tourist crowds. You’ll fall in love with the people, weather, and some of the best street food in Asia.
- Estimated salary: ~$2,400 per month
- Estimated cost of living: $500 - $1,500 (You can save $1,000 - $2,000 per month!)
- Recommended program: Teach Away
- See ALL teaching jobs in Taiwan
3. Kazakhstan
Get off the beaten path and head to Kazakhstan to teach abroad. If you are a certified teacher, you can get a very good job with a high salary and tons of perks. That’s where the higher wages are. As for ESL teachers, there are still jobs that will pay you well and allow you to save a few hundred per month. Because of the wide range of salary potential in Kazakhstan, make sure to do proper research ahead of time so that you don’t just rock up expecting to make loads. The best part of teaching here is that it’s still not high on places to go to for teaching abroad and can really help you step out of your comfort zone and not follow the teacher tourist crowds.
- Estimated salary: ~$1,000 - $5,000 per month
- Estimated cost of living: $400 - $1,000 (You can save $300 - $4,000 per month!)
- Recommended program: Teach Away
- See ALL teaching jobs in Kazakhstan
2. Oman
O-man, you’ll make a lot. Oman is a destination that is perfect if you want to really save some money and experience a bit of the Middle East. International teachers are in high demand and you will be able to make your bank account smile. Peak hiring season happens from May - August. Usually you need to have a bit of experience. Oman is still newer on the teach abroad radar, but they continue to expand and seek out teachers. You can explore the unique mosques, beaches, and the little paradise of the Wadi Bani Khalid. Make sure to read up on cultural norms as they are more conservative than what you may be used to in a western country.
- Estimated salary: ~$2,000 - $3,500 per month
- Estimated cost of living: $800 - $1,500 (You can save $1,000 - $2,500 per month!)
- Recommended program: Teaching Nomad
- See ALL teaching jobs in Oman
1. Saudi Arabia
If you’re ready to commit to a longer contract and rake in the dough, Saudi Arabia is calling your name. It's the top of our list of best countries to teach English and save money. Although salaries are higher than many countries around the world, Saudis typically require contracts longer than a year. However, if you think you can get rid of your student loans while actually enjoying your life in just a couple of years, this is your place! Keep in mind, as much as they need teachers, they also regularly require a degree, TEFL, and some past experience. It’s a perfect destination to learn Arabic, immerse yourself in Muslim culture, and go on a booze cleanse. But is it safe?! Yes, of course. As any place you decide to go and live abroad, be cautious of the basics like petty theft and pay attention to gender norms. But Saudi Arabia is no less safe than many go to ESL places around the world.
- Estimated salary: ~$2,500 - $4,000 per month
- Estimated cost of living: $700 - $1,000 (You can save $1,000 - $3,000 per month!)
- Recommended program: Teaching Nomad
- See ALL teaching jobs in Saudi Arabia
Pay down those debts while teaching abroad!
Before you say “HECK YES” to any of these cheap places abroad, make sure to read up on the requirements and expectations beforehand. You don’t want to book a one way ticket to your dream destination and then find out that you were five credits shy of obtaining your Bachelor’s degree. Many of these countries do require a Bachelor’s degree, a TEFL certificate, and some experience. So just be smart when browsing the best countries to teach English and save money.
Remember, the money you end up saving is up to you. Don’t forget that it’s common to spend more if you make more. If you live in cheap places abroad, it’s easy to justify spending more on things that you may not need. Your lifestyle, no doubt, will change when you move abroad and see all of these exciting new adventures at your fingertips. However, if you want the ability to pay off your debt, save for round-the-world vacations, and even put away money for retirement, these cheap places abroad to teach will please your bank account while also giving you an amazing cultural experience.