Editor’s note: This article is part of our Meaningful Travel Forecast series and official travel report for 2019. From South America to Europe to Asia, the top places to teach English abroad on the list span three continents. Whether you’re looking to teach English abroad to take a gap year from school, start a new career—or take a break from one—the opportunities are endless. Teaching English abroad is a rewarding way to work with people from all ages and backgrounds, make a difference in the lives of others, and gain transferable skills for the rest of your life.
There’s never been a better time to teach English abroad than in 2019. You’ll pick up skills in a new language, make new connections, and experience travel adventures. Looking to save money? Make money? Spend all of your money on adventures? Heck yes! But where should you go? Is one place “better” than another? Should you look for jobs based on regions and projected earnings or somewhere that you’re dying to explore?
These are the kinds of questions we asked our community of meaningful travelers, program administrators, and international education experts. And now, we’re excited to share our findings! Read on to learn our collective predictions for the 10 best places to teach English abroad in 2019.
The top countries to teach English abroad in 2019
1. Spain
Dance the flamenco in Seville, marvel at cathedrals in Madrid, or visit the whimsical Park Güell in Barcelona while teaching English in Spain! Spain is one of the best countries to teach English in Europe and offers tutoring opportunities, language camp positions, study abroad while teaching programs, homestay placements, public school language assistants, certification programs and more. Most positions require a bachelor’s degree, native-English speaking abilities, and possibly previous teaching experience and some type of certification.
There’s a lot of competition for higher paying jobs (it is one of the best places to teach English abroad after all!). The more education and experience you bring to the table, the better. But, for those keen to get started, relax because tutoring and certification programs require less. The salaries vary from $800 to $2,000 a month depending on the type of program and position, but the cost of living in Spain is relatively low compared to other western European countries. Spaniards love to socialize and dance, and you’ll have plenty of chances to practice your Spanish among them over tasty tapas and dance lessons while teaching abroad in Spain!
- GoAbroad’s program pick: International TEFL Academy
- Traveler’s program pick: Instituto Franklin
2. South Korea
The demand for English teachers in South Korea is growing as fast as its economy. From the metropolis in Seoul to the sparkling coastlines of Busan, you can choose what kind of setting suits you with plenty of transportation options for weekend trips. Many programs offer instructors free flights, free or affordable accommodation, vacations, health coverage, and nearly $1,800 to $3,000 a month. With high salary and free/low cost rent, South Korea is one of the best countries to teach English and save money.
Most teaching positions only require that you’re an English native speaker, and the positions are usually in public state schools or private academies. However, more competitive positions will require experience and a bachelor’s degree, but certification programs will help you get a head start and find you a position afterwards. Learn to make spicy rice cakes, practice Korean among friendly locals, and visit the palaces and gardens while teaching in South Korea!
- Traveler’s program pick: Korean Horizons
3. Japan
The blend of traditional temples and modern skyscrapers gives the Land of the Rising Sun a unique cultural blend of East meets West. As a country with strong global ties in the business world, teaching opportunities in Japan are prevalent but competitive with full room and board options available. Student ages range from preschool to senior citizens, and most positions are in middle or high schools and private language schools.
Tutoring is also another popular option for those looking to have flexible schedules. Salaries vary based on position and previous experience, but earning around $2,200 a month is possible and makes Japan one of the best places to teach English abroad and make money. Certification programs will help you get the ball rolling to teach English in Japan for those who lack experience. Learn to roll sushi, practice your Japanese skills, and enjoy the beauty of the cherry trees while teaching English in Japan!
- Traveler’s program pick: Interac
4. China
The variety in teaching programs available in China are about as vast as the country itself. The people of China yearn to know English to expand business opportunities, study internationally, and become more marketable. From business classes in universities to au pairs to public schools to public language institutions to private tutoring, you can find a program that meets your flexibility and background.
Most programs offer free flights, free housing, and no program fees, and with a salary between $1,000 to $2,500 a month, China is among one of the best countries to teach English and save money. With all the available options, make sure that the program is credible and verifiable to ensure it’s a quality choice. Practice Mandarin among the locals, explore the Great Wall, and chow down on chow mein because you’re in for an amazing dragon ride!
- GoAbroad’s program pick: PremierTEFL
- Traveler’s program pick: Teaching Nomad
I dare to say you have not lived until you’ve been to China. As a country that possibly felt “so far away” or inaccessible a decade or two ago, China is now SO accessible to English teachers abroad, and it will continue in this way.—Rosie Mansfield, Premier TEFL
5. Thailand
Snap photos of Buddhist temples in Bangkok, explore the parks and waterfalls in Chiang Mai, or lie along the coast in Krabi when you teach English abroad in Thailand. The beauty of Thailand with its palaces, elephants, and monuments is unparalleled. With a low cost of living and a $700-$1,000 a month salary, you’ll be dishin out to pad thai to your heart’s delight!
Most teaching positions are available in private or international schools and public schools with young students as your audience, but you could also consider tutoring or volunteer positions. They also offer comfortable accommodations for their teachers. Private schools pay better, but you’ll likely need experience, a certification, and a bachelor’s degree. TEFL certification programs also will also help you get your foot in the door and secure a good position. Why not just thai it out and teach in Thailand?!
- GoAbroad’s program pick: PremierTEFL
- Traveler’s program pick: Greenheart Travel
With the right qualifications—namely native fluency & a TEFL certificate— you can find teaching English jobs abroad, even without a degree, in countless countries across Latin America, Asia, and Europe.—Traveler Lucy Dinu in "Getting Teaching Jobs Abroad Without a Degree"
6. UAE
Whether you’re skiing indoors in Dubai or exploring white-marble domes in Abu Dhabi, you’ll enjoy the range of activities available while teaching English abroad in the United Arab Emirates. The oil industry has created a booming economy for UAE and has warranted English a necessary language for many business deals. With a bachelor’s degree, a certificate, and some experience under your belt, you’re likely to be making a monthly tax-free salary of around $4,000!
UAE is on the list of one of the best countries to teach English and make money, especially when most programs also offer reimbursable flights and free housing. If you don’t have much experience, you can still apply for programs that don’t require it for a smaller salary and then work your way up. Positions are available in a variety of international schools, public schools, and universities. Peer atop the Burj Khalifa, learn some Arabic, enjoy the nightlife, and try some kebab skewers while teaching abroad in the UAE!
- GoAbroad’s program pick: Teach Away
- Traveler’s program pick: Teach Anywhere
7. Italy
Sip on an espresso, muse on the works of DaVinci, and explore the Roman ruins while teaching English abroad in Italy. Italian businesses have several global ties and need English speakers for international deals, and with a high ESL instructor turnover, you’re bound to find something worthwhile. Italy is one of the best countries to teach English in Europe with program options including international schools, language camps, teacher assistants, homestay placements, and private language institutions.
Requirements usually include speaking English natively, a bachelor’s degree, a TEFL certificate or the like, and possibly Italian and previous experience. Salaries vary but can be up to $3,000 a month, and the cost of living is fairly affordable. Certification programs are helpful in getting you the experience you need and finding a worthy teaching position. From the Italian countryside of Udine to the canals of Venice to the mountainous surroundings of Rome, you’ll experience la dolce vita in Italy.
- GoAbroad’s program pick: International TEFL & TESOL Training
- Traveler’s program pick: ACLE
8. Ecuador
Ecuador offers diverse geographic settings for ESL teachers from the living museum of the Galapagos Islands to the laid-back coasts to the Sierra’s volcanoes to the Amazon wildlife. Ecuador attracts teachers with its low cost of living, USD currency, travel opportunities, and Spanish language acquisition opportunities and makes it one of the best places to teach English overseas. The tasty ceviche, encebollado soup and fried plantains are also pluses!
TEFL certification programs, private tutoring, and working in language schools are common paid teaching jobs abroad here, but most programs in Ecuador are on a volunteer basis with modest monthly stipends between $300-$800 a month. Requirements usually involve a bachelor’s degree and being a native English speaker. Short-term teaching stints of a few weeks are available, but long-term programs will offer the most value, and you’ll have more time to learn and practice Spanish. However, as most apartments are affordable with a roommate, you’ll have enough money to pursue other hobbies, such as hiking, surfing, or learning Spanish.
- Traveler’s program pick: English TA in Galapagos with Intercultural Outreach Initiative (IOI)
As an English teacher abroad, you're very much part of a community on a whole range of levels. You're immersed in the culture in a way that no tourism can give.—Pete Davis, ITTT
9. Colombia
As a developing country that keenly recognizes the importance of English in today’s economy, positions for ESL teachers in Colombia are growing every year. Many positions are available in language schools, international schools, public and private schools, and homestay placements. Student ages can range from primary school all the way to adults. Salaries range from $300 to $800, but $500 a month is the most common, and with a low cost of living, you could take some Spanish classes on the side.
Positions usually require you to be a native English speaker and that you have a bachelor’s degree, and some look for Spanish speaking abilities and previous experience. Raft down the River Paez, savor some arepas, and learn the Merengue in your free time! From the stunning colonial architecture in the highlands to the biodiverse wildlife in the Amazon rainforests, your surrounding will provide you with many travel opportunities.
- Traveler’s program pick: Teach ESL Anywhere in the World!
10. Vietnam
The floating villages, endless rice fields, and picturesque temples create an unforgettable scenery in one of the best places to teach English overseas. Envisioning itself as a developing dragon in the Southeastern Asian economy, the need for more ESL teachers has continued to grow. English teachers are usually drawn to Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi for its city offerings, but smaller cities along the beaches and in rural villages are also available.
Private schools, English language centers, international schools, and private tutoring are all common options, but salaries vary for each of them. The salaries range from $800 to over $2,000 depending on your previous experience in teaching and education, but the cost of living is fairly low even in the cities, so you’ll have a chance to travel too. TEFL certification programs will provide participants with the skills and education they need to secure a position in Vietnam as well.
- GoAbroad’s program pick: PremierTEFL
- Traveler’s program pick: TravelBud
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.—Current ESL Teacher Abroad Lauren Kubik in '11 Best Countries to Teach English and Save Money
Next steps to find English teaching jobs abroad
Here are handful of resources to get you started on your very own TEFL journey. 2019 could be YOUR year to travel—and we can help make it happen! Get free program recommendations that match your travel goals, or use MyGoAbroad to bookmark and compare program options with confidence.
Still hungry for more? Bookmark these bad boys:
Teaching Inspiration
- How to Take the Leap & Teach Abroad
- 6 Ways to Become an ESL Teacher
- 15 Things to Know Before Teaching Abroad
Program Selection Advice
- The Best Teaching Jobs Abroad in 2019
- How to Compare & Evaluate Teaching Job Offers
- Short & Sweet Summer Jobs for Teaching Abroad
The Finances of Teaching Abroad
- 11 Best Countries to Teach English and Save Money
- How to Cover Your Teach Abroad Start Up Costs
- The 10 Highest Paid Teaching Jobs Abroad This Year
[Get Matched with 5 Teaching Jobs Abroad for FREE]
Find programs in the best places to teach English overseas this year!
Cheers to starting your journey by reading the top countries to teach English abroad! What’s next? Choose one, future educator! You’ll have the adventure of a lifetime and create everlasting memories while leaving a meaningful impact on the lives of others as an ESL instructor. Whether you’re looking to teach kids or adults, travel to the coasts or the cities, or savor arepas or noodles, a slew of options are out there waiting for you to answer the call of education.
When you choose among GoAbroad’s 10 best places to teach English, you are likewise selecting among flexible options, competitive salary possibilities, language learning opportunities, and highly rated and favorable programs. Whatever you decide, your life will change in ways you never thought possible as a teacher abroad. Most of all, you’ll have a meaningful experience in countries that are well loved with their unique peoples, cultures, and sceneries.