Top Ten Wealthiest Countries

The simple reason why some countries or schools offer higher salaries is to attract the very best candidates for their vacant positions. What is considered to be the best candidates does vary considerably from one country to the next, but there are a few common factors regarding teaching qualifications and classroom experience that appear when looking at jobs that pay the most. These common factors are: being a native English speaker, with a degree in education or a related field, and a TESOL certificate (although higher qualifications such as a Diploma in TESOL are sometimes needed). A minimum of two years previous teaching experience is also often asked for. If you are lucky enough to tick all the boxes stated above you will be in with a very good chance of securing a top teaching...  [Read more]

Every year thousands of new and experienced teachers head to South Korea to take advantage of the competitive salaries and good working conditions that are routinely on offer. South Korea is also one of the wealthiest countries in Asia with low crime rates and a high-tech infrastructure, making it an attractive place to live and work. How much you are paid while teaching in South Korea will depend on your previous classroom experience and where you choose to work. However, the average monthly salaries for public schools are: First time teachers = 1.8 to 2.0 million KRW ($1,600 to $1,800 USD). Experienced teachers = 2.0 to 2.7 million KRW ($1,800 to $2,400 USD). The average monthly salaries for private schools are: First time teachers = 2.0 to 2.1 million KRW ($1,800 to $1,900 USD)....  [Read more]

After completing a TESOL course you will be ready to start looking for that all important first teaching job, but how long do employers expect you to commit to them for? Below we outline what you might find when signing contracts in different parts of the world. When working in Europe the most common contract length is for an academic year that generally runs from September to June in most countries. This can be ideal for many teachers as it allows you to take a couple of months off during the summer to travel around the continent, or you can continue earning in a different environment such as a summer camp. English language summer camps run for between four and eight weeks and can be found in many European countries. Contracts for six or even three months are also possible in some...  [Read more]

There are many benefits to teaching English abroad and one of them is the freedom to choose exactly where in the world you would like to live and work. Demand for foreign ESL teachers is very high in many areas which means there is usually somewhere to suit all preferences. Whether your dream destination is Barcelona, Bangkok or Bogota, your TESOL certificate is the passport that will take you there. However, there are some restrictions in place in certain countries that might limit your options. Before you buy your plane ticket it is advisable to do some research to ensure your destination is viable. Some countries and individual employers have a policy that only allows the recruitment of teachers from a native English speaking country. The typical definition of this is citizens of...  [Read more]

If you find that your everyday 9 to 5 grind is dragging you down and there is no light at the end of the tunnel, one popular option is to get TESOL qualified and start teaching English overseas. This unbelievable adventure is open to anyone who has a good understanding of English, whether they are a native or non-native speaker. Simply complete a high quality TESOL certification course with ITTT and you will have everything you need to get the ball rolling. The only question is where do you want to live and work as an ESL teacher? One of the biggest benefits of completing a TESOL certification course is that your qualification will be accepted by schools, colleges, universities, language centers, and a range of other employers in almost every country on the planet. No matter where...  [Read more]

Financial reward is not the main priority for everyone who chooses to teach English abroad, however, the ability to live comfortably and to enjoy all that you new home has to offer is certainly something most people consider. To ensure you are able to earn a good income and have the option of saving some of it to fund travel or to pay off student loans, there are a few things you can do before you leave home and after you arrive in your new country of residence. Probably the most important thing you can do to help your earning potential before leaving home is to complete an internationally recognized TESOL certification course. TESOL certification is rapidly becoming an essential qualification in many of the most popular teaching destinations worldwide, particularly those that offer...  [Read more]

Some people see Saudi Arabia as the ideal destination for teaching English abroad as potential salaries and other benefits are as good as anywhere in the world. Cities such as Riyadh and Jeddah have a strong and continuous demand for qualified teachers, with universities, colleges, international schools, and private language academies all looking to fill vacant positions. Although salaries are very high across the country, Saudi Arabia has a unique cultural environment that you also need to be aware of before getting on the plane. The country has very conservative laws and traditions that might make it unsuitable for some teachers. Drinking alcohol is completely forbidden and close interaction between unmarried couples is not allowed. It can be particularly challenging for female...  [Read more]

If you plan to Teach English as a Second Language (TESOL) in your home country, overseas, or online, you will find there are usually a few requirements laid down by employers that can vary from country to country or job to job. In some cases, teaching positions can be restricted to native English speakers only. However, the good news is that the demand for English teachers is very high in many areas, which means there are typically plenty of jobs available for all fluent English speakers. So what are the main requirements when it comes to non-native English speakers teaching ESL? Before you start looking at potential jobs around the world, the first thing you will need to do is complete a TESOL certification course. With a TESOL qualification in your back pocket you will be taken...  [Read more]

Although there are several countries around the world that require teachers to have a degree in order to qualify for a work permit or visa, there are still many other great destinations where employers are happy to take on teachers without one. Often the key is to be flexible about your destination and to go where the demand for your services is high. Whether you have a degree or not, completing an internationally accredited TESOL certification course before you start applying for jobs will undoubtedly help you in your job search. The vast majority of employers worldwide now expect their potential teachers to have undergone some form of formal teacher training before they set foot in the classroom. Unfortunately, the regulations have been tightened in China in recent times,...  [Read more]

If you are considering Spain as a location for teaching English, you certainly won't be alone as it has long been one of the most popular destinations in Europe. However, before you buy a plane ticket why not take a look at Latin America as many teachers find that this amazing region is actually a better option for them. For many people, the opportunity to learn a new language is one of the great benefits of teaching English abroad. When it comes to learning Spanish, the assumption that Spain is the best place to do so is certainly a common one. However, in reality the type of Spanish used in Spain actually uses accents and slang terms that are vastly different to the language spoken in other Spanish speaking countries. In fact, many native Spanish speakers from outside of Spain...  [Read more]

At any time you will find a huge number of vacant ESL teaching positions available in countries right across the world. Because of this very strong demand there are always plenty of opportunities up for grabs for anyone who wants to take advantage of the situation. All you really need is a TESOL qualification. Below we take a look at what prospective ESL teachers need in order to be eligible for a TESOL course with ITTT. It almost goes without saying that the most important attribute required when taking a TESOL course is a solid understanding of the English language. However, it is certainly not necessary to be a native English speaker as there are plenty of employers around the world who are happy to employ non-native speakers with a TESOL qualification. As long as you are fluent...  [Read more]

When you enroll with ITTT for a TEFL or TESOL training program, the choice is yours regarding the title on your certificate - either TEFL or TESOL. Both terms are synonymous in the world of English language teaching. If you have set your sights on a particular region or country, a quick review of local job listings may indicate a preference for one acronym over the other. For instance, if job advertisements in a region tend to request TEFL qualifications, then it would be prudent to choose that title. Conversely, if TESOL appears more frequently, then that would be the better pick. After successfully finishing your course and obtaining your certificate, the next adventure awaits - finding a teaching role. Numerous opportunities beckon from countries around the world. Let's explore some top...  [Read more]

Among the many benefits of teaching English abroad is the ability to select not only the region in which you want to work, but also the specific country or city. Some teachers are drawn to the history and culture of Europe, while others are drawn to exotic destinations in Asia or Latin America. However, before you book your plane ticket, keep in mind that the requirements for foreign teachers differ wildly between countries, which may limit your options. You should conduct extensive research to determine whether any of the following issues apply to your preferred destination. In some countries, language schools can only hire teachers who are citizens of a native English-speaking country due to visa restrictions. These are generally the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom,...  [Read more]

There are many different locations available to anyone who is looking to teach English abroad. Some people make their decision based on the potential salaries on offer, while others might be more focused on cultural aspects or lifestyle. There are pros and cons to be considered for every region and individual country, so below we have outlined the most popular options to help you towards your final decision. In terms of job numbers, Asia is by far the most popular region for ESL teachers. This huge continent offers a wide variety of opportunities across all kinds of environments. Jobs are plentiful in major modern cities such as Tokyo, Seoul and Beijing, while those looking for a slower pace of life are equally spoilt for choice in parts of Cambodia, Thailand and Vietnam, to mention...  [Read more]

Teaching English abroad continues to grow in popularity and salaries are on the rise in many parts of the world. Your potential for earning big salaries depends on several factors including your level of qualifications, previous teaching experience and the region or country where you choose to work. When evaluating the salary offered by any particular teaching job it is important to consider both the figure itself and the cost of living in the specific country where you will be living. A monthly income of $1000 in Peru would be enough to provide a very comfortable lifestyle, while the same amount in a major city such as Rome would probably not be sufficient to provide the kind of lifestyle you were hoping for. Any additional benefits included in your contract are also worth...  [Read more]

Whether you are planning a gap year abroad or looking for something more permanent, teaching English in Europe is certainly an idea that is well worth exploring. Every year thousands of ordinary people just like you pack their bags and head off to this extraordinary continent in search of fun, adventure, and a cultural experience that will stay with them for life. As long as you have a solid understanding of the English language you are eligible, although most employers will expect you to also complete a TESOL certification course before you start teaching. Across the continent there are many countries to choose from, all which have their own benefits to offer. However, to give you a head start we have put together the following list of countries that we think are the best for...  [Read more]

  Japan has been a popular destination amongst English language teachers for many years due to its widespread job opportunities, good salaries and fascinating culture. Whilst there are other countries in the region where the cost of living may be lower and the wages a little higher, nowhere provides such an incredible mix of modern development and ancient traditions as you will find in this extraordinary country. If you are looking for excitement and adventure, look no further than Japan. In order to work legally you will need to be eligible for a work visa. The good news is the criteria is not as tough as many other countries as you simply need to possess a degree in any subject. The only other qualifications you need are a fluency in the English language, a professional approach...  [Read more]

It is important to remember when looking at the raw figures presented here for TESOL teacher pay that the figures are all relative to the cost of living in the country or region in question. A salary of US$2,000 a month in rural Cambodia is certainly not the equivalent of the same salary in Tokyo, Japan. Additionally, the raw salary does not indicate other financial and non-financial benefits, such as who pays for your permits and licenses, who pays for your accommodation, do you get holiday pay or free flights, etc? So do not just take the figures at face value. Do some of your own research on the general living costs in the country you are interested in and scan the job adverts for additional benefits. Five main factors related to TESOL teacher pay: Taking each of these in turn;...  [Read more]

Do you want to teach English, but are not sure if a TESOL certificate will be enough to get you where you want to go? The good news is, most countries do not require a teaching license to teach English, a TESOL certificate is usually enough. In some cases, a bachelor's degree might also be a requirement, but there are many places where this is not an issue. With a quality TESOL certificate from ITTT, you will be able to get ESL teaching jobs in most places around the world. While year-long training and a teaching license is typically required to become a standard teacher in most countries, it is incredibly easy to become a teacher for English as a foreign language in many countries around the world. With a TESOL certificate you can start a career in teaching English in many places,...  [Read more]

Singapore is a very attractive destination for teaching English as it is both modern and safe, as well as exotic and exciting. Although this island city-state is one of the smallest countries in Asia, it still has plenty to offer including a year-round warm climate, high quality cuisine, world-class shopping, and a culture that is inspired by countless countries around the world. Singapore?s rapid development has been nothing short of miraculous and it is now one of the wealthiest nations in the world. Compared to most of its regional neighbors, salaries for ESL teachers in Singapore are very high at around $2,700 to $3,500 per month, depending on previous experience and teaching qualifications. A standard week in most jobs would involve around 20 to 25 teaching hours, with...  [Read more]