Which Countries Pay Teachers The Most

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]

With a job market that is booming, a widely popular culture, a diverse and stunning landscape, and great food, Mexico is unsurprisingly popular as a teaching destination. The country?s close ties with it northern neighbor the USA ensures that the current demand for the English language is only set to rise in the coming years. The average salary for ESL teachers in Mexico varies considerably depending on the type of job you have and where you choose to live. However, most teachers can expect to earn between $500 and $1,000 per month. While this might not sound like much, the low cost of living ensures it will go much further than the same figure earned in many other countries. When job hunting in Mexico it really pays to shop around as the hourly rate offered by schools can vary...  [Read more]

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]

When it comes to English teaching careers, most of our ESL teachers take the plunge for life-changing experiences, personal growth, embracing new cultures, and giving back to local communities. However, you can also get paid well to teach English abroad and many of our graduates go on to earn a decent living. Just keep in mind that a high salary isn't the only financial variable to consider when determining how much ESL teachers make. Other factors to consider include the local cost of living, extra benefits, and saving opportunities. The salary for teaching English abroad varies, but you can expect to make a good living. Your salary will be determined by your position, qualifications, and the country in which you teach. Teachers in high-paying countries can earn anywhere from $2,000...  [Read more]

Jordan is known to have one of the most progressive school systems in the Middle East. The country has stated its aim is to become a fully bilingual country as soon as possible and that is probably not very far away. There is a particular demand for teachers who are experienced in working with young learners as nearly a third of the country?s population is under the age of 15. Although you will not be offered the same level of pay that you would get in countries such as the UAE and Saudi Arabia, teachers in Jordan will benefit from a lower cost of living that means your income will go much further. Standard tutoring jobs typically pay between $800 and $1,500 a month, although teachers with the relevant qualifications can apply to international schools that pay up to $3,000 a month...  [Read more]

Latin America attracts a large number of teachers from all over the world who are looking for fun and adventure. Across the region there are a wide variety of opportunities available in a diverse range of countries. By doing your own research and following a few simple tips, most people should have no trouble finding a good teaching job that will lay the foundation for a trip of a lifetime. The Latin America region typically has less restrictions on teachers than any other part of the world. There is generally no requirement for teachers to have a degree or previous classroom experience which makes it a perfect choice for first-time teachers. One thing that most employers will expect however, is for you to have completed a reputable TESOL training course. In many cases an online...  [Read more]

People have many different reasons for wanting to teach English abroad. For some it is the adventure, while others are looking to experience a new culture, or even just to escape the daily 9 to 5 grind. Whatever your reasons, the financial side of heading overseas as a TESOL qualified teacher is also likely to be of some importance. Although the majority of teachers have no problem finding a job that pays them enough to live a comfortable lifestyle, for some it is also essential that they are able to save some of their income to put towards future travel or to pay off student loans etc. Despite being an automatic first choice destination for a large number of TESOL qualified teachers, Europe is often one of the hardest places to save money while teaching English. If you decide on...  [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]

As ESL jobs are found right across the world, it is inevitable that salaries and other benefits can vary enormously. The majority of teachers will receive a monthly salary or an hourly rate and nothing more, while others can expect to be provided with free accommodation for the duration of their stay. But in which countries do you need to work to get this very handy bonus? China and South Korea are two of the largest employers of foreign teachers in the world and schools in both these countries routinely provide paid accommodation. The Middle East region is another area where you can realistically expect to receive free housing with the majority of jobs. ESL teaching positions in countries such as Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Oman, Qatar, Kuwait and Bahrain typically pay...  [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 as a Foreign Language (TEFL) is a popular career choice for many individuals looking to work and travel abroad. One of the common questions prospective TEFL teachers have is about the average salaries in European countries. Salaries can vary greatly depending on several factors, including the country, type of institution, qualifications, and experience of the teacher. Several factors influence the salaries of TEFL teachers in European countries. The first and most significant factor is the country in which you are teaching. Countries like Switzerland, Germany, and Luxembourg tend to have higher salaries compared to countries in Eastern Europe. The type of institution you work for also plays a role - private language schools may pay differently than public schools or...  [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]

There is a very strong demand for ESL teachers in many parts of Poland which makes it a popular place for first-time teachers to gain classroom experience. EU citizens are free to work anywhere in the country without restrictions which does give them a good advantage, however, as demand is high non-EU citizens will also find plenty of opportunities. Although it is possible to acquire a work permit from within Poland, most teachers find it more convenient to secure a job via an online recruitment site and then apply for an entry visa from a Polish Consulate in their own country. Jobs are widespread throughout the country, although major cities such as Warsaw, Krakow, Lodz, and Wroclaw traditionally have the largest number of openings. Despite the abundance of jobs across the country,...  [Read more]

Asia and Latin America both have a strong demand for English language teachers and you will always find a wide range of opportunities whether you are an experienced teacher or looking for your first classroom job. To help you decide which is the better option for you, you should take a look at the following points. Although you should be able to earn enough to live comfortably, most teachers in Latin America will find it hard to save much (if anything at all) of their monthly income. The average salary should take care of your rent and utilities, and leave enough to enjoy a good social life and even to cover some travel in the region. However, if you are looking to pay off debts or you want to save up for a travel fund, this might not be the region for you. Unlike much of Latin...  [Read more]

These days, working online is a common occurrence in many walks of life and English language teaching is no exception. Opportunities for teaching in a virtual classroom are varied and accessible to people all over the world via a wide range of service providers. These online platforms offer the chance to teach English to international students without having to leave your own home. Teachers looking to take advantage of the huge demand in online English lessons can choose to set up their own business which allows you to be entirely independent and free to decide on your own lesson fees and working hours. However, you will probably need to set up your own website and it can take a considerable amount of time to find enough regular students to make a good living. For most people...  [Read more]

With its unique position overlapping Europe and Asia, Turkey has been popular with international travelers for many years. The country is also rapidly becoming popular with ESL teachers as demand for the English language continues to grow at a fast rate in many areas. Big cities such as Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir are home to the majority of teaching jobs, but smaller numbers can be found elsewhere. In theory, a degree is required for all teaching jobs in Turkey, however, a shortage of teachers means that a TESOL certificate is often enough to secure many jobs. As Turkey is a big country with different levels of economy in different regions, the average monthly salary ranges from $800 to $1,800, depending on the individual employer, your qualifications, and level of experience. Most...  [Read more]

If you have discussed teaching English abroad with friends and family, it is likely that you have heard remarks such as ?that sounds like fun, but what will you do when you get back?? Unfortunately, teaching English as a foreign/second language is seen by some as not really a ?proper job?, just something that young people do for a bit of adventure before settling down to a real job. Although many ESL teachers do only teach in the short term and some are only in it for fun, there are many others who take it seriously and go on to enjoy a long and lucrative career as an English language teacher. YES, you can certainly choose to make a long-term career out of teaching English. Most people?s TESOL journey begins with the idea of seeing a bit of the world while earning some money in the...  [Read more]

Although violence and drug related crime have dominated the headlines in Colombia in the past, the country is now changing dramatically. Peace has largely returned to the streets and the tourism industry is thriving as people flock to enjoy the country?s many attractions. Colombia is an exotic and exciting place to teach English, but just make sure you get there before the whole world finds out. Although the average salary of between $700 and $1,000 per month is not particularly high, teachers can still live well in Colombia due to the relatively low cost of living. The best salaries are usually found in private schools which also typically provide extra benefits such as housing assistance and health insurance. The average hourly rate for private tutoring is around $12 to $25,...  [Read more]

Teaching in the Middle East is often considered to be centered on countries such as the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Qatar, however, Oman is among those countries that are starting to challenge this outlook. The country is home to many attractions including a huge amount of pristine coastline, a wide expanse of desert, and rugged mountains. It is also considered to have a more laid-back atmosphere than some of its neighbors. Fully qualified teachers with a teaching licence can expect to earn around $2,000 to $3,000 per month in Oman. TESOL qualified teachers typically start on $1,000 to $2,000 per month, although this will vary depending on the employer and your previous experience. As these figures are tax-free and many jobs also include free housing, it is possible for most teachers to...  [Read more]

Details such as the age, background, and general motivation of your ESL students will vary considerably depending on the location and type of school that you work for. Your class could be full of university students, businessmen, or hotel workers, all of whom will be looking for a different type of lesson. Alternatively, teachers in government run schools will have a class full of children whose could be aged anywhere from five to sixteen. Whatever the individual group, they will have distinct characteristics which may or may not appeal to different teachers. It is worth remembering that by completing a TESOL certification course before you start teaching, you will learn all the skills you need to be successful in any classroom environment you are likely to come across. Many people...  [Read more]