Is teaching English abroad worth it when it comes to salary?
Yes, teaching English abroad is generally worth it in terms of salary. Many teachers enjoy competitive salaries complemented by additional benefits such as housing and travel allowances, which can significantly increase the potential for savings. The typical wages for English teachers abroad vary significantly based on the region and type of institution. Educators can expect to earn between $500 and $2,500 per month. Let us look closely at some of the most open countries for teaching English abroad.
Exploring Earning Potential Across Different Continents
One crucial reason to teach English abroad is that it can pave the way for a rewarding career. Across the globe, there’s a high demand for English teachers, with many countries offering competitive pay and benefits. Whether you aim to chip away at student loans, save for travel adventures, or make a living while having an overseas experience, teaching English abroad can be financially fulfilling. Let’s look at how much you can make teaching English abroad.
Teaching English in Asia
Asia is a diverse and popular destination for teaching English abroad. Here are six popular countries in Asia for teaching English that offer competitive salaries and various benefits for English teachers:
South Korea
is buzzing with opportunities for English teachers, offering attractive compensation packages, including benefits such as free housing, reimbursed airfare, and health insurance, alongside a salary range of $1,800 – USD 2,500 per month.
Japan
Offers a fascinating blend of traditional culture and modern living. It provides benefits for English teachers, such as subsidized accommodation, reimbursed airfare, health insurance, and opportunities for professional development. The salary range is $2,200 – USD 5,000 per month.
China
Boasts a rich history, diverse landscapes, and bustling cities. English teachers in China often receive benefits like accommodation allowance, flight reimbursement, health insurance, and paid holidays, with a salary range of $1,500 – USD 3,000 per month.
Taiwan
Known for its stunning scenery, friendly locals, and delicious street food, many schools in Thailand offer benefits, including subsidized housing, airfare reimbursement, health insurance, and assistance with work visas, with a salary range of $2,000 – USD 2,500 per month.
Vietnam
Offers a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. English teachers may receive benefits such as accommodation allowance, assistance with work permits, and opportunities for cultural immersion activities, with a salary range of $1,000 – USD 2,000 per month.
Thailand
Famous for its stunning beaches, rich cultural heritage, and warm hospitality, some schools provide benefits for English teachers, including accommodation assistance, health insurance, work permit sponsorship, and paid holidays. The salary range is $800 – USD 2,000 per month.
Here are five more countries in Asia that offer competitive salaries for teaching English abroad:
Indonesia: $700 – USD 1,500 per month
Malaysia: $1,200 – USD 2,000 per month
Cambodia: $600 – USD 1,200 per month
Myanmar: $800 – USD 1,500 per month
Laos: $700 – USD 1,200 per month
Teaching English in Europe
Europe is a mosaic of captivating destinations for English educators seeking enriching experiences abroad. Below, we delve into unique European countries that provide not only competitive compensation but also an immersion into distinct cultures and lifestyles and, most importantly, the answer to how much you can make as an English teacher abroad:
Spain
With its vibrant culture, sunny climate, and delicious cuisine, Spain offers attractive compensation packages for English teachers. These packages include benefits such as accommodation assistance, health insurance, and professional development opportunities. The salary range is €1,000 – €2,000 per month. There are in-person TEFL courses in Spain where you can grab the opportunity to study and apply for a job.
Italy
Known for its historic landmarks, picturesque countryside, and world-renowned cuisine, Italy offers English teachers a blend of cultural immersion and professional growth. Salaries typically range from €1,000 to €2,000 per month, and benefits like paid holidays and assistance with work permits accompany them.
Germany
As one of Europe’s economic powerhouses, Germany offers English teachers excellent job prospects and a high standard of living. Salaries range from €1,500 to €3,000 per month, and benefits include free language classes, subsidized housing, and generous vacation time.
France
Famous for its art, culture, and romantic ambiance, France offers English teachers a chance to experience the joie de vivre while honing their teaching skills. Salaries typically range from €1,200 to €2,500 per month, supplemented by perks such as transportation allowances and health insurance.
Czech Republic
With its charming medieval towns, vibrant cities, and affordable cost of living, the Czech Republic is an attractive destination for English teachers looking to explore Central Europe. Salaries range from CZK 20,000 to CZK 40,000 per month, with benefits like accommodation stipends and visa assistance.
Poland
Offers English teachers a blend of historical charm, bustling cities, and scenic landscapes. You can get paid to teach in the country from PLN 3,000 to PLN 6,000 per month, accompanied by benefits such as paid holidays and assistance with relocation.
Here are five additional European nations that provide attractive pay packages for English instructors:
Greece: €800 – €1,500 per month
Portugal: €1,000 – €2,000 per month
Hungary: €800 – €1,500 per month
Romania: €700 – €1,200 per month
Bulgaria: €600 – €1,200 per month
Teaching English in the Americas
The Americas encompass a vast and diverse region, offering many opportunities for English educators to embark on enriching teaching experiences. From the vibrant cultures of Latin America to the dynamic educational landscape of North America, this continent provides a wide array of options for those seeking to teach English abroad.
United States
Dive into the dynamic educational landscape of the United States, where English teachers can earn competitive salaries for teaching English abroad, ranging from $3,000 to $6,000 per month, depending on location and qualifications. Benefits may include health insurance, professional development opportunities, and access to cultural events.
Canada
Immerse yourself in Canada’s multicultural society while teaching English in cities like Toronto, Vancouver, or Montreal. Salaries typically range from CAD 2,500 to CAD 5,000 per month, with benefits such as paid vacation time and assistance with work permits.
Mexico
Experience Mexico’s vibrant culture and rich history while earning competitive salaries ranging from MXN 10,000 to MXN 20,000 monthly. English teachers in Mexico may also receive benefits such as housing assistance, Spanish language classes, and cultural immersion experiences.
Costa Rica
They are known for their famous “pura vida” lifestyle in Costa Rica. It’s no wonder many choose to study TEFL in this picturesque country and then apply for a paid job teaching English abroad while teaching English in schools or language institutes. Salaries typically range from $600 to $1,500 per month, with additional perks such as free accommodation or assistance with housing.
Brazil
Explore the country’s diverse landscapes and energetic culture while earning salaries ranging from BRL 2,000 to BRL 5,000 per month. English teachers in Brazil may also enjoy benefits like health insurance, Portuguese language classes, and opportunities for professional development.
Chile
Embrace Chile’s natural beauty and vibrant cities while teaching English in schools or private language academies. Salaries in Chile can range from CLP 500,000 to CLP 1,500,000 per month, and benefits include housing stipends, transportation allowances, and access to cultural activities.
Argentina
Argentina’s cosmopolitan cities and picturesque landscapes would give you the perfect hype while earning competitive salaries ranging from ARS 20,000 to ARS 50,000 per month. English teachers in Argentina may also receive benefits such as health insurance, holiday bonuses, and assistance with visa processes.
You also want to check these countries in the Americas that offer its own unique teaching experiences along with details about potential salary ranges for English educators:
Colombia: Salary Range: COP 1,500,000 to COP 3,500,000 per month.
Peru: PEN 1,200 to PEN 3,000 per month.
Panama: USD 1,000 to USD 2,500 per month.
Ecuador: USD 500 to USD 1,200 per month.
Guatemala: GTQ 4,500 to GTQ 9,000 per month.
Teaching English in the Middle East
The Middle East offers a blend of modernity, cultural richness, and rewarding teaching opportunities. Here are several countries in the region that provide unique experiences and competitive English teacher abroad salary:
United Arab Emirates (UAE)
With salaries ranging from $2,500 to $5,000 per month and benefits like tax-free income, free upscale accommodation, annual flights home, and comprehensive health insurance, the UAE is an attractive choice for educators seeking financial rewards and cultural immersion.
Jordan
Blend yourself in Jordan’s history and culture, a country that balances the ancient with the modern. Teachers in Jordan can expect salaries ranging from JOD 700 to JOD 1,500 per month. Benefits often include accommodation assistance, health insurance, and opportunities to engage with local and expatriate communities, making it an appealing choice for those looking to experience a rich cultural backdrop while advancing their teaching careers.
Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia is an enriching teaching destination and a place where educators can thrive and grow, thanks to its vibrant expatriate community. With salaries of $2,000 to $4,000 per month, furnished housing, transportation benefits, health insurance, and a strong focus on professional development.
Explore more countries on the Middle East that offer attractive salaries for teaching English Abroad:
Qatar: QAR 8,000 – QAR 15,000 per month
Oman: OMR 800 – OMR 1,500 per month
Kuwait: KWD 500 – KWD 1,200 per month
Bahrain: BHD 500 – BHD 1,200 per month
Teaching English in Africa
Teaching English in Africa offers diverse cultures, landscapes, and teaching opportunities. Here are several countries on the continent that provide unique experiences and competitive compensation for English educators:
South Africa
With salaries ranging from $800 to $1,500 per month, South Africa offers educators a diverse cultural experience, opportunities for professional development, and a lower cost of living compared to many other countries.
Botswana
Botswana offers competitive salaries ranging from BWP 4,000 to BWP 8,000 per month. The country is renowned for its stable political climate, high standard of living, and exceptional wildlife and natural scenery, making it an attractive destination for teachers.
Kenya
With salaries ranging from $700 to $1,200 monthly, Kenya offers educators the chance to experience stunning natural landscapes, diverse wildlife, and a vibrant local culture.
Here are additional countries in Africa that provide competitive salaries for teaching English Abroad:
Tanzania: TZS 800,000 – TZS 1,500,000 per month
Uganda: UGX 800,000 – UGX 1,500,000 per month
Rwanda: RWF 300,000 – RWF 800,000 per month
Zambia: ZMW 4,000 – ZMW 8,000 per month
Namibia: NAD 10,000 and NAD 20,000 per month.
The Financial Prospects of Teaching English Abroad
You are teaching a gateway to personal growth and cultural immersion. Whether you apply for an English teaching job in Asia, Europe,Middle East, North America, Africa, South America, or Africa, the experience of living and working abroad is invaluable. The connections you make, experiences, and personal growth you undergo are priceless, making it a truly fulfilling career choice.
If you are considering a career in teaching English abroad, weighing the financial aspects alongside the cultural and personal benefits is essential. While salaries vary depending on location, qualifications, and experience, teaching English abroad can provide:
- A stable income.
- Opportunities for career advancement.
- A chance to make a positive impact on students’ lives.
Imagine exploring the bustling streets of Asia, the historic charm of Europe, the natural wonders of Latin America, or the modern comforts of the Middle East while realizing how much money you can make teaching English abroad. This can turn your dream into a reality for countless individuals. If you’re passionate about education, adventure, and making a difference, consider embarking on a journey as an English teacher abroad so you’ll gain excellent experiences along the way.
