The 10 Best Places to Teach Abroad in 2020 Raneem Taleb-Agha Topic Expert . It’s got it all. Then do it! Read on. Taiwan is a great place to teach English at the moment. Find out more here . Dubai, Qatar, Abu Dhabi, and Saudi Arabia are the most popular destinations for teaching English in this region. With generous salaries, sponsored flights and free accommodation, it’s no surprise South Korea is still a hot destination for TEFL teachers. What are you gunna do if they don’t pay you? In normal times, English teaching jobs are available in up to 100 countries worldwide and also for teaching English online. To find out more about our TEFL course options please visit our website: https://www.theteflacademy.com/tefl-courses, Your email address will not be published. I’m absolutely not knocking the Middle East, it boasts incredible opportunities, I just think that Asia has a cultural, and social edge. Required fields are marked *, Be the first to get exclusive TEFL offers and information. Let’s be real. Many teachers will start teaching through language schools, then after a few years go completely private, as they collect enough clients to sustain solely off of. ESL is an amazing way to travel, and really experience a culture by fully consuming yourself in it. English Speaking European Countries. First things first, let’s get a few things straight: No, Taiwan is not in Thailand and no, they don’t speak Thai in Taiwan. There are many countries that actively look for native English-speaking teachers. There are a s**t ton of other ways to make money while traveling. ), live the good life and get great experience teaching. Most professional English teachers choose one of (or many) of these countries because of the incredible income potential. Higher demand gives you more flexibility, leverage, and ultimately, better pay. Nowadays, many college students from English-speaking countries choose to teach English in China, mainly as reciprocal students. We think so, so if this is you then you might want to consider calling any of these countries home in 2020. There are plenty of jobs (especially if you love kids), the salaries are generous, and it’s not as well-known as its Asian siblings…yet. Yes. Yes, it sounds too good to be true. I encourage it. © 2020 The TEFL Academy. In no particular order, these are our 10 best countries for teaching English abroad in 2020: So what we’re going to have to do is to make a few assumptions here. And finally, let’s assume that you don’t want to be working your ass off in. Gorgeous architecture, gourmet food and, of course, beer, make Czech Republic popular with tourists as well as teachers. Incredible backpacking destinations? Just get certified, it doesn’t matter how you do it. Find out where you will earn the most money as well as which countries … How? Tier Two ESL markets will offer you more international versatility, and enable you to work in different, arguably more attractive, parts of the world. Although opportunities to teach English in the country are rather limited right now, it is a great opportunity to act as a pioneer in a burgeoning field. Yes These are still some of the best countries to teach English… You just aren’t gunna get paid. Working for private language schools is common though it’s also popular to work as a freelancer. If you have the credentials you’ll be able to make your own hours and charge more $$$. Make no mistake, Vietnam is not going anywhere. We can’t really decide which are the best countries for teaching English abroad because who defines what is “the best”? For example, the education center I worked at in Hong Kong paid teachers with a four year degree $2,000 HK ($257 USD) a month more than me and my two year degree. We should also assume you want to live a good life. The TEFL Academy is a trading name of Everything TEFL Ltd registered in the Republic of Ireland. If you did that, you wouldn’t be pursuing a life of travel. Possibly Vietnam and maybe Thailand, with the understanding that you might need to get a little… creative. If you qualify, though, they are very friendly towards families relocating with you. That’s when it comes down to a personal decision. If you have a four year degree or better, check out Hong Kong, Japan or South Korea for the best pay. Howdy!! For me I say consider your wants and needs. As with everything in life, experience helps, and can compensate for other lack of qualifications. These are very wealthy countries that demand the best of their teachers and can pay for it. Don’t have a four year degree? But not enough to even think about justifying doing it. Consider it an investment for your future profession. Not necessarily millions, but enough to live well and save a few cents. Learned a lot !! The countries with the most holidays? If you have a Masters and are serious about Teaching English and are serious about making some serious money – look East. Excluding those few wealthy countries in the Middle East, if you have a four year degree, you are absolutely 100% golden to teach English across the world. Believe me, if living in Shenzhen doesn’t appeal to you as much as living in Rio or Barcelona, I understand why. Teachers can choose their consistent availability during the following times (EST): Monday - … For example, in Japan, English Teachers must have a four year degree, or else they will not be approved for a work visa. Volunteering is incredible and it gives you an amazing experience. Either way, I commend it. This is the ultimate resource for anyone considering looking for a job as an English teacher around the world! While I personally believe that teaching English is one of the greatest ways to travel, I only do in part because of its convenience. Here are some suggested sites to get you on the right path… http://www.internationalteflacademy.com/ http://www.oxfordseminars.com/. Though it may have its fair share of challenges, living in China is an experience you won’t get anywhere else in the world, and this is one of the reasons TEFL teachers flock there. Oman is one of the most developed countries in the Arab world, and it has seen rapid advancements in its education system in recent years. It’s is a big one, and anyone considering teaching English should at least look into certification. This is not exclusive to me. Which do you choose? Let’s assume that you want to earn some money. The higher an education you have, the higher demand there will be for you as a teacher. There are a multitude of work-exchange-English-teaching-volunteer-gigs that will compensate you with food and lodging. So what we’re going to have to do is to make a few assumptions here. What countries have the best lifestyle? I taught English in Hong Kong for a year and can say it was the most valuable experience of my life. While backpacking through Thailand, he rented an apartment in Chiang Mai, went to the local universities, and set up fliers advertising affordable English Lessons. You just guessed about the countries you’re not interested in huh. Are they worth it? What countries with the most jobs? While in some countries you may just need graduation, others may prefer teachers with a TEFL certification.. E arning money and building a new career are two of the many options. If you are like me, there are still a lot of options. If you are looking have the greatest experience you can have, then go with that gut feeling, you shan’t regret it. GeoVisions Foundation's teach English in China program is one of the best programs you can find to get the experience of teaching English abroad and making enough money to pay all of your bills and have money left over. Certainly one of the more romantic countries in Europe, Czech Republic is becoming a top European destination for TEFL teachers. There are tens of thousands of people teaching English in these parts of the world, you just have to understand that the market is not as developed as the Tier One countries, and inflation might contribute to rising cost of living. Is it the countries where you earn the most money? Do you have the qualifications to teach? Its nickname ‘The Land of Smiles’ might provide some insight. Get your degree. I was able to find work at an English Center that required a four year degree University Degree. They might! Teach a friend’s friend. Tier One countries are non-English speaking countries with blossoming economies, that are exclusive to East Asia and the Middle East. Don’t have a local language center? If I had no university degree, I wouldn’t go back to school just to have the option. From Spain to South Korea and Chile to Dubai, this extensive list shows you the 21 best places to teach english abroad. Most English teaching jobs are in and around Chongqing. The obsession of TEFL teachers to Asian destinations shows no signs of slowing down but South America might just see a boom in the new few years. There are plenty of jobs (especially if you love kids), the salaries are generous, and it’s not as well-known as its Asian siblings…yet. Opportunities to volunteer for accommodation? Further recommended reading http://nomadicsamuel.com/category/teaching-english http://www.businessinsider.com/how-to-get-a-job-teaching-english-abroad-2013-10. Spain usually doesn’t top the list of countries where you can earn the most money but the salary you will earn is more than enough to live comfortably in Spain. It is odd to see them on the list, but in the past years the country has made enormous leaps in it’s ESL market, overtaking Thailand as a more desirable teaching destination. If you want to travel – teaching English can be a dream job. Another option for those looking for a different cultural experience – but with many added bonuses! Yes, you can get your certification in an actual classroom setting, with an actual teacher, over a set amount of time… it’s just pricey. Some require a four year degree, some two! So astonishingly full of shit. Analyze your incentives. section. These countries have a little more zest, as they are countries that are more exotic. Easy. South Korea is still a hot destination for TEFL teachers. He claims it worked incredibly well, generating more than enough income to live comfortably in Thailand. Although the teachers in Tier Two countries typically report lower salaries and income, they agree across the board that the pay is at least livable. I’m moving to Hong Kong for a full-time job but I want to work part time at a center. And for the second and third month, I was a part-time (volunteer) teacher. It made the world of a difference. In this article, I’ll tell you about 17 of the best countries where you can teach abroad without a degree and give you all the info you need to decide on the next place you’ll call home. Over a quarter of our students go on to teach English onlin… Completing a TEFL course opens doors for getting a teaching job in various countries. The countries that allow you the best lifestyles? Those few countries aside, you will never need more than a Bachelor’s degree. Reasonable assumptions? The market exists, jobs are plenty, and the pay can range anywhere from good-ish to good Lord! 17 Countries Where You Can Teach English Without a Degree Abroad. The benefits of teaching English in a foreign … Very informative post! During the interview I nodded and emphasized the fact that I have a University Degree (I do). Some of the more reputable companies will charge somewhere in the less-than-a-thousand range. Different countries have different work visa requirements. Like I said, If you are uncomfortable learning online, or if you are considering pursuing ESL as a lifetime career, and really have a passion for teaching English, a traditional classroom setting could certainly benefit you. Your email address will not be published. If you wish to teach english in South Korea for example and save, you could certainly save $10,000 in a year. I believe they can be. My resume looked a thousand times better now that I could put part time English Teacher on it. If you have any specific examples of this ‘shit’ you speak of, please let me know . Where can I go with a 60 hour certificate and a post grad teaching adults certificate, Hi Pippa – Most countries will require a minimum of a level 5 TEFL certificate to teach abroad. Tier Three (Good Luck!) Vietnam has been a popular backpacker destination for a while now and it’s making its mark as a top TEFL one too. I spent an entire summer volunteering on an organic farm in South Portugal. I worked 29.5 hours a week and was paid $22,000 HKD ($2,800 USD) a month. English teachers in these parts of the world consistently boast impressive savings by the end of their teaching contract. We’ve rounded up some of the best countries to move to as an English teacher. Before we get into what it takes to be an English teacher abroad, let’s talk about the fun stuff – where you can travel to while teaching. The middle of it. one of the more romantic countries in Europe, https://www.theteflacademy.com/tefl-courses. Just be prepared to possibly  be taken advantage of and risk not being paid. Teach English in Costa Rica. These countries are pricey, and you’ll want some $$$ to cover your @$$ for the first few months. In my personal opinion, these are the best countries to teach English. Offer free lessons online via Skype. Thanks for the useful information! Not that volunteering is a bad thing! It’s too easy to have fun in Asia. But if you want to travel, and think you have the personal qualities that are required to be an effective teacher – then it could quite possibly be your dream job. Teaching English is one of the most effective, and proven means of finding work while traveling, and in this article, NomadsNation highlights the best countries to teach English.. Thanks for all the information. Get creative. Right, now that we’ve dealt with half of our top ten countries to teach abroad in 2020, let’s take a breather. If you are someone who has a difficult time teaching yourself, or just really prefer a classroom setting, then go for it. The 7 Best Countries to Teach English Abroad in Asia. Our love affair with Asia continues…Thailand is one of the original TEFL countries. You need a four year degree. My recommendation is this. Because ESL potential employers don’t necessarily care who your certification is through. If teaching English sounds like a desirable longer-term career, then invest in a degree. First timer? Teaching English in South Korea is ultimately one of the best places to teach English in the world with backpackers frequently managing to save around $20,000 in a year whilst working just thirty hours a week! Case closed. This section is the I-really-want-to-be-in-this-country-so-I’m-ok-with-volunteering! There are a s**t ton of other ways to make money while traveling. But the best countries to teach English will require you to be legitimately fluent in English. So let’s say you’re qualified and ready to start teaching! Even without a college degree, if you get TEFL certified, there are more than 50 nations where you can realistically get paid to teach English as a foreign language. Easily one of the best countries to teach English in Latin America, and that’s saying quite a lot, Costa Rica also has the highest cost of living in Latin America. See you! If you can find a decent paying job teaching English in these countries I will commend the s**t out of you. Mexico; United States; Colombia; Costa Rica; Argentina; Ecuador; Chile; Brazil; Peru; Europe & Middle East. (Also, if you want more information on which countries pay and offer the most to their English Teachers, check out this chart from International TEFL Academy. It took me longer than expected to find a job, and centers willing to hire someone without a four year degree are lessening by the day. These Tier Three countries just don’t possess the economic infrastructure to support an ESL market. Let’s assume that you want to earn some money. Thousands of people are teaching English, and I can only hope that thousands more will join. It’s super easy to find a teaching job in Brazil, regardless of whether you have a degree or experience, and for that reasons it’s fast becoming a top TEFL destination. Teach English Abroad With CIEE Spain has long been a popular tourist destination and it is becoming a firm favourite TEFL destination too. For the first month, I sat and took notes in the back of classes, learning what I could. It’s for your personal benefit as it gives you more legitimacy and most employers will require it if you want to be sponsored for a work visa. – Nepal, India, Vietnam, Indonesia, Poland, Romania (and other parts of Eastern Europe), Nicaragua, Honduras, Ecuador, Peru, The Continent of Africa. You have a few options. Brasil is the biggest country in South America composed of beautiful beaches, rainforests (The Amazon), and a beautiful culture mainly known for football obsession. But for the average traveler considering alternate means of income, do it online. You still have the ability to generate income if you want to teach English around the world. This is why finding illegal work is doable, but not recommended. Most important and pretty obvious. While Brazil may not be the place to come to if you are looking at paying off your student loan, it is most definitely the place for those wanting to live Instagram-worthy lives. So it’s not surprising that many people make a plan to live in this awesome country by teaching English. But again, if you have a Masters Degree you can work in any of the best countries to teach English. Post an ad. The pros of Tier Two? Teaching English online to Chinese students (kindergarten to grade 6) Pays up to $25/hour; Gogokid is another one of the highest paying online English teaching companies, paying their teachers $14 - 25 per hour. Most people start in Asia for these reasons. It is illegal for any language center or school to hire an English teacher in the Japan without one. Hell, when I tried to tell this information to my parents, their skepticism and general aura of disapproval was unbearable. The type of certification rarely matters. These are our picks of top TEFL destinations for 2020. ESL teachers there make on average $40,000 – 75,000 USD per year. Besides the abundance of history, fascinating culture, gorgeous landscapes and mouthwatering food, Vietnam has a huge TEFL market so there are loads of jobs to choose from. Average monthly salaries for Mexico are 8,150 MXN/£375/US$600 Not quite the economic powerhouses of Tier One, but they are countries that in more ways than less can be considered anywhere from decent-to-ok, economically speaking. But they also might not…. Teaching English abroad is one of the most rewarding jobs. Obviously a degree in English, Literature, Teaching, or something else related to the ESL field could benefit you, but otherwise don’t worry, a degree is a degree is a degree. Teach a friend. While some of the best countries to teach English in the world have higher requirements… others aren’t as stringent. You’ll find plenty of gigs. If you’re considering teaching English abroad, one of the biggest decisions you’ll have to make is picking a country to call home. Good income combined with a low cost of living. While they were surprised, they didn’t mind, we just had to wait to see if the government approved the visa, which they did! - December 15, 2020 There are a lot of different ways to teach English around the world, and a lot of different ways to create income. Viva Espana! It is a very, very nice option to have, but I don’t think it’s imperative. Language schools are the preferred method of employment due to their popularity, consistency and lucrative contracts and professional environment. And just as important – identifying what is most important to you! To work legally in one of the best countries to teach English, your employer will sponsor an application for you to obtain a legal work visa. Countries like U.A.E, Kuwait, and Oman are okay with a four year degrees, but greatly prefer a Masters Degree. No, it does not offer the benefits of some of the other countries, but in comparison Vietnam easily has the lowest cost of living, giving you an amazing potential to save. If you want to get paid well, and live comfortably, I’d say your best bets are China or Taiwan. I have friends who did actual classes, and some firmly believe that it better prepared them for ESL work. China; Japan; Vietnam; South Korea; Thailand; Taiwan; India; Sri Lanka; Cambodia; America. Educational requirements vary from country to country. […] been living and teaching English in Hong Kong for a year now, and I gotta say – it’s one hell of a city! Every now and then you’ll find a job posting that requires an in-class certification. Depending on your situation, these Tier One countries may offer incredible perks outside of your salary, included, but not limited to, reimbursement for airfare, free or subsidized lodging, free healthcare, free insurance, and significant bonuses upon completion of contract. Check out our TEFL country guide on the best countries to TEFL. Choosing the top 10 countries might be tricky in this regard. In terms of money to be made, the Middle East has some of the best countries to teach English with some of the highest paying ESL market in the world. For those interested in teaching in any of the countries mentioned, there is more information at Study.com on how to teach English abroad and certification options. Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto are arguably some of the most beautiful cities in the world and they are looking for TEFL teachers to improve the general English level of the Japanese population. For example, if you have no formal education teaching English, but are certified and taught English privately for years, you could be considered a more desirable hiring candidate than someone with some education and no experience. I beg of you, do not let that dissuade you. Some of these courses are well into the thousands of dollars. Hong Kong Points of Interest: Things To Do, Where To Stay & What to Eat! Alternatively, online options exist at a fraction of the cost. Experience will help take your resume to another level. Where are the best places to teach English abroad in 2020? Everyone I have met teaching English has confirmed the same thing to me. Tier Two (Silver Medal) – Russia, Thailand, Turkey, Spain, France, Czech Republic, Mexico, Costa Rica, Argentina, Brazil. File a complaint? That’s me! Some countries require no degree, others require a masters degree. Some ideal Location Independent areas? Working hours are low, which means you have plenty of free time to travel this massive country or even the explore neighbouring South American countries. He really shows you how a little creativity can help you to teach English anywhere in the world, regardless of your professional qualifications. Thailand. The Tier Two of ESL Markets still boast many opportunities. Teaching English can be very lucrative, and many countries pay enough to make and save even more money than I did (but we’ll talk more about the money later). You will be working illegally, and can easily be taken advantage of. These countries seriously invest in their English-speaking futures, and compared to other parts of the world, are cheap to live in. *Personal Recommendation – If you have a two year degree, but are looking for work in a country that prefers a four year degree, just avoid the specifics. What do you want? It has a massive tourism industry and it’s not unheard of for visitors to fall in love with its beautiful beaches, spectacular temples and incredible food. Best English Teacher in the history of mankind? There are TEFL jobs if you are looking, though, and some even include accommodation. China, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam are some of the best countries to teach English, and most of them require a four year degree to legally obtain a work visa. The English language is in very high demand, and some countries in Asia and the Middle East will pay good money to learn it. They hired me and realized after the fact that my University Degree was a two year degree. Why is Thailand such a popular teaching destination? the summer Olympics taking place there later this year. Someone with a Master’s Degree in Education will be a much more desirable candidate, than someone with a basic GED. The biggest carnival in the world is also celebrated in Brasil. They are exotic, low cost destinations, that will enable you to have an incredible experience while also living very comfortably and saving money with little effort. Consider finding jobs for seniors teaching English abroad! Download ebook . You can technically teach English to anyone in the world, but certain countries have educational requirements to obtain a visa and legally work in that country. I taught English part time in the United States for a few months, and full time in Hong Kong for a year (easily one of the best countries to teach english). South Korea is especially open to newbie teachers who have no experience, so if this is you then definitely give some thought to nurturing your taste for kimchi. Hey Tony! (Hint, you can still have both!) If you are interested in Teaching English to travel around the world, then read it right now. 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